Network Device Energy-Saving Control Under Variable Radio Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication systems face high energy consumption in radio units, particularly when components like power amplifiers consume energy even during low load periods, contributing significantly to operational expenditure (OPEX) in mobile networks.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for a network device that utilizes energy saving functions based on unique identifiers and timing information to manage energy consumption, facilitated by a management device using machine learning models to dynamically adapt energy saving strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If energy saving functions are activated in radio units, then energy consumption is reduced, but network performance and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidnetwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic energy saving strategies where the network device adjusts its operational state based on real-time conditions. The management device receives performance information from the network device and dynamically configures energy saving functions, transitioning between active and energy-saving states according to network load and performance requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and network performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters such as power amplifier output power, antenna gain, and processing frequency based on network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can reduce energy consumption during low-load periods while maintaining adequate performance during high-load periods, effectively balancing the contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If components like power amplifiers are kept active during low load periods, then network responsiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of network load and performance metrics, with the management device receiving information at scheduled intervals and adjusting energy saving configurations accordingly. This periodic action allows the system to maintain responsiveness during high-load periods while activating energy saving modes during low-load periods, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If energy saving functions are managed autonomously by the network device, then operational complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying network conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational complexityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a management device as an intermediary between the network device and the energy saving control logic. The management device receives performance information from the network device, processes this information according to energy saving policies, and sends configuration commands back to the network device. This intermediary approach maintains low operational complexity at the network device while achieving high adaptability through centralized intelligence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the management device continuously receives performance information from the network device and uses this feedback to adjust energy saving configurations. This closed-loop control ensures the system adapts to varying network conditions while keeping the network device itself relatively simple, as the complex decision-making logic resides in the management device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4496389B1Apparatus for a network device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4496389B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP4496389B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4496389B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

An apparatus for a network device, the apparatus comprising 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 transmit first information characterizing at least one energy saving function supported by the network device to a further device and to receive, from the further device, second information characterizing guidance for the network device regarding a use of the at least one energy saving function.