Providing continuous services in wireless communication networks

Abstract

An embodiment is directed to a system for providing continuous service in a wireless communication network. The system includes a communications management controller, a first DU connected to the communications management controller for communication with a CU, and a second DU. Traffic associated with the first DU is provided as input to an active port of the communications management controller, and the first DU is configured to set an alarm signal indicating the active status of the first DU on a control port of the communications management controller. The communications management controller determines a failure of the first DU based on the alarm signal not being set, automatically switches the input from the active port to a default port of the communications management controller, and redirects traffic associated with the first DU to the second DU, thereby providing continuous service in the wireless communication network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims priority based on Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202221074615 filed on December 22, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to a system and method for providing continuous services in a wireless communication network.

Background Art

[0003] With the advancement of communication, there are a large number of subscribers connected to a base station (BS) for various types of services. The cell site of the BS includes multiple devices. Without limitation, if a failure occurs in any of the multiple devices of the cell site due to reasons such as software failures or device failures, the services provided to subscribers by the communication network are affected. Therefore, it is very important for the communication network to be fault-tolerant.

[0004] / / 原内容中此处无对应英文,推测可能是排版等问题遗漏,按要求保留原文格式 Conventionally, a communication fault-tolerant system includes an active system that provides communication services to multiple subscribers and a standby system that is used to perform a switching process from the active system when a failure occurs in the active system. Therefore, the standby system functions as an active system and continues to provide communication services to subscribers. However, the standby system remains in an idle state all the time while the active system is operating, leading to a waste of a large amount of resources that can be used to improve the quality of service (QoS) of subscribers. Therefore, it is desirable to provide at least a mechanism without the above problems.

[0005] Object of the Invention The primary objective of the embodiments of this specification is to provide a system and method for providing continuous service in a wireless communication network by diverting traffic from a failed DU to another active DU based on an alarm signal. Traffic diverting is performed using a communication management controller having multiple ports. The proposed method ensures continuous service by the DU even in the event of any type of failure, such as a lead DU failure, a lead DU malfunction, a failure of any port on the DU, a traffic failure, a power failure in one of the DUs, or even a failure of a passive optical switch used in the communication management controller. Thus, unlike existing solutions, the proposed method allows the DU to take over traffic from a failed DU under various conditions and provide continuous service to subscribers. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Accordingly, embodiments of this specification disclose a system for providing continuous service in a wireless communication network. The system includes a communications management controller having multiple ports, a first DU among multiple distributed units (DUs) connected to the communications management controller for communication with a centralized unit (CU), and a second DU among multiple DUs connected to the first DU. Traffic associated with the first DU is provided as input to the active port of the communications management controller, and the first DU is configured to set an alarm signal on the control port of the communications management controller indicating the active status of the first DU. The communications management controller is configured to determine a failure of the first DU based on the absence of an alarm signal on the control port of the communications management controller and to automatically switch the input from the active port to the default port of the communications management controller. The default port is connected to the second DU. The communications management controller is configured to provide continuous service in the wireless communication network by redirecting traffic associated with the first DU toward the second DU.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first DU is a read DU, the first DU hosts LTE and mmWave, and the second DU hosts Sub6 5G NR.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second DU forwards midhaul (MH) traffic to the first DU via one of the P-CL links and S-CL links, the first DU forwards the MH traffic to the CU through the communication management controller, and traffic from the CU to the second DU is routed to the second DU by the first DU over one of the P-CL links and S-CL links.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second DU functions as a read DU when switching input from the active port to the default port of the communication management controller.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second DU is further configured to determine the priority associated with each of the bands to be served by the second DU and to determine whether the capacity associated with the second DU meets the DU capacity threshold. Furthermore, the second DU is configured to, in response to determining that the capacity associated with the second DU does not meet the DU capacity threshold, limit the cell capacity of the second DU to serve LTE, mmWave, and Sub6 simultaneously, and in response to determining that the capacity associated with the second DU meets the DU capacity threshold, shut down Sub6 NR to serve at least one of LTE with the full capacity.

[0011] Accordingly, embodiments of this specification disclose a method for providing continuous service in a wireless communication network. The method includes a communication management controller determining that no alarm signal has been set to the control port of the communication management controller. The alarm signal to the control port of the communication management controller indicates the active status of a first distributed unit (DU) among a plurality of DUs. The method also includes the communication management controller determining a failure of the first DU based on the fact that no alarm signal has been set to the control port of the communication management controller. Traffic associated with the first DU is provided as input to the active port of the communication management controller. The method also includes the communication management controller automatically switching the input from the active port to the default port of the communication management controller connected to a second DU, and the communication management controller providing continuous service in the wireless communication network by redirecting the traffic associated with the first DU toward the second DU.

