Base Station Cell Setting for C-RAN Fronthaul Bandwidth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE radio communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting information necessary for cell setting in a centralized radio access network (C-RAN), particularly as 5G technology requires higher peak rates and lower latency, leading to increased bandwidth demands on the fronthaul network, and there is a lack of specified interfaces for transmitting cell setting information to remote radio units (RUs).
Innovation Solution
A base station system that includes an acquiring unit to gather parameters for initial cell setting and a setting unit to perform cell setting using these parameters, allowing for the transmission of necessary information to RUs, which can implement some or all of the layer 1 functions, enabling efficient cell setup and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If some layer 1 functions are implemented on the RU side to reduce fronthaul bandwidth requirements, then the bandwidth consumption on the fronthaul interface is reduced, but there is no specified interface for transmitting cell setting information to the RU
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the DU serve multiple functions: it acts as both the central control unit for signal processing and as the source for providing cell setting information to RUs. The DU integrates both the control plane functions and the user plane functions, and also serves as the configuration provider for RUs, eliminating the need for separate interface specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the DU to autonomously generate and transmit cell setting information to RUs without requiring external interface specifications or additional network elements. The DU independently manages both the signal processing control and the configuration management for RUs.
2Ease of operation
If all layer 1 functions are implemented on the DU side, then cell setting information can be managed centrally, but the fronthaul bandwidth requirement becomes very high (about 16 times the peak rate)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the layer 1 functions between the DU and RU. The DU retains control plane functions and generates cell setting information, while the RU implements user plane functions and signal processing. This segmentation allows centralized management of control information while reducing fronthaul bandwidth requirements by localizing signal processing functions.
3Quantity of substance
If the RU implements some layer 1 and layer 2 functions to reduce fronthaul bandwidth, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to distributed function implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the DU as a mediator that generates cell setting information and transmits it to the RU. The DU acts as the intermediary between the control plane and the RU, providing configuration information that enables the RU to autonomously perform signal processing functions, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture despite distributed function implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a base station used as a first base station in a radio communication system including the first base station, a second base station communicating with the first base station, and a user equipment communicating with the first base station. The base station includes: an acquiring unit that acquires a plurality of parameters used for an initial cell setting; and a setting unit that performs a cell setting using the acquired plurality of parameters.