A Practical Framework for Energy-Efficient Node Activation in Heterogeneous LTE Networks

Abstract

This paper presents a framework to activate and deactivate micronodes in a heterogeneous multicell LTE network, based on load and energy efficiency consideration. The framework exploits historical data (i.e., per-macro-cell load curves) to select a set of candidate switch-on/switch-off instants of microcells, assuming a limited number of state changes is allowed in a day. The switching instants are instead determined online, by taking into account the actual traffic as well as the load curves. Moreover, intercell interference is fully accounted for. Our simulations show that this framework allows a multicell network to sustain peak-hour load when necessary and to reconfigure to a minimum coverage baseline whenever feasible, thus saving power (up to 25% in our scenarios). Moreover, the framework is robust, meaning that deviations of the actual traffic with respect to the prediction offered by the load curves can easily be handled.

Practical feasibility, scalability and effectiveness of coordinated scheduling algorithms in cellular networks towards 5G

“…We use a flexible snapshot simulator that simulates the association and resulting SINR of UEs in a large-scale multicell deployment, evolved from the one in [23]. The term snapshot (as opposed to discrete-event) implies that time does not play a role here, and that the purpose of the simulator is to compute the steady-state regime given a cell deployment, a UE dropping, per-UE association rules and traffic requirements.…”

Minimizing Power Consumption in Virtualized Cellular Networks

“…To evaluate the GPM algorithm, we consider the multicell cellular network shown in Figure 6, using the tool described in [11]. Each hexagon (also referred as cell hereafter) hosts one macro and two micro eNBs.…”

“…Work [10] proposes an offline algorithm that allows only one switching of each node per day. Work [11] instead proposes a hybrid online/offline scheme for power management of low-power nodes. Optimal switching instants are decided using optimization, and the number of power transitions during the day is upper bounded to reduce the wear and tear of legacy nodes.…”

Signaling Load Reduction in 5G Network and Beyond

“…The current Long-Term Evolution (LTE) architecture lacks flexibility to accommodate this increase in data request rates. Therefore, as a solution to increase network capacity, operators are inserting more cells [5], this action leads to increased inter-cell interference levels, more handovers, and significant expenses [6]. All of this led to the formation of the Fifth Generation (5G) network that is due to start in 2021, in order to solve the existing network capacity issue [7].…”