Method and apparatus for mobile communication system

Abstract

Methods and devices for a mobile communication system are disclosed. According to an embodiment, there is provided a method in a mobile communication system comprising a radio access network, RAN, comprising a first RAN node and a second RAN node connected by a transport network comprising a first transport node and a second transport node, wherein the first RAN node is connected to the first transport node and the second RAN node is connected to the second transport node, the method comprising, by the first transport node: determining a status of the transport network connection between the first transport node and the second transport node; generating a message indicating the status of the transport network connection; and initiating transmission of the message to the first RAN node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to methods in mobile communication systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for mobile communication systems including radio access networks (RANs) and transmission networks. Background Technology

[0002] This section introduces aspects that may facilitate a better understanding of this disclosure. Accordingly, the statements in this section are to be read in this regard and should not be construed as an admission of what is in or not in the prior art.

[0003] The mobile network divides areas into cells, each covered by a radio base station (which may be, for example, a fourth-generation (4G) evolved NodeB (eNB) or a fifth-generation (5G) next-generation NodeB (gNB)). Mobile devices within each cell communicate radioly with the nearest base station, where the signal is then transmitted to the core network via a cable or high-frequency radio link to the terminal, which is then connected to the core network. The radio base station can functionally be divided into a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio headend (RRH) or remote radio unit (RRU). The baseband unit generates and processes baseband RF signals, while the remote radio headend or remote radio unit generates and transmits RF signals from the baseband signals.

[0004] With the advent of 5G, there is a need to increase the number of base stations. One solution to this need is the C-RAN (cloud RAN or centralized RAN) architecture, which deconstructs base stations by moving baseband processing to a centralized location to reduce costs and improve performance and scalability.

[0005] Deconstructing base stations into separate RRUs and BBUs creates the need for a fronthaul transport network capable of carrying antenna signals using CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) or OBSAI (Open Base Station Architecture Initiative Protocol). The term "fronthaul" can be used to describe the transport network in a C-RAN architecture that carries signals from the RRU to the BBU. The fronthaul portion of a RAN (such as C-RAN) architecture includes an intermediate link between the BBU and the radio head (or mast, radio unit) at the "edge" of the cellular network. Specifically, the RAN fronthaul portion includes dedicated optical fiber that carries data using CPRI or OBSAI formats. Currently, most fronthaul links are point-to-point (P2P) connections between the BBU and RRU and are CPRI-based. The CPRI line rate negotiation process typically begins during link startup and operation. The transport network can implement architectures such as packet interfaces, passive optical networks (PON), wavelength division multiplexing passive optical networks (WDM-PON), etc. This configuration offers several advantages, such as pooling of processing resources, flexibility in bandwidth allocation, and enhanced resilience.

[0006] In RAN configurations with a transport network, automatic configuration of the transport network is preferred to simplify operations and reduce configuration time and costs. Such automation mechanisms (e.g., for transmitter configuration) have a setup period during which the connection cannot be used for data exchange. The default behavior for radio equipment is to restart or trigger the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) recovery process when the radio equipment does not know whether the link connecting the BBU and RRU is available. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described below in the detailed description. This invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide an improved solution for preventing unnecessary restarts or recovery processes of radio equipment.

[0009] According to the disclosed aspects, a method is provided in a mobile communication system including a radio access network (RAN), the RAN including a first RAN node and a second RAN node connected by a transmission network, the transmission network including a first transmission node and a second transmission node, wherein the first RAN node is connected to the first transmission node and the second RAN node is connected to the second transmission node, the method comprising, through the first transmission node: determining the state of the transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node; generating a message indicating the state of the transmission network connection; and initiating the transmission of a message to the first RAN node.

[0010] By generating messages indicating the status of the transport network connection and initiating the transmission of messages to the first RAN node, the status of the transport network connection can become known to the RAN node. Therefore, the RAN can detect the status of the connected transport network. This prevents unintended actions by the RAN (e.g., restarting when unnecessary) and enables the RAN to run automated configuration mechanisms at appropriate times.

[0011] The message may indicate at least one of the following: the transmission network connection is active; the transmission network connection has failed; there is a fault in the transmission network connection; there is a temporary condition in the transmission network connection; there is a change in the condition of the transmission network connection; there is a status of the transmission link in the transmission network; or the transmission connection is pending.

[0012] The method may further include repeating the steps of determining, generating, and initiating. These steps may be repeated when a message indicates a transmission network failure or fault, and / or when a message indicates that the transmission network failure or fault has been resolved.

[0013] The first radio node may include either a remote RAN node or a central RAN node, and the second radio node may include the other of the remote RAN node and the central RAN node. The remote RAN node may be a remote radio unit (RRU), and the central unit may be a baseband unit (BBU). The central unit may include a distributed unit (DU).

[0014] The method may further include, through the first RAN node: receiving a message indicating the status of the transport network connection; and performing an operation based on the message.

