Cell Power Coordination for Energy Efficient Cellular Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular network power management is inefficient, with significant energy consumption independent of traffic load due to poor power amplification efficiency and lack of dynamic adaptation, leading to wasted resources and increased energy usage even at low traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method to dynamically turn off or reduce the transmit power of underutilized small cells in a cluster, while maintaining receiver functionality for coordinated multipoint assistance, and automatically activate transmitters in nearby cells when needed to manage energy consumption based on traffic demand, using incremental power ramping to ensure seamless handovers and minimize service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cells are deployed to increase network capacity and coverage, then network capacity and uniform coverage are improved, but network energy consumption increases due to under-utilized cells consuming power during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of small cell transmitters based on real-time traffic load conditions. When traffic demand is low, transmitters are deactivated to save energy; when demand increases, transmitters are activated to provide additional capacity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the network capacity scalable and energy consumption variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of small cell transmitters between active and inactive states based on traffic load thresholds. By monitoring traffic demand and adjusting the transmitter state parameter accordingly, the system achieves energy savings during low traffic while maintaining network capacity availability when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If transmitter power is reduced to save energy during low traffic, then energy consumption is reduced, but service reliability deteriorates due to potential service non-availability and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor traffic load conditions and automatically adjust transmitter states. When traffic demand exceeds predefined thresholds, the system activates transmitters to maintain service reliability. This feedback control ensures that energy savings are achieved without compromising service reliability, as the system responds dynamically to actual network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple small cells in a clustered deployment with overlapping coverage areas. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when some transmitters are deactivated for energy savings, other nearby cells are available to take over and maintain service continuity, thus preserving service reliability while enabling energy savings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual configuration is used to power down components for energy savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to complex configuration and potential service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by implementing automated mechanisms that monitor traffic load and control transmitter activation/deactivation without manual intervention. The network automatically adjusts its power consumption based on actual traffic demands, eliminating the need for complex manual configurations and reducing the risk of service interruptions caused by human error or improper timing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for adaptively powering down cells within a cluster are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes detecting when a load on a first cell falls below a first predetermined threshold, the load being based at least in part on a number of wireless devices in communication with a first radio unit serving the first cell. Upon detecting when a load on the first cell falls below the first predetermined threshold, a transmitter of the first radio unit is powered down over a period of time to allow time for handoff of wireless devices in the first cell to a second radio unit serving an adjacent cell.