Small Cell Dormant State Control via Discovery Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mobile communication systems, especially in LTE, small cells deployed in hotspots face challenges in conserving power as they transition between active and dormant states based on terminal density, leading to unnecessary power consumption when not serving terminals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for efficiently managing the transition of small cells between active and dormant states by implementing autonomous and network-controlled deactivation procedures, using a discovery signal for state detection, and optimizing transmission intervals to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If small cells transition to dormant state when not serving terminals, then power consumption is reduced, but terminal discovery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell transmits discovery signals periodically even in dormant state to enable terminal discovery. The periodic transmission maintains limited communication capability while the base station controls overall power consumption through state management.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery signal acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows terminals to detect and connect to small cells in dormant state without requiring full active operation. This intermediary signal enables selective activation based on terminal presence.
2Reliability
If small cells remain in active state continuously, then terminal discovery and service quality are maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell dynamically adjusts its operation state between active and dormant based on terminal density and service requirements. This dynamic state management allows the system to adapt to varying conditions and optimize the balance between service quality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as transmission interval and signal power level when transitioning between active and dormant states. These parameter adjustments enable the small cell to maintain essential discovery capabilities while minimizing power consumption during dormant periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If small cells are deactivated autonomously, then power conservation is improved, but network control flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base station receives feedback information about terminal density and service requirements from the small cell, and uses this feedback to control state transitions. This feedback mechanism enables autonomous power conservation while maintaining network control flexibility through base station decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling transition of an operation state of a cell in a wireless communication system. The cell includes a transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals to and from a terminal and another cell. The cell also includes a controller configured to transition an operation state of the cell from an active state to a dormant state, transmit a discovery signal, determine whether a cell activation signal is received from a node that controls the cell, and transition the operation state of the cell from the dormant state to the active state when the cell activation signal is received.