[0012] These and other embodiments of the embodiments herein will be better recognized and understood in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description, while showing preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, is given as examples and not as an limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

[0013] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and throughout the drawings, similar reference letters indicate corresponding parts of various figures. Embodiments of this specification will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a scenario for a cell site with two operational DUs using conventional technology. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a system for providing continuous services in a wireless communication network, according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 3A] This figure shows a scenario of a cell site having two operational DUs connected to a communications management controller, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 3B] This figure shows a scenario of a cell site comprising a failed DU and an operational DU connected to a communications management controller, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows a scenario traffic management system in a cell site with multiple DUs and a failed DU, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 4] This flowchart illustrates a method for providing continuous services in a wireless communication network according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The embodiments and various features and advantageous details described herein are more fully described with reference to non-limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments herein. Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. Where used herein, the term "or" refers to a non-exclusive "or" unless otherwise specified. The examples used herein are intended solely to facilitate understanding of how the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0016] As is customary in the art, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks that perform the functions(s) described. These blocks, which may be referred to herein as units or modules, etc., are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, and hardwired circuits, and may be driven optionally by firmware. The circuits may be embodied, for example, in one or more semiconductor chips or on substrate supports such as printed circuit boards and the like. The circuits constituting a block may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits), or by a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions of the block and a processor for performing other functions of the block. Each block of an embodiment may be physically separated into two or more interacting individual blocks without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, the blocks of an embodiment may be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, this disclosure should be construed to extend to any modifications, equivalents, and substitutions in addition to those specifically described in the accompanying drawings. While terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally used solely to distinguish one element from another.

[0018] Accordingly, embodiments of this specification disclose a system for providing continuous service in a wireless communication network. The system comprises a communications management controller having multiple ports, a first DU among multiple distributed units (DUs) connected to the communications management controller for communication with a centralized unit (CU), and a second DU among multiple DUs connected to the first DU. Traffic associated with the first DU is provided as input to the active port of the communications management controller, and the first DU is configured to set an alarm signal on the control port of the communications management controller indicating the active status of the first DU. The communications management controller is configured to determine a failure of the first DU based on the absence of an alarm signal on the control port of the communications management controller and to automatically switch the input from the active port to the default port of the communications management controller. The default port is connected to the second DU. The communications management controller is configured to provide continuous service in the wireless communication network by redirecting traffic associated with the first DU toward the second DU.

[0019] Therefore, embodiments of the present specification disclose a method for providing continuous services in a wireless communication network. The method includes a communication management controller determining that an alarm signal to a control port of the communication management controller is not set. The alarm signal to the control port of the communication management controller indicates an active status of a first distributed unit (DU) among a plurality of DUs. The method also includes the communication management controller determining a failure of the first DU based on the alarm signal to the control port of the communication management controller not being set. Traffic associated with the first DU is provided as an input to an active port of the communication management controller. The method also includes the communication management controller automatically switching an input from the active port to a default port of the communication management controller connected to a second DU, and providing continuous services in the wireless communication network by redirecting traffic associated with the first DU towards the second DU.

[0020] Conventional methods and systems include an electronic cross-connect for switching data flow between one or more digital units and one or more remote radio units. However, there is no method or system for switching data flow during a failure of a DU.

[0021] Unlike conventional methods and systems, the proposed method includes the use of an optical switch for switching data flow between a lead DU and other DUs within a cell site when a failure occurs in the lead DU. The optical switch implements a diversion of data flow based on an alarm signal.

[0022] Unlike conventional methods and systems, the proposed system is resilient to any form of failure / malfunction in the DU or optical switch. If there is a malfunction of a detected failure in the DU, the traffic path is automatically rerouted to the default path leading to another active DU. Even when a failure occurs in the optical switch, to ensure that the service is not restricted, the traffic from the midhole is directly connected to the default port. Therefore, the proposed system involves a cascaded connection of multiple DUs that makes the system resilient to any kind of failure.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 - 4, like reference numerals throughout the figures indicate corresponding features consistently, and preferred embodiments are shown.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a scenario of a cell site with two operating DUs according to the prior art.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a cell site including a first DU (2000) and a second DU (3000) is considered. Here, the first DU (2000) hosts LTE and mmWave, and the second DU (3000) hosts Sub6 5G NR.

