RRH Power Control in Cloud RAN via BBU Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous wireless communication networks, managing power consumption of Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) is inefficient due to their separation from Base Band Units (BBUs), leading to unnecessary power usage and lack of dynamic control, especially in environments with changing communication conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method where the BBU connected to the RRH switches the RRH on or off based on measurement reports from User Equipment (UE), allowing various entities like BBU, RRH, and Access Gateway (A-GW) to manage RRH power, optimizing power usage according to deployment environments and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RRH is separated from BBU in heterogeneous network, then network flexibility and small cell deployment are improved, but power consumption increases due to lack of dynamic control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the RRH to transition between active and idle states based on real-time network conditions. The RRH monitors downlink signal strength and uplink signal quality, and dynamically adjusts its operational state to match traffic demand, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining network flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the RRH continuously monitors communication conditions (downlink signal strength, uplink signal quality) and uses this information to make power management decisions. The feedback loop enables the RRH to adapt its power state based on actual network performance and traffic conditions.
2Reliability
If RRH operates continuously to maintain network coverage, then service availability is improved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of communication conditions by the RRH, checking downlink signal strength and uplink signal quality at regular intervals. Based on these periodic assessments, the RRH transitions between active and idle states, ensuring service availability when needed while conserving energy during low-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the RRH by transitioning between different power states (active, idle, suspended) based on traffic conditions. This parameter change enables the system to maintain service availability when required while reducing power consumption during low-demand periods.
3Productivity
If multiple entities (BBU, RRH, A-GW) are empowered to control RRH power, then power management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management functionality by enabling independent control capabilities at multiple levels: the BBU for centralized coordination, the RRH for autonomous decision-making based on local conditions, and the A-GW for network-wide optimization. This segmentation allows efficient distributed power management while maintaining manageable complexity through clear division of responsibilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are: a power control method for receiving a measurement report message with respect to an RRH from a terminal, transmitting RAT information to the terminal, receiving a wake-up request message and setting a power state of the RRH to switch-on; and a power control method for determining switch-off of the RRH on the basis of the measurement report message from the terminal, transmitting an RRH state change request message to BBUs, transmitting an RRH state change command message, switching the RRH and setting the power state of the RRH to switch-off, in a cloud RAN environment in which the RRH and the BBUs are separated.