Software controlled approach for energy efficient Radio Network Controllers

Abstract

Radio Network Controllers (RNCs) are responsible for controlling and managing the multiple base stations in any wireless networks. The RNC performs user data processing to manage soft handoff and manage proper utilization of radio network services. These processing requires significant packet handling and manipulation. With so much of complex processing, RNC needs huge amount of power. This is one of the challenge, service providers are facing in current situation as they struggle with soaring energy costs. This challenge can be well fought by increasing energy efficiency in radio access networks. It is very much possible to have a system that leverages the power saving capabilities of the underlying hardware. This paper discusses a method and system for energy efficiency in the RNC; if integrated with other power saving mechanism, can offer a holistic solution to efficient energy consumption. The system comprises of two applications i.e. Power Saver (PS) which is responsible for managing power activities, and a Load Balancer (LB) that monitors load handled by resource/hardware (term “resource” is used hereafter) present in the system. PS and LB works in conjunction. LB provides inputs to PS, if the system load crosses pre-configured thresholds and then PS makes the decision based on inputs received from LB.