Software-defined cellular system with distributed antennas

Abstract

One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media containing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause a first baseband unit (BBU) to: Identifying a multitude of distributed antennas based on acquisition information associated with a user equipment (UE) to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU; Determine that a second BBU is connected to a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas identified for radio access to the UE; Sending a query to the second BBU for information that corresponds to at least one of the operating parameters assigned to the first antenna; Received from the second BBU, a response containing information corresponding to the operating parameter assigned to at least one of the first antennas; Comparing the operating parameter assigned to at least one of the first antennas with a corresponding threshold value; In response to the comparison, determine whether to retain the first antenna of the multitude of distributed antennas identified for radio access to the UE by the first BBU; After determining that the first antenna of the multitude of distributed antennas identified by the first BBU for radio access to the UE should be retained, send a request to the second BBU to release its connection to the first antenna; Receiving a response from the second BBU indicating whether the second BBU should release its connection to the first antenna; and at least on the basis of the answer, determine whether the first antenna should be included in the multitude of distributed antennas to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU.

Description

Area

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of wireless communication and in particular to devices and methods for a software-defined cellular system with distributed antennas. background

[0002] Cellular systems rely on providing consistent and comprehensive wireless access to a large number of user equipment (UEs). The difficulties in providing such access increase with the number, distribution, and mobility of the UEs.

[0003] US 2013 / 0137486 A1 relates to a cellular communication system with a first and a second set of antennas at an antenna site. First and second baseband processing blocks are coupled to the antennas of the first and second antennas, respectively. To improve the connection to a terminal device, an antenna of the second set is coupled to the first baseband processing block in addition to the antennas of the first set. Communication with the terminal device takes place via at least one antenna of the first set and at least one antenna of the second set. The first and second sets of antennas may belong to two different network operators. By applying the invention, the two network operators can share the antenna pool of the first and second antenna sets, even if these are existing antennas on the same roof or tower.

[0004] US 2007 / 0173243A1 concerns a method that communicates with network-side devices and radio stations via a radio communication system. A message from the radio station is received by the network-side antennas. Subsequently, a payload message is transmitted to the radio station by transmitting network-side antennas. The transmitting network-side antennas have received the message from the radio station.

[0005] US 2013 / 0077580A1 relates to a terminal device that receives signals from a base station and to a method in which the terminal device receives signals from the base station in a distributed antenna system (DAS). The terminal device receives control information from the base station, which has a plurality of antennas, about one or more active transmitting antennas assigned to the terminal device from the plurality of antennas, and receives signals from the base station via the one or more active transmitting antennas.

[0006] US 2014 / 0161447A1 concerns a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) with a first plurality of antennas and a first plurality of radio remote units (RRUs) coupled to the plurality of antennas. The C-RAN also includes a first plurality of broadband base stations (BBUs) and a first photonic switch optically coupled between the first plurality of RRUs and the first plurality of BBUs.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a facility to provide wireless access.

[0008] In light of this prior art, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide one or more non-transitory, computer-readable media containing instructions for a corresponding method and apparatus, each of which is suitable to enrich the prior art.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. The dependent claims each contain optional further developments of the disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] The embodiments are easily understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical reference numerals denote identical structural elements. The embodiments are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings by way of example and are not exhaustive. Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a wireless communication system according to various embodiments. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a signal processing unit and an antenna according to different embodiments. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a coupling device according to various embodiments. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a dynamic connection process according to different embodiments. Fig. Figure 5 schematically represents a system according to various embodiments. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a computer device according to various embodiments, which includes various aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a computer device according to various embodiments. Detailed description

[0011] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof, where identical reference numerals consistently denote identical parts, and in which embodiments that can be implemented are illustrated. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0012] Various processes can be described as several separate actions or processes in sequence, in a manner that is most helpful for understanding the claimed subject matter. However, the order of description should not be interpreted as meaning that these processes are necessarily dependent on a specific sequence. In particular, these processes need not be carried out in the order in which they are presented. Processes that are described may be carried out in a different order than in the described embodiment. Various additional processes may be carried out, and / or described processes may be omitted in additional embodiments.

[0013] For the purposes of this disclosure, the expression “A or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the expression “A, B, or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). The description may use the expressions “in one embodiment” or “in embodiments,” each of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “comprising,” and the like, as used in relation to embodiments of this disclosure, have the same meaning.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a cellular system that may consist of distributed antennas and baseband units (BBUs). In some embodiments, the BBUs may be implemented using software-defined network (SDN) technology. Such a cellular system can provide improved wireless access for users connected to the cellular system. As described, embodiments provide a dynamic connection between distributed antennas and a BBU to serve a designated user. In some embodiments, a BBU can select a distribution set of antennas capable of providing a desired connection to the user. In some embodiments, the antennas of the distribution set can be selected such that the user is in the center of a cell or in some other relation to the antennas providing a desired connection.

[0015] As used herein, "connection" refers to a signaling link between two elements. The signaling link may, and often does, pass through one or more intermediate elements, such as coupling devices. The signaling link may be over wired or wireless communication media. The signaling link may be dynamically configurable through appropriate configuration of the coupling devices, as described in more detail herein.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a wireless communication system 100 according to various embodiments. The wireless communication system 100 (or simply "System 100") can be contained within or otherwise be part of a cellular mobile network. The System 100 or components thereof can be located in a radio access network (RAN) or an evolved packet core (EPC) of the cellular mobile network. In various embodiments, the cellular mobile network can be a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), HSPA (High-Speed ​​Packet Access).The System 100 can operate on a High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) network, an E-HSPA (evolved HSPA) network, an LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network, or an LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) network. In some configurations, the System 100 can operate on other network technologies.