[0015] The first RAN node can operate by at least one of the following: change the status to waiting for transmission; change the status to transmission network connection active; change the status to transmission status known; use the transmission network connection; change the status to transmission network connection failed; maintain the current status.

[0016] The method may further include the first transmission node initiating a transmission network connection configuration operation to configure the transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node.

[0017] The transport network connection configuration operation may include: the first transport node sending an initial message indicating the start of the configuration operation to the first RAN node, and establishing a transport network connection between the first transport node and the second transport node.

[0018] The first transmission node may execute a process to determine the communication protocol upon which the message is to be based. The process may include sending at least one message based on at least one communication protocol to the first RAN node. The message may be based on the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI), Enhanced CPRI (eCPRI), Ethernet Link Fault Management (Ethernet LFM), Internet Protocol, or Operation Management and Maintenance Protocol. The message may be encapsulated within a frame of the fronthaul interface. The message may be encapsulated within a RAN node protocol. The RAN node protocol may be one of the following: CPRI, eCPRI, or O-RAN interface.

[0019] The method may further include, via a second transmission node: determining the state of the transmission network connection; generating a second message indicating the state of the transmission network connection; and initiating the transmission of the second message to the second RAN node.

[0020] Hardwired connections may be used between at least one of the following pairs: a first RAN node and a first transmission node; and a second RAN node and a second transmission node. Hardwired connections may include at least one of the following: fiber optic connections, microwave radio links, or copper-based links.

[0021] According to the disclosed aspects, a first transmission node of a transmission network is provided, wherein the first transmission node is included in a mobile communication system, the mobile communication system further including a radio access network (RAN), the RAN including a first RAN node and a second RAN node connected by the transmission network, the transmission network including the first transmission node and the second transmission node, wherein the first RAN node is connected to the first transmission node, and the second RAN node is connected to the second transmission node, wherein the first transmission node includes processing circuitry and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry, thereby enabling the first transmission node to operate to: determine the state of the transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node; generate a message indicating the state of the transmission network connection; and initiate the transmission of a message to the first RAN node.

[0022] According to the disclosed aspects, a first radio access network (RAN) node is provided. The RAN includes a first RAN node and a second RAN node connected by a transmission network. The transmission network includes a first transmission node and a second transmission node, wherein the first RAN node is connected to the first transmission node, and the second RAN node is connected to the second transmission node. The first radio node includes processing circuitry and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry, thereby enabling the first RAN node to: receive messages indicating the status of the transmission network connection; and perform operations based on the messages.

[0023] According to the disclosed aspects, a mobile communication system including a radio access network (RAN) and a transmission network is provided. The radio access network includes a first RAN node and a second RAN node connected by the transmission network. The transmission network includes a first transmission node and a second transmission node, wherein the first RAN node is connected to the first transmission node, and the second RAN node is connected to the second transmission node.

[0024] Mobile communication systems can be configured to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0025] According to the disclosed aspects, a computer program including instructions is provided that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0026] According to the disclosed aspects, a computer-readable medium including instructions is provided that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0027] The advantage of the method disclosed in this paper is that the RAN can automatically detect the status of the connected transport network. This prevents unintended actions by the RAN (e.g., restarting when unnecessary) and enables the RAN to run automated configuration mechanisms at appropriate times.

[0028] The method is general and can be applied in two situations: when the transport domain is not controlled by an IP-based protocol stack and when an IP-based protocol is used to configure nodes. Attached Figure Description

[0029] These and other objects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of its illustrative embodiments, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a mobile communication system including a RAN according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2a This is a flowchart illustrating a method in a communication system according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2b This is a flowchart illustrating a method in a communication system according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the process of communication between components of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment, in which the transmission link between the first transmission node and the second transmission node is initially not operational.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the process of communication between components of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment, in which a fault or failure occurs in the transmission link between a first transmission node and a second transmission node.

[0035] Figure 5a This is a block diagram illustrating a transmission node according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5b This is a block diagram illustrating a RAN node according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 6a This is a block diagram illustrating a transmission node according to an embodiment; and

[0038] Figure 6b This is a block diagram illustrating a RAN node according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] For purposes of explanation, details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may be implemented without these specific details or with equivalent arrangements.

[0040] A current problem in mobile communication systems that include both radio access networks (RANs) and transport networks (e.g., 3GPP mobile communication systems) is that if the radio equipment (RAN equipment) connected to the transport network (such as base stations, which may be, for example, fourth-generation (4G) evolved Node Bs (eNBs) or fifth-generation (5G) next-generation Node Bs (gNBs)) is unaware of the status of the transport links between the radio equipment, the radio equipment may unnecessarily restart or trigger the O&M recovery process instead of waiting for the transport links to become operational.

