O-RU Power Saving Mode Switching for Communication Function Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional O-RAN systems lack effective mechanisms for managing energy consumption in O-RUs, leading to inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
A radio access network control apparatus and method that switches O-RUs to various energy saving modes, including options for deactivating components and adjusting durations, managed by a processor or computer-readable medium to optimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If O-RU components are switched to off state to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication functionality may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple energy saving modes (first mode with shorter duration, second mode with longer duration) based on real-time traffic conditions and component states. This allows the system to adaptively adjust the degree of power saving and component deactivation to maintain communication functionality while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by defining multiple energy saving modes with different duration settings and component deactivation levels. The system transitions between these modes based on traffic conditions, allowing flexible adjustment of energy consumption versus functionality trade-offs without permanently degrading communication capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy saving modes with different durations are implemented, then energy management flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy saving mechanism into distinct modes (first energy saving mode with shorter duration, second energy saving mode with longer duration), each with specific component deactivation configurations. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by handling each mode as a discrete state with predefined parameters, simplifying the control logic despite multiple modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal energy saving framework that can be applied across different O-RU components and configurations. The multiple energy saving modes serve multiple functions: short-duration modes for rapid response to traffic changes, long-duration modes for sustained low-traffic periods, providing versatile energy management without requiring separate mechanisms for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio access network control apparatus that controls O-RAN including O-RU as radio unit, has at least one processor that performs: by an energy saving information notification unit, causing the O-RU to notify energy saving information concerning energy saving mode that the O-RU can support. The at least one processor that performs: by an energy saving mode switching unit, switching the O-RU to an energy saving mode that the O-RU can support; and by a communication function reconfiguration unit, reconfiguring the communication function of the O-RU in accordance with the switched energy saving mode. The radio access network control apparatus is provided in at least one of the SMO (Service Management and Orchestration), the Non-RT RIC (Non-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), the Near-RT RIC (Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller), the O-CU, and the O-DU.