[0017] System 100 can include BBUs 104, coupling devices 108, and antennas 112, which, as described herein, are designed to provide the desired radio access for UEs 116. Each of the BBUs 104 can be capable of coupling to any of the antennas 112 via one or more of the coupling devices 108. For example, BBU 104_1 can be connected to antennas 112_1 and 112_2 via coupling device 108_1; to antennas 112_3, 112_4, and 112_5 via coupling devices 108_1 and 108_2; and to antenna 112_6 via coupling devices 108_1 and 108_3. The BBU 104_2 can be connected to the antennas 112_1 and 112_2 via the coupling devices 108_3 and 108_1; to the antennas 112_3, 112_4 and 112_5 via the coupling devices 108_3 and 108_2; and to the antenna 112_6 via the coupling device 108_3.And the BBU 104_3 can be connected to antennas 112_1 and 112_2 via coupling devices 108_3 and 108_1; to antennas 112_3, 112_4 and 112_5 via coupling devices 108_3 and 108_2; and to antenna 112_6 via coupling device 108_3. The in . Fig. The connection technology shown is merely an example. Other embodiments may feature different connection technologies.

[0018] The BBUs 104 can control the coupling devices 108 to establish or release connections with one or more of the antennas 112 in order to provide the desired radio access coverage for the UEs 116. A BBU can also exchange coordination and feedback messages with other BBUs via the coupling devices 108.

[0019] Although the UEs 116 in Fig. 1 generally depicted as smartphones, other embodiments may include other types of UEs which, without limitation, may include a sensor device, a personal computer (PC), a notebook, an ultrabook, a netbook, an ultramobile PC (UMPC), a mobile handheld device, a universal smart card (UICC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a subscriber equipment (CPE), a tablet computer device or other consumer electronics such as MP3 players, digital cameras and the like.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a signal processing unit 200 and an antenna 202 according to some embodiments. The signal processing unit (SPU) 200 and the antennas at 202 may each comprise or contain an electronic device.

[0021] The SPU 200 can have a core network interface 204 coupled to a BBU 208. The BBU 208 can be connected to any of the BBUs 104. Fig. They resemble 1 and are essentially interchangeable. The BBU 208 can also be coupled with an antenna interface 212.

[0022] In general, the core network interface 204 can be configured to send and receive signals to one or more network components, such as, but not limited to, a radio network controller of a cellular mobile network. The signals can be transmitted over Ethernet or other computer networking technologies using a variety of physical media interfaces, such as, but not limited to, coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber optic media interfaces.

[0023] The antenna interface 212 can be configured to send signals to the antenna 202, which is connected to each of the antennas 112. Fig. 1 is similar to and essentially interchangeable with it, transmits and receives signals. The signals can be communicated via coupling devices, for example the coupling devices 180, over Ethernet or other computer networking technologies using a variety of physical media interfaces, such as, but not limited to, coaxial, twisted pair and fiber optic media interfaces.

[0024] The antenna 202 can have an SPU interface 216 coupled to a RAN interface 220. Generally, the SPU interface 216 can be configured to send and receive signals to the antenna interface 212. The RAN interface 220 can be configured to send signals to the UEs, for example, UEs 116. Fig. 1, sends and receives from it. In various embodiments, the RAN interface can send 220 signals to and receive from the UEs through a standardized air interface, such as, but not limited to, an EUTRAN (evolved universal terrestrial radio access network) interface that is compatible with the technical specifications of 3GPP.

[0025] In some embodiments, the interfaces of Fig. 2 additionally or alternatively be referred to as a transmitter-receiver circuit arrangement, transmit-receive circuit arrangement, etc., or be implemented therein.

[0026] The BBU 208 can be configured for various signal processing operations, such as, but not limited to, modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, error correction, disposition, etc. The BBU 208 can also feature a software-defined radio (SDR) that can be dynamically configured to handle radio communications across a variety of frequencies or protocols.

[0027] In the upstream direction, the RAN interface 220 can receive signals from the UEs via the air interface. The RAN interface 220 can perform various upstream preprocessing operations to facilitate subsequent baseband processing. These upstream preprocessing operations can include, but are not limited to, conversions (e.g., analog-to-digital conversion, downmixing, etc.), amplification (e.g., low-noise amplification), filtering, and so on. The processed signals can be transmitted to the SPU interface 216 for transfer to the SPU 200.

[0028] The BBU 208 can receive signals from antenna 202 via antenna interface 212 and process the signals for transmission to components in the core network via core network interface 204. In the downstream direction, the BBU 208 can receive signals from the core network via core network interface 204 and process the signals for transmission via the RAN via RAN interface 220.

[0029] When transmitting signals downwards, the BBU 208 can dynamically control a connection with one or more distributed antennas to provide the desired radio access coverage for one or more UEs. The BBU 208 can receive signals from the core network via the core network interface 204 and process the signals for transmission to the antenna 202 via the antenna interface 212. In some embodiments, the BBU 208 may also be referred to as, or implemented as, a control circuit arrangement.

[0030] The RAN interface 220 can receive the down signals from the SPU 200 via the SPU interface 216 and perform down-preprocessing to facilitate subsequent transmissions over the airwaves. The down-preprocessing operations can include, but are not limited to, conversions (e.g., digital-to-analog conversion, up-conversion, etc.), amplification (e.g., power amplification).

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a coupling device 300 according to some embodiments. The coupling device 300 can be connected to any of the coupling devices 108 of Fig. resemble 1 and are essentially interchangeable.

[0032] The coupling device 300 can have a routing circuit arrangement 304 coupled to a storage circuit arrangement 306 which has one or more routing tables 308.