[0041] Some current methods used in RANs to prevent unnecessary radio restarts include allowing the radio to wait for a period of time (e.g., a hold-off time) before restarting to give the transmission link a chance to start operating if no transmission link is detected. However, this approach can delay the detection of an actual failure in the RAN or transmission network. If the transmission link is not operational after the hold-off time, the radio will typically restart in an attempt to recover from the assumed failure, which can also lead to a restart of the transmission network's auto-configuration (line-up). Additionally, if no transmission link is detected after the hold-off time expires, it is impossible to determine the cause of the failure. In cases where the failure persists for an extended period, it is also common for the radio to revert to the basic startup software (SW) and attempt to download a new SW image.

[0042] Furthermore, when the interface between radio devices involves using a packet interface connected to a packet-switched network (such as eCPRI (Enhanced General Public Radio Interface)), the time allotted for the connection in the transport network is variable and depends on the current state of the transport network. Therefore, a radio device may be attempting to connect to the transport network during a time interval in which no transport link is provided for the radio device.

[0043] Currently, the radio access network (RAN) and the transport network lack in-band mechanisms to exchange information about their respective operational statuses. Therefore, in situations where the transport network requires time for configuration (alignment), such as due to automatic transceiver settings, the radio network cannot detect temporary situations (such as temporary interruptions in the transmission link) and thus cannot restart the radio equipment in response.

[0044] Generally, the methods described herein may involve sending (in-band) messages as part of a fronthaul interface between RAN devices (RAN nodes or radio nodes), wherein the messages are generated by the transmission device (transmission node) and forwarded to the RAN device as a status indicator of the transmission link between the transmission nodes. By informing the radio device of the status of the transmission network, unnecessary restart or recovery processes for the radio device can be avoided, and the radio device can instead act based on the status of the transmission link. In some aspects of the embodiments, the mobile communication system may form part of a wireless communication network, such as a 3GPP 4G or 5G network.

[0045] The methods described in this paper are independent of the architecture and technology of the transport network and can be applied to various network topologies (such as mesh, ring, or tree topologies) implemented in transport networks, in addition to P2P topologies. Therefore, transport networks can implement any such architecture and / or network topology.

[0046] Figure 1 The document describes embodiments of RAN systems to which the invention can be applied. In particular, Figure 1 The description includes a RAN network 100 comprising a transmission network connecting a first radio unit (first RAN node) 114 and a second radio unit (second RAN node) 108 (in this embodiment, a BBU and an RRU, respectively). The transmission network includes a first transmission node 112 and a second transmission node 110. The first transmission node 112 is connected to the first radio unit 114 via a first link 113, and the second transmission node 110 is connected to the second radio unit 108 via a second link 109. The first and second links can be hardwired. Specifically, the first and second links can be fiber optic connections, microwave radio links, or copper-based links. The first and second transmission nodes are connected to each other via a transmission link (transmission network connection) 215.

[0047] The first and second transmission nodes can be connected using several different network types, including fiber optic links and microwave links.

[0048] Figure 2a The overview can be provided by Figure 1 The system's execution method. Figure 2a A method for a RAN system is described, comprising the steps of: (via a first transmission node) determining the state of a transmission network connection between a first transmission node and a second transmission node (S202), generating a message indicating the state of the transmission network connection (S204), and initiating the transmission of the message to the first RAN node (S206). The RAN node can operate based on the message. Therefore, the RAN node can operate based on the state of the transmission network connection. For example, the state of the RAN node can be changed or remain the same based on the state of the transmission network connection.

[0049] In particular, the system can be additionally executed. Figure 2b The method may further include the following steps: (through the first RAN node) receiving a message indicating the status of the transport network connection (S203) and performing an operation based on the message (S205).

[0050] The first RAN node may include a radio unit (such as a Remote Radio Unit, RRU) or a baseband unit (BBU) (or distributed unit, DU). The BBU may include a DU. The method may further include the steps of: (via a second transmission node) determining the state of the transmission network connection between the first and second transmission nodes, generating a second message indicating the state of the transmission network connection, and initiating the transmission of the second message to the second RAN node. Thus, a transmission node can send a message to the RRU, and a transmission node can send a message to the BBU. Messages sent to the RRU and BBU may include the same information. Specifically, the message may indicate the state of the transmission link (transmission network connection) between the two transmission nodes or between the RRU and the BBU.

[0051] Method steps can be repeated. For example, steps of determining, generating, and initiating (as well as steps of receiving and executing) can be repeated. Steps can be repeated based on message indications. For example, these steps can be repeated when an initial message indicates a fault or failure in the transmission link, and a subsequent message indicates that the link is available for transmission.

