Method And System For Proactive Energy Optimization In A Cellular Network
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for proactive energy optimization in a cellular network. The present disclosure encompasses monitoring, by a monitoring unit [202], a network traffic load associated with a plurality of cells of the cellular network. After monitoring the disclosure encompasses predicting, by a predicting unit [204] using a trained model, a traffic pattern for at least one cell of the plurality of cells based on the monitored network traffic load. Further, the disclosure encompasses: identifying, by an identifying unit [206], one or more radio units (RUs) for transitioning into one or more sleep modes based on the predicted traffic pattern; and initiating, by a processing unit [208], at least one of the one or more sleep modes for each of the identified one or more RUs to optimize power consumption.
[Figure 2]
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Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence
Office - 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India
Inventors
1. Brijesh Shah
Office - 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India
Specification
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROACTIVE ENERGY
OPTIMIZATION IN A CELLULAR NETWORK”
We, Jio Platforms Limited, an Indian National, of Office - 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre
Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in
which it is to be performed.
2
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROACTIVE ENERGY OPTIMIZATION IN A CELLULAR
NETWORK
FIELD OF INVENTION
5
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to network
performance management systems. More particularly, embodiments of the
present disclosure relate to methods and systems for proactive energy
optimization in a cellular network.
10
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide
background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may
15 include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the
present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only
to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure,
and not as admissions of the prior art.
20 [0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few
decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and
advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was
based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the
advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data
25 services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. The third
generation (3G) technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet
access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth generation
(4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds,
better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth generation
3
(5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency,
and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation,
wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated,
and capable of delivering more services to its users.
5
[0004] In wireless communication technologies, it is important to optimize the
energy of cells and therefore several solutions have been developed for energy
optimization. Existing solutions often rely on reactive mechanisms and include
triggering sleep modes based on observed low traffic conditions, wherein in a
10 sleep mode one or more functionalities of a cell or a radio unit of a cellular network
are turned off or disabled for a specific time period. These reactive approaches of
the existing solutions can lead to inefficiencies and latency in network
performance, as they must wait for low usage periods to trigger energy-saving
modes (i.e., sleep modes).
15
[0005] Conventional energy-saving techniques frequently use fixed thresholds or
timers to transition between active and sleep states. In the active state (or active
mode) the one or more functionalities of a cell or a radio unit of a cellular network
is turned on or enabled. This fixed thresholds or timers-based transition between
20 active and sleep states can lead to sub-optimal energy savings, as these thresholds
/ timers may not adapt to dynamic network conditions and traffic patterns.
Further, the energy-saving modes in existing arts typically lack granularity. They
often offer a binary choice between a fully active state and a sleep state, without
considering intermediate stages that could offer more balanced energy savings
25 and performance. Currently known techniques fail to efficiently and effectively
identify the most appropriate times to activate or deactivate sleep modes,
potentially leading to inefficient use of resources. Moreover, the prior solutions
may not be adequately adaptable to changes in network conditions, such as
fluctuations in network load, varying Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, or
4
changing user behaviour patterns. This lack of adaptability could lead to energy
wastage and reduced network performance.
[0006] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art for a technical solution that
5 aims to address at least the above-mentioned technical issues by managing an
energy consumption in cellular networks in an efficient and effective manner.
SUMMARY
10 [0007] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present
disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed
description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope
of the claimed subject matter.
15 [0008] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for proactive
energy optimization in a cellular network. The method comprising monitoring, by
a monitoring unit, a network traffic load associated with a plurality of cells of the
cellular network. Further, the method encompassing predicting, by a predicting
unit using a trained model, a traffic pattern for at least one cell of the plurality of
20 cells based on the monitored network traffic load. Further, the method
encompassing identifying, by an identifying unit, one or more radio units (RUs) for
transitioning into one or more sleep modes based on the predicted traffic pattern.
Furthermore, the method comprises initiating, by a processing unit, at least one
of the one or more sleep modes for each of the identified one or more RUs to
25 optimize power consumption.