[0033] As used herein, the term “circuit arrangement” may refer to, be a part of, or incorporate an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a (common, dedicated, or group) processor that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide, are part of, or incorporate the functionality described.

[0034] The routing tables 308 can contain configurable specifications of a connection topology between BBUs, for example, the BBUs 104, and antennas, for example, the antennas 112. The routing circuit arrangement 304 can receive downstream signals from a BBU and transmit the downstream signals to one or more antennas to which the BBU is connected according to the routing tables 308. Conversely, the routing circuit arrangement 304 can receive upstream signals from antennas and transmit the upstream signals to a BBU to which the antennas are connected according to the routing tables. Each antenna can only be connected to one BBU at a time. Thus, for a given configuration of the routing tables 308, all signals from an antenna are transmitted to a single BBU. The radio signals can therefore be sent by the coupling device 300 along dedicated communication channels in a circuit-switched manner between the antennas and the BBUs.

[0035] The routing circuit arrangement 304 can also forward coordination messages between the BBUs. These coordination messages can be messages sent from one BBU to another. They can contain feedback information, such as measurement results, which convey information about channel conditions between a specific antenna and a UE. These messages can also / alternatively contain antenna release requests and responses, status updates, antenna operating parameter requests and responses, etc.

[0036] The routing circuit arrangement 304 can also receive configuration signals from a BBU and update routing table configurations based on these signals. This allows the dedicated communication channels to be dynamically switched by the BBUs. In some embodiments, the routing circuit arrangement 304 can update a requested routing table configuration 308 only upon receiving a release command from an affected BBU. For example, if BBU 104_1 sends an antenna release request with respect to antenna 112_3 to BBU 104_2, the routing circuit arrangement 304 can only update the routing table to connect BBU 104_1 to antenna 112_3 when a release command releasing antenna 112_3 is received from BBU 104_2.

[0037] In some embodiments, the routing circuit arrangement 304 can send periodic update messages containing the routing table configuration information to one or more BBUs. This allows the other BBUs to know which antenna is connected to which BBU. These update messages can be sent via broadcast, multicast, or unicast, as applicable.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a dynamic connection process 400 according to some embodiments. The dynamic connection process 400 (hereinafter also referred to simply as "process 400") can be performed by a BBU, such as, but not limited to, one of the BBUs 104 or BBU 208. For the purposes of this description, process 400 can be described as being performed by the BBU 104_1, which may initially be connected to the UE 116_1 via the antennas 112_1 and 112_2.

[0039] Procedure 400 at 404 may involve receiving measurement results associated with a UE, for example, UE 116_1. The measurement results may be channel quality measurements performed by UE 116_1 based on reference signals transmitted by one or more of the antennas. The downstream reference signals may be cell-specific, shared, etc., without limitation. The downstream reference signals transmitted by the antennas may include mechanisms to prevent a UE from measuring the same reference signal from different antennas. For example, in some embodiments, the reference signals may be allocated to different cells in such a way that neighboring cells may not share a reference signal of a common format.

[0040] The channel quality measurements performed by the UE 116_1 based on the downward reference signals can be reported directly from the UE 116_1 to the BBU 104_1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the measurement results may include additional / alternative measurements performed by the BBU 104_1 based on upward reference signals, for example sounding reference signals sent by the UE 116_1 and received by the antennas 112_1 and 112_2.

[0042] The measurement results may also include measurements performed by neighboring BBUs. For example, BBU 104_2 can receive the sounding reference signals through the antennas to which it is connected, for example, antennas 112_3 to 112_5, and transmit the resulting measurements to BBU 104_1 via coupling devices 108_3 and 108_1.

[0043] The measurement results determined by the BBU 104_1 can be expressed as Sk = {(i, hik), (j, hjk), ...}, where (i, hik) denotes the i-th antenna with a long-term channel coefficient of hik for the k-th UE, (j, hjk) denotes the j-th antenna with a long-term channel coefficient of hjk for the k-th UE, etc.

[0044] Process 400 can further include, at 408, the determination of a disposition set that includes one or more antennas for downward transmission. The determination of the disposition set can be based on measurement results as well as available antennas.

[0045] To determine the disposition set, the BBU 104_1 can, for example, first determine, based on the measurement results, that a plurality of antennas satisfy an antenna selection criterion. In some embodiments, the antenna selection criterion can be based on a comparison of the long-term channel coefficient with a predetermined threshold; for example, an antenna can be considered to satisfy the antenna selection criterion for transmitting data to an m-th UE if |him| > Hth.

[0046] The BBU 104_1 can then determine which of the antennas that meet the antenna selection criterion are currently coupled to the BBU 104_1. These can be referred to as antennas of a first set.

[0047] The BBU 104_1 can also determine which of the antennas that meet the antenna selection criterion are not currently coupled to the BBU 104_1. These can be referred to as second-set antennas. The BBU 104_1 can negotiate with other BBUs connected to the second-set antennas in an attempt to induce the other BBUs to release the second-set antennas so that the BBU 104_1 can establish a connection with the second-set antennas. In some embodiments, the negotiation may involve the BBU 104_1 sending a request to the BBUs connected to the second-set antennas to request the use of the second-set antennas. The BBUs that receive the requests can then send a response indicating whether they allow BBU 104_1 to use the requested antennas.

[0048] In some embodiments, determining whether the majority of antennas meet the antenna selection criterion can also be based on the operating parameters of the antennas themselves. When an antenna is first connected, a BBU to which it is connected can determine the antenna's operating parameters. These operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, latency and bandwidth. Latency, as used herein, may refer to the time it takes for digital radio signal data transmitted by an antenna to reach a BBU to which it is connected. Bandwidth, as used herein, may refer to the traffic volume of digital radio signal data delivered from a designated BBU to a connected BBU.

