Small Cell Network Adaptation via Dynamic On-Off Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network systems face challenges in efficiently managing interference and power consumption due to over-provisioning, especially in dense small cell deployments, which leads to suboptimal performance and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing adaptive network techniques that allow small cells to turn on or off and adjust transmission power based on real-time service demands, using methods such as Transition Request Signals and network-assisted signaling to optimize resource allocation and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small cells are continuously active to ensure coverage and capacity, then network service availability is improved, but power consumption and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic on/off switching of small cells based on real-time service demands. The network controller monitors traffic conditions and dynamically activates or deactivates small cells, transitioning them between active and dormant states to match actual network needs, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of small cells from static (continuously active) to dynamic (on/off switching). By adjusting the operational state based on service demand thresholds, the system optimizes the balance between service availability and power consumption.
2Productivity
If small cells are deployed densely to increase capacity, then network capacity is improved, but interference and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where small cells automatically monitor their own service demands and trigger on/off transitions based on pre-configured thresholds. The network controller facilitates this by providing assistance information but the decision-making is distributed, reducing centralized operational complexity while maintaining high capacity through dense deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring service demand thresholds and discovery signal parameters before small cell activation. This preparation reduces real-time operational complexity by establishing decision criteria in advance, allowing rapid on/off transitions without complex real-time analysis.
3Use of energy by moving object
If small cells are turned off to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but service availability and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network controller continuously monitors service demands and small cell states. When service demands exceed thresholds, the controller sends activation signals to turn on small cells, and when demands fall below thresholds, it sends deactivation signals. This closed-loop feedback ensures service availability is maintained while optimizing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic monitoring of service demands and periodic on/off transitions of small cells based on threshold comparisons. This rhythmic activation and deactivation pattern allows the system to efficiently cycle between power-saving and service-providing states, balancing energy efficiency with service availability.
4Speed
If discovery signals are transmitted frequently to enable fast small cell detection, then detection speed is improved, but power consumption and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of discovery signals by dormant small cells at predetermined intervals. This periodic transmission enables UEs to detect dormant small cells without requiring continuous signal emission, thereby achieving detection capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting discovery signals only at specific intervals rather than continuously. This partial transmission provides sufficient detection capability for UEs to identify dormant small cells while avoiding the excessive power consumption and interference that would result from continuous signal transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are provided for implementing network adaptation schemes, including small cell on/off adaptation and transmission power control. In an embodiment method for supporting network adaptation, a network component receives a discovery reference signal (DRS) from a network controller that is in a switch-off transmission mode. The network component then performs measurements according to the DRS, and reports the measurements to a network associated with the network controller. In return, the network component receives a radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the network. The RRC signaling includes configuration information allowing a connection between the network component and the network controller. The network component then connects with the network controller in accordance with the configuration information.