Network Node Energy Threshold Decision for Wireless Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in reducing energy consumption while supporting machine-to-machine (MTC) devices, as switching off base stations is not feasible due to energy constraints and the need for enhanced coverage, especially in scenarios with high path loss, conflicting with energy-saving mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method for network nodes to determine whether to switch off by calculating an energy increase threshold for each device and comparing it with the additional energy consumption if served by a neighboring node, allowing flexible coexistence of energy-saving mechanisms with MTC device requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If base stations are switched off to reduce energy consumption, then energy saving is improved, but coverage enhancement for MTC devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between macro base stations and small base stations in the heterogeneous network. Macro base stations provide broad coverage while small base stations provide localized coverage enhancement for MTC devices. This allows the network to switch off small base stations during low activity periods without significantly impacting overall coverage, while maintaining the capability to activate them when needed for devices requiring enhanced coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic base station switching based on real-time network conditions and device requirements. The network controller dynamically decides whether to activate or switch off base stations by evaluating device activity levels, coverage requirements, and energy consumption. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, switching off base stations during low activity to save energy while maintaining coverage enhancement capability when devices require it.
2Reliability
If small cells are deployed closely to macro base stations to serve MTC devices, then coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing sleep modes and periodic activation for small base stations. During periods of low MTC device activity, small base stations are switched off or placed in sleep mode to conserve energy. When device activity increases or coverage enhancement is needed, the small base stations are periodically activated. This periodic on-off operation allows the network to maintain coverage capability while significantly reducing energy consumption during low demand periods.
3Reliability
If base stations operate continuously to ensure coverage, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through self-organizing network (SON) functionality that automatically manages base station activation and deactivation. The network controller monitors device activity, coverage requirements, and energy consumption, then autonomously decides which base stations to switch on or off without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous coverage availability by activating appropriate base stations while minimizing energy consumption by switching off unnecessary ones, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method (60) performed in a network node (5a, 5b, 8) of a wireless network (1) for deciding on switching off of a network node (5a, 5b). The wireless network (1) comprises a first network node (5a) configured for wireless communication with one or more wireless devices (61,…, 6i,…, 6n) and: obtaining (61) an energy increase threshold, Thr_Ei, for each wireless device(61,…, 6i,…, 6n) served by the first network node (5a); determining (62) a respective additional energy consumption Ei required by each wireless device(61,…, 6i,…, 6n) served by the first network node (5a) if instead served by a neighboring network node (5b, 5c); comparing (63), for each wireless device (6,…, 6i,…, 6n) served by the first network node (5a), the respective energy increase threshold, Thr_Ei, with the respective additional energy consumption Ei; and deciding (64), based on the result of the comparing (63), whether to switch off the first network node (5a). The disclosure relates to a network node, method in wireless device, wireless device, computer programs and computer program products.