Base Station Wireless Access Scheduling for Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless access systems do not perform resource element (RE) assignment control targeting power saving, which limits the ability to maximize power saving through sleep functions in terminals, base stations, and core networks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless access scheduling device at the base station that schedules wireless access signals by assigning REs multiplexed in the time and frequency domains, including a resource assignment calculation unit that concentrates resource assignment on one side of the time axis when traffic is low, and a sleep control unit that distributes scheduling results to functional units capable of sleeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resource elements are assigned continuously in time domain to maintain service continuity, then reliability of wireless communication is improved, but power consumption increases and power saving effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by introducing discontinuous resource assignment where resource elements are allocated in periodic intervals rather than continuously. The MAC scheduler determines whether to assign resources in each time slot based on traffic conditions, creating a periodic pattern of active and sleep states that reduces power consumption while maintaining service when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the resource assignment pattern adaptable and changeable based on traffic conditions. The system dynamically switches between continuous assignment (high traffic) and discontinuous assignment with sleep periods (low traffic), allowing the system to optimize between reliability and power consumption in real-time based on actual service demands.
2Productivity
If resource elements are assigned frequently to respond to traffic demands, then productivity of wireless communication is improved, but power saving effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing discontinuous resource assignment where the MAC scheduler periodically evaluates traffic conditions and assigns resources only when necessary. This creates periodic active periods separated by sleep periods, reducing the frequency of resource assignment operations while maintaining responsiveness to actual traffic demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the MAC scheduler to autonomously determine resource assignment timing based on traffic conditions without requiring continuous external triggering. The scheduler monitors traffic and independently decides when to wake up functional units and assign resources, optimizing the balance between productivity and power consumption.
3Reliability
If functional units remain active to handle sudden traffic increases, then reliability of service is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the MAC scheduler in an always-active state as a monitoring entity that preliminarily detects traffic conditions. The heavier functional units (antennas, base band units) are placed in sleep mode but can be quickly activated when the MAC scheduler detects traffic needs, combining low power consumption with rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by creating a hierarchical active-sleep structure where the MAC scheduler remains continuously active while other functional units dynamically switch between active and sleep states. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain service availability through the always-on scheduler while reducing overall power consumption by putting heavier units to sleep when not needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A resource scheduling unit of a base station 100 assigns an RE multiplexed in a time domain and a frequency domain to each UE. The resource scheduling unit includes the following: a resource assignment calculation unit that performs scheduling of assigning a resource by assigning the resource to one side of a time axis in a case where traffic between the UE and the base station is equal to or less than a predetermined value; and a sleep control unit that distributes a scheduling result of the resource assignment calculation unit as resource assignment information or sleepable time information to each functional unit that is a part of the base station and is capable of sleeping.