Antenna Array Beam Switching for KPI-Based Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunication networks face increasing power consumption due to the operation of multiple generations and the use of beamforming techniques, which can impact signal quality and customer satisfaction when power reduction measures are implemented universally.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for beamforming that adjusts antenna array output based on key performance indicators (KPIs) to balance power consumption and signal quality by switching between different beamforming signals, including broad and narrow beams, using a controller to determine the appropriate beamforming arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beamforming is used to improve communication speed, then data exchange rate is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming adjustment by switching between broad beam and narrow beam modes based on real-time KPI monitoring. The system transitions from static beamforming to a dynamic approach where the beam type is adaptively selected to match current network conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between data exchange rate and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the beamforming parameter (beam type) based on KPI thresholds. When KPIs indicate poor performance, the system switches to narrow beam for faster data exchange; when KPIs are satisfactory, it switches to broad beam for lower power consumption. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate beam type for current conditions.
2Productivity
If narrow beam beamforming is used to increase data exchange speed, then productivity is improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam type based on KPI monitoring. When coverage requirements are high, broad beam is selected; when data exchange speed is prioritized and coverage is less critical, narrow beam is used. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between coverage area and data exchange speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beam types (broad or narrow) to different spatial regions based on local network conditions and KPIs. Rather than using a uniform beam type across all areas, the system tailors the beam quality to local requirements, providing narrow beams where high speed is needed and broad beams where coverage is prioritized.
3Area of stationary object
If broad beam beamforming is used to expand coverage area, then coverage area is improved, but data exchange speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system switches between broad beam and narrow beam modes dynamically based on KPI thresholds. When coverage area is the priority, broad beam is selected; when data exchange speed becomes critical, the system transitions to narrow beam. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between coverage area and data exchange speed.
4Reliability
If multiple beamforming signals are maintained to ensure service quality, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where KPIs are continuously monitored and used to determine the appropriate beamforming mode. This closed-loop control ensures service quality is maintained by switching to narrow beam when KPIs deteriorate, while minimizing power consumption by using broad beam when conditions allow, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the beamforming parameter based on monitored KPIs to maintain service quality while optimizing power consumption. When KPIs indicate satisfactory service, the system uses broad beam for lower power consumption; when KPIs suggest service degradation, it switches to narrow beam to maintain quality, thereby resolving the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of this description relates to a method of beamforming in a telecommunication network. The method includes controlling an antenna array in a base station to output a default beamforming signal, wherein outputting the default beamforming signal consumes a first amount of power. The method includes collecting key performance indicator (KPI) data for a plurality of KPIs. The method includes determining whether each of the plurality of KPIs has a value below a corresponding first threshold of a plurality of first thresholds. The method includes controlling the antenna array to output a second beamforming signal, different from the first beamforming signal, in response to a determination that the value of each of the plurality of KPIs is below the corresponding first threshold of the plurality of first thresholds, wherein outputting the second beamforming signal consumes a second amount of power different from the first amount of power.