Apparatus and method for performing scheduling on basis of fronthaul capacity

Abstract

This distributed unit (DU) may comprise at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to: determine a maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU and a hub and a maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub and one or more radio units (RUs); determine a traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU among the one or more RUs, on the basis of a minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface; generate control plane messages and user plane messages corresponding to the control plane messages, on the basis of the determined traffic capacity; and transmit the control plane messages and the user plane messages to the hub.

Description

Device and method for performing scheduling based on fronthaul capacity

[0001] The following descriptions relate to an apparatus and method for performing scheduling based on fronthaul capacity.

[0002] A base station can be implemented as a distributed unit (DU) and a radio unit (RU) depending on the function split. The DU can be configured to perform some functions of the protocol stack (e.g., radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), high PHY (physical)). The RU can be configured to perform some functions of the protocol stack (e.g., low PHY).

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A distributed unit (DU) is provided. The DU may include a communication circuit. The DU may include a memory that stores instructions and includes one or more storage media. The DU may include at least one processor that includes a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU and a hub and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub and one or more radio units (RUs). When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one of the one or more RUs based on the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to generate control plane messages and user plane messages corresponding to the control plane messages based on the determined traffic capacity. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to transmit the control plane messages and the user plane messages to the hub.

[0005] A method performed by a DU is provided. The method may include an operation to determine the maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU and a hub and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub and one or more radio units (RUs). The method may include an operation to determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one of the one or more RUs based on the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface. The method may include an operation to generate control plane messages and user plane messages corresponding to the control plane messages based on the determined traffic capacity. The method may include an operation to transmit the control plane messages and the user plane messages to the hub.

[0006] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system.

[0008] Figure 2 illustrates the interface between the DU and the RU.

[0009] Figure 3a illustrates the components of the DU.

[0010] Figure 3b illustrates the components of the RU.

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates an example of function splitting between DU and RU.

[0012] Figure 5a illustrates examples of downlink messages.

[0013] Figure 5b illustrates examples of uplink messages.

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a system including a hub.

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates signaling between the DU and RU for management plane messages.

[0016] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operations of a DU for performing scheduling based on fronthaul capacity.

[0017] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a system that performs scheduling based on fronthaul capacity.

[0018] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a system that performs scheduling based on fronthaul capacity.

[0019] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b illustrate examples of systems that perform scheduling based on fronthaul capacity.

[0020] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this disclosure. Terms used in this disclosure that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] In the various embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a hardware-based approach is described as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques using both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0022] Terms referring to signals used in the following description (e.g., packet, message, signal, information, signaling), terms referring to resources (e.g., section, symbol, slot, subframe, radio frame, subcarrier, RE (resource element), RB (resource block), BWP (bandwidth part), occasion)), terms for operation states (e.g., step, operation, procedure)), terms referring to data (e.g., packet, message, user stream, information, bit, symbol, codeword)), terms referring to channels, terms referring to network entities (DU (distributed unit), RU (radio unit), CU (central unit), CU-CP (control plane), CU-UP (user plane), O-DU (O-RAN (open radio access network) DU), O-RU (O-RAN RU), O-CU (O-RAN CU), Terms such as O-CU-UP (O-RAN CU-CP), O-CU-CP (O-RAN CU-CP), and terms referring to components of the device are examples provided for convenience of explanation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. Furthermore, terms such as '...part', '...device', '...object', '...body' used below may refer to at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0023] Additionally, in this disclosure, expressions of "greater than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled; however, this is merely for the purpose of expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions of "greater than" or "less than." Conditions described as "greater than" may be replaced with "greater than," conditions described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and conditions described as "greater than and less than" may be replaced with "greater than and less than." Furthermore, "A" to "B" below refer to at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). Below, "C" and / or "D" refers to including at least one of "C" or "D," i.e., {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0024] The present disclosure describes embodiments using terms used in some communication standards (e.g., 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and / or O-RAN (open-radio access network)), but this is merely illustrative. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system may include a base station (110) and a UE (user equipment) (120) as part of nodes utilizing a wireless channel. FIG. 1 illustrates a base station (110) and a UE (120), but this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The wireless communication system may further include other base stations and other UEs.

[0027] A base station (110) is an infrastructure for providing wireless access to a UE (120). The base station (110) has coverage defined based on the distance over which it can transmit signals. In addition to being a base station, the base station (110) may be referred to as an 'access point (AP)', 'eNodeB (eNB)', '5G node (5th generation node)', 'next generation nodeB (gNB)', 'wireless point', 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', or other terms having an equivalent technical / functional meaning.

[0028] A UE (120) is a device used by a user and communicates with a base station (110) via a wireless channel. The link from the base station (110) to the UE (120) is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the UE (120) to the base station (110) is referred to as an uplink (UL). In addition to UE (user equipment), the UE (120) may be referred to as a 'terminal', 'customer premises equipment' (CPE), 'mobile station', 'subscriber station', 'remote terminal', 'wireless terminal', 'electronic device', or 'user device', or any other term having an equivalent technical or functional meaning.

[0029] The base station (110) illustrated in FIG. 1 can be implemented using a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and / or a radio unit (RU). Below, a distributed deployment of the base station (110) implemented using a DU and a RU is described in FIG. 2.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates the interface between the DU and the RU.

[0031] The communication system of FIG. 2 may include a distributed unit (DU) (210) and a radio unit (RU) (220). In one example, the DU (210) and the RU (220) may be arranged independently. However, this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the DU (210) and the RU (220) may be implemented within a single device (e.g., base station (110)). When the DU (210) and the RU (220) are implemented within a single device, the DU (210) and the RU (220) may be logically distinguishable.

[0032] In one embodiment, the base station (110) may be implemented based on a distributed deployment of a DU (210) and an RU (220). For example, the DU (210) may be configured to perform the functions of some layers of the protocol stack (e.g., RLC (radio link control), MAC (medium access control), and PHY (physical)). In one example, the DU (210) may be referred to as an O-RAN (open-radio access network) DU (O-DU), a first network element, or other terms having an equivalent technical / functional meaning. For example, the RU (220) may be configured to perform the functions of some layers of the protocol stack (e.g., PHY). In the examples described above, the DU (210) may be configured to perform some functions of the PHY layer (high PHY), and the RU (220) may be configured to perform some functions of the PHY layer (low PHY). In one example, the RU (220) may be referred to as an O-RAN RU (O-RU), a second network element, or any other term having an equivalent technical / functional meaning. An example of functional separation between the DU (210) and the RU (220) related to the PHY layer is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0033] In one embodiment, the interface (215) between the DU (210) and the RU (220) may be a fronthaul. For operating the interface (215), an eCPRI (enhanced common public radio interface) and / or ROE (radio over ethernet) may be used.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a DU (210) and an RU (220) for a distributed arrangement of base stations (110), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a base station (110) may be implemented using a CU (central unit), a DU (210), and an RU (220). For example, the CU (210) may be configured to perform the functions of the upper layers of the protocol stack (e.g., RRC (radio resource control), SDAP (service data adaptation protocol), PDCP (packet data convergence protocol)).

[0035] Figure 3a illustrates the components of the DU.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3a, the DU (distributed unit) (210) may include a transceiver (311), a memory (312), and / or a processor (313).

[0037] The transceiver (311) can perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals in a wired communication environment. The transceiver (311) may include a wired interface for controlling a direct connection between a device and another device through a transmission medium (e.g., copper wire, optical fiber, etc.). For example, the transceiver (311) can transmit an electrical signal to another device through a copper wire or perform conversion between an electrical signal and an optical signal. The DU (210) can communicate with the RU (220) through the transceiver (311). The DU (210) can be connected to a central unit (CU) of a core network or a distributed arrangement through the transceiver (311).

[0038] The transceiver (311) can perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals in a wireless communication environment. For example, the transceiver (311) can perform conversion functions between baseband signals and bit sequences according to the physical layer specifications of the system. For example, when transmitting data, the transceiver (311) can generate complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit sequence. For example, when receiving data, the transceiver (311) can restore the received bit sequence through decoding the baseband signal. For example, the transceiver (311) may include a plurality of transmission and reception paths. For example, the transceiver (311) may be connected to a core network or to other nodes (e.g., an integrated access backhaul (IAB)).

[0039] The transceiver (311) can transmit and receive signals. For example, the transceiver (311) can transmit or receive a management plane (M-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (311) can transmit or receive a synchronization plane (S-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (311) can transmit or receive a control plane (C-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (301) can transmit or receive a user plane (U-plane) message. FIG. 3a shows only the transceiver (311), but according to other embodiments, the DU (210) may include two or more transceivers.

[0040] The transceiver (311) can transmit and receive signals as described above. Accordingly, all or part of the transceiver (311) may be referred to as a 'communication circuit', 'communication unit', 'transmitter', 'receiver', or 'transmitter / receiver'. Furthermore, in the following description, transmission and reception performed via a wireless channel may be used to mean that processing as described above is performed by the transceiver (311).

[0041] Although not illustrated in FIG. 3a, the transceiver (311) may further include a backhaul transceiver for connecting to a core network or another base station. For example, the backhaul transceiver may provide an interface for communicating with other nodes within the network. For example, the backhaul transceiver may convert a bit sequence transmitted from a base station to another node, e.g., another access node, another base station, an upper node, a core network, etc., into a physical signal, and convert a physical signal received from another node into a bit sequence.

