Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to managing power
consumption in a wireless communication network, and in particular, relates to
approaches for efficient power management at a radio unit, for example, a fifth
generation (5G) new radio (NR) radio unit.
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
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 be used only
to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure,
and not as admissions of the prior art.
[0003] A wireless radio channel suffers from high attenuation as the distance
from a transmitter increases. The attenuation is higher at higher frequencies. In
order to increase the inter-site distance of base stations, the transmit signal strength
is boosted with a high-power amplifier (PA) to withstand the high attenuation. This
makes the PA a vital component in any base station. In the fifth-generation (5G)
new radio (NR) base station, the PA consumes more power to fulfil the demand for
high traffic-streaming bitrates and high quality of service (QoS). Generally, the PA
operates in a saturation region for high power efficiency. However, operating the
PA in the saturation region causes non-linearity. A multi-carrier modulation scheme
such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is susceptible to nonlinear
distortion due to its high peak to average power ratio (PAPR). As a result, the
PA of a high-power transmitter needs to ensure linearity over an extended range.
For example, a 5G macro base station with 40 Watt (46 dBm) output power at an
antenna port needs to ensure linearity until 316 Watt or 55 dBm (46 dBm + 9 dB)
with 9 dB PAPR.
[0004] Further, 5G also offers multi-antenna-based multiple input multiple
output (MIMO) and beamforming features that demand more complex transceiver
systems to provide high system capacity. The power consumption goes up as the
number of transceiver chains increase. As the 5G network is expected to offer better
power efficiency than its predecessor, it urgently needs to optimize power
consumption.
[0005] A radio unit (RU) at the base station with multiple radio frequency (RF)
transceiver chains offers an opportunity to control the transmission power level
based on the network demand from the end users. In addition, the 5G time division
duplex (TDD) system offers the PA an opportunity to operate at a low power state
during uplink. However, the current systems do not make the best use of these
possibilities to minimize power consumption. The existing systems do not
adequately address the power reduction possibilities, when the data demand is low
within the coverage area, and/or when the user density is low, and network
utilization is below a threshold. In effect, the current systems do not consider the
state of network traffic demand to intelligently control the state of the PA and
transmitter chain and optimize power consumption without any performance
degradation.
[0006] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide systems and methods that
can overcome the shortcomings of the current mechanisms.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient
solution for minimizing power consumption at a fifth generation (5G) base station,
i.e., a radio unit.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to optimize power
consumption without any performance degradation.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to consider the state of
network traffic demand to intelligently control a state of a power amplifier and a
transmitter chain for power consumption at a radio unit.
SUMMARY
[0011] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and 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.
[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing
power consumption in a wireless communication network. The method may include
monitoring, by a processor, a downlink traffic at a radio unit in the wireless
communication network, determining, by the processor, a low traffic state of the
radio unit based on a pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a
pre-configured time period, and configuring, by the processor, the radio unit to enter
a low power state based on the determined low traffic state. The method may
include selecting, by the processor, a power consumption policy, and applying, by
the processor, the selected power consumption policy at the radio unit for a predefined
time period.
[0013] In an embodiment, the method may include determining, by the
processor, the downlink traffic at the radio unit at a current time instance, and
estimating, by the processor, a predicted downlink traffic at the radio unit for a predefined
time interval. The current time instance may be prior to the pre-defined time
interval. In an embodiment, the estimating of the predicted downlink traffic may be
based on historical data pattern of the downlink traffic at the radio unit. In an
embodiment, the method may include determining, by the processor, the low traffic
state of the radio unit based on whether a difference between the downlink traffic
at the current time instance and the predicted downlink traffic for the pre-defined
time interval is within a pre-defined confidence interval.
[0014] In an embodiment, the method may include, in response to a positive
determination, applying, by the processor, the power consumption policy at the
radio unit for a first time period, else applying, by the processor, the power
consumption policy at the radio unit for a second time period. The second time
period may be greater than the first time period.
[0015] In an embodiment, the power consumption policy may include at
least one of a first power consumption policy, a second power consumption policy,
and a third power consumption policy.
[0016] In an embodiment, the method may include selecting, by the
processor, the power consumption policy based on a power saving potential of each
of the first power consumption policy, the second power consumption policy, and
the third power consumption policy. In an embodiment, the third power
consumption policy may be a combination of the first power consumption policy
and the second power consumption policy.
[0017] In an embodiment, the method may include applying, by the
processor, the first power consumption policy at the radio unit based on the
selection. In such an embodiment, the method may include identifying, by the
processor, a number of active antenna ports to be turned off, and sending, by the
processor, a message to a distributed unit in the wireless communication network.
The message may indicate an intent for the radio unit to enter the low power state
with the identified number of active antenna ports entering into the low power state.
In an embodiment, the method may include receiving, by the processor, a response
from the distributed unit, where the response may indicate that resource remapping
to available antenna ports is completed, and configuring, by the processor, the radio
unit to turn off the identified number of antenna ports.
[0018] In an embodiment, the method may include configuring, by the
processor, the radio unit to switch power amplifiers associated with the identified
number of antenna ports to an idle state.
[0019] In an embodiment, the method may include applying, by the
processor, the second power consumption policy at the radio unit based on the
selection. In such an embodiment, the method may include identifying, by the
processor, a number of downlink slots to be reduced, and sending, by the processor,
a message to a distributed unit indicating an intent for the radio unit to enter the low
power state with the number of downlink slots entering into the low power state. In
an embodiment, the method may include receiving, by the processor, a response
from the distributed unit, where the response may indicate that resource remapping
to available downlink slots is completed, and configuring, by the processor, the
radio unit to reduce the identified number of downlink slots.
[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for managing
power consumption in a wireless communication network. The system may include
a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the memory may include
processor-executable instructions that when executed by the processor causes the
processor to monitor a downlink traffic at a radio unit in the wireless
communication network, determine a low traffic state of the radio unit based on a
pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a pre-configured time
period, and configure the radio unit to enter a low power state based on the
determined low traffic state. In an embodiment, the processor may be configured to
select a power consumption policy and apply the selected power consumption
policy at the radio unit for a pre-defined time period.
[0021] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a radio unit for
managing power consumption in a wireless communication network, where the
radio unit may implement the system as described above.
[0022] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory
computer-readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions that are
executable by a processor to perform the steps of the method as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed methods and systems which like reference numerals refer to the same
parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components
using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each
component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such
drawings includes the disclosure of electrical components, electronic components,
or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary network architecture in which or
with which the proposed mechanism may be implemented, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary high-level system architecture of a
radio access network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for
implementing the proposed mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for
adaptively identifying a sustained time period for power consumption strategy
identification, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for
implementing a first power consumption policy, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for
implementing a second power consumption policy, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system architecture for implementing
a bias control mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which or with
which the proposed mechanism may be implemented, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more
detailed description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] 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
details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one
another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not
address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the
problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be
fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
[0034] 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
function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope
of the disclosure as set forth.
[0035] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other
components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to
obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known
circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without
unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0036] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a
process that 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 can be performed in
parallel or 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. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a
procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a
function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling
function or the main function.
[0037] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to
mean 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 techniques
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, 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.
[0038] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an
embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included
in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the
phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout
this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As
used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the
plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one
or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof.
[0040] The term “module” mentioned in this specification may refer to a
program or an instruction that is stored in a memory and that can implement some
functions. A “unit” mentioned in this specification may refer to a functional
structure obtained through division based on logic. The “unit” may be implemented
by only hardware, or implemented by a combination of software and hardware.
[0041] The term “a plurality of” mentioned in this specification means at
least two. The term “and/or” describes an association relationship for describing
associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A
and/or B may represent the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist,
and only B exists. The character “/” generally indicates an “or” relationship between
the associated objects.
