Radio Node Energy Saving via Subset Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current O-RAN specifications have limited support for energy efficiency improvements, particularly in open RAN environments where different vendors provide O-DU and O-RU components, leading to challenges in optimizing power savings due to lack of interoperability and access to implementation-dependent features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller node communicates subsets of radio-related settings to a radio node, allowing it to operate in energy-saving modes without sharing proprietary implementation details, enabling energy-efficient operation even when vendors are non-cooperating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radio node supports a full set of radio related settings for maximum operational flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full set of radio related settings into multiple subsets, where each subset represents a specific operational mode. The radio node maintains readiness for multiple subsets rather than the complete set, allowing energy savings while preserving adaptability through selective subset activation based on operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different vendors provide O-DU and O-RU components for open RAN environments, then device complexity and vendor options increase, but interoperability and energy optimization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface mechanism that works across different vendor implementations. By using standardized subset identification and message exchange protocols, the solution enables interoperability between O-DU and O-RU from different vendors without requiring proprietary implementation details to be shared, thus maintaining reliability in multi-vendor environments.
3Use of energy by moving object
If proprietary implementation details are shared between vendors for energy optimization, then energy efficiency improves, but loss of information security and vendor intellectual property increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the O-DU sends subset identification messages to the O-RU without requiring the O-RU to disclose its proprietary implementation details. The O-RU autonomously determines energy-saving operations based on the received subset identifiers, enabling energy optimization while protecting vendor intellectual property and maintaining information security.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, radio node (150; 900) and controller node (250; 700), to support energy saving by the radio node (150; 900). The radio node (150; 900) being controllable by the controller node (250; 700) to operate using radio related settings according to a supported operative set of radio related settings. The controller node (250; 700) sends (305; 604), to the radio node (150; 900), a message identifying first one or more subsets of said supported operative set of radio related settings. Said first one or more subsets being the only of said supported operative set that the radio node (150; 900) temporarily needs to be prepared to operate according to.