Base Station Entity Activation via Cross-RAT Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing base station power consumption in mobile communication networks are inefficient, leading to long activation times and reduced service levels during low usage periods, as centrally controlled switching mechanisms fail to provide dynamic responses to changes in network activity.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows base station entities to be remotely activated and deactivated between operational modes, enabling quick service provision by establishing a communication link between base station entities of different Radio Access Technologies (RATs), allowing for granular and geographical control of power usage, and deactivating only necessary components like power amplifiers and control channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If base station entities are centrally controlled to be switched off during low usage periods, then power consumption is reduced, but activation time increases and service level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station entity autonomously monitors its own operational state and activation requirements without central control. When a mobile device requests service, the base station automatically activates its necessary components (power amplifiers, control channels) without waiting for central authorization, thereby reducing activation time while maintaining power savings during low usage periods
Solution Approach 2:
The base station entity dynamically adjusts its operational mode between powered-off state (during low usage) and partially-active state (when service is requested). This dynamic response allows the system to quickly transition between power-saving mode and service-provisioning mode, resolving the contradiction between prolonged power consumption and fast activation
2Loss of energy
If base station entities are switched off to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but service quality deteriorates due to prolonged lag
Solution Approach 1:
The base station entity segments its functionality into essential components (power amplifiers, control channels) and non-essential components. During power-saving mode, only the essential components remain in a low-power state capable of rapid activation, while non-essential components are fully powered down. This segmentation enables quick reactivation of critical services without requiring complete system wake-up, thus maintaining service quality while reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The base station entity maintains a preliminary low-power operational state for critical components (power amplifiers, control channels) even during extended power-saving periods. This preliminary readiness ensures that when a mobile device requests service, the base station can immediately establish connection without prolonged activation lag, thereby preserving service quality while achieving energy efficiency
3Reliability
If 3G/4G network components are permanently available, then service availability is ensured, but power consumption increases during low usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The base station entity dynamically transitions between powered-off state (when no mobile devices are present) and partially-active state (when mobile devices request 3G/4G services). This dynamic operation allows the system to ensure 3G/4G service availability only when needed, while achieving significant power savings during low usage periods, thereby resolving the contradiction between permanent service availability and energy efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of a base station entity of a first type in a mobile communication network by means of a mobile device having a communication link to a base station entity of a second type, the base station entity of the second type corresponding to a first Radio Access Technology and the base station entity of the first type corresponding to a second Radio Access Technology, wherein the base station entity of the first type is able to be operated in at least a first and a second operational mode, wherein the first operational mode corresponds to the base station entity of the first type transmitting radio frequency signals such that a control channel is received in a radio coverage area of the base station entity of the first type by the mobile device, wherein the second operational mode corresponds to the base station entity of the first type not providing the control channel in the radio coverage area of the base station entity of the first type, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - in a first step, the mobile device sends a connection request to the base station entity of the second type, the connection request being related to a request of the mobile device to have a communication link with the base station entity of the first type while the base station entity of the first type is in its second operational mode, - in a second step, the first operational mode of the base station entity of the first type is activated and the communication link between the mobile device and the base station entity of the first type established.