Dynamic Cell Breathing for Radio Access Node Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio access node sleep mode proposals for energy efficiency in cellular communications networks face issues such as large transmit power changes, impact on network performance, and quality of service due to sudden power adjustments, and sensitivity to loading thresholds, leading to potential call drops and inefficient energy savings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic cell breathing by adjusting the transmit power level of radio access nodes through multiple incremental adjustments, allowing operation at various power levels between zero and full power, and notifying wireless devices of these adjustments to minimize network impact and optimize energy savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If sleep mode is implemented to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but network performance and quality of service deteriorate due to large transmit power changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmit power adjustment into multiple incremental steps rather than a single large change. The power level is adjusted in discrete increments (e.g., 1 dB steps) over multiple adjustment periods, dividing the overall power transition into manageable segments that minimize disruption to network performance while achieving energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the transmit power level is continuously adapted based on network conditions and loading thresholds. The system dynamically transitions between different power states (full power, partial power, sleep mode) with gradual adjustments, allowing the network to respond flexibly to changing conditions while maintaining performance.
2Speed
If transmit power is adjusted in large increments to reach target power levels quickly, then adjustment speed is improved, but handover failures and network instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power adjustment process into multiple small incremental steps rather than large single jumps. Each adjustment step is limited to a maximum increment size, ensuring that power changes are gradual and allow the network to adapt smoothly, thereby reducing handover failures while still achieving the target power level efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic power adjustments where the transmit power is modified in regular intervals rather than continuously or in large bursts. Each adjustment period allows the network to stabilize before the next change, creating a rhythmic pattern of adaptation that maintains reliability while progressing toward the target power level.
3Reliability
If capacity cells transmit overhead channels at full power regardless of loading, then signal quality is maintained, but energy wastage increases when loading is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmit power of capacity cells dynamic rather than static. The power level is adjusted based on real-time network loading conditions, allowing cells to operate at full power when needed for signal quality but reducing to partial power or sleep mode when loading is low, thereby eliminating energy wastage while maintaining quality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of capacity cells based on loading thresholds. When the loading parameter falls below a certain threshold, the system changes the power parameter from full power to a reduced level or sleep mode. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt to varying conditions and avoid unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining signal quality when loading is high.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for dynamic cell breathing for power saving are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operation of a radio access node includes determining a target transmit power level from multiple predetermined transmit power levels for the radio access node. The method also includes determining that the current transmit power level should be adjusted to reach the target transmit power level and, in response, adjusting a transmit power level of the radio access node from the current transmit power level to the target transmit power level via multiple transmit power level adjustments. Adjusting the power level of the radio access node via more than one transmit power level adjustment makes it possible to avoid some of the issues with the sleep mode proposal, according to some embodiments.