Hybrid Radio Access Network Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radio access networks require continuous operation to maintain wireless connectivity, resulting in high electric energy consumption, as each radio unit and distributed unit must be permanently available to cover territories and prevent dead zones.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a control module in a centralized unit determines the service demand of mobile devices and the service capacity of a non-terrestrial telecommunication network, causing radio units or distributed units to shut down or restart, seamlessly transferring mobile devices between the radio access network and the non-terrestrial network to optimize energy usage, using an API and potentially an artificial neural network for prediction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio units and distributed units operate continuously to maintain permanent availability, then wireless connectivity is maintained at all times, but electric energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static continuous operation to dynamic on-demand operation. Radio units and distributed units are activated only when service demand exceeds non-terrestrial network capacity, and deactivated when demand is lower. This dynamic state change enables the system to reduce energy consumption while maintaining reliability through conditional availability based on real-time service demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of radio units from permanent availability to conditional availability based on service demand thresholds. By monitoring parameters such as service demand and non-terrestrial network capacity, the system adjusts the availability state of radio units accordingly, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and connectivity reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If radio units shut down to reduce energy consumption, then electric energy consumption decreases, but wireless connectivity availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The non-terrestrial network serves as an intermediary that compensates for the unavailability of terrestrial radio units. When radio units shut down to save energy, the non-terrestrial network acts as a mediator to maintain connectivity for mobile devices, ensuring that the overall service availability is preserved despite the reduced availability of individual radio units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional radio access network that can operate in multiple modes: terrestrial mode using radio units, non-terrestrial mode using satellite networks, or hybrid mode combining both. This universality allows the system to maintain connectivity functionality even when specific radio units are deactivated, as the network can switch to alternative modes or use non-terrestrial networks as backup.
3Reliability
If the radio access network operates completely to ensure coverage, then all territories are covered without dead zones, but energy consumption increases above minimum requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary portion of the radio access network based on actual service demand. Instead of operating all radio units continuously, the system activates only those needed to meet current demand thresholds, allowing some units to remain inactive while still providing complete coverage when needed through coordinated operation of active units and non-terrestrial network support.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for operating a radio access network, RAN, wherein a radio unit, RU, of the radio access network and/or a distributed unit, DU, of the radio access network is caused to shut down; a hybrid radio access network and a computer program product.