Radio Unit Power Policy Coordination for 5G Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack efficient mechanisms for intelligent energy saving strategies and synchronization between radio units and distributed units, leading to suboptimal power consumption in 5G base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method for monitoring downlink traffic and determining power consumption policies to enter low power states, with coordinated communication between radio units, distributed units, and management units via M-plane or C-plane messaging to optimize power usage without performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the transmit signal strength is boosted with a high-power amplifier to withstand high attenuation, then the inter-site distance of base stations is increased, but the power consumption of the PA increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by enabling the radio unit to transition between active and low-power states based on real-time traffic monitoring. The system dynamically adjusts power consumption policies coordinated with distributed units, allowing the high-power amplifier to be activated only when needed for long-distance transmission rather than operating continuously at high power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by implementing multiple power consumption policies that can be selected based on traffic conditions. The radio unit monitors downlink traffic and determines appropriate power states, changing the power parameter from high to low based on actual network demand rather than maintaining fixed high power consumption.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the radio unit enters a low power state to reduce energy consumption, then power saving is achieved, but network performance may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the radio unit continuously monitors downlink traffic and provides information to distributed units about its power state and traffic conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust power consumption policies dynamically, ensuring that low-power states are entered only when traffic conditions permit without compromising network performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary traffic monitoring and analysis before transitioning to low-power states. The radio unit assesses current and predicted traffic patterns in advance, and the distributed unit coordinates power policy changes beforehand, ensuring that network performance requirements are met before power savings are implemented.
3Productivity
If the radio unit monitors traffic continuously to determine power consumption policies, then accurate power management is achieved, but the complexity of the control mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management function by dividing responsibilities between the radio unit (which monitors local traffic) and distributed units (which coordinate power policies). This segmentation allows each component to perform simplified monitoring and control functions rather than requiring complex centralized control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio unit performs self-monitoring of downlink traffic and autonomously determines appropriate power consumption policies based on local conditions. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of external control mechanisms by enabling the radio unit to manage its own power state with minimal intervention from distributed units.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If the distributed unit coordinates power policies with the radio unit, then synchronized energy saving is achieved, but the communication overhead between control elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial coordination by having the radio unit send only essential traffic monitoring information to distributed units rather than continuously transmitting all control data. This selective information exchange enables synchronized power policy coordination while minimizing communication overhead, applying the principle of using only the necessary amount of communication resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for efficient coordination in a network for power management are described. In particular, the system (for example, a radio unit) monitors a downlink traffic at the radio unit in the network, and determines a low traffic state of the radio unit. Further, the system identifies a power consumption policy for the radio unit to enter a low power state, and communicates the power consumption policy and a set of parameters associated with the power consumption policy to a distributed unit and/or a management unit via an M-plane or a C-plane communication. Further, the system receives an offset time from the distributed unit based on the set of parameters. The system applies the power consumption policy at the radio unit on completion of the offset time. Therefore, by selecting an appropriate mode of communication, the systems and methods enable efficient coordination in the network.