Femtocell Base Station Active Standby Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Femtocell base stations consume excessive energy and generate unnecessary radio interference due to always-on operation, as existing power-saving techniques are unsuitable for femtocells and do not leverage their closed subscriber group capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for switching a femtocell base station between active and standby states based on the number of designated wireless devices in communication range, using a control module to manage power consumption and reduce radio activity by powering down the transceiver during standby periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the femtocell base station operates continuously in active state, then network connectivity and service availability are maintained, but energy consumption increases and radio interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The femtocell base station dynamically transitions between active and standby states based on real-time detection of designated wireless devices. The system adjusts its operational state from fully active to low-power standby, optimizing the balance between connectivity reliability and energy consumption rather than maintaining a fixed state
Solution Approach 2:
The femtocell base station autonomously monitors for the presence of designated wireless devices and automatically transitions to standby state when no devices are detected, without requiring external control signals. The system self-manages its power state based on local environmental conditions
2Reliability
If the femtocell base station operates continuously in active state, then service availability is maintained, but radio interference increases in nearby areas
Solution Approach 1:
The femtocell base station employs periodic monitoring of designated wireless devices and transitions between active and standby states in periodic cycles. During standby periods, radio transmission is suspended to eliminate interference, while periodic wake-up checks ensure service availability is rapidly restored when needed
3Use of energy by moving object
If existing power-saving techniques are applied to femtocell base stations, then energy consumption is reduced, but the techniques are unsuitable for femtocells with closed subscriber groups
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from detecting designated wireless devices (closed subscriber group members) to control power state transitions. The femtocell monitors for specific device signatures or identifiers and only activates when authorized users are present, making the power-saving mechanism adaptive to CSG requirements rather than generic
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for operating a femtocell base station of a wireless communication system. A method of the present invention comprises obtaining a list of designated wireless devices capable of communication with the base station; counting the number of designated wireless devices currently within range of the base station; and switching the base station between an active state and a standby state based on the count. The base station may obtain information for counting wireless devices currently within range by monitoring the wireless environment, and/or by monitoring information received through a network interface.