Antenna Line Device Control in High Layer Split Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
High Layer Split (HLS) architecture in New Radio (NR) communication faces challenges with massive traffic, numerous connections, and timing constraints in managing Antenna Line Devices (ALDs), particularly due to limitations in HDLC address handling and processing power distribution between centralized and distributed units.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves shifting elementary ALD control to the distributed unit level, using an abstractive model for ALD management, allowing the centralized unit to request operations through Netconf/YANG modules, and distributing HDLC address assignment and polling tasks to the distributed unit, thereby optimizing control and reducing the load on the centralized unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centralized unit directly controls all ALDs using HDLC protocol, then control precision is maintained, but processing power overload and timing constraints worsen due to massive traffic and numerous connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ALD control function into two segments: the centralized unit (gNB-CU) maintains control plane functions and high-level management, while the distributed unit (gNB-DU) handles data plane functions and elementary ALD control. This segmentation allows the centralized unit to avoid processing power overload while maintaining control precision through the abstractive model and NETCONF/YANG protocol for configuration management.
2Reliability
If centralized unit manages all ALD connections, then control authority is centralized, but number of connections and traffic load increase beyond handling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the distributed unit as an intermediary between the centralized unit and ALDs. The gNB-DU handles direct communication with multiple ALDs, managing HDLC connections and elementary control functions, while the gNB-CU maintains control authority through configuration management via NETCONF/YANG. This intermediary approach allows the centralized unit to manage control authority without being overwhelmed by the quantity of direct connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HDLC protocol is used for ALD communication, then communication standardization is achieved, but address limitations constrain the number of controllable ALDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the HDLC address limitation by introducing a new dimension for device identification. Instead of relying solely on 8-bit HDLC addresses, the system uses ALD instance identifiers within the abstractive model that can represent a much larger number of devices. This dimensional extension allows the system to maintain HDLC protocol compatibility while overcoming its address space constraints.
4Ease of operation
If all ALD control functions are centralized, then management simplicity is maintained, but timing constraints and message handling become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions based on timing requirements. Time-critical elementary control functions (such as real-time monitoring and fast response operations) are executed by the distributed unit with local timing autonomy, while non-time-critical configuration management and high-level control remain centralized. This segmentation maintains management simplicity for overall system control while meeting timing constraints for critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A centralized unit of a communication network adopting a high layer split architecture acquires an abstractive model of a plurality of antenna line devices from a distributed unit of the communication network. The centralized unit operates the plurality of antenna line devices by communicating with the distributed unit by using the abstractive model. The distributed unit can perform elementary control of the plurality of antenna line devices based on the communication with the centralized unit.