Dynamic Carrier Scaling via Virtualized Cell Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks face challenges in dynamically adjusting bandwidth and power consumption due to the difficulty in turning off and on carriers without causing signaling storms and disrupting user equipment connections, leading to inefficient power usage and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtualization gateway (Heterogeneous Network Gateway or HNG) that enables dynamic creation and destruction of cells and carriers without core network communication, allowing for demand-based scaling by turning cells on or off as needed, and switching between different radio access technologies (RATs) to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network maintains minimum power level for 20 MHz bandwidth, then network reliability is improved, but power consumption increases when only small amount of data is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 20 MHz carrier into smaller bandwidth portions (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz) that can be independently activated. This allows the network to maintain reliability by having multiple smaller carriers available while reducing power consumption by activating only the necessary portion, resolving the contradiction between maintaining minimum power level and reducing power consumption when data requirements are small.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic carrier aggregation where the network can dynamically adjust the total bandwidth by combining different numbers and types of component carriers based on real-time data requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition from high power consumption (full 20 MHz active) to low power consumption (minimal bandwidth active) while maintaining network reliability through flexible resource allocation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the network dynamically adjusts bandwidth, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to difficulty in turning off radio equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the carrier into discrete component carriers with different bandwidths, the system simplifies the dynamic adjustment process. Instead of dealing with complex continuous bandwidth modulation, the network can simply activate or deactivate specific component carrier configurations, reducing the complexity of radio equipment control while achieving power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the radio equipment by allowing different bandwidth configurations (1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz) to be selected based on demand. This parameter-based approach simplifies device control compared to continuous adjustment, making it easier to manage power consumption while maintaining network functionality.
3Reliability
If the network provides fixed bandwidth capacity, then network performance is maintained, but adaptability to demand changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carrier aggregation that allows the network to adjust total bandwidth capacity in real-time based on data requirements. The system can dynamically combine different component carriers (e.g., one 20 MHz carrier or two 10 MHz carriers or four 5 MHz carriers) to match actual demand, providing both maintained network performance and adaptability to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal carrier aggregation framework that can handle multiple data requirements simultaneously through a single aggregated carrier. This multi-functional approach allows the network to serve diverse bandwidth needs (from minimal to full capacity) using the same infrastructure, improving adaptability while maintaining consistent network performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer software are disclosed for demand-based dynamic carrier scaling. In one embodiment a method is disclosed, comprising: determining, at a gateway supporting dynamically created cells in a wireless network, whether there is a requirement for additional capacity; when there is a requirement for additional capacity, then providing, by the gateway, dynamically created cells as needed to handle the requirement for additional capacity; determining, at the gateway, whether there is a requirement for less capacity; and when there is a requirement for less capacity, then turning off, by the gateway, dynamically created cells as needed to handle the requirement for less capacity.