Network Node Module Powering via Process Mirroring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current base station technologies face challenges in efficiently powering down parts without disrupting user equipment connectivity, leading to increased energy consumption and maintenance complexities due to limited resource reallocation within radio and digital units.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement in a network node that involves identifying processes for radio transmission in one module, mirroring them to a secondary module, and switching control to maintain operation without interrupting service, allowing for selective module powering down and reactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If parts of the base station are shut down to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but user equipment connectivity and service continuity are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by mirroring processes from the first module to the second module before shutting down the first module. This ensures that the second module is already prepared and configured to take over control of radio transmission, thereby maintaining service continuity without disruption when the first module is powered down.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a mirror image of the control processes from the first module in the second module. This copy allows the second module to assume the functional role of the first module seamlessly, enabling the first module to be shut down while maintaining identical operational capabilities through the copied processes.
2Reliability
If the base station operates at full capacity to maintain connectivity, then service reliability is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the base station into multiple independent modules (first module and second module) that can be independently controlled and powered. This allows selective shutdown of individual modules based on traffic load conditions, enabling energy savings while maintaining overall system connectivity through the remaining active modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible switching between modules based on varying traffic conditions. The system can dynamically activate or deactivate modules as needed, adapting the operational configuration to match current demands, thereby optimizing the balance between energy consumption and service reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If modules are powered down and reactivated frequently, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces complexity by using identical mirror copies of processes between modules rather than implementing complex process migration or reconfiguration mechanisms. The mirrored processes are structurally identical, simplifying the switching logic and reducing the complexity of module activation and deactivation procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
Method and arrangement in a network node (110) for preparing powering down of a first module(111-1) of a controlling part (111) comprised in the network node (110), wherein the network node (110)also comprises a radio transceiving part (112), and wherein the controlling part (111) is configured to run processes for controlling radio transmission over the radio transceiving part (112), which controlling part (111) further comprises a second module (111-2). The method comprises determining (1501) to power down the first module (111-1). Also, the method comprises identifying (1502) a process in the first module (111-1) that is utilized for controlling radio transmission over a common channel in the radio transceiving part (112). Further, the method comprises mirroring (1503) the identified (1502)process in the first module (111-1) over to the second module (111-2) of the controlling part (111). In addition the method comprises switching (1504) to control the radio transmission over the common channel in the radio transceiving part (112) from the mirrored (1503) process running on the second module (111-2).