Wireless Network Node Mode Switching for Energy Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication network nodes face inefficiencies in energy consumption, particularly when transitioning between high and low activity modes, leading to suboptimal terminal operations due to reduced pilot signals and altered operational requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for wireless network nodes to switch between high and low activity modes based on active terminal thresholds, transmitting signals indicative of the current mode to terminals, allowing them to adapt operations such as synchronization and measurement algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network nodes continuously transmit pilots and synchronization signals to maintain connection with terminals, then terminal synchronization is maintained, but network node energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node transmits pilots and synchronization signals periodically rather than continuously. When terminals are in idle state, the node switches to a second transmission mode with reduced activity, transmitting these signals only at specific intervals or occasions, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to synchronize idle terminals that need to perform mobility measurements and listen to paging messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node dynamically switches between two transmission modes based on terminal activity state. The first mode (normal operation) is used when terminals are active, and the second mode (reduced activity) is used when terminals are idle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption according to actual network conditions while maintaining necessary service quality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If network nodes reduce transmitted signals to minimum in idle state, then energy consumption decreases, but terminal operation robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network node transmits indication signals to terminals about the current transmission mode (first or second mode). This feedback allows terminals to adapt their operations accordingly - knowing when the node is in reduced activity mode enables terminals to adjust their synchronization and measurement algorithms appropriately, maintaining robustness even with reduced signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node provides advance notice to terminals about mode changes through indication signals. Terminals can prepare and adapt their operations before the actual mode change takes effect, ensuring continuous robust operation. This preliminary information allows terminals to switch their operational algorithms in anticipation of reduced signal transmission.
3Use of energy by moving object
If network nodes switch between high and low activity modes, then energy efficiency improves, but terminal adaptation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node provides clear indication signals to terminals about the current transmission mode. This feedback mechanism gives terminals the information they need to adapt their operations without requiring complex autonomous detection algorithms. The indication signals simplify the terminal's task by directly providing the mode state, reducing adaptation complexity while enabling energy-efficient operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a wireless network node of a wireless communication network is disclosed. The wireless network nodes have at least first and second downlink transmission modes, the first downlink transmission mode comprising normal operation of a particular network node and being applicable when a number of active terminals in a cell associated with the particular network node is greater than a first mode threshold value, and the second downlink transmission mode comprising restricted downlink transmission of the particular network node and being applicable when the number of active terminals in the cell associated with the particular network node is less than or equal to a second mode threshold value. The method comprises transmitting a signal indicative of a current downlink transmission mode of the wireless network node. Corresponding computer program product and arrangement are also disclosed.