Wireless Access Node Duty Cycle Control for Dense Network Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular communication networks face challenges in meeting increasing demands for mobile broadband due to high data rates and power consumption issues in super dense deployments of wireless access nodes, where each node serves fewer active users, leading to underutilization and excess power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a discontinuous transmit and receive mode of operation for wireless access nodes, where duty cycles are controlled based on an alertness state, allowing for energy-efficient operation by adjusting active transmit and receive intervals, potentially aligning with user equipment device cycles for improved energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless access nodes are deployed densely to meet increasing mobile broadband demands, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but power consumption increases due to underutilization of nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning wireless access nodes between different operational states (active, idle, sleep) based on real-time traffic conditions and user equipment activity. This allows the network to dynamically adjust resource allocation, keeping nodes active only when needed and reducing power consumption during low-activity periods while maintaining network capacity when demand arises
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as duty cycle, transmit power level, and receiver sensitivity threshold based on network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining adequate network capacity and reducing power consumption during periods of low user activity in dense deployments
2Use of energy by moving object
If duty cycle is increased to improve energy efficiency, then power consumption decreases, but alertness responsiveness and service quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless access node continuously monitors for wake-up signals, user equipment activity, and network conditions. Based on this feedback, the node dynamically adjusts its duty cycle and transitions between operational states, ensuring that power consumption is reduced while maintaining the ability to respond promptly when service is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the wireless access node with pre-defined operational states and transition thresholds before deployment. The node is pre-programmed to recognize specific wake-up signals and to automatically transition from low-power states to active states when predetermined conditions are met, enabling rapid response without continuous monitoring
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing energy efficient operation for wireless access nodes in a dense deployment of wireless access nodes in a cellular communication network. In one particular embodiment, wireless access nodes form a super dense network. In one embodiment, a wireless access node in a dense deployment of wireless access nodes in a cellular communication network includes a transmitter and a receiver that are operated according to a discontinuous transmit and a discontinuous receive mode of operation. The wireless access node controls one or more duty cycles for the discontinuous transmit and discontinuous receive mode of operation based on an alertness state of the wireless access node. In one embodiment, the one or more duty cycles increase as the alertness state of the wireless access node increases. In this manner, the wireless access node is operated in an energy efficient manner.