[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises quantifying, by the processing unit, an energy saving achieved by the at
5
least one of the one or more sleep modes by mapping a power utilization to a
physical resource block (PRB) usage.
[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
5 comprises reactivating, by the processing unit, the one or more RUs from the one
or more sleep modes based at least on one of a traffic load breaching a predefined
traffic threshold, and a set of predefined triggers.
[0011] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
10 comprises predicting, by the predicting unit, one or more coverage holes within
the cellular network based on the one or more RUs being in the at least one of the
one or more sleep modes.
[0012] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
15 comprises utilizing, by the processing unit, one or more neighbour cells for
balancing the network traffic load and maintaining coverage during the one or
more sleep modes.
[0013] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
20 comprises providing, by the processing unit, a neighbour management profile
based on at least one of a geographical location and a handover (HO) count for
each of the one or more sleep modes for each of the one or more RUs, to facilitate
in managing neighbour relationship and provide a list of targeted neighbours for
coverage hole analysis and a load balancing.
25
[0014] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the trained model is one
of a Support Vector Machine (SVM), and a neural network.
6
[0015] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the model is trained
based on a dataset comprising a historical network performance data and a
corresponding traffic load pattern observed within the cellular network.
5 [0016] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more sleep
modes are selected from a group comprising of a radio unit (RU) Hibernation
mode, a Deep Sleep mode, a Light Sleep mode, an Uplink (UL) Transmission Only
mode, and a Downlink (DL) Transmission Only mode.
10 [0017] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more sleep
modes pertain to one or more levels of one or more energy-saving techniques
without causing one or more service interruptions in the at least one cell.
[0018] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
15 comprises creating, by the processing unit, at least one profile for each of the one
or more sleep modes for one or more cells, where each of the at least one profile
comprises a profile mode for an advanced tilt optimization, a power optimization,
and a scheduling methodology to meet a desired quality of service (QoS), and
wherein each of the one or cells comprises at least a set of RUs of the one or more
20 RUs.
[0019] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises receiving, by the processing unit, an input from a power management
system at a base station to activate the one or more sleep modes, wherein the
25 input comprises at least one of a battery output and an alternating current (AC).
[0020] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises identifying, by the identifying unit, a power emergency with the one or
7
more cells, the power emergency comprises at least one of low battery and
operating on diesel generator.
[0021] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
5 comprises activating, by the processing, the one or more sleep modes based on
the identified power emergency.
[0022] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
comprises using self-optimizing network performance, a load balancing, and
10 coverage hole prediction to meet one or more QoS requirements.
[0023] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the network traffic load
comprises at least one of a data transmission volume, a user activity, and one or
more resource utilization metrics within the cellular network.
15
[0024] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the traffic pattern
corresponds to a forecast period of low activity and a potential for an energy
saving.
20 [0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for
proactive energy optimization in a cellular network. The system comprises a
monitoring unit that is configured to monitor a network traffic load associated
with a plurality of cells of the cellular network. Further, the system comprises a
predicting unit that is configured to predict, using a trained model, a traffic pattern
25 for at least one cell of the plurality of cells based on the monitored network traffic
load. Further, the system comprises an identifying unit configured to identify one
or more radio units (RUs) for transitioning into one or more sleep modes based on
the predicted traffic pattern. Furthermore, the system comprises a processing unit
8
that is configured to initiate at least one of the one or more sleep modes for the
identified one or more RUs to optimize power consumption.
[0026] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory
5 computer readable storage medium storing instructions for proactive energy
optimization in a cellular network, the instructions include executable code which,
when executed by one or more units of a system, causes: a monitoring unit of the
system to monitor a network traffic load associated with a plurality of cells of the
cellular network; a predicting unit of the system to predict, using a trained model,
10 a traffic pattern for at least one cell of the plurality of cells based on the monitored
network traffic load; an identifying unit of the system to identify one or more radio
units (RUs) for transitioning into one or more sleep modes based on the predicted
traffic pattern; and a processing unit of the system to initiate at least one of the
one or more sleep modes for the identified one or more RUs to optimize power
15 consumption.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0027] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
20 embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.