[0026] The first DU (2000) is the lead DU and connects to the MH towards the central unit (CU) (5000). The second DU (3000) transfers MH traffic to the first DU (2000) via a P-CL link or an S-CL link. That is, the P-CL port of the first DU (2000) is connected to the P-CL port of the second DU (3000). The first DU (2000) transfers the traffic associated with the second DU (3000) to the CU (5000). Similarly, the traffic from the CU (5000) that needs to be sent to the second DU (3000) is sent towards the second DU (3000) and is routed to the second DU (3000) by the first DU (2000) on the P-CL link or the S-CL link.

[0027] Considering scenarios of MH port failure on the first DU(2000) or failure of the first DU(2000), all services at the cell site go down. As a result, the subscriber user experience is significantly negatively affected. Conventional methods and systems to address the above problem include providing a lead DU, i.e., a standby DU for the first DU(2000). The standby DU is inoperable and only becomes operational or active during a failure of the first DU(2000). As a result, the resources of the standby DU that could be used to serve more users are wasted.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system (1000) for providing continuous services in a wireless communication network, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0029] The system (1000) includes a communication management controller (100), a memory (120), a processor (140), and a communication unit (160). The communication management controller (100) is implemented by processing circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, and hardwired circuits, and may be driven by firmware as desired. The circuits may be embodied, for example, by one or more semiconductors.

[0030] Memory (120) is configured to store instructions executed by the processor (140). Memory (120) may include non-volatile memory elements. Examples of such non-volatile memory elements may include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, flash memory, or electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable memories (EEPROM) memory. Furthermore, in some examples, memory (120) may be considered a non-transient storage medium. The term "non-transient" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or propagating signal. However, the term "non-transient" should not be interpreted as meaning that memory (120) is immovable. In some examples, memory (120) can be configured to store large amounts of information. In certain examples, a non-transient storage medium may store data that can change over time (e.g., in random access memory (RAM) or a cache).

[0031] The processor (140) communicates with the memory (120), the communication unit (160), and the communication management controller (100). The processor (140) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (120) and carry out various processes. The processor may include one or more processors, including general-purpose processors such as a central processing unit (CPU) and an application processor (AP), graphics-dedicated processing units such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or artificial intelligence (AI)-dedicated processors such as a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0032] The communications unit (160) includes electronic circuits specific to a standard that enables wired or wireless communication. The communications unit (160) is configured to communicate internally between the internal hardware components of the system (1000) and with external devices via one or more networks.

[0033] In one embodiment, the communication management controller (100) may include, for example, an optical switch. The communication management controller (100) includes an input port (1), an active port (2), a control port (3), and a default port (4). The input port (1) is connected to the CU (5000), and the active port (2) is connected to the MH port of the first DU (2000). The control port (3) is connected to the alarm port of the first DU (2000), and the default port (4) is connected to the MH port of the second DU (3000). The communication management controller (100) provides bidirectional communication between the first DU (2000) and the CU (5000).

[0034] The communication management controller (100) is configured to determine that no alarm signal is set to the control port (3) of the communication management controller (100), and therefore to determine a failure of the first DU (2000) based on the fact that no alarm signal is set to the control port (3) of the communication management controller (100). The failure of the first DU (2000) may be due to a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, latency, jitter, complete failure of the first DU (2000), failure in the communication link, periodic or ad-hoc maintenance of the lead DU, or time-scheduled criteria.

[0035] The communication management controller (100) is configured to provide continuous service in the wireless communication network by automatically switching the input from the active port (2) to the default port (4) of the communication management controller (100) connected to the second DU (3000), and redirecting the traffic associated with the first DU (2000) toward the second DU (3000).

[0036] The communication management controller (100) is further configured to determine the priority associated with each of the bandwidths to be served by the second DU (3000) and to determine whether the capacity associated with the second DU (3000) meets the DU capacity threshold. The DU capacity threshold may be determined based on the load handling capacity of the DU, such as the number of users, the amount of data traffic, or the number of radio units, but without limitation. Furthermore, if the communication management controller (100) determines that the capacity associated with the second DU (3000) does not meet the DU capacity threshold, it is configured to limit the cell capacity of the second DU (3000) in order to serve LTE, mmWave, and Sub6 simultaneously. If the communication management controller (100) determines that the capacity associated with the second DU (3000) meets the DU capacity threshold, it is configured to shut down Sub6 NR to serve LTE with the full capacity.

