Base Station Energy Saving Mode Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cellular telecommunications networks face challenges in managing energy consumption among base stations, particularly with the introduction of energy saving modes that can lead to coverage holes and inefficient reactivation policies, as existing solutions lack dynamic and coordinated mechanisms for base station mode transitions and compensation.

Innovation Solution

A method allowing base stations to dynamically switch between normal, energy saving, and compensation modes by negotiating with neighboring stations through X2 messages, enabling immediate reactivation and compensation without predefined roles, and using Neighbour Relations Tables to manage and update operational data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If base stations enter energy saving mode to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but coverage holes are created and network reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidnetwork coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a compensation base station as an intermediary that takes over the coverage responsibilities of base stations in energy saving mode. The compensating base station receives notification messages from the network management entity and adjusts its transmission parameters to cover the area previously served by the energy-saving base station, thus preventing coverage holes while maintaining energy savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching where base stations can transition between normal mode, energy saving mode, and compensation mode based on real-time network conditions. The network management entity dynamically assigns compensation roles and adjusts transmission parameters to maintain coverage while optimizing energy consumption across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If base stations are reactivated from energy saving mode using traditional policies, then energy consumption increases, but the reactivation process is inefficient and lacks coordination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidreactivation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network management entity receives notifications from base stations about their energy saving status and actively manages reactivation. When a base station needs to be reactivated, the network management entity sends notification messages to appropriate compensating base stations, enabling coordinated and efficient reactivation based on current network conditions rather than passive or predetermined policies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes predefined compensation relationships between base stations before energy saving mode is activated. The network management entity identifies and configures compensating base stations in advance, so when reactivation is needed, the process is already prepared and can execute efficiently without ad-hoc configuration delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If base stations use fixed compensation relationships to maintain coverage, then network reliability is improved, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage continuityVSAvoidnetwork flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes compensation relationships dynamic rather than fixed. The network management entity can reassign compensation roles based on changing network conditions, load requirements, and base station capabilities. Base stations can be dynamically switched between normal mode, energy saving mode, and compensation mode, allowing the network to adapt flexibly to varying conditions while maintaining continuous coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters such as transmission power, antenna configuration, and frequency allocation for compensating base stations. These parameters can be modified in real-time based on network conditions, allowing the compensation mechanism to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining reliable coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3520498B1Cellular telecommunications network
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 BRITISH TELECOM PLC
  • EP3520498B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3520498B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3520498B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention provides a base station, and a method of operating a base station, in a cellular telecommunications network, the method comprising the step of: the first base station operating in energy saving mode; the first base station receiving a first message, the first message instructing the first base station to exit energy saving mode and to compensate for a second base station; and the first base station exiting energy saving mode and compensating for the second base station.