[0042] The memory (312) can store data such as basic programs, application programs, and configuration information for the operation of the DU (210). For example, the memory (312) may be referred to as a storage unit. For example, the memory (312) may be composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. For example, the memory (312) may provide stored data upon the request of the processor (313).

[0043] The processor (313) can control the overall operations of the DU (210). For example, the processor (313) may be referred to as a control unit. For example, the processor (313) can transmit and receive signals through the transceiver (311) (or through the backhaul communication unit). For example, the processor (313) can write and read data in the memory (312). For example, the processor (313) can control the operations of the DU (210) by executing instructions stored in the memory (312). For example, the processor (313) may include a processing circuit. For example, the processor (313) may correspond to multiple processors that collectively perform multiple operations by dividing them among the processors. For example, the processor (313) can perform the functions of a protocol stack required by the communication standard. FIG. 3a shows only the processor (313), but according to other implementation examples, the DU (210) may include two or more processors.

[0044] The configuration of the DU (210) shown in FIG. 3a is merely an example, and the examples of DUs that perform embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3a. In some embodiments, some configurations may be added, deleted, or changed.

[0045] Figure 3b illustrates the components of the RU.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3b, the RU (radio unit) (220) may include an RF (radio frequency) transceiver (321), a fronthaul transceiver (322), a memory (323), and / or a processor (324).

[0047] The RF transceiver (321) can perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless channel. For example, the RF transceiver (321) can up-convert a baseband signal into an RF band signal and transmit it through an antenna, and down-convert an RF band signal received through an antenna into a baseband signal. For example, the RF transceiver (321) may include a transmit filter, a receive filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), etc.

[0048] The RF transceiver (321) may include a plurality of transmission and reception paths. For example, the RF transceiver (321) may include an antenna section. For example, the RF transceiver (321) may include at least one antenna array composed of a plurality of antenna elements. For example, in terms of hardware, the RF transceiver (321) may be composed of a digital circuit and an analog circuit (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)). For example, the digital circuit and the analog circuit may be implemented in a single package. For example, the RF transceiver (321) may include a plurality of RF chains. For example, the RF transceiver (321) may perform beamforming. For example, the RF transceiver (321) may apply a beamforming weight to a signal to give directionality according to the settings of the processor (324) to the signal to be transmitted and received. For example, the RF transceiver (321) may include an RF block (or RF section).

[0049] For example, the RF transceiver (321) can transmit and receive signals over a radio access network. For example, the RF transceiver (321) can transmit a downlink signal. For example, the downlink signal may include a synchronization signal (SS), a reference signal (RS) (e.g., CRS (cell-specific reference signal), DM (demodulation)-RS), system information (e.g., MIB, SIB, RMSI (remaining system information), OSI (other system information)), a configuration message, control information, or downlink data. For example, the RF transceiver (321) can receive an uplink signal. For example, the uplink signal may include random access-related signals (e.g., random access preamble (RAP) (or Msg1 (message 1)), Msg3 (message 3)), reference signals (e.g., SRS (sounding reference signal), DM-RS), or power headroom reports (PHR), etc. FIG. 3b shows only an RF transceiver (321), but according to other embodiments, the RU (220) may include two or more RF transceivers.

[0050] The fronthall transceiver (322) can transmit and receive signals. For example, the fronthall transceiver (322) can transmit and receive signals on the fronthall interface. For example, the fronthall transceiver (322) can transmit or receive management plane (M-plane) messages. For example, the fronthall transceiver (322) can transmit or receive synchronization plane (S-plane) messages. For example, the fronthall transceiver (322) can transmit or receive control plane (C-plane) messages. For example, the fronthall transceiver (322) can transmit or receive user plane (U-plane) messages. FIG. 3b illustrates only the fronthall transceiver (322), but according to other embodiments, the RU (220) may include two or more fronthall transceivers.

[0051] The RF transceiver (321) and the fronthall transceiver (322) can transmit and receive signals as described above. Accordingly, all or part of the RF transceiver (321) and the fronthall transceiver (322) may be referred to as a 'communication circuit', 'communication unit', 'transmitter', 'receiver', or 'transmitter / receiver'. In the following description, transmission and reception performed via a wireless channel may be used to mean that processing as described above is performed by the RF transceiver (321).

[0052] The memory (323) can store data such as basic programs, application programs, and configuration information for the operation of the RU (220). For example, the memory (323) may be referred to as a storage unit. For example, the memory (323) may be composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. For example, the memory (323) provides stored data upon the request of the processor (324).

[0053] The processor (324) can control the overall operations of the RU (220). For example, the processor (324) may be referred to as a control unit. For example, the processor (324) can transmit and receive signals through the RF transceiver (321) or the fronthall transceiver (322). For example, the processor (324) can write and read data in the memory (323). For example, the processor (324) can control the operations of the RU (220) by executing commands stored in the memory (323). For example, the processor (324) may include a processing circuit. For example, the processor (324) may correspond to multiple processors that divide multiple operations among the processors and perform them collectively. For example, the processor (324) can perform the functions of the protocol stack required by the communication standard. FIG. 3b illustrates only the processor (324), but according to other embodiments, the RU (220) may include two or more processors. For example, the processor (324) may be a set of instructions or code stored in memory (323), or a storage space storing instructions / code or instructions / code that are at least temporarily resided in the processor (324), or may be part of the circuitry constituting the processor (324). For example, the processor (324) may include various modules for performing communication. For example, the processor (324) may control the RU (220) to perform operations according to the embodiments described below.

[0054] The configuration of the RU (220) shown in FIG. 3b is merely an example, and the examples of RUs that perform embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3b. In some embodiments, some configurations may be added, deleted, or changed.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates an example of function splitting between a DU and an RU. As wireless communication technology advances (e.g., the introduction of 5G (5th generation) communication systems (or NR communication systems)), the frequency bands in use have increased. As the cell radius of base stations decreases, the number of RUs (radio units) required for installation is increasing further. In 5G communication systems, the amount of data transmitted has increased by more than 10 times, and the transmission capacity of the wired network transmitted to the fronthaul has increased. Due to the factors described above, the installation cost of the wired network in a 5G communication system can increase significantly. Therefore, to reduce the transmission capacity of the wired network and decrease the installation cost of the wired network, function splitting can be utilized to reduce the fronthaul transmission capacity by transferring some functions of the modem of the DU (distributed unit) to the RU.

[0056] To reduce the burden on the DU, the role of the RU, which is currently responsible only for radio frequency (RF) functions, can be extended to include at least some functions of the physical layer. As the RU performs higher-layer functions, its throughput increases, which can increase the transmit bandwidth in Prothall and reduce the constraints on latency requirements due to response processing. On the other hand, as the RU performs higher-layer functions, virtualization benefits decrease, and the size, weight, and cost of the RU may increase. Considering the trade-offs between the aforementioned advantages and disadvantages, it is required to implement optimal functional separation.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, functional separations at the physical layer below the MAC (medium access control) layer are illustrated. In the case of a downlink (DL) that transmits a signal to a terminal through a wireless network, the base station can sequentially perform channel encoding / scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, antenna port mapping, RE (resource element) mapping, digital beamforming (e.g., precoding), iFFT (inverse fast Fourier transform) transformation / CP (cyclic prefix) insertion, and RF conversion. In the case of an uplink (UL) receiving a signal from a terminal via a wireless network, the base station may sequentially perform RF conversion, FFT conversion / CP removal, digital beamforming (e.g., pre-combining, RE de-mapping), channel estimation, layer de-mapping, demodulation, and decoding / scrambling. The separation of uplink and downlink functions may be defined in various types based on the needs of vendors, discussions in specifications, etc., according to the trade-offs described above.

[0058] In one embodiment, according to the first function separation (405), the RU (220) can perform RF functions. For example, according to the first function separation (405), the DU (210) can perform PHY functions. For example, according to the first function separation (405), PHY functions within the RU (220) may not be substantially implemented. In one example, the first function separation (405) may be referred to as option 8.

[0059] In one embodiment, according to the second function separation (410), the RU (220) may perform iFFT transform / CP insertion in the downlink. For example, according to the second function separation (410), the DU (210) may perform FFT transform / CP removal in the uplink. For example, according to the second function separation (410), the DU (210) may perform the remaining PHY functions. In one example, the second function separation (410) may be referred to as Option 7-1.

[0060] In one embodiment, according to the third function separation (420a), the RU (220) can perform iFFT transform / CP insertion in the downlink. For example, according to the third function separation (420a), the RU (220) can perform FFT transform / CP removal and digital beamforming in the uplink. For example, according to the third function separation (420a), the DU (210) can perform the remaining PHY functions. In one example, the third function separation (420a) may be referred to as option 7-2x category A.

[0061] In one embodiment, according to the fourth function separation (420b), the RU (220) can perform iFFT transform / CP insertion and digital beamforming in the downlink. For example, according to the fourth function separation (420b), the RU (220) can perform FFT transform / CP removal and digital beamforming in the uplink. For example, according to the fourth function separation (420b), the DU (210) can perform the remaining PHY functions. In one example, the fourth function separation (420b) may be referred to as option 7-2x category B.