[0037] At least one of the multiple modules / components of the communication management controller (180) may be implemented through an AI model. Functions associated with the AI ​​model may be performed through memory (120) and processor (140). One or more processors control the processing of input data according to predefined operating rules or AI models stored in non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The predefined operating rules or artificial intelligence models are provided through training or learning.

[0038] Here, "provided through learning" means that a predefined set of behavioral rules or an AI model with desired characteristics is created by applying a learning process to multiple training data sets. Learning may be performed on the device in which the AI ​​according to the embodiment is implemented, and / or through a separate server / system.

[0039] An AI model may consist of multiple neural network layers. Each layer has multiple weight values ​​and performs layer operations and weight operations through calculations of the previous layer. Examples of neural networks include, but are not limited to, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs), Deep Belief Networks (DBNs), Bidirectional Recurrent Deep Neural Networks (BRDNNs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Deep Q Networks.

[0040] A learning process is a method for training a predetermined target device (e.g., a robot) using multiple training data sets in order to enable the target device to make decisions or predictions, permit actions, or control actions. Examples of learning processes include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0041] Figure 2 shows various hardware components of System (1000), but it should be understood that other embodiments are not limited to these. In other embodiments, System (1000) may include fewer or more components. Furthermore, component labels or names are used for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform the same or substantially similar functions using System (1000).

[0042] Figure 3A shows a cell site scenario with two operational DUs connected to a communication management controller (100) according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3A, the proposed method includes a fully redundant system with a passive optical switch. In Figure 3A, system (1000) includes a first DU (2000) and a second DU (3000) at the cell site. The first DU (2000) hosts LTE and mmWave, and the second DU (3000) hosts Sub6 5G NR. The first DU (2000) connects to a communications management controller (100) toward a CU (5000). The second DU (3000) forwards MH traffic to the first DU (2000) (via a P-CL / S-CL link), and the first DU (2000) forwards the traffic to the CU (5000) through the communications management controller (100). Similarly, traffic from CU(5000) to the second DU(3000) is routed to the second DU(3000) by the first DU(2000) on the P-CL or S-CL.

[0044] The first DU(2000) is a lead DU, and an alarm signal to the control port (3) of the communication management controller (100) is set while the first DU(2000) is operating. The set alarm is an instruction for the operation of the first DU(2000). When the alarm signal is set, MH traffic associated with the first DU(2000) is provided as input to the active port (2), and the first DU(2000) is connected to the CU(5000) through the input port (1).

[0045] The proposed method is shown for only two DUs or two nodes per site, but the same logic can be extended to three or more sites.

[0046] Figure 3B shows a cell site scenario according to an embodiment disclosed herein, comprising a faulty DU and an operational DU connected to a communication management controller (100).

[0047] Referring to Figure 3B, a scenario is considered in which the lead DU, the first DU(2000), fails, or the MH port of the first DU(2000) fails. This affects the services provided to subscribers by the first DU(2000).

[0048] During a failure of the first DU(2000), no alarm signal is set to the control port (3) of the communication management controller (100). Also, the MH traffic associated with the first DU(2000) that is provided as input to the active port (2) is disconnected. In the proposed scenario, the communication management controller (100) determines that no alarm is set and moves the MH traffic associated with the first DU(2000) to the default port (4). The default port (4) is connected to the MH port of the second DU(3000), and therefore, the MH traffic from the MH port of the second DU(3000) is provided as input to the default port (4) that communicates with the CU(5000).

[0049] As a result, the second DU(3000) takes on the role of lead DU, taking over the workload of the first DU(2000) (including both LTE and mmWave bands). The second DU(3000) may need to limit cell capacity in order to provide service to all bands, including LTE, mmWave, and Sub6.

[0050] Furthermore, the second DU(3000) may completely shut down Sub6 NR in order to provide LTE service at full capacity. Here, both the first DU(2000) and the second DU(3000) are connected to the RRH via redundant links, so if one DU fails, or if one of the links fails, the other link is used to provide continuous communication. Also, a redundant cascaded link exists between the first DU(2000) and the second DU(3000). Therefore, if either the SFP or the link (P-CL) fails, the first DU(2000) and the second DU(3000) continue to communicate via the secondary link (S-CL).

