Wireless Node Antenna Delay Switching for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for wireless communication capacity leads to higher energy consumption and inter-cell interference due to the deployment of many small cells and base stations, with existing power reduction methods like antenna muting resulting in inefficient use of expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication node with multiple antenna functions and a transceiver unit, where each port connection is associated with a distinct electrical signal delay, allowing for adaptive radiation lobes for different frequencies, enabling efficient power combining and switching to reduce energy usage and inter-cell interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If antenna muting is used to reduce power consumption, then energy usage is reduced, but expensive base station equipment remains unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different operational modes (full operation, partial operation with antenna muting, and partial operation with frequency muting) based on real-time traffic load conditions. This allows the base station to adapt its resource usage dynamically, ensuring equipment remains versatile while optimizing energy consumption across different operational scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes operational parameters (frequency band usage and antenna activation) based on traffic load thresholds. When load is below the first threshold, the system mutes both antennas and frequency bands; when between thresholds, it selectively mutes either antennas or frequencies; this parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy savings and equipment utilization
2Productivity
If more base stations are deployed to increase capacity, then system capacity increases, but inter-cell interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different cells to operate on different frequency bands and with different antenna configurations based on their specific traffic conditions. This localized adaptation reduces co-channel interference between neighboring cells while maintaining overall system capacity, as each cell optimizes its local resource usage independently
3Reliability
If base stations operate continuously to meet demand, then service availability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of traffic load and switches between different operational states (full power, partial power with antenna muting, partial power with frequency muting, and sleep mode) based on predetermined thresholds. This periodic adaptation ensures service availability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of complete shutdown or continuous full operation, the patent employs partial operation modes where only necessary antennas or frequency bands are active. This partial action approach maintains sufficient service availability during moderate load conditions while significantly reducing power consumption compared to full operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a node in a wireless communication system, which comprises at least one transceiver unit, a first and a second antenna function. The antenna functions comprise a first and a second port connection. The transceiver unit is arranged to communicate by means of at least one frequency band. Each port connection is connectable to said transceiver unit via electrical signal delays of different magnitudes. In a first mode of operation, a certain resulting main radiation lobe is acquired when the antenna functions are receiving or transmitting for each frequency in the frequency band. Said main radiation lobe has a main pointing direction with a certain angular direction in azimuth and elevation with respect to a fixed angular direction. The angular direction for every certain frequency is different from the angular direction for any other frequency.