A method for deactivating a first node in a communication network includes determining, in a first time period, a number (A) of active mobile UE devices in a first network cell; determining a number (B) of static UE devices in the first network cell; and determining a number (C) of requests for direct D2D communication from UE devices in the first network cell. The method includes estimating a number of active UE devices in the first network cell for a second time period based on one or more of A, B, and C and determining whether the estimated number of active UE devices is less than a threshold. If so, the method includes transmitting a request to a second node to take over communication with one or more of the UE devices. If the request is accepted by the second node, the first node is deactivated.