[0042] The term “determining” and its variants may include calculating,
extracting, generating, computing, processing, deriving, modelling, investigating,
looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure),
ascertaining, and the like. Also, “determining” may include receiving (e.g.,
receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like.
Also, “determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and
the like.
[0043] The term “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless
expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both
“based only on” and “based at least on.” The terms “connected,” “coupled,” and
“communicatively coupled,” and related terms may refer to direct or indirect
connections. If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”
“could,” or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component
or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0044] The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions
for achieving the described method. Unless a specific order of steps or actions is
required for proper operation of the method that is being described, the order and/or
use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the
scope of the claims.
[0045] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) may refer to a technique
that uses multiple transmit antennas and/or multiple receive antennas to wirelessly
transmit a signal across a wireless communication network, for example, two or
four antennas at the transmitter and/or the receiver. Massive MIMO utilizes an even
higher number of antennas than traditional MIMO, for example, tens or hundreds
(8, 16, 32, 64, etc.) of antennas at the transmitter and/or the receiver. With the
deployment of massive MIMO active radios in Third Generation Partnership
Project (3GPP) Fifth Generation (5G) wireless networks, there is an increased
power consumption in the digital signal processing block of the radio unit in 5G.
While network operators can provide higher throughput using 5G networks, the
associated increase in radio unit power consumption in 5G radios is undesirable.
During off-peak times of the day or night, it is unnecessary to provide the high
throughput capability. As such, it would be advantageous to have the capability to
reduce the power consumption of the radio unit even at the expense of throughput
capability.
[0046] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method
for efficient power management in a wireless communication network. The various
embodiments throughout the disclosure will be explained in more detail with
reference to FIGs. 1-6.
[0047] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary network architecture 100-1 for
implementing the proposed mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0048] In particular, the exemplary network architecture 100-1 may
represent a communication system such as a 5G or next-generation communications
system. In an embodiment, the network architecture 100-1 may include one or more
computing devices (102-1, 102-2…102-N), one or more radio units (104-1, 104-
2…104-N), one or more distributed units (106-1, 106-2…106-N), a centralized unit
108, and a core network 110. The centralized unit 108 may communicate with the
one or more distributed units (106-1, 106-2…106-N) in a wired or a wireless
manner. Further, a first distributed unit 106-1 may communicate with a first radio
unit 104-1 and a second radio unit 104-2. Similarly, a second distributed unit 106-
2 may communicate with a third radio unit 104-3 and a fourth radio unit 104-4.
Furthermore, the one or more computing devices (102-1, 102-2…102-N) may be
communicatively connected to the one or more radio units (104-1, 104-2…104-N).
For example, a first computing device 102-1 may be connected to the third radio
unit 104-3. It may be appreciated that there can be any number of distributed units
(106-1, 106-2…106-N) connected to the centralized unit 108. Further, there can be
any number of radio units (104-1, 104-2…104-N) connected to each of the one or
more distributed units (106-1, 106-2…106N). Similarly, there can be any number
of computing devices (102-1, 102-2…102-N) connected to the one or more radio
units (104-1, 104-2…104-N). A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand
the one or more distributed units (106-1, 106-2…106-N) may be collectively
referred as the distributed units 106 and individually referred as the distributed unit
106. Further, the one or more radio units (104-1, 104-2…104-N) may be
collectively referred as the radio units 104 and individually referred as the radio
unit 104. Similarly, the one or more computing devices (102-1, 102-2…102-N) may
be collectively referred as the computing devices 102 and individually referred as
the computing device 102.
[0049] In an embodiment, the computing devices 102 may move between
different radio units 104, for example, from a first radio unit 104-1 to a second radio
unit 104-2, both served by a first distributed unit 106-1. In an embodiment, the
computing devices 102 may move between different distributed units 106, for
example, from the first distributed unit 106-1 to the second distributed unit 106-2
and vice versa.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 1A, the centralized unit 108 and/or the distributed
units 106 may be coupled to the core network 110 of an associated wireless network
operator. In an embodiment, the centralized unit 108 may be responsible for
centralized radio resource and connection management control. In another
embodiment, the distributed units 106 may include a processing function for
implementing a distributed user plane and process a physical layer function and a
layer-2 function.
[0051] In an embodiment, the computing devices 102 may include, but not
be limited to, a handheld wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, a
smart phone, a phablet device, and so on), a wearable computer device (e.g., a headmounted
display computer device, a head-mounted camera device, a wristwatch
computer device, and so on), a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a laptop
computer, a tablet computer, or another type of portable computer, a media playing
device, a portable gaming system, and/or any other type of computer device with
wireless communication capabilities, and the like. In an embodiment, the
computing devices 102 may communicate with the distributed units 106 via set of
executable instructions residing on any operating system. In an embodiment, the
computing devices 102 may include, but are not limited to, any electrical,
electronic, electro-mechanical or an equipment or a combination of one or more of
the above devices such as virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR)
devices, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant,
tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other computing device, wherein the
computing device 102 may include one or more in-built or externally coupled
accessories including, but not limited to, a visual aid device such as camera, audio
aid, a microphone, a keyboard, input devices for receiving input from a user such
as touch pad, touch enabled screen, electronic pen and the like.
[0052] It may be appreciated that the computing devices 102 may not be
restricted to the mentioned devices and various other devices may be used.
[0053] Although FIG. 1A shows exemplary components of the network
architecture 100-1, in other embodiments, the network architecture 100-1 may
include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components,
or additional functional components than depicted in FIG. 1A. Additionally, or
alternatively, one or more components of the network architecture 100-1 may
perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components
of the network architecture 100-1.
[0054] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary high-level system architecture 100-
2 of a radio access network (RAN), in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0055] In particular, the system architecture 100-2 of the RAN may include
a management and orchestration unit 112, a radio resource controller 114, a radio
resource scheduler 116, and a radio unit 104. It may be appreciated that the radio
unit 104 of FIG. 1B may be similar to the radio unit 104 of FIG. 1A in its
functionality. In an embodiment, the system architecture 100-2 may be
implemented as a 5G New Radio (NR) RAN that supports a 5G NR wireless
interface in accordance with the 5G NR specifications and protocols specified by
the 3GPP and Open RAN (O-RAN). In an embodiment, in a disintegrated RAN
architecture, the radio resource controller 114 may be implemented as a centralized
unit such as the centralized unit 108 of FIG. 1A. Further, radio link control (RLC)
and media access control (MAC) may be performed in the radio resource scheduler
116 that may be implemented as a distributed unit such as the distributed unit 106
of FIG. 1A.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 1B, the management and orchestration unit 112
may be communicatively coupled to the radio resource controller 114, the radio
resource scheduler 116, and/or the radio unit 104. The management and
orchestration unit 112 may send and receive management communications to and
from the radio resource controller 114, which in turn forwards relevant management
communications to and from the radio unit 104. A hierarchical architecture may be
used for management-plane (M-plane) communications. When a hierarchical
architecture is used, the management and orchestration unit 112 may send and
receive management communications to and from the radio resource controller 114,
which in turn forwards relevant M-plane communications to and from the radio unit
104 as needed. A direct architecture may be used for M-plane communications.
