AI-Driven MIMO Antenna Muting for Base Station Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in antenna numbers at base stations in extreme MIMO systems leads to higher power consumption, which is a challenge in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an apparatus and method for a network device, such as a gNB, that uses artificial intelligence models to determine expected radio resource demand and employs techniques like micro discontinuous transmission, MIMO muting, and power-domain decisions to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of antennas at base stations is increased in extreme MIMO systems, then spectral efficiency and quality of service are improved, but power consumption at the base stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements micro discontinuous transmission techniques where the base station periodically activates and deactivates antenna elements and RF chains based on traffic demand. Instead of continuously operating all antennas, the system uses periodic monitoring of radio resource demand and selectively activates only the necessary number of antenna elements and RF chains during specific time periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining spectral efficiency during active transmission periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the number of active antenna elements and RF chains based on real-time radio resource demand. The base station continuously monitors traffic conditions and dynamically reconfigures the MIMO system by activating or deactivating specific antenna elements and RF chains as needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between spectral efficiency and power consumption according to current network conditions
2Reliability
If the number of antennas at base stations is increased in extreme MIMO systems, then quality of service is improved, but power consumption at the base stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically evaluates quality of service metrics and radio resource demand to determine when to activate additional antenna elements. By using periodic monitoring and threshold-based activation, the system ensures quality of service requirements are met while avoiding continuous operation of unnecessary antenna elements, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining service reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the MIMO system by dynamically adjusting the number of active antenna elements and RF chains based on quality of service requirements and traffic conditions. When quality of service thresholds are met with fewer antennas, the system reduces the number of active elements to lower power consumption. When service quality degrades, the system increases the number of active antennas to restore performance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a network device, the apparatus including at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to: determine an expected radio resource demand, and perform, at least based on the expected radio resource demand, at least one of a micro discontinuous transmission technique, or a multiple input multiple output, MIMO, muting technique, or a power-domain decision.