[0062] In one embodiment, according to the fifth function separation (425), the RU (220) can perform iFFT transform / CP insertion, digital beamforming, and RE mapping in the downlink. For example, according to the fifth function separation (425), the RU (220) can perform FFT transform / CP removal, digital beamforming, and RE de-mapping in the uplink. For example, according to the fifth function separation (425), the DU (210) can perform the remaining PHY functions. In one example, the fifth function separation (425) may be referred to as Option 7-2.

[0063] In one embodiment, according to the sixth function separation (430), the RU (220) can perform iFFT transform / CP insertion, digital beamforming, RE mapping, antenna port mapping, layer mapping, and modulation in the downlink. For example, according to the sixth function separation (430), the RU (220) can perform FFT transform / CP removal, digital beamforming, RE de-mapping, channel estimation, layer de-mapping, and demodulation in the uplink. For example, according to the sixth function separation (430), the DU (210) can perform the remaining PHY functions. In one example, the sixth function separation (430) may be referred to as Option 7-3.

[0064] In one embodiment, according to the seventh function separation (440), the RU (220) may perform iFFT transform / CP insertion, digital beamforming, RE mapping, antenna port mapping, layer mapping, modulation, and channel encoding / scrabbling in the downlink. For example, according to the seventh function separation (440), the RU (220) may perform FFT transform / CP removal, digital beamforming, RE de-mapping, channel estimation, layer de-mapping, demodulation, and channel decoding / scrambling in the uplink. In one example, the seventh function separation (440) may be referred to as Option 6.

[0065] Figure 5a illustrates examples of downlink messages.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5a, in operation 501, the distributed unit (DU) (210) can transmit control plane (C-plane) messages to the radio unit (RU) (220). The RU (220) can receive control plane messages from the DU (210). Control plane messages can be transmitted or received via a fronthall interface. Control plane messages can be organized in units of symbols. For example, each control plane message may contain scheduling information for downlink signals in one or more symbols. For example, control plane messages may contain scheduling for downlink signals from symbol #M to symbol #N (i.e., symbol #M, symbol #M+1, …, symbol #N-1, symbol #N). Scheduling information may be referred to as sections. A DL (downlink) control plane message describing multiple symbols is required to arrive at the RU (220) a certain period of time prior to the end of the DL user plane (U-plane) receiving window for the indicated start symbol (e.g., startSymbolId).

[0067] A control plane message may be associated with one or more layers. A layer may be associated with an eAxC (extended antenna-carrier) between the DU (210) and the RU (220). In one embodiment, a control plane message may be associated with one layer. The control plane message may include scheduling information for a downlink data stream corresponding to said one layer. According to another embodiment, a control plane message may be associated with a plurality of layers. The control plane message may include scheduling information for downlink data streams corresponding to different layers.

[0068] In operation 503, the DU (210) can transmit user plane messages for symbol #M to the RU (220). The DU (210) can transmit user plane messages for each layer in symbol #M to the RU (220). The RU (220) can receive user plane messages for symbol #M from the DU (210). The user plane messages can be transmitted via a fronthall interface. The user plane message may include an IQ (in-phase and quadrature) sample of downlink data to be transmitted from an upper node to a UE via a wireless access network in symbol #M. The RU (220) can transmit a user plane message related to the layer corresponding to the antenna to the UE via an antenna.

[0069] In operation 505, the DU (210) can transmit user plane messages for symbol #M+1 to the RU (220). The DU (210) can transmit user plane messages for each layer in symbol #M+1 to the RU (220). The RU (220) can receive user plane messages for symbol #M+1 from the DU (210). The user plane messages can be transmitted via a fronthall interface. The user plane messages may include an IQ sample of downlink data to be transmitted from an upper node to a UE via a wireless access network in symbol #M+1. The RU (220) can transmit user plane messages related to the layer corresponding to the antenna to the UE via an antenna. Although not illustrated in FIG. 5a, according to one embodiment, the DU (210) can transmit user plane messages for each of symbols #M+2, …, and symbol #N-1 to the RU (220). That is, through operations 503 to 507, the DU (210) can transmit user plane messages, including downlink signals, to the RU (220), which are scheduled based on control plane messages.

[0070] In operation 507, the DU (210) can transmit user plane messages for symbol #N to the RU (220). The DU (210) can transmit user plane messages for each layer in symbol #N to the RU (220). The RU (220) can receive user plane messages for symbol #N from the DU (210). The user plane messages can be transmitted via a fronthall interface. The user plane messages may include an IQ sample of downlink data to be transmitted from an upper node to a UE via a wireless access network in symbol #N. The RU (220) can transmit user plane messages related to the layer corresponding to the antenna to the UE via an antenna.

[0071] Figure 5b illustrates examples of uplink messages.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5b, in operation 551, the distributed unit (DU) (210) can transmit control plane (C-plane) messages to the radio unit (RU) (220). The RU (220) can receive control plane messages from the DU (210). Control plane messages can be transmitted via a fronthall interface. Control plane messages can be organized by symbol. For example, each control plane message may contain scheduling information for uplink signals in one or more symbols. For example, control plane messages may contain scheduling for uplink signals from symbol #M to symbol #N (i.e., symbol #M, symbol #M+1, …, symbol #N-1, symbol #N). Scheduling information may be referred to as sections. A UL (uplink) control plane message describing multiple symbols is required to arrive at the RU (220) a certain period before the sample of the uplink signal that first arrives at the antenna of the RU (220) in the symbol (e.g., start symbol (e.g., startSymbolId)).

[0073] A control plane message may be associated with one or more layers. A layer may be associated with an eAxC (extended antenna carrier) between the DU (210) and the RU (220). According to one embodiment, a control plane message may be associated with one layer. The control plane message may include scheduling information for an uplink data stream corresponding to said one layer. According to another embodiment, a control plane message may be associated with a plurality of layers. The control plane message may include scheduling information for uplink data streams corresponding to different layers.

[0074] In operation (553), the RU (220) can transmit user plane (U-plane) messages for symbol #M to the DU (210). The RU (220) can receive UL signals in symbol #M. The RU (220) can receive UL signals associated with the layer corresponding to the antenna through an antenna. The RU (220) can generate IQ sample data for the UL signals received in symbol #M. The RU (220) can transmit user plane messages for each layer in symbol #M to the DU (210). The DU (210) can receive user plane messages for symbol #M from the RU (220). The user plane messages can be transmitted through a fronthall interface. The user plane messages may include IQ (in-phase and quadrature) sample data of the uplink signal in symbol #M.

[0075] In operation (555), the RU (220) can transmit user plane messages for symbol #M+1 to the DU (210). The RU (220) can receive UL signals in symbol #M+1. The RU (220) can receive UL signals associated with the layer corresponding to the antenna through an antenna. The RU (220) can generate IQ sample data for the UL signals received in symbol #M+1. The RU (220) can transmit user plane messages for each layer in symbol #M+1 to the DU (210). The DU (210) can receive user plane messages for symbol #M from the RU (220). The user plane messages can be transmitted through a fronthall interface. The user plane messages may include IQ sample data of the uplink signal in symbol #M. Although not illustrated in FIG. 5b, according to one embodiment, the RU (220) may transmit user plane messages for each of symbols #M+2, …, and #N-1 to the DU (210). That is, through operations 553 to 557, the RU (220) may transmit user plane messages containing UL signals received in a scheduled section based on control plane messages to the DU (210).

[0076] In operation 557, the RU (220) can transmit user plane messages for symbol #N to the DU (210). The RU (220) can receive UL signals in symbol #N. The RU (220) can receive UL signals associated with the layer corresponding to the antenna through an antenna. The RU (220) can generate IQ sample data for the UL signals received in symbol #N. The RU (220) can transmit user plane messages for each layer in symbol #N to the DU (210). The DU (210) can receive user plane messages for symbol #N from the RU (220). The user plane messages can be transmitted through a fronthall interface. The user plane messages may include IQ sample data of the uplink signal in symbol #N.

[0077] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a system including a hub.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, the system may include a distributed unit (DU) (210), a hub (610), a first radio unit (RU) (611), a second RU (612), and a third RU (613). The system illustrated in FIG. 6 may be an in-building system (IBS). In an IBS, due to the characteristics of the indoor environment, multiple RUs may be operated as a single logical cell. For example, by operating multiple RUs as a single cell, the signal quality for the user equipment (UE) (120) in the indoor environment may be maintained uniformly, and the handover burden may be reduced. The DU (210) and the hub (610) may be separated by a first distance (e.g., tens of kilometers). The DU (210) and the hub (610) may be connected via an optical cable. The hub (610) may be configured to supply power to the RUs (e.g., the first RU (611), the second RU (612), and the third RU (613)). The hub (610) and the RUs may be separated by a second distance (e.g., 100 to 200 meters). The hub (610) and the RUs may be connected via an Ethernet cable that supports PoE (power over Ethernet) or a hybrid cable consisting of an optical cable and a power cable.

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates three RUs connected to a hub (610), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of RUs connected to the hub (610) may be two or fewer, or four or more. FIG. 6 illustrates a structure in which three RUs are connected to a hub (610), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, three RUs may be implemented in a cascaded structure on the hub (610).