When a direct architecture is used, the management and orchestration unit 112 may
communicate directly with the radio unit 104, without having the M-plane
communications forwarded by the radio resource controller 114 or the radio
resource scheduler 116. A hybrid architecture may be used in which some M-plane
communications are communicated using a hierarchical architecture and some Mplane
communications are communicated using a direct architecture. Proprietary
protocols and interfaces may be used for such M-plane communications. Also,
protocols and interfaces that are specified by standards such as 5G specifications in
3GPP and O-RAN may be used for such M-plane communications. In an
embodiment, the management and orchestration unit 112 may include a monitoring
unit (not shown) that monitors a power state of the radio unit 104. In another
embodiment, the monitoring unit may reside in the radio resource controller 112
(i.e. the centralized unit 108) or the radio resource scheduler 114 (i.e. the distributed
unit 106).
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1B, the radio unit 104 may include or be coupled
to one or more antennas (not shown) via which downlink radio frequency signals
may be radiated to computing devices (for example, the computing devices 102 of
FIG. 1A) and via which uplink radio frequency signals transmitted by the
computing devices 102 may be received. In an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may
take an input from the radio resource scheduler 116 (i.e., distributed unit 106) and
transmit radio frequency signal(s) over the air interface (as shown in FIG. 1A). In
an embodiment, the radio resource controller 114 may maintain a count of a number
of connected users such as the computing devices 102 for each radio unit 104. Based
on the number of connected computing devices 102, the radio resource controller
114 may control the radio resource scheduler 116 to schedule radio resources. In an
embodiment, the radio resource scheduler 116 may determine an amount of data to
be transmitted by the radio unit 104.
[0058] In an embodiment, downlink resource allocation is performed in a
unit of sub frame and a group of physical resource blocks (PRBs). As an example,
the below table depicts a resource grid within a timeslot considering sub-carrier
spacing as 30 KHz.
272
.
.
.
. PRBm,n
.
.
3
2
1
Resource Block ---->
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Table 1
[0059] Further, as an example, the below table depicts a radio frame
structure, i.e. 5G NR radio frame structure considering the sub-carrier spacing as
30 KHz.
TS
0
TS
1
TS
2
TS
3
TS
4
TS
5
TS
6
TS
7
TS
8
TS
9
TS
10
TS
11
TS
12
TS
13
TS
14
TS
15
TS
16
TS
17
TS
18
TS
19
SF 0 SF 1 SF2 SF 3 SF 4 SF 5 SF 6 SF 7 SF 8 SF 9
Radio Frame duration = 10 ms
Table 2
[0060] In an example embodiment, considering that there are ‘n’ active
users (for example, computing devices 102) and ‘m’ number of PRBs are allocated
to these ‘n’ active users at a given time. Further, considering that an average
percentage of allocated PRBs against a total number of available PRBs is P%. In
such an example embodiment, if the value of ‘P’ is below a pre-defined threshold
for a sustained time period, then a base station or as such, the radio unit 104 in the
system architecture 100-2 may be configured to take suitable actions to reduce
power consumption. For example, if the average percentage of allocated PRBs, i.e.
P is 75% for a period of 30 minutes, then the base station may be configured to take
suitable actions to reduce the power consumption. A person of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the term base station may refer to any electronic device
configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals to provide wireless
service to computing devices 102. Typically, base stations are in a fixed location,
however other configurations are possible.
[0061] Therefore, in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure, the proposed mechanism allows for efficient power management in the
system architecture as depicted in FIG. 1B. In an effort to reduce power
consumption at radio units 104, one or more power consumption and/or reduction
OFDM Symbols in a timeslot --------
> m
step(s) may be implemented during low user traffic or no traffic. It may be
appreciated that the power consumption and/or reduction step(s) described herein
may be performed in any sequence or combination.
[0062] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, one or
more power consumption and/or reductions step(s) may be activated in one or more
radio units 104, for example, when data demand is low within a coverage area.
Additionally or alternatively, power consumption and/or reduction step(s) may be
triggered when user density is low and network utilization is below a threshold,
which is explained in more detail throughout the disclosure.
[0063] Although FIG. 1B shows exemplary components of the network
architecture 100-2, in other embodiments, the network architecture 100-2 may
include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components,
or additional functional components than depicted in FIG. 1B. Additionally, or
alternatively, one or more components of the network architecture 100-2 may
perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components
of the network architecture 100-2.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram 200 of a system for
implementing the proposed mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram representing
functional units of the proposed system 202 for managing power consumption, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, the exemplary functional units of the system 202
may include a power supply unit 204, a memory 206, interface(s) 208, an
operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) unit 210, RF front end unit
222, and a database 230. In an embodiment, the power supply unit 204 may drive
all components of the system 202. In an embodiment, the power supply unit 204
may switch the system 202 into a low power state and/or a high power state based
on traffic conditions detected at the system 202.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, the OAM unit 210 may include a detection unit
212, a communication unit 214, an activation unit 216, a traffic prediction unit 218,
and one or more processor(s) or controller(s) 220. The one or more processor(s)
220 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers,
microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic
circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational
instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 220 may be
configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the
memory 206 of the system 202. The memory 206 may store one or more computerreadable
instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or
share the data units over a network service. The memory 206 may include any nontransitory
storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as random
access memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable
Read-only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.
[0067] In an embodiment, the detection unit 212 may detect a traffic
condition at the system 202. The communication unit 214 may include an M-plane
stack 214-1 and other unit(s) 214-2. In an embodiment, the M-plane stack 214-1
may facilitate communication of the OAM unit 210 with other components of the
system 202 as well as other entities within the network architecture (for example,
the network architecture 100-1 of FIG. 1A or 100-2 of FIG. 1B). Referring to FIG.
2, the activation unit 216 may switch the system 202 to a low power state or a high
power state based on inputs from other units of the system 202 such as, the traffic
prediction unit 218 and the power supply unit 204. In an embodiment, the OAM
unit 210 may be connected to the management and orchestration unit 112 of FIG.
1B. In such an embodiment, the OAM unit 210 may be connected to the monitoring
unit in the management and orchestration unit 112. Further, the traffic prediction
unit 218 may predict the traffic condition at the system 202, which is explained in
detail throughout the disclosure.
[0068] In an embodiment, the RF front end unit 222 may include one or
more power amplifiers (PAs) (224-1, 224-2…224-N), one or more low noise
amplifiers (LNAs) (226-1, 226-2…226-N), and other unit(s) 228. The other unit(s)
228 may implement functionalities that supplement applications or functions
performed by the system 202. In an embodiment, each of the one of more PAs (224-
1, 224-2…224-N) may be coupled to one or more antennas (not shown) via which
downlink radio frequency signals may be radiated to computing devices (for
example, the computing devices 102 of FIG. 1A) and via which uplink radio
frequency signals transmitted by the computing devices 102 may be received.
[0069] In an embodiment, the system 202 may also include the interface(s)
208. The interface(s) 208 may include a variety of interfaces, for example,
interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage
devices, and the like. The interface(s) 208 may facilitate communication of the
system 202 with various devices coupled to the system 202. The interface(s) 208
may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the
system 202.
[0070] In an embodiment, the database 230 may include data that is either
stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the
components of the system 202.
[0071] Continuing with the approaches of the working of the present subject
matter, it may be noted that although the foregoing description will be explained
with respect to a single radio unit such as the radio unit 104 of FIGs. 1A and 1B, it
may be noted that the same is done only for the sake of clarity. The proposed
approach for managing power consumption may be implemented to any number of
radio units 104. All such examples would be covered within the scope of the present
subject matter. In an example embodiment, the system 202 may be implemented as
the radio unit 104. In such an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may be configured to
manage its power consumption intelligently. For example, the system 202 and/or
the radio unit 104 may detect network traffic condition at the radio unit 104, which
is explained in more detail below.