[0049] In some embodiments, the antenna selection criterion may additionally / alternatively be based on a comparison of the operating parameters of an antenna with predetermined operating parameter thresholds, such as latency and bandwidth thresholds, without being limited to them.

[0050] In some embodiments, the BBU 104_1 can determine the operating parameters of a specific antenna of interest by sending an antenna operating parameter request to a BBU to which the antenna is connected. The BBU receiving the request can respond with an antenna operating parameter response, providing the requested information if available.

[0051] Antennas that do not meet predetermined operating parameter thresholds, for example due to bandwidth limitations or high latency, may be unavailable for connection. BBUs connected to such antennas may be instructed to mute them, as they cannot be used by any BBU for coordinated downlink transmission during the current phase, and to prevent interference with neighboring cells. Muted antennas can also reduce network energy consumption. After a BBU has completed a downlink transmission, it can instruct neighboring BBUs to turn on the muted antennas.

[0052] The disposition set can include the antennas of the first set and the antennas of the second antenna set, which are released by the previously coupled BBUs in favor of the requesting BBU.

[0053] Operation 400 can further include dynamic linking to the dispatch set antennas at 412 to provide radio access to the UE. The dynamic link can be achieved by appropriately configuring routing tables of the coupling devices 108 to connect the BBU to the dispatch set antennas and subsequently transmitting the downstream signal via the dispatch set antennas. The BBU can transmit the downstream signal using a multi-user, multi-input, multi-output, beamforming, or space-time coding downstream scheme.

[0054] Although Operation 400 is described in relation to a downward transmission to a specific UE, other embodiments can perform Operation 400 with respect to a plurality of UEs connected to a specific cell or cells of a BBU. In these embodiments, various algorithms can be defined to provide the desired coverage for a collective of UEs. Determining the desired set of antennas that provide the desired coverage for a plurality of UEs can resemble, but are not limited to, LTE dispatching algorithms, such as proportional equivalence dispatching, circular dispatching, or maximum throughput dispatching.

[0055] A dynamic connection process similar to process 400 can be used in relation to a Fig. System 500, as illustrated in section 5, will be described in more detail according to some embodiments.

[0056] The System 500 can include BBUs 504, coupling devices 508, antennas 512 and UEs 516, which correspond to the similarly named components described in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are described, resemble each other and are essentially interchangeable.

[0057] An initial connection topology can be as follows. BBU 504_1 can be connected to antennas 512_1 and 512_2; BBU 504_2 can be connected to antennas 512_3 through 512_5; and BBU 504_3 can be connected to antenna 512_6. The connections of BBUs 504 to antennas 512 can be configured by routing tables in the coupling devices 508. For example, a routing table in coupling device 508_1 can be configured to send downstream signals from BBU 504_1 to antennas 512_1 and 512_2, and upstream signals from antennas 512_1 and 512_2 to BBU 504_1, and so on.

[0058] This example assumes that BBU 504_1 has downstream information to be transmitted to UE 516_1, and BBU 504_3 has downstream information to be transmitted to UE 516_3. BBU 504_1 and BBU 504_3 can each receive measurement results associated with their respective UEs and determine their respective disposition sets, as previously described in relation to Operation 400. The disposition set determined by BBU 504_1 for transmission to UE 516_1 can include antennas 512_1 through 512_4, while the disposition set determined by BBU 504_3 for transmission to UE 516_3 can include antennas 512_4 through 512_6.

[0059] BBU 504_1 can determine that its first-set antennas are antennas 512_1 and 512_2, and its second-set antennas are antennas 512_3 and 512_4. Based on previously provided link topology information, BBU 504_1 knows that antennas 512_3 and 512_4 are connected to BBU 504_2. Therefore, BBU 504_1 can send an antenna release request to BBU 504_2, requesting the release of antennas 512_3 and 512_4.

[0060] Similarly, BBU 504_3 can determine that its first-set antennas include antenna 512_6 and its second-set antennas include antennas 512_4 and 512_5. Based on previously provided link topology information, BBU 504_3 can know that antennas 512_4 and 512_5 are connected to BBU 504_2. Therefore, BBU 504_3 can send an antenna release request to BBU 504_2, requesting the release of antennas 512_4 and 512_5.

[0061] In this example, due to limited network bandwidth, antenna 512_4 is unavailable to both BBU 504_1 and BBU 504_3. Therefore, BBU 504_2 can mute antenna 512_4, release its connection to antenna 512_3 in favor of BBU 504_1, and release its connection to antenna 512_5 in favor of BBU 504_3. In some embodiments, BBU 504_2 can release its connections to antennas 512_3 and 512_5 by sending a release command to coupling devices 508_2 and 508_3. After releasing its two available antennas and muting its third, unavailable antenna, the BBU 504_2 may not be able to arrange downstream transmissions for UEs connected to the BBU 504_2.In some embodiments, the BBU 504_2 can determine, based on the nature (for example, quality of service requirements) and volume of the downstream traffic it is to transmit, whether or not to release its connection with at least one antenna.