[0051] Unlike conventional methods and systems, the proposed system (1000) is fault-tolerant to any form of failure / malfunction in the first DU (2000) or optical switch. If a fault or malfunction is detected in the first DU (2000), the traffic path is automatically rerouted to a default path leading to the second DU (3000). To ensure that service is not restricted even if the optical switch as a whole fails, traffic from the midhaul is connected directly to the default port (4).

[0052] Figure 3C illustrates scenario traffic management in a cell site with multiple DUs and a failed DU, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3C, we consider a scenario where the second DU(3000), the third DU(4000), and the fourth DU(5000) are all connected to the first DU(2000) for communication with the midhall. Traffic from CL1 and CL2 of the second DU(3000) is connected to CL1 and CL2 of the first DU(2000). Therefore, during the normal operation of both the first and second DU(3000), traffic from the second DU(3000) proceeds to the first DU(2000), and then travels to and from the midhall through the MH port of the first DU(2000), which is connected to the active port (2) of the communication management controller (100). Similarly, CL1 of the third DU(4000) is connected to CL3 of the first DU(2000), and CL2 of the third DU(4000) is connected to CL3 of the second DU(3000). Therefore, traffic from the third DU(4000) goes through the first DU(2000) to the midhall. The same applies to the fourth DU(5000).

[0054] For example, consider a scenario in which the first DU (2000) fails due to a power failure, port failure, or mismanagement at the first DU (2000), and the communication management controller (100) then automatically shifts the traffic from the first DU (2000) to the second DU (3000) by diverting the traffic from the midhall to the default port (4). As a result, traffic from the third DU (4000) and the fourth DU (5000) communicates with the midhall through the second DU (3000) instead of the first DU (2000). Thus, the cascading of multiple DUs allows traffic to be diverted to the next active DU during a lead DU failure, and as a result, subscriber services are not affected. Furthermore, the proposed system (1000) addresses all forms of single-point failures that would lead to discontinuities in services to subscribers by making the system (1000) fully fault-tolerant.

[0055] In one scenario, we assume that the first DU(2000) fails, and the second DU(3000) is set as the lead DU. Then, even if the first DU(2000) may be restored, the second DU(3000) continues to operate as the lead DU using the radio of the first DU(2000), which is currently shifted to the second DU(3000).

[0056] In another scenario, when the first DU(2000) recovers after a failure, the radio of the first DU(2000) is returned from the second DU(3000) to the first DU(2000), and the first DU(2000) returns to its original position as the lead DU. In both of the above scenarios, the first DU(2000) can be recovered remotely using the first DU(2000)'s BMC.

[0057] In another scenario, if a second DU(3000), after being configured as a lead DU, determines that it may not be able to serve all the bandwidth, the second DU(3000) may shut down Sub6NR, mmWave, or both in order to serve the LTE bandwidth.

[0058] Therefore, the proposed system (1000) involves a cascaded connection of multiple DUs to make system (1000) fault-tolerant to any type of failure.

[0059] Figure 4 is a flowchart (400) illustrating a method for providing continuous services in a wireless communication network according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, in step 402, the method includes the communication management controller (100) determining that no alarm signal has been set to the control port of the communication management controller (100).

[0061] In step 404, the method includes the communication management controller (100) determining a failure of the first DU based on the fact that no alarm signal has been set to the control port of the communication management controller.

[0062] In step 406, the method includes the communication management controller (100) automatically switching the input from the active port to the default port of the communication management controller connected to the second DU.

[0063] In step 408, the method includes providing continuous service in a wireless communication network by having a communication management controller (100) redirect traffic associated with the first DU (1000) toward the second DU (2000).

[0064] The various actions, functions, blocks, steps, etc. in the flowchart (400) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some of the actions, functions, blocks, steps, etc. may be omitted, added, modified, or skipped without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0065] The advantage of the proposed method is service continuity, a critical business requirement. The proposed method guarantees service continuity in the event of a failure of one node. However, in traditional redundant systems, the capacity of one node remains unused until a failure occurs. This is costly in terms of CAPEX (initial deployment costs) and OPEX (operating costs). The proposed method fully utilizes the installed nodes and switches to a minimal service mode in the event of a failure.

