Pathloss-Based Access Node Wake-Up Control in Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous network environments, existing access node wake-up control methods are inefficient in reducing power consumption during idle periods and off-peak hours, often leading to erroneous activations of micro layer nodes due to uplink/downlink load asymmetry and potential hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pathloss-based access node wake-up control method that utilizes a combined consideration of average handover pathloss and uplink sounding pathloss levels, with a coordinated UE sounding mechanism between access nodes, to determine the optimal activation of micro layer nodes, ensuring accurate and energy-efficient node activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access nodes are kept active to handle traffic demands, then system reliability and service continuity are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic wake-up control where access nodes transition between active and inactive states based on real-time traffic conditions. The neighboring access node monitors traffic demands and selectively activates micro layer access nodes only when necessary, creating a dynamic system that adapts to changing load conditions rather than maintaining static active states
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through autonomous decision-making at the network level. The neighboring access node automatically monitors traffic conditions, determines when wake-up is necessary, and activates dormant nodes without manual intervention. This self-managing approach ensures service continuity while minimizing unnecessary power consumption
2Productivity
If micro layer nodes are activated during idle periods, then capacity availability is improved, but erroneous activations occur due to uplink/downlink load asymmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based activation control where the neighboring access node monitors both uplink and downlink traffic conditions before making activation decisions. By continuously observing actual traffic demands and comparing them against activation thresholds, the system receives feedback that prevents erroneous activations caused by load asymmetry while ensuring capacity is available when genuinely needed
3Loss of energy
If pathloss-based wake-up control is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but additional measurement and signaling overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal uplink sounding reference signals that are already transmitted for other purposes (channel estimation, link adaptation). These existing signals serve multiple functions: they enable pathloss measurement for wake-up control decisions while simultaneously supporting standard channel management operations. This multi-functionality approach avoids additional dedicated measurement overhead
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided measures for a pathloss-based access node wake-up control, more specifically a pathloss-based access node wake-up control in a heterogeneous network environment. Such measures exemplarily comprise a retrieval of an average handover pathloss level between an access node and a neighboring access node, an estimation of an uplink sounding pathloss level between the access node and a terminal, said terminal being connectable to the access node and the neighboring access node, a comparison of the estimated uplink sounding pathloss level and the retrieved average handover pathloss level, and an enabling of a switch-on of the access node from an inactive state in which a transmitter is switched off to an active state in which the transmitter is switched on, when the estimated uplink sounding pathloss level is smaller than the retrieved average handover.