[0072] In an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may receive radio frequency
signals in the form of In-phase (I) and Quadrature-phase (Q) symbols, referred to
as IQ symbols. In an O-RAN architecture, the IQ symbols may be transported over
a fronthaul link to the radio unit 104 over an enhanced common public radio
interface (eCPRI). In case of an integrated distributed unit and radio unit scenario,
the IQ symbols may be transported over a CPRI. In an O-RAN 7.2x split, the
distributed unit and the radio unit may be disaggregated over a fronthaul eCPRI. In
an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may be an Open-RU (O-RU). A person of
ordinary skill in the art may understand that the terms “radio unit” and “O-RU” may
be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure.
[0073] In an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may maintain a plurality of
counters to monitor traffic statistics of the data to be transmitted over one or more
associated antennas. The downlink data to be transmitted over the antennas comes
over the eCPRI link and the radio unit 104 measures user-plane (U-plane) data rate
over a measurement window, for example, rx window measurement interval. This
may be explained with help of an example configuration of the radio unit 104.
Example Configuration of Radio Unit 104
[0074] As an example, the radio unit 104 may have the following
configuration:
Number of antenna ports: 8
O-RAN split option: Cat A
Number of MIMO layers: 4
Channel bandwidth: 100 MHz
Numerology: 1 (sub-carrier spacing: 30 KHz)
Time division duplexing (TDD) slot pattern: 7D1S2U, S =
10D2G2U
[0075] The below table depicts an expected data rate of downlink fronthaul
stream when all the PRBs are occupied.
Table 3
[0076] Based on the measurement data, downlink data rate may be
calculated using the below equation:
Σ (
7
𝑘=0
rx-window-stats.RX_TOTALeaxcid-k / rx-window-measurementinterval)
* packet-size
Channel BW
(Mhz)
Numerology No. of
subcarrier
per PRB
No of PRB
per OFDM
symbol
(number)
Number of
OFDM
symbols per
timeslot
(number)
Number of
timeslots
per radio
frame
(number)
Duration of
radio frame
(ms)
Duration of
timeslot
(ms)
OFDM
symbol
bitwidth
(bits)
Split option Number of
MIMO
layers
Number of
Antenna
port
Number of
eCPRI
streams
U plane
datarate
per stream
(mbps)
TDD Slot
Pattern
DL to total
frame time
ratio
Total U
plane DL
data rate
(mbps)
100 1 12 273 14 20 10 0.5 104832 7.2x, Cat-A 4 8 8 2935.296 7D1S2U 0.77142857 18114.9696
100 1 12 273 14 20 10 0.5 104832 7.2x, Cat-B 4 8 4 2935.296 7D1S2U 0.77142857 9057.4848
50 1 12 133 14 20 10 0.5 51072 7.2x, Cat-A 4 8 8 1430.016 7D1S2U 0.77142857 8825.2416
50 1 12 133 14 20 10 0.5 51072 7.2x, Cat-B 4 8 4 1430.016 7D1S2U 0.77142857 4412.6208
[0077] Further, downlink occupancy may be calculated based on a ratio of
the downlink data rate (calculated using above equation) and total U-plane
downlink data rate. Considering that during off-peak hour, the data demand has
reduced and only 100 PRBs are being scheduled on an average. Under this
condition, the downlink occupancy may be calculated using the radio unit receive
packet counter statistics and the radio unit operating configuration. As an example,
if the downlink occupancy is 36.6% for a sustained time period, for example, 30
minutes, then the system 202 and/or the radio unit 104 may consider this to be a
condition of sustained low traffic period. That is, the radio unit 104 may be
configured to reduce the power consumption while still delivering the traffic
without any impact on throughput demand from computing devices such as the
computing devices 102 of FIG. 1A.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 2, the traffic prediction unit 218 may rely on
historical data pattern for monitoring radio resource occupancy level at the radio
unit 104.
[0079] As an example, the below table depicts an example data pattern over
a 10 minute time interval for a period of 1 week.
Table 4
[0080] As depicted in Table 4, there is a pattern for the traffic during
weekdays and weekends. Further, there is a correlation of traffic level with time of
the day. Based on this historical data pattern, the traffic prediction unit 218 may
Day /
Time
0800 0810 0820 0830 0840 0850 0900 0910 …
Traffic occupancy
Mon 30% 31% 34% 34% 35% 35% 37% 36% …
Tues 35% 28% 29% 31% 33% 34% 35% 37% …
Wed 28% 34% 30% 32% 33% 35% 37% 36% …
Thu 30% 36% 35% 33% 35% 37% 37% 38% …
Fri 32% 29% 30% 32% 33% 35% 36% 37% …
Sat 20% 21% 22% 24% 25% 25% 27% 27% …
Sun 20% 22% 24% 24% 25% 27% 29% 30% …
predict, with high confidence interval, how the traffic level will be during a given
day and time. In an embodiment, the traffic prediction unit 218 may correlate this
with the actual data traffic at the radio unit 104 at a particular time instance. For
example, if the actual traffic at the radio unit 104 is within an error threshold, the
radio unit 104 may be configured to apply a power consumption policy for power
consumption and/or reduction. In an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may select the
power consumption policy. In another embodiment, the radio unit 104 may select
the power consumption policy based on a computation of power saving potential of
the power consumption policy. In an embodiment, the system 202 may be
configured to share summarized data trend (for example, 10 minute time interval)
for a define time duration (for example, 1 week), as depicted in Table 4, of the radio
unit 104 to an external management and orchestration unit (for example, the
management and orchestration unit 112 of FIG. 1B) for network wide power
optimization. In an embodiment, the defined time duration may include, but not be
limited to, daily trend, weekly trend, monthly trend, and the like.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 2, the steps for power consumption and/or
reduction may be performed by the system 202, and in particular, the exemplary
functional components of the system 202. In another embodiment, the system 202
(including the exemplary functional components of FIG. 2) may be implemented at
the radio unit 104 to enable the radio unit 104 to take decisions of power
consumption and/or reduction. Therefore, by way of the present disclosure, the
radio unit 104 may intelligently take appropriate decisions in order to manage
power consumption in a wireless communication network. Additionally or
alternatively, any suitable network device in the wireless communication network
may implement the system 202 including the exemplary functional components as
depicted in FIG. 2.
[0082] Therefore, in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure, in order to efficiently manage power consumption in the wireless
communication network, the processor 220 may monitor the downlink traffic at the
radio unit 104, and determine a low traffic state of the radio unit 104 based on a
pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a pre-configured time
period. In an embodiment, the processor 220 may configure the radio unit 104 to
enter a low power state based on the determined low traffic state. In order to
configure the radio unit 104, the processor 220 may select a power consumption
policy and apply the selected power consumption policy at the radio unit 104 for a
pre-defined time period.
[0083] In an embodiment, in order to determine the low traffic state of the
radio unit 104, the processor 220 may determine the downlink traffic at the radio
unit 104 at a current time instance. In an embodiment, the processor 220 may
estimate a predicted downlink traffic at the radio unit 104 for a pre-defined time
interval. The current time instance may be prior to the pre-defined time interval. In
an embodiment, the estimating of the predicted downlink traffic may be based on
historical data pattern of the downlink traffic at the radio unit 104. In an
embodiment, the processor 220 may determine the low traffic state of the radio unit
104 based on whether a difference between the downlink traffic at the current time
instance and the predicted downlink traffic for the pre-defined time interval is
within a pre-defined confidence interval. In response to a positive determination,
the processor 220 may apply the power consumption policy at the radio unit 104
for a first time period. Else, the processor 220 may apply the power consumption
policy at the radio unit 104 for a second time period. The second time period may
be greater than the first time period.
[0084] In an embodiment, the power consumption policy may include, but
not be limited to, a first power consumption policy, a second power consumption
policy, and a third power consumption policy.
