Spatial Element Adaptation for 5G Network Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G networks face energy inefficiencies despite improved performance metrics, necessitating effective power-saving techniques while maintaining channel assessment accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing spatial domain adaptation by dynamically or semi-statically disabling and enabling antenna elements in communication apparatuses, such as user equipment and network nodes, to optimize energy usage through reduced antenna port configurations and adaptive CSI-RS reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all antenna elements are enabled to maintain channel assessment accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna element adaptation where the network apparatus adjusts the number of enabled antenna elements based on current channel conditions and service requirements. The apparatus can switch between different antenna element configurations (e.g., full array, reduced array, or selective activation) to match the actual need for channel assessment accuracy, thereby reducing energy consumption when full precision is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of antenna element quantity from a fixed state to a variable state. By controlling the activation status of antenna elements through indication messages, the system adjusts the effective number of antenna elements participating in channel assessment, thus balancing measurement precision and energy consumption based on varying network conditions.
2Measurement precision
If more antenna elements are used, then channel assessment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple independent controllable elements or groups. Instead of treating the entire antenna array as a single complex unit, the system can selectively activate specific segments or elements based on spatial direction, service type, or channel conditions, thereby reducing the effective complexity while maintaining necessary assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna element adaptation mechanism to serve multiple functions: it can adjust for different service types (e.g., enhanced mobile broadband, massive MIMO), different spatial directions, and different channel conditions. This universal adaptation mechanism reduces the need for separate complex configurations for each scenario, as a single flexible system handles diverse requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples pertaining to network energy saving with spatial element adaptation in mobile communications are described. A user equipment (UE) transmits a first measurement report of a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) based on a first indication from the network apparatus, and transmits a second measurement report of the CSI-RS based on a second indication from the network apparatus. A number of antenna elements of the network apparatus associated with the first measurement report is less than a number of antenna elements of the network apparatus associated with the second measurement report.