Self-optimization of antenna configuration in LTE-Advance networks for energy saving

In hotspot areas, heavy traffic requires a large capacity of network systems. However, it leads to a waste of energy during idle periods. In this paper, we at first analyzed the traffic distribution of hotspots in a business center. We then discussed a novel scheme which applies self-optimization and self-configuration mechanisms to realize hibernation and wakeup of eNBs in 3GPP LTE-Advance networks in order to save energy. In this scheme, self-optimizing antenna configuration was used to adjust sectors coverage and both an active-optimizing mechanism and a special UE mode were proposed to implement the hibernation and wakeup process. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme was thereafter validated and the results indicate that the scheme can save energy in hotspot areas by 13.5%.