[0062] The BBU 504_1 can configure its dispatch set to include antenna 512_3 by updating the routing tables in coupling devices 508_1 and 508_2. Similarly, the BBU 504_3 can configure its dispatch set to include antenna 512_6 by updating the routing tables in coupling device 508_3. After appropriate configuration of the coupling devices 508, the BBU 504_1 can provide a first cell, for example, cell 1, which contains UEs associated with the BBU 504_1 (or at least those UEs that have downstream transmissions configured) in its center. Similarly, BBU 504_3 can provide a second cell, for example cell 2, which contains UEs associated with BBU 504_3 (or at least those UEs that are predisposed to downward transfers) in its center.After BBU 504_1 and BBU 504_3 have completed their down transmissions, BBU 504_2 can be notified to unmute antenna 512_4. If BBU 504_2 determines that its disposition set includes antennas 512_3 through 512_6, it can send an antenna release request to BBUs 504_1 and 504_3 to release antennas 512_3 and 512_5, respectively. However, it may be detected that antenna 512_6 has a latency that exceeds the threshold for BBU 504_2, which could trigger a notification from BBU 504_2 to BBU 504_3 to mute it. Therefore, the BBU 504_2 can establish a cell, for example, cell 3, which contains UEs associated with the BBU 504_2 (or at least those UEs that are capable of downward transmissions) at its center. The BBU 504_2 can then begin sending pre-configured downward communications to its UEs.

[0063] An SPU, for example the SPU 200, or an antenna, for example the Antenna 202, can be implemented in a system that uses any appropriately configured hardware and / or software. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary system 600 for an embodiment, comprising interface circuit arrangement 604, application circuit arrangement 608, baseband circuit arrangement 612, RF circuit arrangement 616 and a working memory / data storage 620, which are coupled to each other at least as shown.

[0064] The application circuitry 608 can include, but is not limited to, circuitry such as one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) can include any combination of general-purpose and dedicated processors (for example, graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The application circuitry 608 can be coupled to the memory / data storage 620 and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory / data storage to enable the execution of various applications and / or operating systems on the system.

[0065] The baseband circuit assembly 612 can include, but is not limited to, circuit arrangements such as one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) can include one or more baseband processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. The baseband circuit assembly 612 can be coupled to the working memory / data storage 620 and configured to execute instructions stored in the working memory / data storage 620 to implement a BBU, for example, the BBU 208, and to perform various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuit assembly 616.The radio control functions can include, but are not limited to, signal modulation, encoding, decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, the baseband circuit arrangement 612 can implement a BBU to provide one or more operations previously described with respect to the dynamic link operation 400.

[0066] In various embodiments, the baseband circuit arrangement 612 can include circuitry to operate with signals that, strictly speaking, are not at a baseband frequency. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuit arrangement 612 can include circuitry that operates with signals having an intermediate frequency that lies between a baseband frequency and a high frequency.

[0067] In some embodiments in which the system 600 is an antenna, the system 600 may also not have a baseband switching arrangement 612.

[0068] The RF circuit arrangement 616 can enable communication with wireless networks using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuit arrangement 616 can implement an RF interface, such as the RAN interface 220. The RF circuit arrangement 616 can include coupling devices, filters, amplifiers, etc., to facilitate communication with the wireless network.

[0069] In various embodiments, the RF circuit arrangement 616 can include circuitry to operate with signals that, strictly speaking, are not at a high frequency. For example, in some embodiments, the RF circuit arrangement 616 can include circuitry that operates with signals having an intermediate frequency that lies between a baseband frequency and a high frequency.

[0070] In some embodiments in which the system 600 is an SPU, the system 600 may also not include an RF circuit arrangement 616.

[0071] The 604 interface circuit arrangement can enable communication with components of one or more networks, such as a core network, using appropriate network protocols. The 604 interface circuit arrangement can implement a core network interface, for example, the 204 core network interface.

[0072] In some embodiments, some or all of the individual components of the interface circuit arrangement 604, the application circuit arrangement 608, the baseband circuit arrangement 612, the RF circuit arrangement 616 and / or the main memory / data storage 620 can be implemented together on a system chip (SOC).

[0073] The 620 memory / data storage can be used to load and store data and / or instructions, for example, for the System 600. The memory / data storage for an embodiment can include any combination of suitable volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random-access memory) and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory).

[0074] Fig.Figure 7 illustrates a computer device 700 according to various embodiments, which incorporates different aspects of the present disclosure. In different embodiments, the computer device 700 can be used to implement different embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the computer device 700 can include a memory 708, wherein a BBU / switching logic 712 can be configured to implement embodiments of any of the processes described herein or aspects of embodiments thereof. The memory 708 can represent a wide selection of permanent storage media known in the field and may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, dynamic random-access memory, static random-access memory, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, etc. In embodiments, the memory 708 can comprise one or more computer-readable non-transient storage media.In other embodiments, the memory 708 can be transitory, such as signals encoded with the BBU / switching logic 712.

[0075] In various embodiments, the BBU / switching logic 712 can enable a device, for example the computer device 700, in response to its execution by one or more processors 704, to perform various operations described herein. As an example, the BBU / switching logic 712 can include instructions 712 configured to cause a device, for example the SPU 200 or the coupling device 300, to provide the dynamic linking and routing operations described herein.

[0076] The following paragraphs describe examples of different designs.

[0077] Example 1 includes a device comprising: memory containing instructions; and one or more processors coupled to the memory for executing the instructions to provide a baseband unit (BBU) for: receiving measurement results associated with user equipment (UE);

[0078] Determine, based on the measurement results of a disposition set comprising one or more antennas selected from a plurality of distributed antennas; and dynamically connect to the one or more antennas of the disposition set to provide radio access coverage for the UE.

[0079] Example 2 features the device of Example 1, wherein the BBU is a first BBU for: detecting that a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas is connected to a second BBU; sending a request to the second BBU to request use of the first antenna; receiving a response indicating whether the second BBU allows the first BBU to use the first antenna; and including the first antenna in the disposition set or excluding the first antenna from it based on the response.

