Base Station Power Management via RRC Measurement Reports
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems with hierarchical cell structures, base stations continuously consume power for basic operations even during low traffic periods, leading to increased power consumption due to the presence of multiple lower base stations within their cell coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where lower base stations are turned on or off based on traffic load within their cell coverage through communication with upper base stations, using Radio Resource Control (RRC) measurement reports to manage energy-saving modes and reduce unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base stations continuously perform basic operations to ensure service availability, then service reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of traffic load at the upper base station and periodically switching lower base stations between active and sleep modes. Basic operations are performed only when needed (periodically) rather than continuously, reducing power consumption while maintaining service availability during high-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the operational state of lower base stations dynamic rather than static. Lower base stations switch between active and sleep modes based on real-time traffic conditions monitored by the upper base station, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to actual service demands.
2Productivity
If multiple lower base stations are deployed to handle high traffic load, then traffic handling capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple lower base stations under a single upper base station that coordinates their operation. When traffic load is high, the upper base station activates multiple lower base stations to share the traffic handling burden. When traffic is low, it deactivates them, consolidating power consumption to only when absolutely necessary for high-capacity operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of lower base stations based on real-time traffic load monitoring. The upper base station switches lower base stations between active and sleep modes, allowing the system to scale traffic handling capacity dynamically rather than maintaining fixed high capacity that would consume excessive power during low-traffic periods.
3Reliability
If lower base stations remain active to provide seamless service, then service continuity is improved, but operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the upper base station as an intermediary that manages the activation and deactivation of lower base stations. The upper base station monitors traffic patterns and coordinates switching operations, ensuring that service continuity is maintained through proper handover management while lower base stations are deactivated during low-traffic periods to reduce operating costs.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A method for reducing power consumption by a base station in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting a cell activation request instructing to perform a turn-on operation to lower base stations in an energy saving mode, receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) measurement report from a User Equipment (UE), and transmitting a cell deactivation request instructing to perform a turn-off operation for entry into the energy saving mode to at least one turn-off target base station, determined according to the RRC measurement report.