[0028] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a method
for proactive energy optimization in a cellular network.
25 [0029] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that improve
energy efficiency in 5G networks, particularly during periods of low or no data
transmission.
9
[0030] It is another object of the present disclosure to achieve improved energy
efficiency in cellular networks through a proactive identification and management
of multi-level advanced sleep modes.
5 [0031] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that reduce the
operational costs associated with energy usage in 5G networks by optimizing
power consumption.
10 [0032] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that by taking into
account load conditions and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, seeks to
ensure that network performance remains optimal even while energy
consumption is reduced.
15
[0033] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that provide a
precise quantification of power saving, and mapping of power utilization to
physical resource block (PRB) usage.
20
[0034] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that aims to employ
a proactive approach in identifying cells for action, relying on machine learning
techniques for traffic prediction.
25
[0035] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that
takes into account variations in traffic patterns over time, day of the week, and
seasonal changes etc., to provide a more efficient and responsive cellular network.
10
[0036] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that seeks to
implement a range of advanced sleep modes, such as radio unit (RU) Hibernation,
Deep Sleep, Light Sleep, and Uplink (UL) Transmission Only etc., providing a
5 granular approach to energy savings and ensuring an efficient response to diverse
network conditions.
[0037] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and
method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that aims to be
10 easily adoptable into standard technology, offering improvements in energy
efficiency and network performance without necessitating significant
infrastructural changes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
15
[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same
parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not
20 necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures
are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of the
method and system according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight
the advantages of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
25 that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or
circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
11
[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a multi-vendor self-organizing network (SON) for
proactive energy optimization in a cellular network, in accordance with exemplary
implementations of the present disclosure.
5 [0040] Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a radio access network
(RAN) management layer and the RAN layer, in accordance with exemplary
implementations of the present disclosure.
[0041] Figure 1B illustrates another exemplary block diagram of a radio access
10 network (RAN) management layer and the RAN layer, in accordance with
exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
[0042] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for proactive
energy optimization in a cellular network in accordance with exemplary
15 implementations of the present disclosure.
[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a method flow diagram for proactive energy
optimization in cellular networks in accordance with exemplary implementations
of the present disclosure.
20
[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a timeline for implementing the method as per the
present disclosure in accordance exemplary implementations of the present
disclosure.
25 [0045] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device upon
which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance
with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.
12
[0046] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed
description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
5
[0047] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that
embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific
10 details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of
one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may
not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of
the problems discussed above.
15 [0048] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not
intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure.
Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those
skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary
embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the
20 function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and
scope of the disclosure as set forth.
[0049] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough
understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of
25 ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components
may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the
embodiments in unnecessary detail.
13
[0050] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process
which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure
diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as
a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or
5 concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A
process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have
additional steps not included in a figure.
[0051] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean
10 serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the
subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any
aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and
15 techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent
that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be
inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition
word—without precluding any additional or other elements.
20
[0052] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor”
includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry
for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a
special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a
25 plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application
Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other
type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data
processing, input/output processing, and/or any other functionality that enables
14
the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically,
the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.
[0053] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user5 device”, “a smart-device”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld
device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a
communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and/or computing device
or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The
user equipment/device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart
10 phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant,
tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable
of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may
contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from unit(s) which
are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
15
[0054] As used herein, “storage unit” or “memory unit” refers to a machine or
computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a
form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computerreadable medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory
20 (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory
devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The storage unit
stores at least the data that may be required by one or more units of the system
to perform their respective functions.
25 [0055] As used herein “interface” or “user interface refers to a shared boundary
across which two or more separate components of a system exchange information
or data. The interface may also be referred to a set of rules or protocols that define
communication or interaction of one or more modules or one or more units with
15
each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may
be called.
[0056] All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded
5 herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a
general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or
more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a
microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field
10 Programmable Gate Array circuits (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuits,
etc.