[0080] Example 3 features the device according to one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the one or more selected antennas comprise a plurality of antennas, and wherein the BBU is configured to send a downward transmission to the UE using the plurality of antennas.

[0081] Example 4 features the device of Example 3, wherein the BBU is configured to send the downstream transmission using a multi-user multi-input multi-output (MU-MIMO), beamforming, or space-time coding downstream transmission scheme.

[0082] Example 5 features the device according to one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the BBU is a first BBU and is configured to receive measurement results from a second BBU.

[0083] Example 6 includes the device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the BBU is for determining whether a first antenna is unavailable and for sending a request to mute the first antenna if the first antenna is unavailable.

[0084] Example 7 includes the device of Example 6, wherein the BBU is a first BBU and is used for: sending a request to a second BBU connected to the first antenna to request an operating parameter associated with the first antenna; receiving a response from the second BBU containing the operating parameter; and determining, based on a comparison of the operating parameter with a predetermined threshold, whether the first antenna is unavailable.

[0085] Example 8 features the device according to Example 7, wherein the operating parameter is a bandwidth parameter or a latency parameter.

[0086] Example 9 includes the device according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the BBU is for configuring one or more routing tables in one or more corresponding coupling devices to dynamically connect the UE to the one or more antennas of the dispatch set.

[0087] Example 10 includes a coupling device comprising: a memory circuit arrangement for storing a routing table that includes a configurable specification of a link topology between a baseband unit (BBU) and one or more antennas; and a routing circuit arrangement coupled to the memory circuit arrangement for receiving downstream radio signals from the baseband unit and transmitting the downstream signals based on the link topology to the one or more antennas.

[0088] Example 11 includes the coupling device according to Example 10, wherein the BBU is a first BBU, and the routing circuit arrangement is further for forwarding coordination messages between the first BBU and a second BBU.

[0089] Example 12 features the coupling device according to Example 11, wherein the coordination messages include measurement results, an antenna release request, an antenna release response, or a status update.

[0090] Example 13 features the coupling device according to Example 11, wherein the coordination messages include an antenna operating parameter request and an antenna operating parameter response.

[0091] Example 14 features the coupling device according to one of Examples 10 to 13, wherein the routing circuit arrangement is for receiving a configuration signal from the BBU and updating the link topology based on the configuration signal.

[0092] Example 15 includes a signal processing unit (SPU) comprising: an antenna interface for sending signals to and receiving signals from one or more antennas; and a baseband unit (BBU) coupled to the antenna interface for receiving measurement results associated with user equipment (UE); determining, based on the measurement results of a disposition set having one or more antennas selected from a plurality of distributed antennas; and sending control signals via the antenna interface to one or more coupling devices to configure one or more routing tables for connecting the BBU to the one or more antennas of the disposition set.

[0093] Example 16 features the SPU according to Example 15, where the BBU is a first BBU for: detecting that a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas is connected to a second BBU; sending a request to the second BBU to request use of the first antenna; receiving a response indicating whether the second BBU allows the first BBU to use the first antenna; and including the first antenna in the disposition set or excluding the first antenna from it based on the response.

[0094] Example 17 features the SPU according to one of Examples 15 to 16, wherein the one or more selected antennas comprise a plurality of antennas, and wherein the BBU is for sending a downward transmission to the UE via the antenna interface using the plurality of antennas.

[0095] Example 18 features the SPU according to one of Examples 15 to 17, where the BBU is a first BBU and receives measurement results from a second BBU.

[0096] Example 19 features the SPU according to one of Examples 15 to 18, where the BBU is used to determine if a first antenna is unavailable and to send a request to mute the first antenna if the first antenna is unavailable.

[0097] Example 20 features the SPU according to Example 19, where the BBU is a first BBU and is used for: sending a request to a second BBU connected to the first antenna to request an operating parameter associated with the first antenna; receiving a response from the second BBU with the operating parameter; and determining, based on a comparison of the operating parameter with a predetermined threshold, that the first antenna is unavailable.

[0098] Example 21 features the SPU according to Example 20, where the operating parameter is a bandwidth parameter or a latency parameter.

[0099] Example 22 features the SPU according to one of Examples 15 to 21, where the BBU is for sending the control signals to configure the one or more routing tables to dynamically connect the UE to the one or more antennas of the dispatch set.

[0100] Example 23 discloses a method for operating a baseband unit (BBU), wherein the method comprises: receiving measurement results associated with user equipment (UE); determining, based on the measurement results, a disposition set having one or more antennas selected from a plurality of distributed antennas; and dynamically connecting to the one or more antennas of the disposition set to provide radio access to the UE.

[0101] Example 24 exhibits the procedure of Example 23, wherein the BBU is a first BBU, and the procedure further comprises: recognizing that a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas is connected to a second BBU; sending a request to the second BBU to request use of the first antenna; receiving a response indicating whether the second BBU allows the first BBU to use the first antenna; and including the first antenna among the one or more selected antennas or excluding the first antenna from them based on the response.

[0102] Example 25 includes the method according to one of Examples 23 to 24, wherein the one or more selected antennas comprise a plurality of antennas, and wherein the method further comprises sending a downward transmission to the UE using the plurality of antennas.

[0103] Example 26 includes the method of Example 25, which further includes sending the downstream transmission using a multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO), beamforming or space-time coding downstream transmission scheme.

[0104] Example 27 demonstrates the procedure according to one of Examples 23 to 26, wherein the BBU is a first BBU and receives measurement results from a second BBU.

[0105] Example 28 shows the procedure according to any one of Examples 23 to 27, which further includes: determining that a first antenna is unavailable; and sending a request to mute the first antenna based on the determination that the first antenna is unavailable.

