Spectrum Sharing in Cellular Networks for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern cellular telecommunications networks face challenges in meeting energy efficiency targets and satisfying user demand for higher data rates due to limited capacity and coverage, which can be exacerbated by traditional infrastructure sharing practices.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a neutral host controller monitors metrics to determine when spectrum sharing is necessary, identifying candidate solutions that allow base stations to share spectrum and adjust operational modes (energy saving or compensation) to meet capacity demands while optimizing energy efficiency, by evaluating weighted scores for each potential solution based on load, energy consumption, and user impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a base station enters energy saving mode to meet energy efficiency targets, then energy consumption is reduced, but network capacity and coverage are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges spectrum resources from multiple operators by implementing a spectrum sharing mechanism where a first operator's spectrum is shared with a second operator when the first base station enters energy saving mode. This combining of spectrum resources allows the second operator to maintain service capacity while the first operator achieves energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum sharing where the spectrum allocation changes based on operational conditions. When the first base station is active, it uses its dedicated spectrum; when it enters energy saving mode, the spectrum is dynamically reassigned to the second base station, allowing adaptive response to energy and capacity requirements.
2Productivity
If base station capacity is increased to meet user demand for higher data rates, then service quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes spectrum resources universal by enabling the same spectrum to be used by different operators at different times. The first operator's spectrum becomes a shared resource that can serve either the first operator or the second operator depending on operational needs, reducing the total spectrum required and enabling energy savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the base stations by switching between active and energy saving modes based on demand conditions. When demand is low, base stations enter energy saving mode; when demand increases, spectrum is reallocated to maintain service quality, thus adapting parameters to balance energy consumption and capacity.
3Device complexity
If traditional infrastructure sharing arrangements are used, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but spectrum flexibility and energy optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spectrum sharing mechanism as an intermediary layer between traditional infrastructure sharing and full operator control. This intermediary enables dynamic spectrum reallocation based on energy saving modes, providing the flexibility needed to optimize both energy consumption and service capacity while building on existing infrastructure sharing arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method in a cellular telecommunications network, wherein the cellular telecommunications network includes a first transceiver configured to provide a first access connection for a first mobile network operator in a first spectrum range and a second transceiver configured to provide a second access connection for a second mobile network operator in a second spectrum range, the method including determining that a condition for initiating spectrum sharing has been met, wherein the condition for initiating spectrum sharing is based on a capacity demand for the first mobile network operator exceeding a capacity available for the first mobile network operator and/or a peak rate demand for the first mobile network operator exceeding a maximum peak rate available for the first mobile network operator; in response to the determination, identifying a spectrum sharing solution in which: the first transceiver is configured to provide the first access connection for the first mobile network operator in the second spectrum range, and a capacity of the first access connection using the second spectrum range meets the capacity demand for the first mobile network operator; and reconfiguring the base station according to the identified spectrum sharing solution.