[0057] As used herein the transceiver unit include at least one receiver and at least
one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data,
15 signals, information, or a combination thereof between units/components within
the system and/or connected with the system.
[0058] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be
acknowledged that the functionality described for the various the
20 components/units can be implemented interchangeably. While specific
embodiments may disclose a particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is
recognized that various configurations and combinations thereof are within the
scope of the disclosure. The functionality of specific units as disclosed in the
disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
25 Consequently, alternative arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they
achieve the intended functionality described herein, are considered to be
encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.
16
[0059] As discussed in the background section, the current known solutions have
several shortcomings. The present disclosure aims to overcome the abovementioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing
method and system for proactive energy optimization in a cellular network.
5
[0060] The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for proactive
energy optimization in a cellular network. The present disclosure provides a
system and method for proactive energy optimization in cellular networks that
aims to be easily adoptable into standard technology, offering improvements in
10 energy efficiency and network performance without necessitating significant
infrastructural changes. Further the present disclosure provides precise
quantification of power saving, mapping power utilization to physical resource
block (PRB) usage. This enables an accurate assessment of the energy-saving
impacts. Further the present disclosure provides implementation of a range of
15 advanced sleep modes, such as radio unit (RU) Hibernation, Deep Sleep, Light
Sleep, and Uplink (UL) Transmission Only, providing a granular approach to energy
savings and ensuring an efficient response to diverse network conditions.
Furthermore, the present disclosure provides proactive energy optimization in
cellular networks by taking into account load conditions and Quality of Service
20 (QoS) requirements, seeks to ensure that network performance remains optimal
even while energy consumption is reduced, and reduces the operational costs
associated with energy usage in cellular networks such as 5G networks by
optimizing power consumption.
25 [0061] More specifically, the present disclosure provide a solution that at least
encompasses: 1) monitoring a network traffic load associated with a plurality of
cells of the cellular network, 2) predicting, using a trained model, a traffic pattern
for at least one cell of the plurality of cells based on the monitored network traffic
load, 3) identifying, one or more radio units (RUs) for transitioning into one or
17
more sleep modes based on the predicted traffic pattern, and 4) initiating, at least
one of the one or more sleep modes for each of the identified one or more RUs to
optimize power consumption.
5 [0062] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0063] Referring to Figure 1, that illustrates a multi-vendor self-organizing
network (SON) for proactive energy optimization in a cellular network, in
10 accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.
Particularly, the multi-vendor SON provides proactive energy optimization in the
cellular network with the help of the system [200] as depicted in Figure 2.
[0064] As indicated in the Figure 1, the multi-vendor SON architecture for
15 proactive energy optimization in the cellular network comprises at least one
Intelligent Platform/Non-Real Time Radio Intelligent Controller (NRT-RIC) layer
[102], at least one service management and orchestration (SMO) layer/ a selforganizing network (SON) layer [104], at least one network management layer
[106], and at least one Radio Access Network (RAN) Layer [114]. Further, the RAN
20 layer [114] is connected to the SMO layer/ SON layer [104] by a Centralized SON
(CSON) interface [156]. Also, in Figure 1 only a few units are shown, however, the
multi-vendor SON architecture may comprise multiple such units or the multivendor SON architecture may comprise any such numbers of said units, as
required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
25
[0065] Further, the RAN layer [114] comprises a combined centralized and
distributed unit (CCDU) [116] and an open radio access network radio unit (O-RU)
[136]. The CCDU [116] is a unit which performs the operation for both a centralized
unit and a decentralized unit and handles both the higher layers and the lower
18
layers of a protocol stack, which includes the higher/upper physical layer [128], a
media access control (MAC) layer [126], and a radio link control (RLC) layer [124]
and also a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data
convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and a radio resource control (RRC) layer. The
5 O-RU [136] is a component of open radio access network (O-RAN) that perform
the function of radio access nodes and connects the user equipment with the
wireless communication network. The OFH (ORAN Front Haul)/ M-Plane [134] as
depicted in the Figure 1 is an interface which is responsible for managing the ORU.