[0106] Example 29 exhibits the procedure of Example 28, wherein the BBU is a first BBU, and the procedure further comprises: sending a request to a second BBU connected to the first antenna to request an operating parameter associated with the first antenna; receiving a response from the second BBU containing the operating parameter; and determining, based on a comparison of the operating parameter with a predetermined threshold, that the first antenna is unavailable.

[0107] Example 30 demonstrates the procedure according to Example 29, where the operating parameter is a bandwidth parameter or a latency parameter.

[0108] Example 31 includes the procedure according to one of Examples 23 to 30, which further includes configuring one or more routing tables in one or more corresponding coupling devices to dynamically connect the UE to the one or more antennas of the dispatch set.

[0109] Example 32 discloses a method for operating a coupling device, the method comprising: storing a routing table that includes a configurable specification of a link topology between a baseband unit (BBU) and one or more antennas; receiving downstream radio signals from the baseband unit; and transmitting the downstream signals based on the link topology to the one or more antennas.

[0110] Example 33 demonstrates the procedure according to Example 32, wherein the BBU is a first BBU, and the procedure further includes forwarding coordination messages between the first BBU and a second BBU.

[0111] Example 34 demonstrates the procedure according to Example 33, wherein the coordination messages contain measurement results, an antenna release request, an antenna release response, or a status update.

[0112] Example 35 exhibits the procedure according to Example 33, wherein the coordination messages include an antenna operating parameter request and an antenna operating parameter response.

[0113] Example 36 demonstrates the procedure according to one of Examples 32 to 35, which further includes: receiving a configuration signal from the BBU; and updating the link topology based on the configuration signal.

[0114] Example 37 discloses a method for operating a baseband unit (BBU), wherein the method comprises: receiving measurement results associated with user equipment (UE); determining, based on the measurement results, a disposition set having one or more antennas selected from a plurality of distributed antennas; and sending control signals to one or more coupling devices to configure one or more routing tables for connecting the BBU to the one or more antennas of the disposition set.

[0115] Example 38 exhibits the procedure of Example 37, wherein the BBU is a first BBU, and the procedure further comprises: determining that a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas is connected to a second BBU; sending a request to the second BBU to request use of the first antenna; receiving a response indicating whether the second BBU allows the first BBU to use the first antenna; and including the first antenna among the one or more selected antennas or excluding the first antenna from them based on the response.

[0116] Example 39 includes the method according to one of Examples 37 or 38, wherein the one or more selected antennas comprise a plurality of antennas, and wherein the method further comprises sending a downward transmission to the UE via the antenna interface using the plurality of antennas.

[0117] Example 40 demonstrates the procedure according to one of Examples 37 to 39, wherein the BBU is a first BBU, and the procedure further includes receiving measurement results from a second BBU.

[0118] Example 41 includes the procedure according to one of Examples 37 to 40, which further includes determining that a first antenna is unavailable and sending a request to mute the first antenna based on the determination that the first antenna is unavailable.

[0119] Example 42 exhibits the procedure of Example 41, wherein the BBU is a first BBU, and the procedure further comprises: sending a request to a second BBU connected to the first antenna to request an operating parameter associated with the first antenna; receiving a response from the second BBU containing the operating parameter; and determining, based on a comparison of the operating parameter with a predetermined threshold, that the first antenna is unavailable.

[0120] Example 43 demonstrates the procedure according to Example 42, where the operating parameter is a bandwidth parameter or a latency parameter.

[0121] Example 44 includes the procedure according to one of Examples 37 to 43, which further includes sending the control signals to configure the one or more routing tables in order to dynamically connect the UE to the one or more antennas of the dispatch set.

[0122] Example 45 includes one or more computer-readable media containing instructions which, when executed, cause a device to perform one of the methods of Examples 23 to 44.

[0123] Example 45 includes a device comprising means for carrying out one of the methods described in Examples 23 to 24.

[0124] The description herein of exemplary implementations, including the description in the summary, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the specific forms disclosed. Although specific implementations and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, in view of the foregoing detailed description, a multitude of alternative and / or equivalent embodiments or implementations designed to achieve the same purposes can be undertaken without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