[0085] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may select the power
consumption policy based on a power saving potential of each of the first power
consumption policy, the second power consumption policy, and the third power
consumption policy. In an embodiment, the third power consumption policy may
be a combination of the first power consumption policy and the second power
consumption policy.
[0086] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may apply the first power
consumption policy at the radio unit 104 based on the selection. In such an
embodiment, the processor 220 may identify a number of active antenna ports to be
turned off. Further, the processor 220 may send a message to a distributed unit (for
example, the distributed unit 106 of FIG. 1A). The message may indicate an intent
for the radio unit 104 to enter the low power state with the identified number of
active antenna ports entering into the low power state. In an embodiment, the
processor 220 may receive a response from the distributed unit 106, where the
response may indicate that resource remapping to available antenna ports is
completed. Further, the processor 220 may configure the radio unit 104 to turn off
the identified number of antenna ports. In an embodiment, the processor 220 may
configure the radio unit 104 to switch power amplifiers associated with the
identified number of antenna ports to an idle state.
[0087] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may apply the second power
consumption policy at the radio unit 104 based on the selection. In such an
embodiment, the processor 220 may identify a number of downlink slots to be
reduced. Further, the processor 220 may send a message to the distributed unit 106
indicating an intent for the radio unit 104 to enter the low power state with the
number of downlink slots entering into the low power state. In an embodiment, the
processor 220 may receive a response from the distributed unit 106, where the
response may indicate that resource remapping to available downlink slots is
completed. Further, the processor 220 may configure the radio unit 104 to reduce
the identified number of downlink slots.
[0088] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may apply the third power
consumption policy at the radio unit 104 based on the selection. The third power
consumption policy may be a combination of the first power consumption policy
and the second power consumption policy, as described above.
[0089] All of these examples, along with some additional implementations
and aspects, have been depicted more clearly in FIGs. 3-6.
[0090] For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a
method 300 for adaptively identifying a sustained time period for power
consumption strategy identification, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. It may be appreciated that the steps of the method 300 may be
performed by the system 202. In another embodiment, the steps of the method 300
may be performed by the processor 220 of the system 202. In another embodiment,
the steps of the method 300 may be performed by the radio unit 104.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, at step 302, the method 300 may include
predicting a downlink traffic at the radio unit 104. In an embodiment, the method
300 may include predicting the downlink traffic at the radio unit 104 for a predefined
time interval, for example, for 30 minutes. The prediction may be
performed based on historical data pattern of the downlink traffic at the radio unit
104. In an embodiment, the prediction may be performed by a traffic prediction unit
(for example, the traffic prediction unit 218 of FIG. 2).
[0092] At step 304, the method 300 may include determining a current
downlink traffic. That is, the method 300 may include determining the downlink
traffic at the radio unit 104 at a current time instance. Further, at step 306, the
method 300 may include determining whether a difference between the current
downlink traffic and the predicted downlink traffic is within a pre-defined
confidence interval. In an embodiment, the method 300 may include determining
the difference between the downlink traffic at the current time instance and the
predicted downlink traffic for the pre-defined time interval. Further, the method 300
may include comparing the difference with the pre-defined confidence interval. If
the difference is within the pre-defined confidence interval, the method 300 may
proceed to step 308. Else, the method 300 may proceed to step 310.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 3, at step 308, the method 300 may include setting
a sustained time period as a first time period for identifying the power consumption
strategy at the radio unit 104. At step 310, the method 300 may include setting the
sustained time period as a second time period for identifying the power
consumption strategy at the radio unit 104. In an embodiment, the second time
period is greater than the first time period. For example, the first time period may
be 10 minutes, and the second time period may be 30 minutes. In an embodiment,
the first time period and the second time period may be configurable based at least
on the difference between the downlink traffic at the current time instance and the
predicted downlink traffic.
[0094] It may be appreciated that the steps shown in FIG. 3 are merely
illustrative. Other suitable steps may be used for the same, if desired. Moreover, the
steps of the method 300 may be performed in any order and may include additional
steps.
[0095] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method 400-1
for implementing a first power consumption policy at the radio unit 104, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the radio
unit 104 may be configured to select a power consumption policy from among a
first power consumption policy, a second power consumption policy, and/or a third
power consumption policy. FIG. 4A corresponds to the method 400-1 for
implementing the first power consumption policy at the radio unit 104.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 4A, at step 402, the method 400-1 may include
monitoring a downlink traffic at the radio unit 104. In an embodiment, the
monitoring may be performed by the system (for example, the system 202 or the
processor 220 of the system 202). Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring may
be performed by the radio unit 104. In an embodiment, the monitoring may be
performed continuously. In another embodiment, the monitoring may be performed
periodically after a pre-set time slot. Based on the monitoring, the method 400-1
may include determining a low traffic state of the radio unit 104 at step 404. In an
embodiment, the low traffic state of the radio unit 104 may be determined based on
a pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a pre-configured time
period. In an embodiment, if the monitored downlink traffic is within the predefined
threshold for the pre-configured time period, the system 202 or the radio
unit 104 may determine the low traffic state of the radio unit 104. As an example
discussed above, if the monitored downlink traffic or the downlink occupancy is
36.6% for 30 minutes, it may be considered that the radio unit 104 is in the low
traffic state. In an embodiment, if the low traffic state of the radio unit 104 is
determined at step 404, the method 400-1 may proceed to step 406. Else, the method
400-1 may include continuing to monitor the downlink traffic at the radio unit 104
(step 402).
[0097] Referring to FIG. 4A, at step 406, the method 400-1 may include
sending an M-plane message to a distributed unit (for example, the radio resource
scheduler 116 of FIG. 1B or the distributed unit 106 of FIG. 1A). In an embodiment,
the radio unit 104 may be configured to apply the first power consumption policy
by way of the method 400-1. In such an embodiment, the M-plane message may
indicate an intent of the radio unit 104 to enter a low power state for power
consumption. The radio unit 104 may enter the low power state based on applying
the first power consumption policy. In an embodiment, the first power consumption
policy may include shutting down a component or a combination of components
associated with the radio unit 104. For example, a number of transmit chains may
be shut down, a number of antenna ports may be shut down, and/or a number of
power amplifiers may be shut down. In an embodiment, the first power
consumption policy may include identifying the number of antenna ports to be
turned off or shut down. In such an embodiment, the M-plane message to the
distributed unit 106 may indicate the intent of the radio unit 104 to enter the low
power state with the identified number of antenna ports entering into low power
state.
[0098] Further, at step 408, the method 400-1 may include receiving a
response from the distributed unit 106. In an embodiment, the response may include
an acknowledgement that resource remapping to available components or
combination of components associated with the radio unit 104 have been
completed. In an embodiment, in response to receiving the message from the system
202 or the radio unit 104 indicating the intent of the radio unit 104 to enter the low
power state, the distributed unit 106 may schedule and/or remap resources to
available antenna ports in order to continue to serve the active computing devices
(for example, the computing devices 102 of FIG. 1A). In an embodiment, the
response may include an M-plane message.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 4A, at step 410, the method 400-1 may include
configuring the radio unit 104 to enter the low power state by turning off the
identified number of antenna ports. It may be appreciated that turning off the
identified number of antenna ports may include powering down power amplifiers
associated with the identified number of antenna ports. In an embodiment, the radio
unit 104 may configure the identified power amplifiers to switch to an idle state or
sleep mode in order to reduce the power consumption in low traffic situations. In
an embodiment, the identified number of transmit chains and/or the antenna ports
and/or the power amplifiers may not be completely disabled, and may transition
from active to idle and back to active state multiple times.
