Radio Access Point Antenna Subset Allocation for Network Slicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for network slicing in cellular telecommunications require significant financial cost and operational complexity, as they often necessitate dedicated radio spectrum, base stations, and specialized schedulers to isolate and manage different network slices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a radio access point selects and reserves a subset of antenna elements based on performance requirements for each network slice, performing aperture synthesis and joint interference cancellation processing to optimize signal processing and communication, thereby improving network performance without the need for dedicated resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated radio spectrum, base stations, and specialized schedulers are allocated to each network slice, then network slice isolation and performance requirements are met, but financial cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single radio access point to serve multiple network slices simultaneously using a shared antenna array. The system dynamically configures the antenna elements to handle different slice requirements (eMBB, URLLC, MMTC) without needing dedicated base stations for each slice, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining slice isolation through virtualization and dynamic resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna array into virtual subsets that can be dynamically assigned to different network slices. By dividing the physical antenna resources into logical groups and using aperture synthesis to combine signals from selected antenna elements, the system achieves slice-specific performance optimization without physical separation, reducing both financial cost and operational complexity
2Reliability
If dedicated base stations are allocated to each network slice, then network slice isolation is ensured, but financial cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network slice operations into a single radio access point by using a shared antenna array that can be dynamically configured. Through aperture synthesis and joint interference cancellation processing, the system combines resources from multiple slices efficiently, eliminating the need for duplicate dedicated base stations and reducing financial cost while maintaining slice isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The radio access point is designed with multi-functionality to handle different network slice types (eMBB, URLLC, MMTC) simultaneously. The antenna array can be reconfigured via software to serve different slice requirements, making the infrastructure universal and reducing the need for multiple dedicated base stations, thereby lowering financial cost
3Reliability
If specialized RAN schedulers are implemented for each network slice, then performance requirements are met, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal scheduling approach where a single RAN scheduler can dynamically allocate antenna elements to different network slices based on real-time performance requirements. The system uses aperture synthesis to adaptively configure antenna subsets for each slice type (eMBB, URLLC, MMTC) without requiring separate specialized schedulers, thus reducing operational complexity while meeting performance targets
4Productivity
If a full antenna array is used for all network slices, then resource utilization is maximized, but performance requirements for specific slices cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different subsets of antenna elements to be optimally configured for different network slice types. Through aperture synthesis, the system selects and combines signals from specific antenna elements based on the performance requirements of each slice (e.g., more elements for eMBB, fewer for URLLC), achieving slice-specific optimization while maintaining high overall resource utilization through dynamic sharing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances network performance by tailoring antenna arrangements to specific performance requirements, reducing operational complexity and costs while maintaining isolation between network slices, thus providing efficient and differentiated service models.
Implementation Method 1
performing aperture synthesis of the wireless signal using each of the antenna elements of the subset by measuring amplitude and phase of the wireless signal by means of each antenna element of the subset
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A method (200) of operating a radio access point (115), providing a radio access network for a telecommunications network (100), comprising a plurality of antenna elements (122), the method comprising the steps of: determining a performance requirement for a network slice to which a User Equipment (110), UE, of the telecommunications network is allocated (230); selecting, in dependence upon said determined performance requirement, a spatial arrangement of a subset of the plurality of antenna elements (230); reserving the selected subset for use only by the network slice (250); and communicating a network communication between the radio access point and the UE using only the subset of antenna elements (540).