[0080] In one embodiment, the hub (610) is a network entity operating between the DU (210) and one or more RUs. For example, the hub (610) may correspond to an RU (210) that lacks radio transmission / reception capability. For example, the hub (610) may correspond to an RU (210) that further supports a downlink (DL) copy function, an uplink (UL) combine function, and / or selective transmission and reception function. In one example, the hub (610) may be referred to as a fronthaul multiplexer (FHM) or another term having an equivalent technical / functional meaning.

[0081] In one embodiment, the hub (610) may support a DL copying function. Referring to FIG. 6, the DU (210) may transmit (or provide) DL messages to the hub (610) via a link (620). The DL messages may be eCPRI (enhanced common public radio interface) messages. The eCPRI messages for the DL may include control plane (C-plane) messages and / or user plane (U-plane) messages. The DL messages may include a first DL message (621), a second DL message (622), a third DL message (623), a fourth DL message (624), a fifth DL message (625), and a sixth DL message (626). FIG. 6 illustrates six messages, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of messages may be five or fewer or seven or more. The hub (610) can copy the received DL messages. After copying the received DL messages, the hub (610) can forward each DL message to the DUs. For example, the hub (610) can forward (or transmit) the first DL message (621), the second DL message (622), the third DL message (623), the fourth DL message (624), the fifth DL message (625), and the sixth DL message (626) to the first RU (611) via the link (631). For example, the hub (610) can transmit (or send) the first DL message (621), the second DL message (622), the third DL message (623), the fourth DL message (624), the fifth DL message (625), and the sixth DL message (626) to the second RU (612) via the link (632).For example, the first DL message (621), the second DL message (622), the third DL message (623), the fourth DL message (624), the fifth DL message (625), and the sixth DL message (626) can be delivered (or transmitted) to the third RU (613) via the link (633). However, the DL copying function described above has the problem that all RUs must always transmit RF (radio frequency) signals because it transmits the same messages to all RUs connected to the hub (610). In addition, since all RUs always transmit RF signals, unnecessary power consumption may also occur. Furthermore, since the same messages are transmitted to all RUs connected to the hub (610), the required fronthaul capacity may increase.

[0082] In one embodiment, the hub (610) may support UL coupling functions. Referring to FIG. 6, UL messages may be received (or acquired) from each RU. The UL messages may be eCPRI messages. The eCPRI messages for the UL may include user plane messages. For example, the hub (610) may receive a first UL message (641) and a second UL message (642) from the first RU (611) via a link (631). For example, the hub (610) may receive a third UL message (643) and a fourth UL message (644) from the second RU (612) via a link (632). For example, the hub (610) may receive a fifth UL message (644) and a sixth UL message (645) from the third RU (613) via a link (633). The hub (610) can combine messages obtained from the first RU (611), messages obtained from the second RU (612), and messages obtained from the third RU (613). The combined messages may include a first UL message (641), a second UL message (642), a third UL message (643), a fourth UL message (644), a fifth UL message (645), and a sixth UL message (646). The hub (610) can transmit (or provide) the combined messages to the DU (210). However, the UL combining function may cause an increase in the thermal noise level. As the thermal noise level increases, coverage loss may occur.

[0083] In the following, an apparatus, a method, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium are described for solving the aforementioned problems caused by the DL copying function and UL combining function of the hub (610).

[0084] FIG. 7 illustrates signaling between a DU and an RU for a management plane message. The operations of FIG. 7 can be performed by the DU (distributed unit) (210) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3a. For example, at least some of the operations can be controlled by the processor (313) of the DU (210).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 701, a DU (210) according to one embodiment can obtain (or receive) a first management plane (M-plane) message from a hub (610).

[0086] In one embodiment, a system comprising a DU (210), a hub (610), and RUs may be an in-building system (IBS). In the IBS, the DU (210) and the hub (610) may be connected, and the hub (610) and the RUs may be connected. For example, the DU (210) and the hub (610) may be connected via an optical cable. For example, the hub (610) may be configured to supply power to the RUs. For example, the hub (610) may be connected to the RUs via an Ethernet cable supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE) or a hybrid cable consisting of an optical cable and a power cable.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first management plane message may include information indicating whether the hub (610) supports selective transmission / reception, RU installation environment information, and / or RU power consumption information.

[0088] For example, a hub (610) that supports optional transmission and reception functions can forward a message obtained from the DU (210) (e.g., an eCPRI (enhanced common public radio interface) message) to the RU corresponding to the beam ID (identifier). If the hub (610) supports optional transmission and reception functions, the DU (210) can generate mapping information between the beam ID (identifier) ​​and the RU. In one example, the mapping information may be as shown in [Table 1] below.

[0089]

[0090] In [Table 1], a control plane message including beam ID #1 and a user plane message corresponding to the control plane message may be transmitted to the first RU. A control plane message including beam ID #4 and a user plane message corresponding to the control plane message may be transmitted to the first RU. A control plane message including beam ID #12 and a user plane message corresponding to the control plane message may be transmitted to the Nth RU. A control plane message including beam ID #16 and a user plane message corresponding to the control plane message may be transmitted to the Nth RU. However, [Table 1] is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Mapping information may be generated differently from [Table 1].

[0091] For example, RU installation environment information may include location information where the RU is deployed and / or interference information of the cells provided by the RU. In one example, RU installation environment information may be referred to as deployment information or other terms having an equivalent technical / functional meaning. The DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity per RU based on the RU installation environment information. In one example, if the RU (e.g., the first RU (1151) in FIG. 11a) is deployed in a space separated from other RUs, there may be less interference from other RUs. Therefore, the first maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610) may be determined to correspond to the maximum bandwidth that can be physically transmitted through the link. In one example, if the RU (e.g., the third RU (1153) in FIG. 11) is deployed in a space together with other RUs, there may be interference from other RUs. If interference control (e.g., beamforming, CoMP (coordinated multi-point)) is not performed, the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610) may be determined to be a second maximum capacity smaller than the first maximum capacity. In one example, if the RU (e.g., the fifth RU (1155) in FIG. 11a) is placed in space together with other RUs, there may be interference from the other RUs. If interference control is not performed, the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610) may be determined to be a third maximum capacity smaller than the second maximum capacity.

[0092] For example, RU power consumption information may indicate the bands supported by the RU, maximum RF (radio frequency) power, and / or power cable loss. In one example, RU power consumption information may be referred to as power information or other terms having an equivalent technical / functional meaning. In one example, if the RU services a relatively wide area (or coverage), the maximum RF power may be set relatively high. Since the hub (610) allocates power equally to the RUs connected to the hub (610), it may decide to reduce the maximum capacity of the link(s) associated with the RU with high maximum RF power. In one example, if the RU services a relatively narrow area, the maximum RF power may be set relatively low. Since the hub (610) allocates power equally to the RUs connected to the hub (610), it may decide to increase the maximum capacity of the link(s) associated with the RU with low maximum RF power. As described above, by determining the maximum capacity of the link, the total power consumption of the RUs can be kept constant.

[0093] In the descriptions above, it is described that RU installation environment information and RU power consumption information are included in the first management plane message, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the RU installation environment information and / or RU power consumption information may be preconfigured within the DU (210).

[0094] In operation 702, the DU (210) according to one embodiment may provide (or transmit) a second management plane message to the hub (610). For example, the second management plane message may include mapping information between a beam ID and an RU.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of a DU for performing scheduling based on fronthaul capacity. The operations of FIG. 8 may be performed by the DU (distributed unit) (210) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3a. For example, at least some of the operations may be controlled by the processor (313) of the DU (210). In the following, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed and / or at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 801, a DU (210) according to one embodiment can determine the maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU (210) and a hub (610) and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub (610) and RUs.

[0097] In one embodiment, a system comprising a DU (210), a hub (610), and RUs may be an in-building system (IBS). In the IBS, the DU (210) and the hub (610) may be connected, and the hub (610) and the RUs may be connected. For example, the DU (210) and the hub (610) may be connected via an optical cable. For example, the hub (610) may be configured to supply power to the RUs. The hub (610) may be connected to the RUs via an Ethernet cable that supports power over Ethernet (PoE) or a hybrid cable consisting of an optical cable and a power cable.

[0098] In one embodiment, the hub (610) may be a network entity operating between the DU (210) and the RUs. For example, the hub (610) may correspond to an RU (210) that lacks radio transmission / reception capability. For example, the hub (610) may correspond to an RU (210) that further supports a downlink (DL) copy function, an uplink (UL) combine function, and / or selective transmission / reception function. In one example, the hub (610) may be referred to as a fronthaul multiplexer (FHM) or another term having an equivalent technical / functional meaning.

