Base Station Transmit Power Adjustment for RAN Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of wireless mobile stations and separate groups in radio access networks (RANs) limits the number of channels a single multicarrier base station can support due to power capacity constraints, and the adoption of alternative energy sources further restricts power consumption, necessitating an improved method to adjust base station transmit power.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve a radio controller transmitting a power reduction proposal on a control channel, monitoring for indications from mobile stations on the acceptability of the proposed reduction, and modifying the transmit power accordingly, allowing for dynamic adjustment of traffic channel power to reduce consumption and increase carrier capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If base station transmit power is increased to support more channels and users, then carrier capacity and number of supported groups increase, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment by allowing the base station to modify traffic channel power levels in response to changing system conditions, user distribution, and traffic demands. The controller continuously monitors channel quality indicators and adjusts power allocation dynamically rather than maintaining fixed power levels, enabling the system to adapt to varying loads and optimize the balance between carrier capacity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter of traffic channels based on measured channel quality indicators (CQI) and system state. By adjusting transmit power levels as a variable parameter rather than a fixed value, the system can scale power consumption to match actual service requirements, supporting more carriers when needed while reducing power usage during low-demand periods.
2Loss of energy
If base station transmit power is reduced to decrease power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the number of supported channels and users decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial power reduction to specific traffic channels based on individual channel quality assessments rather than uniformly reducing power across all channels. The controller identifies channels that can tolerate power reduction (those with sufficient margin) and applies power scaling selectively, maintaining adequate service quality for most users while reducing overall power consumption. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve energy savings without proportionally sacrificing carrier capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements differentiated power adjustment across different traffic channels and geographic regions. By analyzing local channel conditions, user distribution, and quality requirements, the system applies tailored power reduction strategies to specific channels rather than uniform reduction. Channels serving users with good signal conditions receive greater power reduction, while channels in critical areas maintain higher power levels, optimizing the local quality of service in each region.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of mobile stations and groups increases, then network coverage and service capacity expand, but power capacity constraints are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the base station to dynamically adjust traffic channel power levels in response to increasing numbers of mobile stations and groups. As user density and group counts rise, the controller monitors channel quality degradation and selectively increases power for affected channels. This dynamic response allows the system to accommodate growing user quantities while managing power capacity through targeted adjustments rather than uniform power increases across all channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for adjusting base station transmit power to reduce power consumption in a wireless radio system, the method includes causing, by a radio controller, a message to be transmitted on a control channel in the wireless radio system proposing a transmit power reduction with respect to a traffic channel in the wireless radio system. Subsequently monitoring, by the radio controller, one or both of the control channel and the traffic channel for an indication from a mobile station affected by the proposed power reduction that the proposed power reduction is unacceptable. And modifying, by the radio controller, as a function of the presence or absence of the indication, the transmit power of the traffic channel.