Slot-Wise DAS Power Control for Low-Activity Cloud RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed antenna systems (DAS) and Cloud RAN systems continue to consume power and emit carbon during low activity periods due to inactive user equipment, leading to increased operational expenses and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a slot-wise power management system that analyzes control-plane data to determine activity levels, switching between low-power and normal-power modes based on activity thresholds, thereby reducing unnecessary processing in CU, DU, and RU entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full simulcast mode is used to maintain coverage area, then wireless communication functionality is preserved, but power consumption increases during low activity periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of remote units based on real-time activity detection in control-plane data. During low activity periods, remote units are switched to a dormant state while maintaining network connectivity, and activated when activity is detected. This dynamic state transition resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption to actual communication needs while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of remote units between two states: active and dormant. By modifying this parameter based on activity thresholds detected in control-plane data, the system reduces power consumption during low activity periods while maintaining the ability to restore full functionality when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
2Reliability
If all remote units operate continuously to maintain coverage, then service availability is improved, but operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of control-plane data to detect activity patterns. Based on this periodic assessment, remote units are selectively activated or deactivated. This periodic action allows the system to maintain service availability when needed while reducing operational expenses during low activity periods by keeping certain remote units in a low-power state.
3Use of energy by moving object
If processing is reduced in CU, DU, and RU entities to save power, then energy consumption decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where control-plane data is analyzed to detect activity levels, which then triggers appropriate processing adjustments in CU, DU, and RU entities. This feedback-driven approach manages system complexity by using automated decision rules based on observed activity patterns, reducing energy consumption without requiring complex manual management while maintaining service availability.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a distributed antenna system serving a base station. The distributed antenna system comprises one or more entities. At least one entity is configured to receive control-plane data from the base station and analyze the control-plane data from the base station on a slot-by-slot basis in order to determine if there is any activity for each slot. At least one entity of the DAS is operated in a low-power mode for a given slot if the corresponding control-plane data for the slot indicate that there is no activity for that slot and is operated in a normal-power mode for a given slot if the corresponding control-plane data for the slot indicate that there is activity for that slot. Other embodiments are disclosed.