[0100] In an embodiment, the method 400-1 may include continuously
monitoring the downlink traffic at the radio unit 104. In case the downlink traffic
increases, for example, the system 202 and/or the radio unit 104 may detect a high
traffic state at the radio unit 104, then the radio unit 104 may identify the antenna
ports to be enabled that were initially disabled to consume power. In such an
embodiment, the radio unit 104 may send an M-plane message to the distributed
unit 106 to indicate an intent of the radio unit 104 to enable the identified antenna
ports to serve the increasing traffic demand. Therefore, the radio unit 104, based on
the monitored downlink traffic, may switch between power consumption policies.
Example estimated power reduction based on first power consumption policy
[0101] Considering that each transmitter delivers 40 Watt (46 dBm) power
per antenna port. In a TDD system, there would be circuits for downlink/uplink
mode control after a power amplifier that would add additional loss, for example, 2
dB after the power amplifier. To account for the loss, the power amplifier would
deliver extra power, in this case, 46+2 = 48 dBm (63 Watts). In an 8T8R TDD radio
unit, the total power delivered by the power amplifier would be 63*8 = 504 Watt.
[0102] Based on applying the first power consumption policy, as explained
above with reference to FIG. 4A, the radio unit 104 may be configured to efficiently
manage power consumption. The below table shows the percentage power savings
when a number of power amplifiers are turned off, or instead switched to an idle
state in an 8T8R configuration. As an example, when 4 power amplifiers are turned
off, 47.49% of the overall system power consumption is reduced. It may be
understood that for other types of configurations such as, but not limited to, 4T4R,
16T16R, or the like, the overall power savings may be calculated in a similar
manner.
PA efficiency
calculation
#Active
PAs
PA output
power
(W)
Total power
consumption
(W)
Power savings
for the PA
section (%)
Overall
power
savings (%)
Vdd (V) 48
1 63.1 118.0 87.5 83.10
Pout (dBm) 46
2 126.2 236.0 75 71.23
Post PA loss 2
3 189.3 354.1 62.5 59.36
PAout (W) 63.1
4 252.4 472.1 50 47.49
PA eff 40
5 315.5 590.1 37.5 35.61
Pin (W) 0.15
6 378.6 708.1 25 23.74
P_DC (W) @
75% Duty
cycle
118
7 441.7 826.2 12.5 11.87
Power
consumption
by rest of the
system
50
8 504.8 944.2 0 0.00
Table 5
[0103] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method 400-2
for implementing a second power consumption policy at the radio unit 104, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 4B, at step 412, the method 400-2 may include
monitoring a downlink traffic at the radio unit 104. In an embodiment, the
monitoring may be performed by the system (for example, the system 202 or the
processor 220 of the system 202). Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring may
be performed by the radio unit 104. In an embodiment, the monitoring may be
performed continuously. In another embodiment, the monitoring may be performed
periodically after a pre-set time slot. Based on the monitoring, the method 400-2
may include determining a low traffic state of the radio unit 104 at step 414. In an
embodiment, the low traffic state of the radio unit 104 may be determined based on
a pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a pre-configured time
period. In an embodiment, if the monitored downlink traffic is within the predefined
threshold for the pre-configured time period, the system 202 or the radio
unit 104 may determine the low traffic state of the radio unit 104. In an embodiment,
if the low traffic state of the radio unit 104 is determined at step 414, the method
400-2 may proceed to step 416. Else, the method 400-2 may include continuing to
monitor the downlink traffic at the radio unit 104 (step 412). It may be appreciated
that steps 412 and 414 of the method 400-2 correspond to the steps 402 and 404 of
the method 400-1, respectively, and hence, may not be described in detail again for
the sake of brevity.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 4B, at step 416, the method 400-2 may include
sending an M-plane message to a distributed unit (for example, the radio resource
scheduler 116 of FIG. 1B or the distributed unit 106 of FIG. 1A). In an embodiment,
the radio unit 104 may be configured to apply the second power consumption policy
by way of the method 400-2. In such an embodiment, the M-plane message may
indicate an intent of the radio unit 104 to enter a low power state for power
consumption. The radio unit 104 may enter the low power state based on applying
the second power consumption policy. In an embodiment, the second power
consumption policy may include reducing a number of downlink slots associated
with the radio unit 104. During peak traffic hours, it may be necessary to provide
all the available downlink slots to meet user demand. Once power consumption
policy is triggered in response to the low traffic state of the radio unit 104, traffic
may be consolidated on fewer downlink slots and the unused downlink slots may
be disabled. In an embodiment, the second power consumption policy may include
identifying the number of downlink slots to be reduced based on the low traffic state
of the radio unit 104. In such an embodiment, the M-plane message to the
distributed unit 106 may indicate the intent of the radio unit 104 to enter the low
power state with the identified number of downlink slots entering into low power
state.
[0106] Further, at step 418, the method 400-2 may include receiving a
response from the distributed unit 106. In an embodiment, the response may include
an acknowledgement that resource remapping to available downlink slots
associated with the radio unit 104 have been completed. In an embodiment, in
response to receiving the message from the system 202 or the radio unit 104
indicating the intent of the radio unit 104 to enter the low power state, the distributed
unit 106 may schedule and/or remap resources to available downlink slots in order
to continue to serve the user demand, i.e., the active computing devices 102. In an
embodiment, the response may include an M-plane message.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 4B, at step 420, the method 400-2 may include
configuring the radio unit 104 to enter the low power state by reducing the identified
number of downlink slots. It may be understood that while all the power amplifiers
are kept in an active state or an idle state based on requirements, the number of
downlink slots may be reduced based on the second power consumption policy in
accordance with the traffic condition. Reducing the number of downlink slots will
reduce the total instantaneous bandwidth that the radio unit 104 can utilize on the
downlink, but also reduce the power that would otherwise be consumed.
[0108] In an embodiment, the method 400-2 may include continuously
monitoring the downlink traffic at the radio unit 104. In case the downlink traffic
increases, for example, the system 202 and/or the radio unit 104 may detect a high
traffic state at the radio unit 104, then the radio unit 104 may identify the downlink
slots to be allocated to serve the increasing traffic demand. In such an embodiment,
the radio unit 104 may send an M-plane message to the distributed unit 106 to
indicate an intent of the radio unit 104 to switch to a high power state with the
identified downlink slots entering into the high power state to serve the increasing
traffic demand. Therefore, the radio unit 104, based on the monitored downlink
traffic, may switch between a low power state and a high power state dynamically.
Example estimated power consumption based on applying the second power
consumption policy
[0109] In a normal condition, the downlink/uplink slots may be occupied as
per the below table, where 14 out of 20 slots may be configured as downlink.
TS
0
TS
1
TS
2
TS
3
TS
4
TS
5
TS
6
TS
7
TS
8
TS
9
TS
10
TS
11
TS
12
TS
13
TS
14
TS
15
TS
16
TS
17
TS
18
TS
19
DL DL DL DL DL DL DL S UL UL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL S UL UL
Table 6
[0110] When low traffic is detected, for example, with average 100 PRB
occupancy, or 100/273 = 36.6% of the peak traffic, it is possible to allocate all the
PRBs, but the power amplifier may be set to low power state for (100-36.6) = 63.4%
of the downlink slots = round (14 * 0.634) = 8 slots. The below table may indicate
this condition for reduce timeslot usage.
TS
0
TS
1
TS
2
TS
3
TS
4
TS
5
TS
6
TS
7
TS
8
TS
9
TS
10
TS
11
TS
12
TS
13
TS
14
TS
15
TS
16
TS
17
Idle Idle Idle Idle DL DL DL S UL UL Idle Idle Idle Idle DL DL DL S Table 7
[0111] In an embodiment, when the timeslot is in an idle state, the power
amplifier bias may be set to a very low current state and the radio frequency input
signal may be reduced to zero. This ensures that the idle state power consumption
of the power amplifier is close to zero, i.e., not completely disabled. With this power
consumption policy, the power reduction may be 8/14 * 504 = 288 Watt. For
example, the below table indicates the overall system power saving with this power
consumption policy.
