Access Node Energy Saving Mode Control via Consumption Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing cellular radio networks to optimize energy savings is challenging due to varying capacity needs and the increased load on neighboring cells when deactivating access nodes, making it difficult to assess and implement energy-saving measures effectively.
Innovation Solution
An access node controls the switching of another access node to an energy-saving mode by monitoring its own energy consumption and receiving reports on the energy consumption of the second node, determining energy-saving information to assess the effectiveness of switching and adjusting load thresholds for optimal energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If an access node deactivates a further access node to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the load on neighboring cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the deactivated access node reports its energy consumption to the controlling access node. This feedback loop enables the system to assess whether the energy savings achieved by deactivation are worthwhile, considering the increased load on neighboring cells. The controlling access node uses this feedback information to make informed decisions about future deactivation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by monitoring and recording energy consumption data before and during the deactivation period. The controlling access node gathers information about the deactivated node's energy usage patterns, allowing the system to predict and prepare for the impact on neighboring cells before full deactivation occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coverage areas are overlapped to enhance capacity, then service coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing access nodes to switch between active and deactivated states based on real-time capacity needs. Rather than maintaining fixed overlapping coverage areas, the system dynamically adjusts the operational status of access nodes to match actual demand, thereby reducing power consumption when enhanced capacity is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of access nodes from a static active state to a dynamic state that can switch between active and deactivated. This parameter change allows the system to optimize the balance between capacity and power consumption by adjusting the operational status of access nodes based on current network conditions.
3Loss of energy
If cells are deactivated for energy saving, then energy efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing activation and deactivation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling access nodes to autonomously monitor their own energy consumption and report it to controlling nodes. The deactivated access nodes continue to function in a limited capacity to report their energy usage, reducing the management burden on the network operator while still achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the reporting mechanism universal by having access nodes serve dual purposes: both providing network coverage when active and reporting energy consumption data when deactivated. This multi-functionality simplifies management by using the same infrastructure for both service delivery and energy monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
An access node (100-A) of a cellular radio network controls switching of a further access node (100-B, 100-C) to an energy saving mode. Further, the access node (100-A) monitors energy consumption of the access node (100-A). Further, the access node (100-A) receives a report from the further access node (100-B, 100-C). The report indicates energy consumption of the further access node (100-B, 100-C). Based on the monitored energy consumption of the access node (100-A) and the indicated energy consumption of the further access node (100- B, 100-C), the access node (100-A) determines energy saving information representing energy saving associated with the switching of the further access node (100-B, 100-C) to the energy saving mode. The access node (100-A) may then send the energy saving information to a management node (150) of the cellular radio network.