Distributed Unit Energy Saving via Centralized Deactivation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, Distributed Units (DUs) like IAB-nodes and gNB-DUs face challenges in energy efficiency, as they often operate unnecessarily during periods with no active users or data transmission, leading to wasteful power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method where a Central Unit (CU) in the wireless communication system establishes a connection with a DU, receives a deactivation request, determines whether to permit energy-saving mode, and responds with an acceptance or rejection message, allowing DUs to enter energy-saving mode only when necessary, thus optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DU operates continuously to maintain service availability, then service coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DU dynamically transitions between active and deactivated states based on real-time service availability conditions. When no service is required (all UEs disconnected, no pending data), the DU deactivates to save energy; when service is needed, it activates to maintain reliability. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction between continuous operation and energy saving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the DU from a fixed continuous state to a variable state that switches between active and deactivated modes. The CU controls this parameter change based on service availability assessment, allowing the DU to adapt its energy consumption level while maintaining service reliability when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the DU is deactivated to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but service responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of service availability conditions before deactivating the DU. The CU monitors whether all UEs are disconnected and whether there is pending data transmission. Only when these preliminary conditions confirm no service is needed does the CU permit DU deactivation, ensuring that energy saving does not compromise service responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The CU continuously monitors service availability conditions and provides feedback control for DU activation/deactivation decisions. When service conditions change (UEs connect or data arrives), the CU receives feedback and activates the DU accordingly, ensuring rapid service responsiveness while maintaining energy efficiency during idle periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the DU frequently switches between active and deactivated states, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CU acts as an intermediary that manages the activation and deactivation of the DU based on service availability conditions. This centralized control logic simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating the decision-making complexity in the CU, allowing the DU to simply execute activation/deactivation commands without needing complex local decision-making capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for saving energy for a Distributed Unit in a wireless communication system is provided. A CU establishes a connection between a Distributed Unit (DU). The CU receives, from the DU, a first message including deactivation request for the DU. The CU determines whether to permit deactivation of the DU or not. The CU transmits, to the DU, a second message in response to the first message, wherein the second message includes information informing that the deactivation request for the DU is accepted or not based on the determination.