[0099] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of a first interface (or, first fronthole interface, first partial fronthole interface) between the DU (210) and the hub (610). For example, the first interface may include a plurality of links. In one example, the first interface may include a first link (e.g., link (910) of FIG. 9), a second link (e.g., link (920) of FIG. 9), and a third link (e.g., link (930) of FIG. 9) between the DU (210) and the hub (610). However, this is merely an example for illustrative purposes and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The DU (210) can identify the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). In one example, the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610) may be preconfigured. In another example, information regarding the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610) may be included in a management plane message obtained from the hub (610). For example, the maximum capacity may be the maximum bandwidth that can be physically transmitted through the corresponding link. In one example, the first link (e.g., link (910) in FIG. 9) may support a maximum bandwidth of 20 Gbps (gigabits per second), the second link (e.g., link (920) in FIG. 9) may support a maximum bandwidth of 10 Gbps, and the third link (e.g., link (930) in FIG. 9) may support a maximum bandwidth of 5 Gbps. The DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity of the first interface between the DU (210) and the hub (610) based on the maximum capacity of each of the multiple links. In the example described above, the maximum capacity of the first interface may be 35 Gbps.

[0100] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of a second interface (or, second fronthall interface, second partial fronthall interface) between the hub (610) and the RUs. For example, the second interface may include a plurality of links. In one example, the second interface may include a first link (e.g., link (941) of FIG. 9), a second link (e.g., link (942) of FIG. 9), a third link (e.g., link (943) of FIG. 9), a fourth link (e.g., link (944) of FIG. 9), a fifth link (e.g., link (945) of FIG. 9), a sixth link (e.g., link (946) of FIG. 9), a seventh link (e.g., link (947) of FIG. 9), and an eighth link (e.g., link (948) of FIG. 9) between the hub (610) and the RUs. However, this is merely an example for illustrative purposes and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0101] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs. For example, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs based on RU installation environment information and / or RU power consumption information.

[0102] For example, RU installation environment information may include location information where the RU is installed and / or interference information. In one example, RU installation environment information may be referred to as deployment information or other terms having an equivalent technical / functional meaning.

[0103] In one example, if the RU (e.g., the first RU (1051) of FIG. 11a) is placed in a space separated from other RUs of the IBS, interference from other RUs may be minimal. Since interference from other RUs is minimal, the DU (210) may determine that the first maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610) corresponds to the maximum bandwidth that can be physically transmitted through the link. In one example, the RU installation environment information may indicate interference measured in the cell provided by the RU. If the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU (e.g., the first RU (1051) of FIG. 11a) corresponds to the first value, the DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub (610) as the first maximum capacity.

[0104] In one example, when an RU (e.g., the third RU (1053) in FIG. 11a) is placed in space with another RU of the IBS (e.g., the fourth RU (1054) in FIG. 11a), there may be interference from the other RUs. If interference control (e.g., beamforming, CoMP (coordinated multi-point)) is not performed, the DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610) to be a second maximum capacity that is smaller than the first maximum capacity. In one example, if the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU (e.g., the third RU (1053) in FIG. 11a) corresponds to a second value that is higher than the first value, the DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub (610) to be a second maximum capacity that is lower than the first maximum capacity.

[0105] In one example, when an RU (e.g., the 5th RU (1055) in FIG. 11a) is placed in space with other RUs of the IBS (e.g., the 6th RU (1056), 7th RU (1057), and 8th RU (1058) in FIG. 11a), there may be interference from the other RUs. If interference control is not performed, the DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610) to be a third maximum capacity that is smaller than the second maximum capacity. In one example, if the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU (e.g., the 5th RU (1055) in FIG. 11a) corresponds to a third value that is higher than the second value, the DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub (610) to be a third maximum capacity that is lower than the second maximum capacity.

[0106] For example, since the hub (610) is configured to supply power to the RUs, RU power consumption information can be used to determine the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610). In one example, RU power consumption information may be referred to as power information or other terms having an equivalent technical / functional meaning. For example, RU power consumption information may include the band supported by the RU, the maximum RF (radio frequency) power, and the power cable loss. In one example, the maximum capacity per link according to RU power consumption information may be as shown in [Table 2] below.

[0107]

[0108] In [Table 2], I is the power consumption for operating the RU. A is the power consumption of the RU for transmitting and receiving signals in the first band. R1 is the power cable loss between the hub (610) and the RU when transmitting and receiving signals in the first band. a is the predefined maximum capacity when transmitting and receiving signals in the first band. B is the power consumption of the RU for transmitting and receiving signals in the second band. R2 is the power cable loss between the hub (610) and the RU when transmitting and receiving signals in the second band. b is the predefined maximum capacity when transmitting and receiving signals in the second band. C is the power consumption of the RU for transmitting and receiving signals in the third band. R3 is the power cable loss between the hub (610) and the RU when transmitting and receiving signals in the third band. c is the predefined maximum capacity when transmitting and receiving signals in the third band. N is the power consumption of the RU for transmitting and receiving signals in the nth band. Rn is the power cable loss between the hub (610) and the RU when transmitting and receiving signals in the n-th band. n is a predefined maximum capacity when transmitting and receiving signals in the n-th band. Meanwhile, [Table 2] is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when transmitting and receiving signals in the same band, the maximum capacity may be defined differently depending on the power cable loss.

[0109] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of the second interface between the hub (610) and the RUs based on the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs.

[0110] In operation 802, the DU (210) according to one embodiment may determine whether the maximum capacity of the first interface exceeds the maximum capacity of the second interface. For example, the DU (210) may determine the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface to determine the maximum capacity that can be transmitted through the first interface and the second interface. In one example, the minimum capacity may be determined according to [Equation 1] below.

[0111]

[0112] In [Equation 1], L is the number of links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). The DU-Hub link (n) is the maximum capacity of the nth link between the DU (210) and the hub (610). M is the number of RUs. N is the number of links connected to the RUs. The Hub-RU link (n) is the maximum capacity of the nth link between the hub (610) and the RUs.

[0113] In operation 803, a DU (210) according to one embodiment may determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU among the RUs based on the maximum capacity of the second interface, in accordance with a determination that the maximum capacity of the first interface exceeds the maximum capacity of the second interface. For example, the DU (210) may perform scheduling such that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU among the RUs does not exceed the maximum capacity of the second interface. For example, the DU (210) may perform scheduling such that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through the RU does not exceed the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610).

[0114] In operation 804, a DU (210) according to one embodiment may determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU among the RUs based on the maximum capacity of the first interface, in accordance with the determination that the maximum capacity of the first interface is less than or equal to the maximum capacity of the second interface. For example, the DU (210) may perform scheduling such that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU among the RUs does not exceed the maximum capacity of the first interface. For example, the DU (210) may perform scheduling such that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through the RU does not exceed the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610).

[0115] In operation 805, a DU (210) according to one embodiment may generate control plane messages and user plane messages based on traffic capacity. For example, a control plane message may include a beam identifier (beam ID) for an optional transmit / receive function of the hub (610). The beam identifier may be used to identify an RU for delivering traffic related to the control plane message and the user plane message corresponding to the control plane message at the hub (610). In one example, the control plane message may be section type 1 or section type 3 of the O-RAN (open-radio access network) specification.

[0116] In operation 806, the DU (210) according to one embodiment can transmit control plane messages and user plane messages to the hub (610).

[0117] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a system that performs scheduling based on fronthaul capacity. The system illustrated in FIG. 9 may be an in-building system (IBS). FIG. 9 describes the operations of a DU (210) and a hub (610) that perform scheduling based on the minimum capacity among the maximum capacity of a first interface between a DU (210) and a hub (610) and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub (610) and radio units (RU).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 9, the system may include a DU (210), a hub (610), a first RU (951), a second RU (952), a third RU (953), a fourth RU (954), a fifth RU (955), a sixth RU (956), a seventh RU (957), and an eighth RU (958). FIG. 9 illustrates eight RUs, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hub (610) may be connected to seven or fewer RUs or nine or more RUs.

[0119] For example, the DU (210) may be connected to the hub (610) via a first interface (or, a first fronthaul interface, a first partial fronthaul interface). The hub (610) may be referred to as a fronthaul multiplexer (FHM) as an RU (210) without radio transmission / reception capability. The first interface may include a link (910), a link (920), and a link (930). However, this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the DU (210) may be connected to the hub (610) via two or fewer links or four or more links.

[0120] For example, the hub (610) may be connected to the RUs through a second interface (or, a second fronthole interface, a second partial fronthole interface). The second interface may include links (941), (942), (943), (944), (945), (945), (946), (947), and (948). The hub (610) may be connected to the first RU (951) through link (941). The hub (610) may be connected to the second RU (952) through link (942). The hub (610) may be connected to the third RU (953) through link (943). The hub (610) may be connected to the fourth RU (954) through link (944). The hub (610) can be connected to the fifth RU (955) via a link (945). The hub (610) can be connected to the sixth RU (956) via a link (946). The hub (610) can be connected to the seventh RU (957) via a link (947). The hub (610) can be connected to the eighth RU (958) via a link (948). FIG. 9 illustrates one link between the hub (610) and the RU, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of links between the hub (610) and the RU may be two or more.

[0121] For example, the DU (210) can identify the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). The maximum capacity may be the maximum bandwidth that can be physically transmitted through the corresponding link. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the maximum capacity of link (910) may be 20 Gbps (gigabits per second), the maximum capacity of link (920) may be 10 Gbps, and the maximum capacity of link (930) may be 5 Gbps. The DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity of the first interface based on the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). In the example described above, the maximum capacity of the first interface may be determined to be 35 Gbps.

