Antenna Mode Switching in Radio Access Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently switching between antenna modes in radio access nodes to reduce power consumption without compromising signal quality and performance reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for switching from a first antenna mode to a second mode in a multi-antenna port radio access node by re-mapping logical antenna ports to a subset of physical antenna ports, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio, utilizing an antenna mode switching controller, MAC scheduler, and antenna mapping arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If antenna ports are muted to reduce power consumption, then energy usage decreases, but signal quality and performance reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between full antenna mode and muted antenna mode based on traffic load conditions. When traffic load is low, antenna ports are muted to save power; when traffic load increases, the system transitions back to full antenna mode to maintain signal quality and performance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of antenna ports by switching between different antenna modes (full mode vs. muted mode). This parameter change allows the system to optimize power consumption during low traffic periods while maintaining performance during high traffic periods, thus resolving the contradiction between energy savings and reliability.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If antenna mode switching is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic antenna mode switching that adapts to current traffic conditions. During low traffic periods, antenna ports are muted to reduce energy consumption. During high traffic periods, the system activates all antenna ports to maintain adequate signal-to-noise ratio, thus dynamically balancing energy savings with signal quality requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of traffic load conditions before switching antenna modes. By monitoring traffic patterns and predicting future demands, the system can switch to muted mode during confirmed low-traffic periods while ensuring rapid transition back to full mode when increased signal-to-noise ratio is needed, thus preventing signal quality degradation.
3Productivity
If antenna ports are activated for high performance, then network throughput is maintained, but operational expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic antenna port management where the system activates or mutes antenna ports based on real-time traffic load assessment. During low traffic periods, antenna ports are muted to reduce operational expenditure. During high traffic periods, the system activates sufficient antenna ports to maintain network throughput, thus dynamically optimizing the balance between productivity and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different antenna configurations (full activation vs. partial muting) based on traffic conditions. This parameter change enables the system to minimize operational expenditure during low-demand periods while ensuring adequate network throughput during high-demand periods, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and operational cost.
Data Source
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Figure 2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for antenna mode switching from a first antenna mode to a second antenna mode in a multi-antenna port radio access node. In the first antenna mode, a set of logical antenna ports and its associated resource elements are mapped to a first set of physical antenna ports. Each physical antenna port comprises at least one power amplifier. The switching from first antenna mode to a second antenna mode is initiated upon receipt (31) of information triggering antenna mode switching at a first point of time (t1). During a time interval (Δt) from the first point of time (t1) to a second point of time (t2), the logical antenna ports are re-mapped (33) to a second set of physical antenna ports. At the second point of time (t2), at the end of the time interval (Δt), antenna mode switching is concluded switching (36) to a second antenna mode by changing supply of power to each physical antenna port represented in the first set of physical antenna ports but not in the second set of antenna ports. The present invention also relates to a radio access node for antenna mode switching and an antenna mode switching controller configured to operate according to the inventive method for antenna mode switching.