[1] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media containing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause a first baseband unit (BBU) to: Identifying a multitude of distributed antennas based on acquisition information associated with a user equipment (UE) to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU; Determine that a second BBU is connected to a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas identified for radio access to the UE; Sending a query to the second BBU for information that corresponds to at least one of the operating parameters assigned to the first antenna; Received from the second BBU, a response containing information corresponding to the operating parameter assigned to at least one of the first antennas; Comparing the operating parameter assigned to at least one of the first antennas with a corresponding threshold value; In response to the comparison, determine whether to retain the first antenna of the multitude of distributed antennas identified for radio access to the UE by the first BBU; After determining that the first antenna of the multitude of distributed antennas identified by the first BBU for radio access to the UE should be retained, send a request to the second BBU to release its connection to the first antenna; Receiving a response from the second BBU indicating whether the second BBU should release its connection to the first antenna; and at least on the basis of the answer, determine whether the first antenna should be included in the multitude of distributed antennas to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU. [2] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the first BBU to: Transmitting a downlink transmission to the UE using one or more antennas. [3] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 2, wherein the downlink transmission is a multi-user multiple-input, multiple-output (MU-MIMO), beamforming or space-time coding downlink transmission. [4] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 1, wherein the response from the second BBU indicates that the second BBU should release its connection to the first antenna and the plurality of distributed antennas includes the first antenna. [5] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 1, wherein the first BBU is to cause the second BBU to mute the first antenna, and the plurality of distributed antennas does not include the first antenna. [6] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 5, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the first BBU to: Determine that the first antenna is unavailable due to a bandwidth limitation or latency associated with the first antenna; and Causing the second BBU to mute the first antenna based on the determination that the first antenna is unavailable. [7] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 1, wherein the first BBU serves to connect to the one or more antennas for the following purpose: Updating the configuration of one or more routing tables in one or more switches. [8] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media containing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause a first baseband unit (BBU) to: Identifying a multitude of distributed antennas based on acquisition information associated with a user equipment (UE) to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU; Determine that a second BBU is connected to a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas identified for radio access to the UE; Sending a request to the second BBU to enable the connection between the second BBU and the first antenna; Received from the second BBU, a response indicating whether / that the second BBU The connection between the second BBU and the first antenna will not be enabled; after receiving the response from the second BBU: Removing the first antenna from a planning group of one or more antennas of the multitude of distributed antennas to improve radio access to the UE through the first to enable BBU; and Dynamically connecting one or more antennas, excluding the first antenna, to the planning group to provide radio access coverage for the UE. [9] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 8, wherein the first BBU further serves to: Sending a request to the second BBU to mute the first antenna, whereby muting the first antenna includes preventing coordinated downlink transmission through the first antenna for a duration of radio access provision to the UE. [10] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 9, wherein the first BBU serves to: Sending a query to the second BBU connected to the first antenna to request an operating parameter associated with the first antenna; Receiving a response from the second BBU with the operating parameter; and Determine that the first antenna is unavailable, based on a comparison of the operating parameter with a predefined threshold. [11] One or more non-transient, computer-readable media according to claim 10, wherein the operating parameter is a bandwidth parameter or a latency parameter. [12] One or more non-transitory, computer-readable media according to claim 8, wherein the first BBU sends configuration messages to one or more switches for dynamically connecting the one or more antennas to the planning group in order to update routing tables in one or more corresponding switches to dynamically connect the UE to the one or more antennas of the planning group. [13] Equipment for implementing a first baseband unit (BBU), the equipment comprising: an interface for sending signals to a multitude of distributed antennas and for receiving signals from them via one or more switches; and Processing switching logic coupled to the interface for: Determine, based on acquisition information associated with a user equipment (UE), a planning group of one or more antennas selected from the multitude of distributed antennas to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU; Determine that a second BBU is connected to a first antenna in the planning group of one or more antennas selected for radio access to the UE; Sending a query to the second BBU for information that corresponds at least to a latency or bandwidth assigned to the first antenna; Received from the second BBU, a response containing information equivalent to at least one of the latency or bandwidth allocated to the first antenna; Determining the latency or bandwidth assigned to the first antenna, at least based on the information contained in the response received from the second BBU; Comparing the specified latency or bandwidth assigned to the first antenna with a corresponding predefined latency threshold or bandwidth threshold; In response to the comparison, determine whether the first antenna in the planning group of one or more antennas selected by the first BBU for radio access to the UE should be retained; and Configure one or more switches to connect the first BBU to the one or more antennas of the planning group to provide radio access for the UE through the first BBU. [14] Device according to claim 13, wherein the processing switching logic serves to: Sending a request to the second BBU to ask the second BBU to release its connection with the first antenna or to mute the first antenna; Receiving a response indicating whether the second BBU should release its connection to the first antenna or mute the first antenna; and Include the first antenna in the planning group or exclude the first antenna from the planning group based on the response. [15] Device according to claim 14, wherein the processing switching logic serves to receive acquisition information from the second BBU. [16] Device according to claim 13, wherein the processing switching logic serves to transmit a downlink transmission via the interface to the UE using one or more antennas of the planning group. [17] Device according to claim 13, wherein the processing switching logic serves to: Determine that the first antenna is unavailable due to a bandwidth limitation or latency associated with the first antenna; and send a request to the second BBU to mute the first antenna based on the determination that the first antenna is unavailable. [18] Device according to claim 13, wherein the processing switching logic serves to determine the planning group to provide a plurality of antennas to create a cell with a center in which the UE is arranged. [19] Device for implementing a first baseband unit (BBU) in a wireless communication system, the device comprising: an interface to which signals can be sent and from which signals can be received, a large number of distributed antennas across one or more switches; and Processing switching logic coupled to the interface for: Identifying a multitude of distributed antennas based on acquisition information associated with a user equipment (UE) to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU; Determine that a second BBU is connected to a first antenna of the plurality of distributed antennas identified for radio access to the UE; Sending a request to the second BBU to enable the connection between the second BBU and the first antenna; Receiving a response from the second BBU indicating that the second BBU will not release the connection between the second BBU and the first antenna; after receiving the response from the second BBU: Removing the first antenna from a planning group of one or more antennas of the multitude of distributed antennas to provide radio access to the UE through the first BBU; and Dynamically connecting one or more antennas, excluding the first antenna, to the planning group to provide radio access coverage for the UE. [20] Device according to claim 19, wherein the first BBU further serves to: Sending a request to the second BBU to mute the first antenna, whereby muting the first antenna includes preventing coordinated downlink transmission through the first antenna for a duration of radio access provision to the UE. [21] Device according to claim 20, wherein the first BBU serves to: Sending a query to the second BBU connected to the first antenna to request an operating parameter associated with the first antenna; Receiving a response from the second BBU with the operating parameter; and Determine that the first antenna is unavailable, based on a comparison of the operating parameter with a predefined threshold. [22] Device according to claim 21, wherein the operating parameter is a bandwidth parameter or a latency parameter. [23] Device according to claim 19, wherein the first BBU sends configuration messages to one or more switches for dynamically connecting the one or more antennas to the planning group in order to update routing tables in one or more corresponding switches in order to dynamically connect the UE to the one or more antennas of the planning group.

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