[0122] For example, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs. To determine the maximum capacity, RU installation environment information and RU power consumption information may be used. The RU installation environment information and RU power consumption information may be preconfigured or included in management plane (M-plane) messages obtained from the hub (610). In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the maximum capacity of links (941) through (948) may each be 10 Gbps. The DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of the second interface based on the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs. In the example described above, the maximum capacity of the second interface may be determined to be 80 Gbps.

[0123] For example, the DU (210) can identify the lowest capacity (e.g., 35 Gbps) among the maximum capacity (35 Gbps) of the first interface and the maximum capacity (e.g., 80 Gbps) of the second interface. Based on the lowest capacity, the DU (210) can determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one of the RUs. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the at least one RU to which traffic is transmitted may include a first RU (951), a second RU (952), a third RU (953), a fourth RU (954), a fifth RU (955), and a sixth RU (956). The first RU (951), the third RU (953), and the sixth RU (956) may support a first cell (e.g., cell ID (identifier) ​​00). The 4th RU (954) and the 5th RU (955) may support the 2nd cell (e.g., cell ID 01). The 2nd RU (952) may support the 3rd cell (cell ID 02). Since the 7th RU (957) and the 8th RU (958) have no traffic to transmit, the DU (210) may control the 7th RU (957) and the 8th RU (958) to operate in the OFF state.

[0124] The DU (210) can perform scheduling so that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU does not exceed the minimum capacity (e.g., 35 Gbps). The DU (210) can perform scheduling so that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through the RU does not exceed the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610).

[0125] For example, the DU (210) may generate messages based on traffic capacity. For example, the messages may be eCPRI (enhanced common public radio interface) messages. eCPRI messages may include control plane (C-plane) messages and / or user plane (U-plane) messages. The messages may include message (911), message (912), message (913), message (914), message (915), message (916), message (917), message (918), message (921), message (922), message (923), message (924), message (931), and message (932). Each message may have a bandwidth corresponding to 2.5 Gbps. Therefore, the total capacity of the messages (e.g., 35 Gbps) may not exceed both the maximum capacity of the first interface (e.g., 35 Gbps) and the maximum capacity of the second interface (e.g., 80 Gbps).

[0126] For example, the DU (210) can transmit messages (911), messages (912), messages (913), messages (914), messages (915), messages (916), messages (917), and messages (918) for a first cell (e.g., cell ID 00) to the hub (610) through a link (910) having a bandwidth corresponding to 20 Gbps. The DU (210) can transmit messages (921), messages (922), messages (923), and messages (924) for a second cell (e.g., cell ID 01) to the hub (610) through a link (920) having a bandwidth corresponding to 10 Gbps. For example, the DU (210) can transmit messages (931) and messages (932) for a third cell (e.g., cell ID 02) to the hub (610) through a link (930) having a bandwidth corresponding to 5 Gbps.

[0127] For example, the hub (610) can forward (or transmit) messages obtained from the DU (210) to the RU based on mapping information between the beam ID and the RU.

[0128] In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the hub (610) can transmit (or send) messages (911), messages (912), messages (913), and messages (914) having beam IDs corresponding to the first RU (951) to the first RU (951) through the link (941). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the first RU (951) (e.g., 10 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 10 Gbps) of the link (941).

[0129] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) messages (931) and messages (932) having beam IDs corresponding to the second RU (952) to the second RU (952) through the link (942). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the second RU (952) (e.g., 5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity of the link (942) (e.g., 10 Gbps).

[0130] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (918) having a beam ID corresponding to the third RU (953) to the third RU (953) through the link (943). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the third RU (953) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 10 Gbps) of the link (943).

[0131] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (924) having a beam ID corresponding to the fourth RU (954) to the fourth RU (954) via the link (944). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the fourth RU (954) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 10 Gbps) of the link (944).

[0132] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) messages (921), messages (922), and messages (923) having beam IDs corresponding to the fifth RU (955) to the fifth RU (955) via the link (945). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the fifth RU (955) (e.g., 7.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity of the link (941) (e.g., 10 Gbps).

[0133] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) messages (915), messages (916), and messages (917) having beam IDs corresponding to the 6th RU (956) to the 6th RU (956) via the link (946). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the 6th RU (956) (e.g., 7.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity of the link (946) (e.g., 10 Gbps).

[0134] As described above, the DU (210) can perform scheduling for the RUs of the IBS based on the smaller of the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface. By performing scheduling based on the smaller of the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface, the efficiency of the fronthaul including the first interface and the second interface can be increased. FIG. 9 illustrates an example for a DL (downlink), but the description according to FIG. 9 can be applied substantially the same way to an UL (uplink).

[0135] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a system that performs scheduling based on fronthaul capacity. The system illustrated in FIG. 10 may be an in-building system (IBS). FIG. 10 describes the operations of a DU (210) and a hub (610) that perform scheduling based on the minimum capacity among the maximum capacity of a first interface between a DU (210) and a hub (610) and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub (610) and radio units (RU).

[0136] Referring to FIG. 10, the system may include a DU (210), a hub (610), a first RU (1051), a second RU (1052), a third RU (1053), a fourth RU (1054), a fifth RU (1055), a sixth RU (1056), a seventh RU (1057), and an eighth RU (1058). FIG. 10 illustrates eight RUs, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hub (610) may be connected to seven or fewer RUs or nine or more RUs.

[0137] For example, the DU (210) may be connected to the hub (610) via a first interface (or, a first fronthaul interface, a first partial fronthaul interface). The hub (610) may be referred to as a fronthaul multiplexer (FHM) as an RU (210) without radio transmission / reception capability. The first interface may include a link (1010), a link (1020), and a link (1030). However, this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the DU (210) may be connected to the hub (610) via two or fewer links or four or more links.

[0138] For example, the hub (610) may be connected to the RUs through a second interface (or, a second fronthall interface, a second partial fronthall interface). The second interface may include a link (1041), a link (1042), a link (1043), a link (1044), a link (1045), a link (1045), a link (1046), a link (1047), and a link (1048). The hub (610) may be connected to the first RU (1051) through the link (1041). The hub (610) may be connected to the second RU (1052) through the link (1042). The hub (610) may be connected to the third RU (1053) through the link (1043). The hub (610) may be connected to the fourth RU (1054) through the link (1044). The hub (610) can be connected to the fifth RU (1055) via a link (1045). The hub (610) can be connected to the sixth RU (1056) via a link (1046). The hub (610) can be connected to the seventh RU (1057) via a link (1047). The hub (610) can be connected to the eighth RU (1058) via a link (1048). FIG. 10 illustrates one link between the hub (610) and the RU, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of links between the hub (610) and the RU may be two or more.

[0139] For example, the DU (210) can identify the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). The maximum capacity may be the maximum bandwidth that can be physically transmitted through the corresponding link. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the maximum capacity of link (1010) may be 20 Gbps (gigabits per second), the maximum capacity of link (1020) may be 20 Gbps, and the maximum capacity of link (1030) may be 20 Gbps. The DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity of the first interface based on the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). In the example described above, the maximum capacity of the first interface may be determined to be 60 Gbps.

[0140] For example, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs. To determine the maximum capacity, RU installation environment information and RU power consumption information may be used. The RU installation environment information and RU power consumption information may be preconfigured or included in management plane (M-plane) messages obtained from the hub (610). In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the maximum capacity of links (1041) through (1048) may each be 2.5 Gbps. The DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of the second interface based on the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs. In the example described above, the maximum capacity of the second interface may be determined to be 20 Gbps.

[0141] For example, the DU (210) can identify the lowest capacity (e.g., 20 Gbps) among the maximum capacity (60 Gbps) of the first interface and the maximum capacity (e.g., 20 Gbps) of the second interface. Based on the lowest capacity, the DU (210) can determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one of the RUs. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the at least one RU to which traffic is to be transmitted may include the first RU (1051), the second RU (1052), the third RU (1053), the fourth RU (1054), the fifth RU (1055), the sixth RU (1056), the seventh RU (1057), and the eighth RU (1058). The first RU (1051), second RU (1052), third RU (1053), fourth RU (1054), fifth RU (1055), sixth RU (1056), seventh RU (1057), and eighth RU (1058) can support the same cell (e.g., cell ID (identifier) ​​00).

[0142] The DU (210) can perform scheduling so that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU does not exceed the minimum capacity (e.g., 20 Gbps). The DU (210) can perform scheduling so that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through the RU does not exceed the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610).

[0143] For example, the DU (210) may generate messages based on traffic capacity. For example, the messages may be eCPRI (enhanced common public radio interface) messages. eCPRI messages may include control plane (C-plane) messages and / or user plane (U-plane) messages. The messages may include message (1011), message (1012), message (1013), message (1014), message (1015), message (1016), message (1017), and message (1018). Each message may have a bandwidth corresponding to 2.5 Gbps. Therefore, the total capacity of the messages (e.g., 20 Gbps) may not exceed both the maximum capacity of the first interface (e.g., 60 Gbps) and the maximum capacity of the second interface (e.g., 20 Gbps).

[0144] For example, the DU (210) can transmit messages (1011), messages (1012), messages (1013), messages (1014), messages (1015), messages (1016), messages (1017), and messages (1018) for a cell (e.g., cell ID 00) to the hub (610) through a link (1010) having a bandwidth corresponding to 20 Gbps.

