Adaptive C-RAN Fronthaul Quantization for Remote Unit Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CRAN systems face flexibility and scalability issues due to the need for software and hardware modifications at central units for algorithm changes, and existing solutions do not adequately reduce data rates on fiber links to support a large number of remote units, leading to bottlenecks and increased data transmission burdens.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjust the quantization bits number based on network information, such as user profiles and data traffic, to optimize data transmission over fronthaul links, allowing for variable quantization and efficient distribution of data load capacity among remote units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CRAN systems transmit composite base-band signals over fiber links according to OBSAI or CPRI standards, then complete signal transmission is achieved, but transmission capacity on fiber links becomes a bottleneck as the number of remote units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the composite base-band signal into individual user equipment signals before transmission over fiber links. Instead of transmitting one composite signal per antenna, the system transmits separate signals for different user equipments, enabling selective processing and reducing overall transmission capacity requirements on the fronthaul link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain processing as an additional dimension for signal handling. By performing signal processing operations in the frequency domain rather than time domain, the system achieves more efficient signal representation and transmission, reducing the data rate required on fiber links while maintaining signal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal processing algorithms operate on each user signal separately at central units, then signal processing flexibility is improved, but data rate on fiber links increases burdening the central unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function across different locations - separating the processing of individual user signals from the central unit and enabling it to occur at remote units or in a distributed manner. This segmentation allows flexible per-user signal processing while reducing the data rate burden on the central unit and fiber links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from time-domain signal processing to frequency-domain processing, enabling more efficient handling of individual user signals. This dimensional change allows the system to process each user signal separately with lower data rates, improving both flexibility and transmission efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If the number of remote units connected to a given central unit increases, then network coverage is improved, but available transmission capacity on fiber links becomes saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall signal transmission into multiple independent user signal streams, each capable of being processed and transmitted separately. This segmentation allows the system to support a larger number of remote units by efficiently utilizing the available fiber link capacity through parallel transmission of segmented signals.
4Adaptability or versatility
If data rate on fiber links is increased to support more remote units, then network scalability is improved, but transmission cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs frequency domain processing to achieve more efficient signal representation and transmission. This dimensional change from time to frequency domain enables the system to support network scalability with lower data rates on fiber links, thereby reducing energy consumption and transmission costs while maintaining or improving network capacity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is proposed of arranging, in a mobile communication network (100), transmission of data between user equipments (UE i ) and at least one base station (BS) comprising a central unit (CU,CU') and at least one remote unit (RU j ,RU' j ) associated therewith. The method comprises: at a transmitting side comprising the remote unit (RU j ,RU' j ) or the central unit (CU,CU'), quantizing (225) said data according to a quantization bits number (Q j ), and transmitting, over a fronthaul link (FL) between the transmitting side and a receiving side comprising the central unit (CU,CU') or the remote unit (RU j ,RU' j ), respectively, the quantized data to the receiving side. The method further comprises, at the central unit (CU,CU'): determining (260) said quantization bits number (Q j ), wherein said determining comprises varying in time the quantization bits number (Q j ) according to network information (IA j ,IB) available at the central unit (CU,CU'), and communicating to the at least one remote unit (RU j ,RU' j ) the determined quantization bits number (Q j ).