Cell Activation Processing Unit for Wireless Network Energy Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communications networks, it is challenging to efficiently activate capacity cells due to non-uniform traffic patterns, leading to energy wastage and difficulty in optimizing capacity versus energy consumption, especially when determining which cells to activate among multiple capacity cells.

Innovation Solution

A method using a processing unit to estimate energy savings from one or more cells, facilitating the activation of target cells based on radio conditions and energy measures, and exchanging energy savings information between cells to optimize activation decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If capacity cells are activated to increase network capacity, then the network capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cell activation where capacity cells are activated or deactivated based on real-time traffic conditions and load requirements. The system continuously monitors network state and adjusts cell activation status to match actual demand, transforming the static cell activation approach into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes the balance between capacity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (cell activation state) based on varying traffic conditions and load requirements. By monitoring parameters such as traffic volume, load distribution, and energy consumption, the system dynamically adjusts which cells are active, thereby optimizing the trade-off between network capacity and energy usage according to current operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple capacity cells are activated simultaneously, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but energy wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidenergy wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of activating all available capacity cells, the system activates only the necessary number of cells required to handle current traffic demand. The patent implements a selective activation approach where cells are brought online partially (only when needed) rather than all at once, preventing energy wastage from activating excess capacity that would go unused.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of traffic conditions and load requirements before activating capacity cells. By evaluating current network state in advance, the system determines which cells should be activated and avoids unnecessary activation, thereby preventing energy wastage while ensuring adequate capacity is available when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If cells are activated without accurate traffic prediction, then network responsiveness is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork responsivenessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors actual traffic conditions and compares them with activation decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from past activation patterns and outcomes, refining its traffic prediction accuracy over time. The feedback ensures that cells are activated based on accurate predictions rather than speculative triggers, improving energy efficiency while maintaining network responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Use of energy by moving object

If conservative cell activation policy is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but network capacity utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidnetwork capacity utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static conservative activation policy to a dynamic adaptive policy that responds to real-time traffic conditions. When traffic demand increases, the system automatically activates additional cells to maintain capacity utilization. This dynamic approach ensures that energy consumption remains low during low-demand periods while capacity utilization is maintained during high-demand periods, resolving the trade-off between these two objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3501209B1A processing unit and a method therein for initiating cell activation
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3501209B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3501209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3501209B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A processing unit (104) and a method therein for initiating activation of a target cell. A communications device (106) is operating in a first cell (108a) of a wireless communications network (100). The processing unit is configured to obtain an estimate of a radio condition of the communications device in a target cell (108b) comprised in the wireless communications network. Further, the processing unit is configured to determine, based on the estimate of the radio condition, an energy saving obtained if offloading the communications device from the first cell to the target cell. Furthermore, the processing unit is configured to initiate activation of the target cell in dependence on the determined energy saving and on an activation decision.