Autonomous IP Active Antenna for RAN Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of traditional radio access network (RAN) infrastructure leads to slow and expensive deployments, as it requires numerous equipment cabinets and complex fiber connections, despite advancements like Remote Radio Head (RRH) and active antenna technologies.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of autonomous Internet Protocol (IP) active antennas, which are self-contained and integrate all necessary components for radio access network operations, including RF transmission, baseband processing, and RNC functions, reducing the need for additional equipment and fiber connections by using HSPA technology for data relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional radio access network infrastructure is used with multiple equipment cabinets and complex fiber connections, then network functionality is complete, but deployment complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate network functions (RF transmission, baseband processing, RNC control functions) into a single integrated active antenna unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment cabinets and complex interconnections, directly reducing deployment complexity while maintaining complete network functionality through the unified device
Solution Approach 2:
The active antenna is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs RF signal transmission, baseband signal processing, and RNC control functions. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized equipment, simplifying deployment while ensuring all necessary network functions are preserved
2Reliability
If Remote Radio Head technology is deployed to separate RF units from baseband units, then RF performance is improved, but fiber connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separated RF unit and baseband unit back into a single integrated active antenna, eliminating the fiber connections between them. This resolves the issue of increased fiber connection complexity while maintaining RF performance through the integrated design that internally connects RF and baseband functions
3Ease of operation
If base station equipment is centrally located in cabinets, then maintenance and management are simplified, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional centralized base station into distributed active antenna units that can be independently deployed at different locations. Each unit is self-contained and requires minimal infrastructure, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining operational simplicity through the autonomous nature of each unit
Solution Approach 2:
The active antenna units are designed as self-contained devices that include all necessary components (RF, baseband, power supply) and can be deployed independently without requiring complex centralized infrastructure. This self-service capability dramatically reduces deployment time while maintaining ease of operation through standardized interfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
An active antenna with an IP address is described comprising: - a first set of modules (Mi) and a second set of modules (M'j), both sets using a same hardware platform and each set integrating radiofrequency sub-modules; - at least an Ethernet connection (23) to the core network for providing the active antenna with capability of operation from an anchor site; - a digital platform (3) integrating: - a set of modules for base-band processing, operating in one or more of 2G, 3G and LTE technologies; - processing means for control plane of 2G and 3G radio access networks; - routing means for Iu, Gb or S1 data relay from/to the core network to provide the active antenna with capability of operation from a relay site; - at least two optical ports for connection in chain (24) with a pair of active antennas in the same relay site; and - a single power supply connection (22).