# DL slots Total output
power (W)
Total power
consumption
(W)
Power savings for
the PA section
(%)
Overall power
savings (%)
1 72.1 134.9 85.71 81.40
2 144.2 269.8 71.43 67.84
3 216.3 404.7 57.14 54.27
4 288.4 539.5 42.86 40.70
5 360.5 674.4 28.57 27.13
6 432.7 809.3 14.29 13.57
7 504.8 944.2 0.00 0.00
Table 8
[0112] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the radio
unit 104 may be configured to apply a third power consumption policy. In an
embodiment, the third power consumption policy may be a combination of the first
power consumption policy and the second power consumption policy. For example,
a combination of components associated with the radio unit 104 may be powered
down. That is, a number of antenna ports in combination with a number of downlink
slots may be reduced or powered down by way of the third power consumption
policy at the radio unit 104.
[0113] Further, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
it may be understood that the radio unit 104 may be configured to select the power
consumption policy based on a computation of power saving potential with respect
to each of the first power consumption policy, the second power consumption
policy, and the third power consumption policy. In an embodiment, the radio unit
104 may apply the power consumption policy for a pre-configured time period, for
example, based on the actual downlink traffic and the predicted downlink traffic. In
an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may apply the power consumption policy for a
first time period based on a difference between the actual downlink traffic at the
current time instance and the predicted downlink traffic for the pre-defined time
interval being within the pre-configured confidence interval. Alternatively, the
radio unit 104 may apply the power consumption policy for a second time period
based on the difference being greater than the pre-configured confidence interval.
In an embodiment, the second time period may be greater than the first time period.
In an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may apply the power consumption policy until
an external message is received at the radio unit 104, for example, from the
centralized unit (such as the centralized unit 108 of FIG. 1A) or the distributed unit
106 instructing the radio unit 104 to proceed otherwise.
[0114] As an example, but not limited to, the below table indicates the total
power consumption and power saving with respect to the third power consumption
policy, i.e. the number of active power amplifiers and the number of active
downlink slots.
TDD
Duty
Cycle
Traffic
Condition
# PAs
(Powered ON)
# Time slots
(DL only)
Total Power
Consumption
(W)
Power
Saving
(%)
100% Full 8 14 1258.91 0
75% Full 8 14 944.19 25
75% Option-1 7/8 7 14 826.16 34.38
75% Option-1 6/8 6 14 708.14 43.75
75% Option-1 5/8 5 14 590.12 53.13
75% Option-1 4/8 4 14 472.09 62.5
75% Option-1 3/8 3 14 354.07 71.88
75% Option-1 2/8 2 14 236.05 81.25
75% Option-1 1/8 1 14 118.02 90.63
75% Option-2
13/14
8 13 876.74 30.36
75% Option-2
12/14
8 12 809.30 35.71
75% Option-2
11/14
8 11 741.86 41.07
75% Option-2
10/14
8 10 674.42 46.43
75% Option-2 9/14 8 9 606.98 51.79
75% Option-2 8/14 8 8 539.53 57.14
75% Option-2 7/14 8 7 472.09 62.5
75% Option-2 6/14 8 6 404.65 67.86
75% Option-2 5/14 8 5 337.21 73.21
75% Option-2 4/14 8 4 269.77 78.57
75% Option-2 3/14 8 3 202.33 83.93
75% Option-2 2/14 8 2 134.88 89.29
75% Option-2 1/14 8 1 67.44 94.64
Table 9
[0115] The blocks of the flow diagram shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B have been
arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it is to
be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be
recognized that the processing associated with methods 400-1 and 400-2 may occur
in a different order (for example, where at least some of the processing associated
with the blocks is performed in parallel and/or in an event-driven manner). Further,
it may be appreciated that the steps shown in FIGs. 4A-4B are merely illustrative.
Other suitable steps may be used for the same, if desired. Moreover, the steps of the
methods 400-1 and 400-2 may be performed in any order and may include
additional steps.
[0116] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system architecture 500 for
implementing a bias control mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure. In an embodiment, the radio unit 104 may implement the bias
control mechanism, as explained with reference to FIG. 5.
[0117] In an embodiment, the exemplary system architecture 500 may
correspond to a 5G NR base station. The 5G NR base station may include, a TDD
switching controller (TSC) 502, a baseband processing module 504, a digital to
analog converter (DAC) 506, a power amplifier 508, and a switch 510.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 5, the TSC 502 may provide the boundary
conditions of downlink and uplink slots of one radio frame. The baseband
processing module 504 may process the IQ symbols before converting them to
analog domain. The DAC 506 may convert the digital signal to an analog signal.
Further, the switch 510 connects the gate of the power amplifier 508 and switches
between an optimal voltage (Vgs1) and cut off voltage Vgs2. In an embodiment, the
optimal voltage (Vgs1) may be greater than the cut off voltage (Vgs2). In an
embodiment, the TSC 502 controls the switch 510.
[0119] In an embodiment, as discussed above, the radio unit 104 may
determine a power consumption policy from among a first power consumption
policy, a second power consumption policy, and a third power consumption policy,
for efficient power management at the radio unit 104. Based on the determined
power consumption policy, the radio unit 104 may send an M-plane message to the
distributed unit 106 to indicate the intent of the radio unit 104 to enter a low power
state, as discussed above with reference to FIGs. 4A and 4B. In response to
receiving an acknowledgement from the distributed unit 106, the radio unit 104 may
apply the identified power consumption policy in the manner as explained below.
[0120] In an embodiment, in an operational mode, the power amplifier 508
drives a high drain current from the power supply. To operate the power amplifier
508 in the operational mode, the TSC 502 sends a control signal to the switch 510
which connects the gate of the power amplifier 508 with an operational 𝑉𝑔𝑠 512. In
an embodiment, the operational 𝑉𝑔𝑠 512 may correspond to the optimal voltage
(Vgs1). It may be understood that in the operational mode, the power consumption
by the power amplifier 508 is high to deliver the desired output power.
[0121] In a sleep mode or an idle state, the power amplifier 508 drives
negligible to zero drain current from the power supply. To operate the power
amplifier 508 in the sleep mode, the TSC 502 sends a control signal to the switch
510 which connects the gate of the power amplifier 508 with a sleep 𝑉𝑔𝑠 514. In an
embodiment, the sleep 𝑉𝑔𝑠 514 may correspond to the cut off voltage (Vgs2). It may
be understood that in the sleep mode, the power consumption by the power
amplifier 508 is negligible as no output power is delivered.
[0122] Therefore, it is possible to effectively modulate the gate of the power
amplifier 508, i.e. Vgs, and therefore, reduce the bias on the power amplifier 508.
[0123] The methods and techniques described here may be implemented in
digital electronic circuitry, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or with a
programmable processor (for example, a special-purpose processor or a generalpurpose
processor such as a computer) firmware, software, or in combinations of
them. Apparatus embodying these techniques may include appropriate input and
output devices, FPGA, a programmable processor, and a storage medium tangibly
embodying program instructions for execution by the programmable processor. A
process embodying these techniques may be performed by a programmable
processor executing a program of instructions to perform desired functions by
operating on input data and generating appropriate output. The techniques may
advantageously be implemented in one or more programs that are executable on a
programmable system, explained in detail with reference to FIG. 6, including at
least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from,
and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input
device, and at least one output device. Generally, a processor will receive
instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory.
Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and
data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example
semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, and flash memory devices;
magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; and magnetooptical
disks. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in,
specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
[0124] In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computer system 600
in which or with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized. The
computing system 600 may be implemented as or within the system 202 and/or the
radio unit 104 and/or any suitable network device described in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 6, the computer system
600 may include an external storage device 610, a bus 620, a main memory 630, a
read-only memory 640, a mass storage device 650, communication port(s) 660, and
a processor 670. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system
600 may include more than one processor 670 and communication ports 660. The
processor 670 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the
present disclosure. The communication port(s) 660 may be any of an RS-232 port
for use with a modem-based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit
or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other
existing or future ports. The communication port(s) 660 may be chosen depending
on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or
any network to which the computer system 600 connects.
[0125] In an embodiment, the main memory 630 may be Random Access
Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art.
The read-only memory 640 may be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited
to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static
information e.g., start-up or basic input output system (BIOS) instructions for the
processor 670. The mass storage device 650 may be any current or future mass
storage solution, which can be used to store information and/or instructions.
Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced
Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
(SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or Firewire interfaces).
[0126] In an embodiment, the bus 620 communicatively couples the
processor 670 with the other memory, storage, and communication blocks. The bus
620 may be, e.g. a Peripheral Component Interconnect PCI) / PCI Extended (PCIX)
bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), USB, or the like, for connecting
expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front
side bus (FSB), which connects the processor 670 to the computer system 600.
[0127] In another embodiment, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g.
a display, keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to the bus
620 to support direct operator interaction with the computer system 600. Other
operator and administrative interfaces may be provided through network
connections connected through the communication port(s) 660. Components
described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should
the aforementioned exemplary computer system 600 limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0128] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or
processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The
functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the
use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated
software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their
function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through
dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or
even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing
this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the
exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems
described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be
limited to any particular named.
[0129] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the
invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without
departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by
the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments,
versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill
in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and
knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0130] The present disclosure provides an efficient solution for minimizing
power consumption at a fifth generation (5G) base station, i.e., a radio unit.
[0131] The present disclosure optimizes power consumption without any
performance degradation.
[0132] The present disclosure considers the state of network traffic demand
to intelligently control a state of a power amplifier and a transmitter chain for power
consumption at a radio unit.
ABBREVIATION TABLE
S.No. Abbreviation Full Form
1. NR New Radio
2. PA Power Amplifier
3. QoS Quality of Service
4. OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
5. PAPR Peak to Average Power Ratio
6. MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output
7. RU Radio Unit
8. RF Radio Frequency
9. TDD Time Division Duplexing
10. 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project
11. GPS Global Positioning System
12. VR Virtual Reality
13. AR Augmented Reality
14. RAN Radio Access Network
15. O-RAN Open Radio Access Network
16. RLC Radio Link Control
17. MAC Media Access Control
18. M-plane Management Plane
19. PRB Physical Resource Block
20. TS Time Slot
21. SF Subframe
22. OAM Operations Administration and Maintenance
23. RAM Random Access Memory
24. EPROM Erasable Programmable Red-Only Memory
25. LNA Low Noise Amplifier
26. I/O Input/Output
27. IQ In and Quadrature phase
28. CPRI Common Public Radio Interface
29. eCPRI Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface
30. O-RU Open Radio Unit
31. U-plane User Plane
32. BW Bandwidth
33. DL Downlink
34. UL Uplink
35. TSC Time Division Duplexing (TDD) Switching
Control
36. DAC Digital to Analog Converter
37. FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
38. ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
39. LAN Local Area Network
40. WAN Wide Area Network
41. RAM Random Access Memory
42. PROM Programmable Read Only Memory
43. PATA Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment
44. SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
45. USB Universal Serial Bus
46. PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
47. PCI-X Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended
48. SCSI Small Computer System Interface
49. FSB Front Side Bus
50. BIOS Basic Input Output System
51. SS Special Subframe , Claims:1. A method for managing power consumption in a wireless communication network, comprising:
monitoring, by a processor, a downlink traffic at a radio unit in the wireless communication network;
determining, by the processor, a low traffic state of the radio unit based on a pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a pre-configured time period; and
configuring, by the processor, the radio unit to enter a low power state based on the determined low traffic state, wherein configuring the radio unit comprises:
selecting, by the processor, a power consumption policy; and
applying, by the processor, the selected power consumption policy at the radio unit for a pre-defined time period.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining, by the processor, the low traffic state of the radio unit comprises:
determining, by the processor, the downlink traffic at the radio unit at a current time instance;
estimating, by the processor, a predicted downlink traffic at the radio unit for a pre-defined time interval, wherein the current time instance is prior to the pre-defined time interval; and
determining, by the processor, the low traffic state of the radio unit based on whether a difference between the downlink traffic at the current time instance and the predicted downlink traffic for the pre-defined time interval is within a pre-defined confidence interval.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
in response to a positive determination, applying, by the processor, the power consumption policy at the radio unit for a first time period;
else, applying, by the processor, the power consumption policy at the radio unit for a second time period, the second time period being greater than the first time period.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein estimating, by the processor, the predicted downlink traffic is based on historical data pattern of the downlink traffic at the radio unit.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power consumption policy comprises at least one of a first power consumption policy, a second power consumption policy, and a third power consumption policy, wherein selecting, by the processor, the power consumption policy is based on a power saving potential of each of the first power consumption policy, the second power consumption policy, and the third power consumption policy, and wherein the third power consumption policy is a combination of the first power consumption policy and the second power consumption policy.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein applying, by the processor, the power consumption policy at the radio unit comprises applying, by the processor, the first power consumption policy at the radio unit based on the selection, and wherein applying the first power consumption policy comprises:
identifying, by the processor, a number of active antenna ports to be turned off;
sending, by the processor, a message to a distributed unit in the wireless communication network, the message indicating an intent for the radio unit to enter the low power state with the identified number of active antenna ports entering into the low power state;
receiving, by the processor, a response from the distributed unit, the response indicating that resource remapping to available antenna ports is completed; and
configuring, by the processor, the radio unit to turn off the identified number of antenna ports.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein configuring, by the processor, the radio unit to turn off the identified number of antenna ports comprises configuring, by the processor, the radio unit to switch power amplifiers associated with the identified number of antenna ports to an idle state.
8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein applying, by the processor, the power consumption policy at the radio unit comprises applying, by the processor, the second power consumption policy at the radio unit based on the selection, and wherein applying the second power consumption policy comprises:
identifying, by the processor, a number of downlink slots to be reduced;
sending, by the processor, a message to a distributed unit indicating an intent for the radio unit to enter the low power state with the number of downlink slots entering into the low power state;
receiving, by the processor, a response from the distributed unit, the response indicating that resource remapping to available downlink slots is completed; and
configuring, by the processor, the radio unit to reduce the identified number of downlink slots.
9. A system for managing power consumption in a wireless communication network, the system comprising:
a processor; and
a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory comprises processor-executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to:
monitor a downlink traffic at a radio unit in the wireless communication network;
determine a low traffic state of the radio unit based on a pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a pre-configured time period; and
configure the radio unit to enter a low power state based on the determined low traffic state, wherein to configure the radio unit, the processor is configured to:
select a power consumption policy; and
apply the selected power consumption policy at the radio unit for a pre-defined time period.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions that are executable by a processor to:
monitor a downlink traffic at a radio unit in a wireless communication network;
determine a low traffic state of the radio unit based on a pre-defined threshold for the monitored downlink traffic for a pre-configured time period; and
configure the radio unit to enter a low power state based on the determined low traffic state, wherein to configure the radio unit, the processor is configured to:
select a power consumption policy; and
apply the selected power consumption policy at the radio unit for a pre-defined time period.