[0145] For example, the hub (610) can forward messages obtained from the DU (210) to the RU based on mapping information between the beam ID and the RU.

[0146] In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1011) having a beam ID corresponding to the first RU (1051) to the first RU (1051) through the link (1041). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the first RU (1051) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1041).

[0147] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1012) having a beam ID corresponding to the second RU (1052) to the second RU (1052) through the link (1042). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the second RU (1052) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1042).

[0148] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1013) having a beam ID corresponding to the third RU (1053) to the third RU (1053) through the link (1043). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the third RU (1053) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1043).

[0149] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1014) having a beam ID corresponding to the fourth RU (1054) to the fourth RU (1054) through the link (1044). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the fourth RU (1054) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1044).

[0150] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1015) having a beam ID corresponding to the fifth RU (1055) to the fifth RU (1055) through the link (1045). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the fifth RU (1055) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1045).

[0151] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1016) having a beam ID corresponding to the 6th RU (1056) to the 6th RU (1056) through the link (1046). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the 6th RU (1056) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1046).

[0152] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1017) having a beam ID corresponding to the 7th RU (1057) to the 7th RU (1057) through the link (1047). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the 7th RU (1057) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1047).

[0153] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1018) having a beam ID corresponding to the 8th RU (1058) to the 8th RU (1058) through the link (1048). The total capacity of the message transmitted to the 8th RU (1058) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1048).

[0154] Figure 10 illustrates an example for DL ​​(downlink), but the description according to Figure 10 can be substantially applied to UL (uplink) as well.

[0155] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b illustrate examples of systems that perform scheduling based on fronthaul capacity.

[0156] The system illustrated in FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b may be an in-building system (IBS). Referring to FIG. 11a, in the IBS, a first radio unit (RU) (1151), a second RU (1152), a third RU (1153), a fourth RU (1154), a fifth RU (1155), a sixth RU (1156), a seventh RU (1157), and an eighth RU (1158) may be deployed within a building. For example, the first RU (1151) may be deployed in a first room on a first floor. For example, the second RU (1152) may be deployed in a second room on a first floor. For example, the third RU (1153) and the fourth RU (1154) may be deployed in a third room on a first floor. For example, the 5th RU (1155), 6th RU (1156), 7th RU (1157), and 8th RU (1158) may be placed on the 2nd floor.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 11b, the IBS system may include a DU (distributed unit) (210), a hub (610), a first RU (1151), a second RU (1152), a third RU (1153), a fourth RU (1154), a fifth RU (1155), a sixth RU (1156), a seventh RU (1157), and an eighth RU (1158). FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b illustrate eight RUs, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hub (610) may be connected to seven or fewer RUs or nine or more RUs.

[0158] For example, the DU (210) may be connected to the hub (610) via a first interface (or, a first fronthaul interface, a first partial fronthaul interface). The hub (610) may be referred to as a fronthaul multiplexer (FHM) as an RU (210) without radio transmission / reception capability. The first interface may include a link (1110), a link (1120), and a link (1130). However, this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the DU (210) may be connected to the hub (610) via two or fewer links or four or more links.

[0159] For example, the hub (610) may be connected to the RUs through a second interface (or, a second fronthole interface, a second partial fronthole interface). The second interface may include a link (1141), a link (1142), a link (1143), a link (1144), a link (1145), a link (1145), a link (1146), a link (1147), and a link (1148). The hub (610) may be connected to the first RU (1151) through the link (1141). The hub (610) may be connected to the second RU (1152) through the link (1142). The hub (610) may be connected to the third RU (1153) through the link (1143). The hub (610) may be connected to the fourth RU (1154) through the link (1144). The hub (610) can be connected to the fifth RU (1155) via a link (1145). The hub (610) can be connected to the sixth RU (1156) via a link (1146). The hub (610) can be connected to the seventh RU (1157) via a link (1147). The hub (610) can be connected to the eighth RU (1158) via a link (1148). FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate one link between the hub (610) and the RU, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of links between the hub (610) and the RU may be two or more.

[0160] For example, the DU (210) can identify the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). The maximum capacity may be the maximum bandwidth that can be physically transmitted through the corresponding link. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b, the maximum capacity of link (1110) may be 20 Gbps (gigabits per second), the maximum capacity of link (1120) may be 20 Gbps, and the maximum capacity of link (1130) may be 20 Gbps. The DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity of the first interface based on the maximum capacity of each of the links between the DU (210) and the hub (610). In the example described above, the maximum capacity of the first interface may be determined to be 60 Gbps.

[0161] For example, the DU (210) can determine the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs. To determine the maximum capacity, RU installation environment information and RU power consumption information may be used. The RU installation environment information and RU power consumption information may be preconfigured or included in management plane (M-plane) messages obtained from the hub (610). In the example illustrated in FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b, the maximum physically transmittable capacity at links (1141) to (1148) may each be 10 Gbps. However, since the third RU (1153) and the fourth RU (1154) are placed together in the third room of the first layer, if interference control (e.g., beamforming, CoMP (coordinated multi-point)) is not performed, the maximum capacity of each of the links (1143) and (1144) may be 5 Gbps. Likewise, since the fifth RU (1155), the sixth RU (1156), the seventh RU (1157), and the eighth RU (1158) are placed together in the second layer, if interference control is not performed, the maximum capacity of each of the links (1145), (1146), (1147), and (1148) may be 2.5 Gbps. The DU (210) may determine the maximum capacity of the second interface based on the maximum capacity of each of the links between the hub (610) and the RUs. In the example described above, the maximum capacity of the second interface can be determined to be 40 Gbps.

[0162] For example, the DU (210) can identify the lowest capacity (e.g., 40 Gbps) among the maximum capacity (60 Gbps) of the first interface and the maximum capacity (e.g., 40 Gbps) of the second interface. Based on the lowest capacity, the DU (210) can determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one of the RUs. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b, the at least one RU to which traffic is transmitted may include a first RU (1151), a second RU (1152), a third RU (1153), a fourth RU (1154), a fifth RU (1155), a sixth RU (1156), a seventh RU (1157), and an eighth RU (1158). The first RU (1151) may support a first cell (e.g., cell ID (identifier) ​​00). The second RU (1152) may support the second cell (e.g., cell ID 01). The third RU (1153) and the fourth RU (1154) may support the third cell (e.g., cell ID 02). The fifth RU (1155), the sixth RU (1156), the seventh RU (1157), and the eighth RU (1158) may support the fourth cell (e.g., cell ID 03).

[0163] The DU (210) can perform scheduling so that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU does not exceed the minimum capacity (e.g., 40 Gbps). The DU (210) can perform scheduling so that the traffic capacity to be transmitted through the RU does not exceed the maximum capacity of the link(s) between the RU and the hub (610).

[0164] For example, the DU (210) may generate messages based on traffic capacity. For example, the messages may be eCPRI (enhanced common public radio interface) messages. eCPRI messages may include control plane (C-plane) messages and / or user plane (U-plane) messages. The messages may include message (1111), message (1112), message (1113), message (1114), message (1115), message (1116), message (1117), message (1118), message (1121), message (1122), message (1123), message (1124), message (1125), message (1126), message (1127), and message (1132). Each message may have a bandwidth corresponding to 2.5 Gbps. Therefore, the total capacity of the messages (e.g., 40 Gbps) may not exceed both the maximum capacity of the first interface (e.g., 60 Gbps) and the maximum capacity of the second interface (e.g., 40 Gbps).

[0165] For example, the DU (210) can transmit messages for a first cell (e.g., cell ID 00) (e.g., message (1111), message (1112), message (1113), and message (1114)) and messages for a second cell (e.g., cell ID 01) (e.g., message (1115), message (1116), message (1117), and message (1118)) to the hub (610) through a link (1110) having a bandwidth corresponding to 20 Gbps. The DU (210) can transmit messages for a third cell (e.g., cell ID 02) (e.g., message (1121), message (1122), message (1123), and message (1124)) and messages for a fourth cell (e.g., message (1125), message (1126), message (1127), and message (1128)) to the hub (610) through a link (1120) having a bandwidth corresponding to 20 Gbps.

[0166] For example, the hub (610) can forward (or transmit) messages obtained from the DU (210) to the RU based on mapping information between the beam ID and the RU.

[0167] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11b, the hub (610) may transmit (or send) messages (1111), messages (1112), messages (1113), and messages (1114) having beam IDs corresponding to the first RU (1151) to the first RU (1151) through the link (1141). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the first RU (1151) (e.g., 10 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 10 Gbps) of the link (1141).

[0168] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) messages (1115), messages (1116), messages (1117), and messages (1118) having beam IDs corresponding to the second RU (1152) to the second RU (1152) via the link (1142). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the second RU (1152) (e.g., 10 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 10 Gbps) of the link (1142).

[0169] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) messages (1121) and messages (1122) having beam IDs corresponding to the third RU (1153) to the third RU (1153) via the link (1143). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the third RU (1153) (e.g., 5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 5 Gbps) of the link (1141).

[0170] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) messages (1123) and messages (1124) having beam IDs corresponding to the fourth RU (1154) to the fourth RU (1154) through the link (1144). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the fourth RU (1154) (e.g., 5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 5 Gbps) of the link (1141).