[0052] Messages can be extensions of protocols used by RAN nodes to communicate with each other. In some aspects, the protocol (e.g., using CPRI or eCPRI) carries radio data (e.g., on fronthaul communication links). Messages can be transmitted in-band to RAN nodes. In other ways, the same protocol (e.g., CPRI or eCPRI) is used as radio data to carry messages. In some aspects, messages are carried in the overhead of the radio data protocol. Messages can indicate at least one of the following: the transport network connection is active; the transport network connection has failed; there is a fault in the transport network connection; a temporary condition in the transport network connection (e.g., delay when a link is established); a change in the condition of the transport network connection (such as a change from active to disconnected); the status of a transport link in the transport network; or waiting for a transport connection. RAN nodes can operate based on such information. For example, a RAN node can operate by: (when a message indicates a transport network connection failure or malfunction, or a temporary condition in the transport network connection) changing the status to "Waiting for Transmission"; (when a message indicates a transport network connection is active) changing the status to "Transmission Connection Active"; (when a message indicates the status of the transport network) changing the status to "Transmission Status Known"; and (when a message indicates a transport connection failure or malfunction) changing the status to "Transmission Network Connection Failed". When a message indicates that the transport network is available, the RAN node can operate by using the transport network connection (e.g., communicating between RRUs and BBUs).

[0053] The method may further include a first transmission node initiating a transmission network connection configuration operation to configure a transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node. The transmission network connection configuration operation may include the first transmission node sending an initial message indicating the start of the configuration operation to a first RAN node, and establishing a transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node.

[0054] Messages can be an addendum to CPRI or eCPRIO&M messages generated and forwarded by active transport nodes to radio and baseband nodes to notify of temporary conditions or failures in the transport network. Examples of these messages are: “Transport Link Startup,” “Transport Link Failure,” “Waiting for Transmission,” etc. Messages may not require any modifications to the RAN protocol but can be shared with RAN nodes as “well-known” CPRI / eCPRI messages that can be interpreted by RAN nodes. These messages can use optional fields from the CPRI / eCPRI message set. Messages can be included in RAN alarm detection of machine conditions to trigger automated processes and release cycles.

[0055] Messages can be transmitted in-band (i.e., within a CPRI or eCPRI frame) to the baseband unit or radio unit via the transmission node. They may not be part of the RAN architecture, but can be interpreted by the RAN control plane as indicators of the fronthaul link status. Methods can use messages to indicate the status of the transmission link. Messages can be in-band messages (i.e., carried in an available field within a frame of the fronthaul interface). The type of field may depend on the fronthaul interface (e.g., CPRI, eCPRI, F1, Ethernet LFM, etc.).

[0056] In any of the above embodiments, the format or method used to send messages may depend on the interface between the first RAN node and the second RAN node. Messages may be based on a communication protocol (such as the CPRI protocol disclosed in “CPRI Specification V7.0”, available as of August 3, 2020 at http: / / www.cpri.info / downloads / CPRI_v_7_0_2015-10-09.pdf, or the protocol disclosed in “eCPRI Specification V2.0”, available as of August 3, 2020 at http: / / www.cpri.info / downloads / CPRI_v_7_0_2015-10-09.pdf).

[0057] The eCPRI protocol (available at https: / / www.gigalight.com / downloads / standards / ecpri-specification.pdf) is used to determine which format can be used to send messages. For example, when the first RAN node and the second RAN node are connected via the CPRI interface, one of the following options can be used to send messages:

[0058] Use the bits of the word with index W=0, which are used for real-time vendor-specific purposes (according to part 7.1.4.4 of CPRI specification 7.0);

[0059] Use bits or words currently reserved for future use (CPRI specification 7.0, section 5.1.2) (Note: "The data reserved by CPRI should only be used for protocol enhancements / modifications made by the CPRI specification group");

[0060] Using some words from the words dedicated to U-plane IQ data transmission, a certain number of basic frames are transmitted (according to part 4.2.7.1.1 of CPRI specification 7.0).

[0061] When connecting the first RAN node and the second RAN node via the eCPRI interface, messages can be sent using one of the following options:

[0062] Use message types #12-#63: Reserved (eCPRI specification 2.0, section 3.2.4.13). These are messages currently reserved for future eCPRI specifications;

[0063] Use message types #64-#255: vendor specific (eCPRI specification 2.0, part 3.2.4.14), reserved for vendor-specific information;

[0064] This is part of the Control and Management (C&M) plane (part 3.3 of eCPRI specification 2.0). Note that C&M information will not be transmitted via eCPRI-specific protocols. Details of this information flow are outside the scope of the eCPRI specification. This information can use protocols that take precedence over IP (e.g., TCP), but no other workarounds are excluded. The C&M information flow will be treated as non-time-critical and will utilize a small fraction of the total bandwidth between eCPRI entities. For example, TCP / TLS (Transmission Control Protocol / Transport Layer Security) can be used for this connection, but Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol version 6 (DHCPv6) can be used before establishing the TCP / TLS connection and downloading the switch.

[0065] When the first RAN node and the second RAN node are connected via Ethernet LFM (802.3ah Ethernet OAM Link Fault Management (LFM)), remote fault detection can use flags and events to indicate remote signal loss (and thus indicate a fault or failure of the transmission link).

