Telecom Node Activity Analysis for Energy Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Telecommunications network nodes with increasing functions lead to higher energy consumption, as many components are not fully utilized by users, resulting in unnecessary power usage.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunications network node equipped with an activity analysis device that monitors and stores data on the usage of various communication devices, allowing for automated switching off of unused components at specific times, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the range of functions of the telecommunications network node is increased, then the versatility and functionality are improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of functionsVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The telecommunications network node is divided into multiple independent communication devices (DSL modem, WLAN access point, LAN network switch, telephone system components). Each device can be individually controlled and switched off based on its usage status, allowing the system to maintain versatility while reducing energy consumption by selectively activating only the needed segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each communication device based on real-time activity analysis. The switching device automatically changes the power state of individual components from static to dynamic, switching them on or off according to actual usage patterns, thus optimizing energy consumption while preserving functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If all communication devices are kept switched on to ensure availability, then the reliability and accessibility are improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveavailabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary activity analysis to predict when communication devices will be needed. By monitoring usage patterns and anticipating future requirements, the system can pre-activate devices before they are actually needed, ensuring availability while minimizing the duration of high energy consumption states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The activity analysis device continuously monitors the usage status of each communication device and provides feedback to the switching device. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the operational state of devices based on actual demand, maintaining reliability by keeping devices on when needed while reducing energy consumption by switching them off when unused.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If manual switching of communication devices is required, then the energy consumption can be reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own usage patterns and making switching decisions without user intervention. The activity analysis device tracks which communication devices are being used, and the switching device automatically activates or deactivates them based on this data, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while optimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses automated feedback loops where the activity analysis device continuously monitors usage and communicates this information to the switching device, which then automatically adjusts the operational state. This eliminates manual user intervention entirely, maintaining ease of operation while achieving energy savings through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2200378B1Telecommunication network node and method for its operation
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 GIGASET COMMUNICATIONS GMBH
  • EP2200378B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2200378B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a telecommunications network node 100, a method for operating a telecommunications network node, and a computer program with program code. The telecommunications network node 100 comprises the following elements: at least two communication devices 110, an activity analysis (EA) device assigned to the at least two communication devices 110, a selection memory 120 for storing the activity data, and a switching device 180 configured to switch off at least one communication device 110, at least temporarily. This keeps the consumption of electrical energy constant or even reduces it.