Wake-Up Area Code for Small Cell Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy-saving methods for wireless cellular networks, particularly in small cell deployments, often result in unnecessary activation of network access nodes, leading to inefficient energy consumption due to complex algorithms and inadequate adaptation to network offloading needs.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network controlling entity selects sets of network access nodes with a common wake-up area code, directs a transmission entity to send a signal on a specific radio resource, and informs nodes within the set to listen for the signal, allowing them to determine whether to awaken based on their own conditions, thereby optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex algorithms are used to decide which hotspot cells should be activated, then network load management capability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into coverage cells and hotspot cells with distinct roles. Coverage cells perform simple load detection and trigger activations, while hotspot cells execute sophisticated algorithms independently when activated. This segmentation allows complex algorithms to be distributed only to cells that need them, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining load management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Hotspot cells are designed to be self-sufficient when activated, independently performing load management decisions and executing algorithms without continuous control from coverage cells. This self-service capability reduces the computational burden on coverage cells and simplifies the control architecture while maintaining adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If pre-defined low-load periods are used for each neighbor hotspot cell, then energy saving is achieved, but adaptability to fast offloading needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation where hotspot cells can be quickly switched from dormant to active state based on real-time network conditions. Coverage cells continuously monitor load and can trigger immediate activation of neighboring hotspot cells when offloading is needed, replacing static pre-defined schedules with dynamic, condition-based activation that adapts to fast-changing network demands.
Solution Approach 2:
Hotspot cells maintain dormant state with minimal energy consumption during low-load periods, but retain the capability for rapid activation. The system prepares for potential offloading needs by keeping activation mechanisms ready, allowing transition from energy-saving dormant state to active state within milliseconds when load conditions warrant it.
3Measurement precision
If dormant hotspot cells are requested to switch on listening capability for IoT measurements, then interference measurement capability is improved, but energy saving effectiveness is limited due to unnecessary wake-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback-based activation where coverage cells monitor actual network load conditions and trigger hotspot cell activations only when truly needed. This feedback mechanism replaces blanket activation approaches with targeted, condition-based activation, ensuring that cells wake up only when load conditions justify the energy consumption of switching to listening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from continuous listening capability to on-demand signal transmission. Instead of requiring hotspot cells to maintain listening capability, the system triggers brief signal transmissions from coverage cells that activate only the specific hotspot cells needed for measurement, dynamically adjusting activation parameters based on current network conditions.
4Measurement precision
If hotspot cells transmit pilot/reference signal for probing interval, then cell activation decision accuracy is improved, but user equipment energy consumption increases due to measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses brief probing intervals for pilot signal transmission, applying partial action rather than continuous transmission. Coverage cells transmit reference signals only for short, targeted intervals to gather sufficient measurement data for activation decisions, minimizing UE measurement requirements while maintaining adequate decision accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic probing intervals rather than continuous signal transmission. Reference signals are transmitted at specific periodic intervals that provide sufficient information for activation decisions while allowing UEs to enter low-power states between measurements, reducing overall UE energy consumption while maintaining decision accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controlling entity in a heterogeneous or local area network (such as a macro eNB) selects a set of network access nodes that share a common wake-up area code WUAC. The network controlling entity selects a transmission entity such as a motile terminal/UE and directs it to wirelessly transmit a signal on a given radio resource. The network controlling entity also informs each network access node within the set of the given radio resource on which they should listen for the signal. In various embodiments the network access nodes within the set can choose whether or not to listen for the signal and thus choose whether they will wakeup, or they can reply to the signal with a request for wakeup confirmation. In this manner WUAC-specific sets of small cells can be awakened only when needed for traffic offloading and thereby saving energy.