[0066] Even without a transmission link 115 between the first and second RAN nodes, messages can be generated autonomously by the transmission devices (first and second transmission nodes). For example, this can be accomplished using a smart SFP, where the internal FPGA can be configured to generate messages according to the most common fronthaul protocols (CPRI, eCPRI, Ethernet LFM).

[0067] The same process can also be applied when IP-based protocols are used in transport networks. In such scenarios, the messages described in the process will be "translated" into protocols.

[0068] The protocol upon which a message is based can be determined by the transport node. For example, if the transport node does not know what the message format (e.g., CPRI, eCPRI, others) to be sent to the RAN node should be (e.g., the message format appropriate for the protocol being used by the RAN node), the transport node can begin a process to determine which format should be used. In particular, the transport node can send configuration messages to the RAN node, each configuration message based on an alternative protocol. In this way, the remote protocol (the protocol the message should be based on) can be determined by the RAN node's response to configuration messages based on the correct protocol or the protocol being used by the RAN node.

[0069] As an alternative to determining the protocol on which a message is based, the message format can be fixed.

[0070] Transport networks can implement automated mechanisms to configure equipment (such as transceivers and reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers). This can be required for equipment alignment or for dynamic provisioning processes, including service recovery functionality.

[0071] The method can be applied (e.g., as a response to failure) to both transport network configuration and routine network operations.

[0072] The method can be implemented as part of the configuration process of the transmission link between the first and second transmission nodes. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates such a process. Figure 3 In some embodiments, the message can be used in the configuration process of a part of the mobile communication system.

[0073] Figure 3 Explanation in Figure 1The system depicts messages transmitted within it. Specifically, the system includes a mobile communication system comprising a radio access network, which includes a first RAN node 314 and a second RAN node 308. In this embodiment, the first RAN node is a BBU and the second RAN node is an RRU; however, it will be understood that the first RAN node can be an RRU and the second RAN node can be a BBU. The system also includes a transport network between the first and second RAN nodes, comprising a first transport node 312 and a second transport node 310. In this embodiment, the first RAN node 314 is connected to the first transport node 312 via a first link 313, and the second RAN node 308 is connected to the second transport node 310 via a second link 309.

[0074] For the configuration process, it can be assumed that the transmission link 315 between the first and second transmission nodes has not yet been configured. It can also be assumed that the first RAN node and / or the second RAN node are unaware of the status of the transmission link. Therefore, the RAN node can be in a "transmission status unknown" state S315.

[0075] The first transmission node can begin the transmission link configuration process. This process can be initiated by the first transmission node sending a message (e.g., a preliminary message) "Transmission Start Configuration" to the first RAN node (BBU) via the first link 313 (S316). The BBU can then change the status from "Transmission Status Unknown" to "Waiting for Transmission" (S317).

[0076] Then, the first and second nodes perform the configuration process S318 for the transmission link between the first and second transmission nodes. The configuration process for the first and second transmission nodes may involve each transmission node including a tunable laser, which negotiates the emission wavelength between the transmission nodes. Alternatively, the configuration process may include the configuration of input and output ports in a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer.

[0077] Once a transmission link 315 has been established between the first and second transmission nodes, the first transmission node sends the message "Transmission Link Started" to the first RAN node S322, and the second transmission node sends the message "Transmission Link Started" to the second RAN node S320. The status of each RAN node in the first and second RAN nodes changes upon receiving the message, so that the status of each RAN node is set to "Transmission Link Started" S323, S321. The RAN nodes can then perform their normal operations.

[0078] The method can be implemented as part of regular network operations involving the transmission link between the first and second transmission nodes. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates such a process. Figure 4 In some embodiments, messages can be used as part of the regular network operation of a mobile communication system.

[0079] In this example, it can be assumed that the transmission link is started as an operation, and that the first RAN node 414 and the second RAN node 408 are in the "transmission link started" state S425, S426. In this embodiment, the first RAN node is a BBU and the second RAN node is an RRU.

[0080] A fault (or failure) may occur in the transmission link S428. The fault can be detected by both the first and second transmission nodes. For example, a fault can be detected by detecting a loss of signal (LoS) or by the failure of a scheduled message to arrive. After a fault, the first transmission node can send a message to the first RAN node S430. The message can indicate a transmission link failure. For example, the message could be "Transmission link failed". The second transmission node can send a message to the second RAN node S432. The message can also indicate a transmission link failure. For example, the message could be "Transmission link failed". These messages can be sent simultaneously, or one message can be sent before the other.

[0081] Upon receiving a message, the first and second RAN nodes change their states accordingly. In this example, each RAN node changes its status from "Transmission Link Started" to "Waiting for Transmission" (S434, 436). The BBU and RRU can also be configured to change their status to "Waiting for Transmission" after a Loss of Signal (LOS) or similar alarm is detected by the BBU / RRU.

