Energy-Efficient UE Handover Algorithm for 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks do not consider the energy usage of access nodes when making handover decisions for User Equipments (UEs), leading to inefficiencies in power consumption, especially in 5G networks where radio access network operations account for a large percentage of total power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A network-side energy-efficient handover algorithm that analyzes the power consumption of access nodes and determines whether changing the UE allocation would reduce the network's overall power consumption. If beneficial, the algorithm changes the UE allocation to more power-efficient access nodes or radio access technologies (RATs), and if not, it retains the current allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handover decisions are made based on signal quality metrics only, then connection reliability is improved, but network power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the decision parameters for handover from solely signal quality metrics to a multi-parameter approach that includes access node power consumption levels. This allows the system to select target access nodes that not only provide adequate signal quality but also operate at lower power consumption levels, thereby reducing overall network energy loss while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where power consumption information from access nodes is continuously monitored and fed back to the handover decision-making process. This feedback loop enables the network to dynamically adjust handover decisions based on real-time power consumption data, allowing optimization of energy usage while maintaining service quality.
2Productivity
If access nodes operate at higher power levels, then service capacity and speed are improved, but environmental footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic power management by enabling access nodes to adjust their power consumption levels based on actual service demands and UE handover patterns. Rather than operating at fixed high power levels, access nodes can dynamically scale their power usage, providing high service capacity when needed while reducing power consumption during lower demand periods, thereby decreasing environmental footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality optimization by allowing different access nodes to operate at different power consumption levels based on their specific roles, traffic loads, and environmental conditions. This enables the network to distribute workloads strategically, with some nodes operating at higher power for critical services while others operate at lower power for less demanding functions, reducing overall environmental impact.
3Reliability
If UE handovers are performed frequently, then signal quality is maintained, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing selective handovers based on power consumption thresholds rather than triggering handovers for every minor signal quality variation. The system performs handovers only when the power consumption benefit exceeds a certain threshold, reducing the frequency of handover operations and thereby simplifying network complexity while still maintaining adequate signal quality through targeted interventions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide methods and systems for allocation of UEs in communication networks. The method comprises analysing the power consumption of the one or more access nodes, and determining, for a UE, whether the net power consumption of the communications network would be reduced if the allocation of the UE was changed. The method further comprises, if it is determined that the net power consumption of the communications network would be reduced if the allocation of the UE was changed, changing the UE allocation. The method further comprises, if it is determined that the net power consumption of the communications network would not be reduced if the allocation of the UE was changed, retaining the current UE allocation.