10
[0066] The CCDU [116] comprises of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Packet Data
Convergence Protocol - Control (PDCP-C) [118] (referred herein as RRC PDCP-C
[118]), a Service Data Adaptation Protocol - User (SDAP PDCP-U) [120] (referred
herein as SDAP PDCP-U [120]), a distributed self-organizing network (DSON) [122],
15 the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer [124], the Medium Access Control (MAC layer)
[126], the higher physical layer [128], an Open Radio Access Network - Centralized
Unit - User-Plane (ORAN-C-U-S Plane) [130], and an Open Radio Access Network
Management Plane (O-RAN M-Plane) [132]. The Distributed Self-Organizing
Network (DSON) [122] allows the network to automatically optimize itself without
20 manual intervention. Further the RRC PDCP-C [118] comprises of the Radio
Resource Control protocol (RRC) and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol -
Control (PDCP-C). The RRC manages radio resources like assigning channels and
power. Further, the Packet Data Convergence Protocol - Control (PDCP-C)
prepares data for transmission (PDCP-C for control data, PDCP-U for user data).
25 The PDCP-C is located in the air interface on the top of the RLC layer [124]. The
Radio Link Control (RLC) layer [124] ensures reliable data delivery over the radio
link.
19
[0067] Further, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer [126], manages how
different devices share the radio channel. Further, the higher physical layer [128],
transmits and receives raw radio signals. Furthermore, the ORAN-C-U-S Plane
(Centralized Unit - User-Plane) [130], splits the processing between a central unit
5 and distributed units for user data handling. Moreover, the O-RAN M-Plane
(Management Plane) [132] manages the overall network configuration.
[0068] The O-RU [136] comprises at least one of the ORAN-C-U-S Plane [130], the
O-RAN M-Plane [132], an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform / Preamble Format
10 (PRACH) (IFFT/PRACH) Precoding [138], a Channel Frequency Response (CFR)
[146], a Cyclic Prefix (CP) Addition [140], a digital Beamforming (digital BF) [142],
a digital pre-distortion (DPD) [144], a digital up converter (DUC)/ a digital down
converter (DDC) [148], a Power Amplifier (PA)/ a low-noise amplifier (LNA) [150],
an analog-digital converter (ADC)/ a digital-analog converter (DAC) [152], a
15 duplexer/ a circulator [154]. Furthermore, the IFFT/PRACH Precoding [138]
comprises of the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) and the Preamble Format
(PRACH) Precoding. The Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) converts frequencydomain data into time-domain signals, essential for OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiplexing) transmission. Further, the Preamble Format (PRACH)
20 Precoding, prepares the random-access preamble for transmission, enabling initial
access and synchronization between the UE and the network. Further, the Channel
Frequency Response (CFR) [146] measures and characterizes how the transmitted
signal is altered by the propagation channel. This information is used to
compensate for channel impairments and to improve signal quality. The Cyclic
25 Prefix (CP) Addition [140], adds a cyclic prefix to each OFDM symbol to mitigate
inter-symbol interference (ISI) caused by multipath propagation. This enhances
the robustness of the transmitted signal. Moreover, the digital BF (Beamforming)
[142] utilizes digital signal processing to direct the transmission and reception of
20
signals in specific directions, improving signal strength and reducing interference.
This enhances overall network performance and coverage.
[0069] The DPD [144] is a baseband signal processing technique that corrects the
5 impairments in RF power amplifiers (PAs). The digital up converter (DUC) [148] is
a device which translates a signal from baseband to intermediate frequency (IF)
band, and the digital down converter (DDC) [148] is a device which converts a
signal from intermediate frequency band to baseband. The PA [150] is a type of
electronic amplifier that converts a low-power radio-frequency (RF) signal into a
10 higher-power signal. The LNA [150] is a component at the front-end of a radio
receiver circuit which reduces the unwanted noises in the radio signal. The ADC
[152] is a device that converts an analogue signal into a limited number of digital
output codes and the DAC [152] is a device that converts a limited number of
digital output codes into an analogue signal. The duplexer [154] is an electronic
15 device that allows bi-directional (duplex) communication over a single path and
isolates the receiver from the transmitter while permitting them to share a
common antenna. The circulator [154] is a passive, non-reciprocal three-port or
four-port device that only allows a microwave or radio-frequency (RF) signal to
exit through the port directly after the one it entered.