[0082] The transmission link can then be restored (S438). The restoration of the transmission link after a failure may involve the above-mentioned... Figure 3 The described transmission equipment is self-configurable. Alternatively, different paths can be established across the network.

[0083] Once the transmission link (e.g., via the first transmission node and the second transmission node) performs as about Figure 3 The described transmission link configuration is restored, and each of the first and second transmission nodes sends a message indicating that the transmission link is operational (e.g., the message "Transmission Link Started") to the first RAN node and the second RAN node, respectively, S440 and S442. In response to receiving this message, the first RAN node and the second RAN node change their status from "Waiting for Transmission" to "Transmission Link Started" S444 and S446.

[0084] like Figure 5aAs described herein, in an embodiment, the first transmission node 512 includes transmission node processing circuitry (or logic) 548 (the second transmission node may be configured in the same manner as the first transmission node). Processing circuitry 548 controls the operation of the first transmission node 512 and may implement the methods described herein with respect to the first transmission node 512. Processing circuitry 548 may be configured or programmed to control the first transmission node 512 in the manner described herein. Processing circuitry 548 may include one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors, one or more processing units, one or more multi-core processors, and / or one or more modules. In a particular implementation, each of the one or more hardware components may be configured to perform or be used to perform various or multiple steps of the methods described herein with respect to the first transmission node 512. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 548 may be configured to run software to perform the methods described herein with respect to the first transmission node 512. The software may be containerized according to some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, processing circuitry 548 may be configured to run a container to perform the methods described herein with respect to the first transmission node 512.

[0085] In short, the processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 is configured to determine the state of the transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node. The processing circuitry 548 is further configured to generate a message indicating the state of the transmission network connection and to initiate the transmission of a message to the first RAN node.

[0086] like Figure 5a As illustrated herein, in some embodiments, the first transmission node 512 may optionally include a transmission node memory 550. The memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 may include non-transitory media. Examples of the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media such as hard disks, removable storage media such as CDs or DVDs, and / or any other memory.

[0087] The processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 may be connected to the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512. In some embodiments, the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 may be used to store program code or instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512, cause the first transmission node 512 to operate in the manner described herein with respect to the first transmission node 512. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 may be configured to store program code or instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 to cause the first transmission node 512 to operate in accordance with the methods described herein with respect to the first transmission node 512. Alternatively or additionally, the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 may be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like described herein. The processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 can be configured to control the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 to store information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals, or the like as described herein.

[0088] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5a As described herein, the first transmission node 512 may optionally include a transmission node communication interface 552. The communication interface 552 of the first transmission node 512 may be connected to the processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 and / or the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512. The communication interface 552 of the first transmission node 512 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 to communicate with the memory 550 of the first transmission node 512 and / or vice versa. Similarly, the communication interface 552 of the first transmission node 512 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 to communicate with the RAN node and / or the second transmission node. The communication interface 552 of the first transmission node 512 may be configured to transmit and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 548 of the first transmission node 512 may be configured to control the communication interface 552 of the first transmission node 512 to transmit and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like described herein. The communication interface 552 of the first transmission node may be configured to communicate with a first RAN node and / or a second transmission node and / or a second RAN node.

[0089] Although the first transmission node 512 is in Figure 5aWhile described herein as including a single memory 550, it will be appreciated that the first transmission node 512 may include at least one memory (i.e., a single memory or multiple memories) 34 operating in the manner described herein. Similarly, although the first transmission node 512 is... Figure 5a While described as including a single communication interface 552, it will be appreciated that the first transmission node 512 may include at least one communication interface (i.e., a single communication interface or multiple communication interfaces) 36 operating in the manner described herein. It will also be appreciated that... Figure 5a Only the components required for illustrating the embodiment of the first transmission node 512 are shown, and in actual implementation, the first transmission node 512 may include additional or alternative components to those shown.

[0090] like Figure 5b As described herein, in an embodiment, the first RAN node 514 includes RAN node processing circuitry (or logic) 549 (the second RAN node may be configured in the same manner as the first RAN node). The processing circuitry 549 controls the operation of the first RAN node 514 and may implement the methods described herein with respect to the first RAN node 514. The processing circuitry 549 may be configured or programmed to control the first RAN node 514 in the manner described herein. The processing circuitry 549 may include one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors, one or more processing units, one or more multi-core processors, and / or one or more modules. In a particular implementation, each of the one or more hardware components may be configured to perform or be used to perform various or multiple steps of the methods described herein with respect to the first RAN node 514. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 549 may be configured to run software to perform the methods described herein with respect to the first RAN node 514. The software may be containerized according to some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry 549 may be configured to run a container to perform the methods described herein with respect to the first RAN node 514.

[0091] In short, the processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 is configured to receive messages indicating the status of the transmission network connection. The processing circuitry 549 is further configured to perform operations based on the messages.

