Radio Remote Unit Signal Sharing for Lower Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high energy consumption of radio remote units (RRUs) in wireless communication networks, particularly exceeding 60% of the network's energy consumption, necessitates the development of energy-saving measures to reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that divides radio frequency signals among multiple antenna groups using cross-connect units, allowing one RRU to drive multiple antenna groups, thereby reducing the number of active RRUs and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If one radio remote unit drives one antenna group, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the power consumption is high because all radio remote units must remain active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio frequency signal from one radio remote unit into multiple sub-signals through a first module, allowing these sub-signals to be distributed to multiple antenna groups. This segmentation enables one active radio remote unit to serve multiple antenna groups, reducing the total number of active radio remote units and thereby lowering power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the radio remote unit multi-functional by enabling it to drive multiple antenna groups through signal division. The same radio remote unit can serve different antenna groups at different times or simultaneously through the first module, increasing its utility and reducing the need for multiple dedicated radio remote units, thus reducing overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple radio remote units are used to drive multiple antenna groups, then the service capacity and reliability are improved, but the basic power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation of radio remote units based on load thresholds. When the load on antenna groups is below a threshold, fewer radio remote units are activated. When the load exceeds the threshold, additional radio remote units are activated. This dynamic adjustment maintains service reliability under varying conditions while minimizing basic power consumption during low-load periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of radio remote units dynamically. By adjusting the number of active radio remote units based on load thresholds and using signal division ratios, the system adapts its power consumption and service capacity to match actual demand, maintaining reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation.
3Loss of energy
If radio remote units are put in idle state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the service capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for increased service capacity by having standby radio remote units available. When load thresholds are exceeded, these pre-configured units can be quickly activated without delay. This preliminary preparation ensures that service capacity can be rapidly increased when needed while maintaining energy efficiency during normal operation, as units are only activated when truly necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a communication method and apparatus, to reduce power consumption of an RRU. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes N radio remote units, a first module, and N antenna groups, where each radio remote unit is connected to the first module, each antenna group is connected to the first module, and the N radio remote units one-to-one correspond to the N antenna groups, where N is an integer greater than 1; a first radio remote unit in the N radio remote units is configured to send a first radio frequency signal to the first module; and send the M radio frequency sub-signals to M antenna groups corresponding to M radio remote units in the N radio remote units, where M is an integer greater than 1 and less than or equal to N; and the M antenna groups are configured to send the M radio frequency sub-signals.