[0066] The foregoing description of specific embodiments is intended to fully illustrate the general nature of the embodiments herein, so that others may readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various uses without departing from the higher concepts by applying their current knowledge, and such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be understood within the meaning and scope of the equivalent embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that any expressions or terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in relation to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be modified and practiced within the scope of embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A system for providing continuous services in a wireless communication network, wherein the system is A communication management controller equipped with multiple ports, A first distributed unit (DU) among a plurality of distributed units (DUs) connected to the communication management controller for communication with a central unit (CU), wherein traffic associated with the first DU is provided as input to the active port of the communication management controller, and the first DU is configured to set an alarm signal indicating the active status of the first DU on the control port of the communication management controller, A second DU, at least one of the plurality of DUs connected to the first DU, Equipped with, The aforementioned communication management controller It is determined that the alarm signal has not been set to the control port of the communication management controller. Based on the fact that the alarm signal is not set to the control port of the communication management controller, a failure of the first DU is determined. The input from the active port is automatically switched to the default port of the communication management controller, and the default port is connected to the at least one second DU. By redirecting traffic associated with the first DU to the at least one second DU, continuous service is provided in the wireless communication network. It is structured in such a way. system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first DU is a read DU, and the first DU and the at least one second DU host at least one of a plurality of bandwidths.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second DU forwards midhaul (MH) traffic to the first DU via at least one cascaded link (CL) between the first DU and the at least one second DU, the first DU forwards the MH traffic to the CU through the communication management controller, and the traffic from the CU toward the at least one second DU is routed to the at least one second DU by the first DU over the at least one CL between the first DU and the at least one second DU.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second DU functions as a read DU when switching the input from the active port to the default port of the communication management controller.

5. The at least one second DU is, Determine the priority associated with each of the multiple bandwidths to be serviced by the at least one second DU, wherein the multiple bandwidths include LTE, mmWave, and Sub6 5G NR. Determine whether the capacity associated with the at least one second DU satisfies the DU capacity threshold. The following is a summary, that is, In response to determining that the capacity associated with the second DU does not meet the DU capacity threshold, limit the cell capacity of the second DU in order to simultaneously provide services to the LTE, the mmWave, and the Sub6 5G NR, and In response to determining that the capacity associated with the at least one second DU satisfies the DU capacity threshold, the Sub6 5G NR is shut down to provide service to the LTE with full capacity. One of these will be implemented. The system according to claim 1, further configured as follows.

6. A method for providing continuous service in a wireless communication network, wherein the method is The communication management controller determines that no alarm signal has been set to the control port of the communication management controller, and that the alarm signal to the control port of the communication management controller indicates the active status of the first distributed unit (DU) among the plurality of DUs. The communication management controller determines a failure of the first DU based on the fact that the alarm signal is not set to the control port of the communication management controller, wherein the traffic associated with the first DU is provided as input to the active port of the communication management controller. The communication management controller automatically switches the input from the active port to the default port of the communication management controller, wherein the default port is connected to at least one second DU. The communication management controller provides continuous service in the wireless communication network by redirecting traffic associated with the first DU to the at least one second DU. Methods that include...

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the communication management controller has a plurality of ports, and the first DU is connected to the communication management controller to communicate with a central unit (CU).

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first DU is a read DU, and the first DU and the at least one second DU host at least one of a plurality of bandwidths.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one second DU forwards midhaul (MH) traffic to the first DU via at least one cascaded link (CL) between the first DU and the at least one second DU, the first DU forwards the MH traffic to the CU through the communication management controller, and the traffic from the CU toward the at least one second DU is routed by the first DU to the at least one second DU on the at least one CL between the first DU and the at least one second DU.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one second DU functions as a read DU when switching the input from the active port to the default port of the communication management controller.

11. The at least one second DU determines the priority associated with each of the multiple bandwidths to be served by the at least one second DU, wherein the multiple bandwidths include LTE, mmWave, and Sub6 5G NR. The at least one second DU is used to determine whether the capacity associated with the at least one second DU satisfies the DU capacity threshold, The above-mentioned at least one second DU, i.e., In response to determining that the capacity associated with the second DU does not meet the DU capacity threshold, limit the cell capacity of the second DU in order to simultaneously provide services to the LTE, the mmWave, and the Sub6 5G NR, and In response to determining that the capacity associated with the second DU satisfies the DU capacity threshold, the Sub6 5G NR is shut down to provide service to the LTE with its full capacity. To implement one of the following, The method according to claim 6, further comprising:

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