[0092] like Figure 5bAs illustrated herein, in some embodiments, the first RAN node 514 may optionally include a RAN node memory 551. The memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 may include non-transitory media. Examples of the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media such as hard disks, removable storage media such as CDs or DVDs, and / or any other memory.

[0093] The processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 may be connected to the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514. In some embodiments, the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 may be used to store program code or instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514, cause the first RAN node 514 to operate in the manner described herein with respect to the first RAN node 514. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 may be configured to store program code or instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 to cause the first RAN node 514 to operate in accordance with the methods described herein with respect to the first RAN node 514. Alternatively or additionally, the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 may be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like described herein. The processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 can be configured to control the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 to store information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals or the like described herein.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5bAs described herein, the first RAN node 514 may optionally include a RAN node communication interface 553. The communication interface 553 of the first RAN node 514 may be connected to the processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 and / or the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514. The communication interface 553 of the first RAN node 514 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 to communicate with the memory 551 of the first RAN node 514 and / or vice versa. Similarly, the communication interface 553 of the first RAN node 514 may be operable to allow the processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 to communicate with a second RAN node and / or a transmission node. The communication interface 553 of the first RAN node 514 may be configured to transmit and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 549 of the first RAN node 514 may be configured to control the communication interface 553 of the first RAN node 514 to transmit and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like described herein. The communication interface 553 of the first RAN node may be configured to communicate with a first transmission node and / or a second transmission node and / or a second RAN node.

[0095] Although the first RAN node 514 is in Figure 5b While described herein as including a single memory 551, it will be appreciated that the first RAN node 514 may include at least one memory (i.e., a single memory or multiple memories) 34 operating in the manner described herein. Similarly, although the first RAN node 514 is described herein as including a single memory 551, it may also include at least one memory (i.e., a single memory or multiple memories) 34 operating in the manner described herein. Figure 5b While described as including a single communication interface 553, it will be appreciated that the first RAN node 514 may include at least one communication interface (i.e., a single communication interface or multiple communication interfaces) 36 operating in the manner described herein. It will also be appreciated that... Figure 5b Only the components required for the embodiment illustrating the first RAN node 514 are shown, and in actual implementation, the first RAN node 514 may include additional or alternative components to those shown.

[0096] Figure 5a The first transmission node 512 and Figure 5b The first RAN node 514 can be included in the mobile communication system.

[0097] Figure 6aThe first transmission node 612 according to the embodiment includes a determining unit 654 configured to determine the state of the transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node, a generating unit 656 configured to generate a message indicating the state of the transmission network connection, and an initiating unit 658 configured to initiate the transmission of a message to the first RAN node.

[0098] Figure 6b According to the embodiment, the first RAN node 614 includes a receiving unit 655 configured to receive a message indicating the status of the transmission network connection and an operating unit 657 configured to perform an operation based on the message.

[0099] Generally, various exemplary embodiments can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software, which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein (as non-limiting examples) can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0100] As such, it should be understood that at least some aspects of the disclosed exemplary embodiments can be implemented using various components such as integrated circuit chips and modules. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed exemplary embodiments can be implemented using devices embodied as integrated circuits, wherein the integrated circuits may include circuitry (and possibly firmware) for embodying at least one or more of the following configurable to operate according to the disclosed exemplary embodiments: a data processor, a digital signal processor, baseband circuitry, and radio frequency circuitry.

[0101] It should be understood that at least some aspects of the disclosed exemplary embodiments may be embodied in computer-executable instructions (such as in one or more program modules) that are executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that, when executed by a processor in a computer or other device, perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. The computer-executable instructions may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a hard disk, optical disk, removable storage medium, solid-state memory, RAM, etc. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the functionality of program modules may be combined or distributed as needed in various embodiments. Furthermore, functionality may be embodied, wholly or partially, in firmware or hardware equivalents such as integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0102] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary for every embodiment to include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not) is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0103] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of disclosure. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0104] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” (a, an) and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” (comprising), “has” (having), and / or “includes” (including) as used herein specify the presence of the stated feature, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “connect” (connects, connecting, connecting, and / or connected) as used herein covers direct and / or indirect connections between two elements.

