Wireless Access Point Mode Control via Mobile Sensing Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling network access points in dynamic wireless communication systems, such as those in LTE, face challenges in enabling mobile stations to find the best access point and optimizing access point configuration due to the dynamic on/off switching of cells, which affects energy and spectral efficiency, especially in heterogeneous networks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of a sensing signal by mobile stations indicating network and mobile station-specific information, allowing access points or control units to control transitions between active and inactive modes based on this information, thereby optimizing access point configuration and status in response to environmental and traffic changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If access points are dynamically switched on/off to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but mobile stations cannot discover or access the access points when they are in inactive mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having mobile stations transmit sensing signals before access points are fully activated. This allows access points to be prepared and configured in advance based on detected sensing signals, enabling faster activation and improved energy efficiency while maintaining discoverability. The sensing signal transmission occurs in advance of the actual data transmission, allowing the network to anticipate and prepare for upcoming communication needs.
2Loss of energy
If access points remain in inactive mode to reduce interference, then spectral efficiency is improved, but the system cannot adapt quickly to traffic changes or user mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where mobile stations continuously transmit sensing signals that provide real-time information about user presence, traffic demands, and channel conditions. Access points and control units use this feedback to dynamically adjust their activation state, enabling quick adaptation to traffic changes and user mobility while maintaining low interference through selective activation based on actual network conditions.
3Ease of operation
If sensing signals are transmitted continuously to maintain access point discovery, then access point discoverability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having mobile stations transmit sensing signals at specific intervals or triggered events rather than continuously. The sensing signal transmission is periodic or event-driven, allowing mobile stations to maintain access point discovery capabilities while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission. This periodic sensing allows the system to balance discoverability with energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling network access points in a wireless communicating system, said system comprising: one or more mobile stations, and one or more access points, each access point being arranged for operating in active mode or in inactive mode; said method comprising the steps of: transmitting, by a mobile station, a sensing signal indicating network and/or mobile station specific information associated with at least one mobile station of said system; receiving, by at least one access point or at least one control unit, said sensing signal; and controlling, by said access point or said control unit, transition from active mode to inactive mode, and vice versa, of one or more access points of said system based on said sensing signal. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method in a mobile station, a method in an access point or in a control unit, a mobile station device, an access point device or a control unit, a computer program, and a computer program product thereof.