[0171] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1125) having a beam ID corresponding to the fifth RU (1155) to the fifth RU (1155) through the link (1145). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the fifth RU (1155) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1145).

[0172] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1126) having a beam ID corresponding to the 6th RU (1156) to the 6th RU (1156) through the link (1146). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the 6th RU (1156) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1146).

[0173] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1127) having a beam ID corresponding to the 7th RU (1157) to the 7th RU (1157) through the link (1147). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the 7th RU (1157) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1147).

[0174] The hub (610) can transmit (or send) a message (1128) having a beam ID corresponding to the 8th RU (1158) to the 8th RU (1158) through the link (1148). The total capacity of messages transmitted to the 8th RU (1158) (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) may not exceed the maximum capacity (e.g., 2.5 Gbps) of the link (1148).

[0175] FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate an example of DL (downlink), but the description according to FIGS. 11a and 11b can be substantially applied to UL (uplink) as well.

[0176] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0177] A distributed unit (DU) as described above may include a communication circuit. The DU may include a memory that stores instructions and includes one or more storage media. The DU may include at least one processor that includes a processing circuit. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU and a hub and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub and one or more radio units (RUs). When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one of the one or more RUs based on the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to generate control plane messages and user plane messages corresponding to the control plane messages based on the determined traffic capacity. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to transmit the control plane messages and the user plane messages to the hub.

[0178] For example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the maximum capacity of the second interface between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links.

[0179] For example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to obtain from the hub a management plane message including placement information for the one or more RUs and power information for the one or more RUs. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the placement information and the power information.

[0180] For example, the above placement information may indicate the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU. The above power information may indicate the maximum RF (radio frequency) power level set for the RU.

[0181] For example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub to be determined as a first capacity if the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU corresponds to a first value. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub to be determined as a second capacity greater than the first capacity if the interference corresponds to a second value lower than the first value.

[0182] For example, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the RU to determine the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as a third capacity if the maximum RF power level set for the RU corresponds to a third value. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU may cause the DU to determine the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as a fourth capacity greater than the third capacity if the maximum RF power corresponds to a fourth value lower than the third value.

[0183] For example, the traffic capacity for the control plane messages and the user plane messages may not exceed the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface.

[0184] For example, the traffic capacity forwarded to one or more of the above RUs may not exceed the link capacity between the RU and the hub.

[0185] For example, among the control plane messages, the control plane message may include a beam ID (identifier). The beam ID may be used to determine a RU for forwarding the control plane message and a user plane message corresponding to the control plane message.

[0186] For example, the above hub may be an FHM (fronthaul multiplexer).

[0187] A method performed by a distributed unit (DU) as described above may include an operation to determine the maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU and a hub and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub and one or more radio units (RUs). The method may include an operation to determine a traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one of the one or more RUs based on the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface. The method may include an operation to generate control plane messages and user plane messages corresponding to the control plane messages based on the determined traffic capacity. The method may include an operation to transmit the control plane messages and the user plane messages to the hub.

[0188] For example, the above method may include an operation to determine the maximum capacity of each of one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs. The above method may include an operation to determine the maximum capacity of the second interface between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links.

[0189] For example, the method may include the operation of obtaining a management plane message from the hub that includes placement information for the one or more RUs and power information for the one or more RUs. The method may include the operation of determining the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the placement information and the power information.

[0190] For example, the above placement information may indicate the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU. The above power information may indicate the maximum RF (radio frequency) power level set for the RU.

[0191] For example, the above method may include an operation of determining the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as a first capacity when the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU corresponds to a first value. The above method may include an operation of determining the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as a second capacity greater than the first capacity when the interference corresponds to a second value lower than the first value.

[0192] For example, the above method may include an operation of determining the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as a third capacity when the maximum RF power level set for the RU corresponds to a third value. The above method may include an operation of determining the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as a fourth capacity greater than the third capacity when the maximum RF power corresponds to a fourth value lower than the third value.

[0193] For example, the traffic capacity for the control plane messages and the user plane messages may not exceed the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface.

[0194] For example, the traffic capacity forwarded to one or more of the above RUs may not exceed the link capacity between the RU and the hub. For example, among the above control plane messages, the control plane message may include a beam ID (identifier). The beam ID may be used to determine the RU for forwarding the control plane message and the user plane message corresponding to the control plane message.

[0195] For example, the above hub may be an FHM (fronthaul multiplexer).

[0196] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0197] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components described in one or more of the prior art drawings may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes and / or methods as described in the present disclosure. For example, a processor (e.g., a baseband processor) described in the present disclosure in relation to one or more of the prior art drawings may be configured to operate according to one or more examples described in the present disclosure. As another example, circuits associated with user equipment (UE), a base station, a network element, etc., as described above in relation to one or more of the prior art drawings may be configured to operate according to one or more examples described herein.

[0198] Any of the embodiments described above may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments) unless otherwise explicitly stated. The foregoing description of one or more embodiments is for illustrative and explanatory purposes only, and is not intended to limit or exhaust the scope of the embodiments in the exact form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings or may be obtained from the practice of various embodiments.

[0199] Methods according to the claims or embodiments described in the specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0200] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transient computer-readable storage medium) storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to the claims or embodiments described in the specification of this disclosure. The one or more programs may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0201] Such programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage devices, compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes. Alternatively, they may be stored in memory composed of some or all of these. Additionally, each constituent memory may include multiple units.

[0202] Additionally, the program may be stored on an attachable storage device that can be accessed via a communication network such as the Internet, Intranet, LAN (local area network), WAN (wide area network), or SAN (storage area network), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure through an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on a communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the components included in the disclosure are expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is selected to suit the situation presented for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in the plural form, it may be composed of a singular form, and even if a component is expressed in the singular form, it may be composed of a plural form.

[0204] According to the embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to the embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0205] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present disclosure, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the case of a DU (distributed unit), Communication circuit; Memory for storing instructions and including one or more storage media; and The DU comprises at least one processor including a processing circuit, wherein when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU Determining the maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU and the hub and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub and one or more RUs (radio units), Based on the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface, the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU among the one or more RUs is determined, and Based on the traffic capacity determined above, control plane messages and user plane messages corresponding to the control plane messages are generated, and Causing the above control plane messages and the above user plane messages to be transmitted to the hub, DU.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU, Determine the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs, and Causing to determine the maximum capacity of the second interface between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links, DU.

3. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU, A management plane message including deployment information for the one or more RUs and power information for the one or more RUs is obtained from the hub, and Causing to determine the maximum capacity of each of one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the above-mentioned layout information and power information, DU.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above placement information indicates the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU, and The above power information indicates the maximum RF (radio frequency) power level set for the above RU, DU.

5. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU, If the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU corresponds to a first value, the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub is determined as the first capacity, and If the above interference corresponds to a second value lower than the first value, causing the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub to be determined as a second capacity greater than the first capacity, DU.

6. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the DU, If the maximum RF power level set for the RU corresponds to a third value, the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub is determined as the third capacity, and If the above maximum RF power corresponds to a fourth value lower than a third value, causing the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub to be determined as a fourth capacity greater than the third capacity, DU.

7. In Paragraph 1, The traffic capacity for the control plane messages and the user plane messages does not exceed the minimum capacity among the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface, DU.

8. In Paragraph 1, The traffic capacity forwarded to one of the above one or more RUs does not exceed the link capacity between the RU and the hub, DU.

9. In Paragraph 1, Among the above control plane messages, the control plane message includes a beam ID (identifier), and The above beam ID is used to determine an RU for forwarding the control plane message and a user plane message corresponding to the control plane message, DU.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above hub is an FHM (fronthaul multiplexer), DU.

11. In a method performed by a DU (distributed unit), An operation to determine the maximum capacity of a first interface between the DU and the hub and the maximum capacity of a second interface between the hub and one or more RUs (radio units); An operation to determine the traffic capacity to be transmitted through at least one RU among the one or more RUs based on the minimum capacity between the maximum capacity of the first interface and the maximum capacity of the second interface; Based on the traffic capacity determined above, the operation of generating control plane messages and user plane messages corresponding to the control plane messages; and The operation of transmitting the above control plane messages and the above user plane messages to the hub, method.

12. In paragraph 11, the operation of determining the maximum capacity of the second interface is, An operation to determine the maximum capacity of each of one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs; and The operation of determining the maximum capacity of the second interface between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the maximum capacity of each of the one or more links, method.

13. In Paragraph 11, The operation of obtaining a management plane message from the hub, the message including placement information for the one or more RUs and power information for the one or more RUs; and Further comprising an operation to determine the maximum capacity of each of one or more links between the hub and the one or more RUs based on the above-mentioned arrangement information and the above-mentioned power information, method.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above placement information indicates the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU, and The above power information indicates the maximum RF (radio frequency) power level set for the above RU, method.

15. In Paragraph 11, An operation to determine the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as the first capacity when the interference level measured in the cell provided by the RU corresponds to the first value; and If the interference corresponds to a second value lower than the first value, the method further includes the operation of determining the maximum capacity for the link between the RU and the hub as a second capacity greater than the first capacity. method.

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