[0105] This disclosure includes any novel features or combinations of features disclosed herein (or expressly disclosed or any generalized thereof). Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in view of the foregoing description. However, any and all modifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method in a mobile communication system including a radio access network (RAN) (100), the radio access network including a first RAN node (114) and a second RAN node (108) connected by a transmission network, the transmission network including a first transmission node (112) and a second transmission node (110), wherein the first RAN node (114) is connected to the first transmission node (112) and the second RAN node (108) is connected to the second transmission node (110), the method comprising, via the first transmission node (112): Determine the status of the transmission network connection between the first transmission node (112) and the second transmission node (110); Generate a message indicating the state of the transport network connection; and Initiate the transmission of the message to the first RAN node (114). in, The method further includes using the first RAN node (114): Receive the message indicating the state of the transmission network connection; and Perform an operation based on the message, wherein the operation includes at least one of the following: changing the status to waiting for transmission; changing the status to transmission network connection active; changing the status to transmission status known; using the transmission network connection; changing the status to transmission network connection failed; maintaining the current status.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The message indicates at least one of the following: the transmission network connection is active; the transmission network connection has failed; there is a fault in the transmission network connection; a temporary condition in the transmission network connection; a change in the condition of the transmission network connection; or the status of a transmission link in the transmission network. Waiting for transmission connection.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of repeatedly determining, generating, and initiating.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The steps are repeated when the message indicates a transmission network failure or fault, and / or when the message indicates that the transmission network failure or fault has been resolved.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The first RAN node (114) includes a remote RAN node or a central RAN node, and the second RAN node (108) includes another of the remote RAN node or the central RAN node.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The remote RAN node is a remote radio unit (RRU), and the central RAN node is a baseband unit (BBU).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The central RAN node includes distributed units (DUs).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The method further includes: the first transmission node (112) initiating a transmission network connection configuration operation to configure the transmission network connection between the first transmission node (112) and the second transmission node (110).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The transmission network connection configuration operation includes: the first transmission node (112) sending a preliminary message indicating the start of the configuration operation to the first RAN node (114), and establishing a transmission network connection between the first transmission node (112) and the second transmission node (110).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The first transmission node (112) performs a process to determine the communication protocol on which the message is to be based.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The process includes sending at least one message based on at least one communication protocol to the first RAN node (114).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The messages are based on General Public Radio Interface (CPRI), Enhanced CPRI, eCPRI, Ethernet Link Fault Management, Ethernet LFM, Internet Protocol, or Operation Management and Maintenance Protocol.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The message is encapsulated within a frame of the fronthaul interface.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The message is encapsulated within the RAN node protocol and / or the message is transmitted in-band.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The RAN node protocol is one of the following: CPRI, eCPRI, or O-RAN interface.

16. The method of any one of claims 1-4, the method further comprising: via the second transmission node (110): Determine the state of the transmission network connection; Generate a second message indicating the state of the transmission network connection; and Initiate the transmission of the second message to the second RAN node (108).

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Hardwired connections are used between at least one of the following pairs: the first RAN node (114) and the first transmission node; and the second RAN node (108) and the second transmission node (110).

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The hardwired connection includes at least one of the following: optical fiber connection, microwave radio link, or copper-based link.

19. A first transmission node (112) of a transmission network, wherein the first transmission node (112) is included in a mobile communication system, the mobile communication system further including a radio access network (RAN) (100), the radio access network including a first RAN node (114) and a second RAN node (108) connected by the transmission network, the transmission network including the first transmission node (112) and the second transmission node (110), wherein the first RAN node (114) is connected to the first transmission node (112), and the second RAN node (108) is connected to the second transmission node (110), wherein The first transmission node (112) includes processing circuitry (548) and a memory (550) containing instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry, thereby enabling the first transmission node to operate in the following manner: Determine the status of the transmission network connection between the first transmission node and the second transmission node; Generate a message indicating the state of the transport network connection; and Initiate the transmission of the message to the first RAN node (114) so ​​that the first RAN node (114) can: Receive the message indicating the state of the transmission network connection; and Perform an operation based on the message, wherein the operation includes at least one of the following: changing the status to waiting for transmission; changing the status to transmission network connection active; changing the status to transmission status known; using the transmission network connection; changing the status to transmission network connection failed; maintaining the current status.

20. A first radio access network (RAN) node (114) of a radio access network (RAN), the RAN comprising a first RAN node (114) and a second RAN node (108) connected by a transmission network, the transmission network comprising a first transmission node (112) and a second transmission node (110), wherein the first RAN node (114) is connected to the first transmission node (112), and the second RAN node (108) is connected to the second transmission node (110), wherein The first RAN node includes processing circuitry (549) and a memory (551) containing instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry, thereby enabling the first RAN node (114) to operate as follows: Receive a message indicating the status of the transmission network connection; and Perform an operation based on the message, wherein the operation includes at least one of the following: changing the status to waiting for transmission; changing the status to transmission network connection active; changing the status to transmission status known; using the transmission network connection; changing the status to transmission network connection failed; maintaining the current status.

21. A mobile communication system comprising a radio access network (RAN) and a transmission network, the radio access network comprising a first RAN node (114) and a second RAN node (108) as described in claim 20 connected by the transmission network, the transmission network comprising a first transmission node (112) and a second transmission node (110) as described in claim 19, wherein the first RAN node (114) is connected to the first transmission node (112), and the second RAN node (108) is connected to the second transmission node (110).

22. The mobile communication system as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The mobile communication system is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

24. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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