Power savings in small cell deployments via sleep mode techniques

Small cell base stations (BSs) that form an overlay layer on the existing macrocell network offer tremendous potential in terms of satisfying high data rate traffic requirements and enabling breakthrough services. However; small cell deployments can pose negative energy-efficiency implications if not equipped with advanced power saving mechanisms. In this work, we address this issue and propose algorithms that instill the small cell BS with the ability to invoke a low-power sleep mode when not required to serve any user traffic. More specifically, we present three different strategies for sleep mode enactment in small cells, relying on small cell driven, core network driven, and user equipment (UE) driven approaches. Based on a mix of voice and data traffic model, the algorithms offer approximately 13-56% energy savings in the network relative to the absence of sleep modes, coupled with additional capacity incentives.