Base Station Reactivation Control for Low-Power Network Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication networks face challenges in dynamically reducing power consumption of base station entities during low usage periods while maintaining quick service availability, often resulting in long activation times or reduced service levels.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling base station entities to switch to a second operational mode, where both transmitter and receiver chains are deactivated, with periodic reactivation using a radiofrequency signal pattern to quickly restore network functionality when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If centralized monitoring and control is used to switch off base station entities during low usage periods, then power consumption is reduced, but activation time increases and service level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base station entity autonomously monitors its own usage status and decides when to switch between operational modes without external intervention. The mobile device also autonomously transmits reactivation information when detecting the need for service, eliminating dependency on centralized OMC monitoring and enabling rapid local response to service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station entity dynamically switches between two operational modes based on real-time usage conditions: a first operational mode with full functionality and a second operational mode with reduced functionality. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption during low usage while maintaining rapid reactivation capability when service is needed.
2Loss of energy
If base station entity is completely switched off to reduce power consumption, then energy saving increases, but service availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station entity is segmented into two distinct operational modes: a first operational mode providing full network services and a second operational mode providing reduced services. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate only the necessary functionality based on current needs, balancing power consumption with service availability rather than being forced into a completely on/off state.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational state of the base station entity is changed by modifying key parameters such as transmitter chain status, receiver chain status, and control channel provision. By changing these parameters between two defined operational modes, the system achieves both power savings and maintained service availability through controlled parameter transitions rather than complete shutdown.
3Stability of the object's composition
If long activation time constants are used for powering on network components, then stability increases, but adaptability to low usage situations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs preliminary actions by monitoring for service requirements and preparing reactivation information in advance. When service is needed, the reactivation information is immediately transmitted to the base station entity, eliminating delays associated with centralized monitoring and enabling rapid system response to changing usage conditions while maintaining overall stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of a base station entity in a mobile communication network by means of a mobile device, wherein the base station entity 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 transmitting radio frequency signals such that a control channel is received in a radio coverage area of the base station entity by the mobile device, wherein the second operational mode corresponds to the base station entity not providing the control channel in the radio coverage area of the base station entity, wherein the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the mobile device receives a first reactivation information, the first reactivation information being related to the possibility and/or to the manner for the mobile device to activate the first operational mode of the base station entity starting from the second operational mode of the base station entity, -- in a second step, the mobile device transmits a second reactivation information to the base station entity, wherein dependent on a reception of the second reactivation information by the base station entity the first operational mode of the base station entity is applied.