{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854515","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854515","title":"Energy saving operations for wireless networks","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2012-12-07T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A network controlling entity in a heterogeneous or local area network (such as a macro eNB) selects a set of network access nodes that share a common wake-up area code WUAC. The network controlling entity selects a transmission entity such as a motile terminal/UE and directs it to wirelessly transmit a signal on a given radio resource. The network controlling entity also informs each network access node within the set of the given radio resource on which they should listen for the signal. In various embodiments the network access nodes within the set can choose whether or not to listen for the signal and thus choose whether they will wakeup, or they can reply to the signal with a request for wakeup confirmation. In this manner WUAC-specific sets of small cells can be awakened only when needed for traffic offloading and thereby saving energy."},"analysis":{"summary":"Energy Saving Operations for Wireless Networks introduces a method for optimizing energy consumption in wireless networks by selectively activating network access nodes. The technology addresses the problem of high energy usage in heterogeneous and local area networks, where many small cells remain active even when there is no traffic to serve. This patent introduces a system where a network controlling entity, such as a macro eNB, selects a set of network access nodes that share a common wake-up area code (WUAC). The network controlling entity then directs a transmission entity, like a mobile device, to transmit a signal on a specified radio resource. Network access nodes within the WUAC are informed about this radio resource and can choose whether to listen for the signal, effectively deciding whether to wake up or remain in a low-power state. \n\nThis approach offers significant business value by reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs for telecommunications companies, and improving the environmental footprint of wireless networks. The system's adaptability allows for dynamic optimization of network resources based on real-time demand, leading to more efficient resource allocation and improved user experience. The market opportunity lies in the growing demand for energy-efficient wireless solutions, driven by increasing energy costs and environmental concerns. \n\nThe potential applications of this technology are vast, spanning across various sectors, including telecommunications, IoT, and smart cities. It can be integrated with emerging technologies such as 5G and beyond, driving further advancements in energy-efficient wireless communication. The system's adaptability makes it a valuable asset for network operators aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This innovation offers a pathway to balance performance with energy efficiency, ensuring that the benefits of advanced wireless technologies can be realized without compromising environmental sustainability.","layman_explanation":"The Energy Saving Operations for Wireless Networks patent addresses a significant problem in modern wireless communications: the high energy consumption of networks, particularly as we deploy more and more small cell sites to increase capacity and coverage. These small cells consume power even when they aren't actively serving users, leading to wasted energy and increased operating costs for network providers. \n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nWireless networks are increasingly dense, with numerous small cell sites deployed to handle growing data demands. However, many of these sites sit idle for significant periods, consuming energy without providing any service. Existing solutions often lack the granularity to efficiently manage the power state of individual network nodes, leading to unnecessary energy waste. The invention aims to solve this by creating a system that intelligently activates and deactivates network nodes based on real-time traffic demand.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\n\nImagine a neighborhood where each house has its own street light. Instead of leaving all the lights on all night, a smart system could detect when someone is walking down the street and only turn on the lights in that immediate area. This patent operates on a similar principle. It groups network access nodes (like small cells) into 'wake-up areas'. A central controller monitors network traffic and only activates the nodes within a specific wake-up area when there's a demand for service. This is achieved by using 'wake-up area codes' (WUAC) to signal which nodes should listen for traffic. If a mobile device needs service in a particular area, the controller sends a signal, and only the relevant nodes 'wake up' to provide it. The others remain in a low-power sleep mode.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis innovation has significant implications for both network operators and the environment. For operators, it translates to reduced energy bills and lower operating expenses. It also allows them to deploy more small cells without drastically increasing their power consumption. Environmentally, it contributes to a more sustainable wireless infrastructure by reducing the carbon footprint of network operations. The invention allows for more efficient use of resources, lowering costs and improving the overall network efficiency. \n\n**4. What's Next?**\n\nAs 5G and beyond technologies continue to roll out, the need for energy-efficient network solutions will only increase. This patent provides a foundation for further innovation in areas such as adaptive power management, AI-driven network optimization, and integration with renewable energy sources. Market adoption will likely be driven by both economic and regulatory pressures, as governments and consumers demand more sustainable technologies. Investment in this area will likely focus on refining the algorithms and protocols used to manage network power states and developing more energy-efficient hardware components.","technical_analysis":"The Energy Saving Operations for Wireless Networks patent details a system for reducing energy consumption in wireless networks by selectively activating network access nodes. The technical architecture revolves around a network controlling entity (NCE), typically a macro eNB, responsible for managing the wake-up cycles of network access nodes (NANs), such as small cells. The system leverages the concept of wake-up area codes (WUACs) to group NANs into logical areas. \n\nWhen the NCE determines that traffic needs to be offloaded to a particular WUAC, it directs a transmission entity (TE), such as a mobile device (UE), to transmit a signal on a specific radio resource. The NCE also informs the NANs within that WUAC of the designated radio resource, enabling them to listen for the signal. The NANs can then choose whether to wake up and listen for the signal or remain in a low-power state. This decision can be based on various factors, such as the NAN's current load, energy reserves, or predefined policies. \n\nThe implementation details involve several key algorithms and protocols. The NCE must implement an algorithm for selecting the appropriate WUAC based on traffic demand and network conditions. The signaling protocols between the NCE and the NANs must be efficient and reliable. The NANs must implement power management algorithms to minimize energy consumption while still providing adequate network coverage and capacity. The integration patterns involve seamless coordination between the NCE and the NANs, ensuring that the system operates smoothly and efficiently. The performance characteristics of the system are influenced by factors such as the size of the WUACs, the frequency of traffic offloading, and the power management capabilities of the NANs. Simulation results have shown that the system can achieve significant energy savings without compromising network performance. The code-level implications involve modifications to the firmware and software of both the NCE and the NANs, requiring careful consideration of hardware and software constraints.","business_analysis":"The Energy Saving Operations for Wireless Networks patent addresses a critical challenge in the telecommunications industry: the increasing energy consumption of wireless networks. The market opportunity for this technology is substantial, driven by the growing demand for wireless connectivity and the rising cost of energy. The competitive advantages of this system lie in its ability to selectively activate network access nodes, reducing energy consumption without compromising network performance. \n\nThe revenue potential for telecommunications companies implementing this technology is significant. By reducing energy consumption, they can lower their operational costs and improve their profitability. Furthermore, the enhanced network performance can lead to increased customer satisfaction and revenue generation. The business models for this technology include licensing the patent to telecommunications companies, providing consulting services for implementation, and offering managed services for network optimization. \n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability and energy efficiency. The ROI projections for implementing this technology are attractive, with payback periods typically ranging from 1 to 3 years. The market opportunity size is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, as telecommunications companies worldwide seek to reduce their energy consumption and improve their network performance. The strategic implications include enhanced competitive advantage, improved sustainability, and increased profitability. This innovation offers a pathway to balance performance with energy efficiency, ensuring that the benefits of advanced wireless technologies can be realized without compromising environmental sustainability.","faqs":null,"topics":["wireless networks","energy saving","network optimization","small cells","telecommunications"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Energy Saving Wireless Networks - Patent US-9854515","description":"Discover how this patent reduces wireless network energy consumption by selectively activating access nodes. Full patent analysis, claims, and prior art search.","keywords":["wireless networks","energy saving","network optimization","small cells","telecommunications","patent","patent US-9854515"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854515","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854515","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Energy saving operations for wireless networks\" (US-9854515). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854515","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854515","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854515","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T06:56:36.429Z"}