Carrier Segregation for Lean-Mode Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular wireless networks, the frequent presence of bearer data communication prevents base stations from operating in lean-carrier mode, leading to increased interference and energy consumption due to excessive reference signaling.
Innovation Solution
Base stations segregate UEs by identifying those that communicate bearer data less frequently and serving them on specific carriers, increasing the likelihood of periods with no bearer data communication, thereby initiating and maintaining lean-carrier mode operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If base stations operate in legacy mode with full reference signaling, then reference signaling coverage is comprehensive, but network interference and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station dynamically switches between legacy mode and lean-carrier mode based on real-time detection of bearer data communication status. When no bearer data communication is detected, the system transitions to lean-carrier mode with reduced reference signaling; when bearer data communication is detected, it switches back to legacy mode, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that optimizes energy consumption and interference levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference signaling parameter from full signaling in legacy mode to reduced signaling in lean-carrier mode. This parameter change is triggered by the detection state of bearer data communication, allowing the base station to adjust signaling intensity according to actual network conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption and interference when full signaling is not required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If base stations maintain continuous reference signaling for all UEs, then service coverage is ensured, but lean-carrier mode cannot be activated due to frequent bearer data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the UE population into different groups based on their bearer data communication characteristics. By identifying UEs that communicate bearer data less frequently, the base station can allocate them to specific carriers where lean-carrier mode can be activated. This segmentation allows the system to apply different operating modes to different UE groups, achieving both service coverage and energy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the detection of bearer data communication status - that mediates between the need for continuous service coverage and the desire to activate energy-saving lean-carrier mode. This intermediary detection state allows the system to make informed decisions about mode switching, balancing service requirements with energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If base stations serve all UEs on the same carrier, then resource utilization is maximized, but lean-carrier mode operation is prevented due to constant bearer data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the UE population based on their bearer data communication frequency characteristics. By identifying and separating UEs that communicate bearer data less frequently, the base station can allocate them to specific carriers dedicated for lean-carrier mode operation. This segmentation maintains overall resource utilization while enabling interference-reduced operation on specific carriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different carriers to have different operating characteristics. Some carriers can operate in lean-carrier mode with reduced reference signaling for UEs with low bearer data communication frequency, while other carriers continue with legacy mode for UEs requiring frequent bearer data communication. This local differentiation optimizes each carrier's performance according to its specific UE composition.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for segregating user equipment devices (UEs) among carriers to help facilitate operation in lean-carrier mode in which a base station (BS) engages in a reduced extent of reference signaling on a particular carrier. In practice, the BS may operate in the lean-carrier mode when bearer data is not being communicated on the particular carrier. Given this arrangement, the BS may identify one or more UEs, of a plurality of UEs served by the BS, based on each UE communicating bearer data less frequently than a threshold frequency of bearer data communication. And the BS may serve just the identified UEs on the particular carrier, thereby increasing a probability of the BS operating in the lean-carrier mode.