20
[0070] Moreover, for proactive energy optimization in a cellular network the
system [200] works in conjunction with at least one of the Intelligent
Platform/NRT-RIC layer [102], the service management and orchestration (SMO)
layer/ the self-organizing network (SON) layer [104], and the network
25 management layer [106].
[0071] Particularly, the Intelligent Platform/NRT-RIC layer [102] provides efficient
control and optimization / regulation of network functions and services in realtime or near-real-time through fine-grained data collection and actions. The
21
intelligent platform layer/ the NRT-RIC layer [102] performstasks such as including
but not limited to scenario identification, predictive analysis of one or more traffic
levels, parameter optimization for example, regulating energy consumption by
optimizing power usage of the one or more cell sites, training of an artificial
5 intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) model based on AI/ML techniques and
data aggregations. The intelligent platform layer/ the NRT-RIC layer [102] collects
data from a site data base, configuration parameters from a configuration
management (CM) module [112], performance counters from a performance
management (PM) module [110] and alarms from the fault management (FM) and
10 alarm handling module [108] for all elements from the RAN layer via the network
management layer [106].
[0072] The service management and orchestration (SMO) layer/ self-organizing
network (SON) layer [104] manages the components and network functions of an
15 open RAN. The self-organizing network (SON) layer [104] comprises an automation
technology designed to make the planning, configuration, management,
optimization and healing of mobile radio access networks in a simpler and faster
way. The SMO layer/SON layer is responsible for making/implementing policies,
modelling and slicing the network, and also performing the functions for user
20 session management, medium access/radio management, device downlink/uplink
management, and data acquisition. The SON layer [104] acts as a central
intelligence controller, communicating with the network management layer [106],
CCDU [116], and O-RU [136] through standardized interfaces and incorporates
above mentioned AI/ML policies to make intelligent decisions for optimizing
25 network performance, resource allocation, and energy efficiency. The macro
gNodeBs /outdoor small cell (ODSC)/indoor small cell (IDSC) integrate with the
SON/SMO layer [104] directly. The SON layer [104] houses SON techniques for
network optimization, acting as the brain. It leverages a network operator
platform for other vendor gNodeBs and interfaces directly with such gNodeBs
22
from other vendors network operator through its network management layer
[106] for its nodes.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a solution that is implemented in the
5 intelligent platform layer/ the NRT-RIC layer [102]. It communicates with the
network management layer [106] to gather details such as network information,
performance metrics, and configuration data. It exchanges control signals and
receives instructions from the network management layer [106] to orchestrate
and optimize the RAN operations.
10
[0074] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B that illustrates an exemplary block
diagram of a RAN management layer [158] and the RAN layer [114], the RAN
management layer [158] (i.e., Intelligent Platform/NRT-RIC Layer [102] and the
Network Management Layer [106]) collects data for monitoring the performance
15 of the one or more cell sites and implement one or more sleep modes. The
performance monitoring includes monitoring at least the one or more current or
past traffic levels, and the predicted one or more traffic levels, a coverage map,
etc. For model training, the RAN management layer [158] utilizes the AI/ML
techniques for effective and efficient functioning of the RAN management layer
20 [158]. For predictive analysis, the RAN management layer [158] utilizes the historic
data associated with one or more traffic levels at the one or more cell sites in the
past. The RAN management layer [158] is responsible for triggering the one or
more sleep modes, if the predefined thresholds for the one or more traffic levels
is satisfied by the selected cell site. For instance, Figure 1A depicts that if for a
25 monitoring period a Threshold T1>LTS threshold (long-term statistical threshold,),
then the RAN management layer [158] will trigger the RU Hibernation mode and
Figure 1B depicts that if for a monitoring period say M1 the T1
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