NodeB Cell Energy Saving Control via RNC Indications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy-saving methods for base stations increase manufacturing costs and do not effectively reduce power consumption in all base stations, while also raising concerns about electromagnetic radiation pollution.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a Radio Network Controller (RNC) sends energy-saving control indications to a NodeB to sleep or wake up cells, allowing for energy-saving operations without hardware changes, ensuring continuous service by transferring users to other cells and gradually reducing pilot channel power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If new types of energy saving devices and heat dissipating materials are applied to base stations, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling base station components to dynamically switch between working state and sleep state based on traffic conditions. The network controller monitors traffic load and sends control messages to put certain base station components into sleep mode during low traffic periods, reducing power consumption without requiring physical hardware changes. This dynamic state transition resolves the contradiction by achieving energy savings through operational flexibility rather than expensive energy-saving devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of base station components from always-on to conditionally-on based on traffic parameters. By monitoring traffic load parameters and adjusting the working state accordingly, the system achieves energy savings without manufacturing cost increases. The parameter change approach allows the same hardware to operate in different power states, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by stationary object

If base station components are turned off during low traffic to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but service continuity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network controller monitor traffic conditions and proactively initiate sleep mode transitions before service degradation occurs. The controller continuously assesses traffic parameters and only puts components to sleep when traffic is sufficiently low, ensuring service continuity is maintained. This preliminary monitoring and conditional activation resolves the contradiction by preventing service disruption while achieving energy savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network controller continuously monitors traffic conditions and adjusts the working state of base station components accordingly. The feedback loop ensures that components are only put to sleep when traffic conditions permit, maintaining service continuity. The feedback-based control resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing energy savings with service reliability based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If base stations operate continuously to maintain service, then service continuity is ensured, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing cyclical monitoring of traffic conditions and periodic state transitions between working and sleep modes. The network controller periodically assesses traffic parameters and adjusts component states accordingly, creating a rhythmic pattern of operation that balances service continuity with energy savings. This periodic control mechanism resolves the contradiction by avoiding continuous operation while maintaining service through timed state changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics to enable flexible state transitions between working and sleep modes based on real-time traffic conditions. Rather than continuous operation, the system dynamically adjusts its operational state, being active when needed and dormant when not needed. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by matching energy consumption to actual service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2381723B1Method and system for realizing energy saving control of bs
Publication Date: 2015.02.11 ZTE CORP
  • EP2381723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2381723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2381723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for implementing energy saving control at a NodeB, comprising: when a cell of a NodeB is required to sleep, a Radio Network Controller (RNC) sending an indication of sleeping a cell to the NodeB, and the NodeB sleeping the cell to enter into an energy saving state; and when the cell of the NodeB is required to wake up, the RNC sending an indication of waking up a cell to the NodeB, and the NodeB waking up the cell to exit the energy saving state. The present invention also discloses a system for implementing energy saving control at a NodeB.