Multi-RAT Base Station CPRI Link Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-mode base stations can only support a single radio access technology over the CPRI link between the Radio Equipment Controller (REC) and the Radio Equipment (RE), limiting their ability to handle multiple radio access technologies simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The method and device enable a base station to support multiple radio access technologies by determining the radio access technologies supported by its ports and transmitting data accordingly, using a bidirectional or dual-star link mode to facilitate the transmission of service and control data across multiple radio access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a CPRI link is used between REC and RE in a conventional multi-mode base station, then data transmission is established, but only a single radio access technology can be supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple radio access technologiesVSAvoidCPRI link configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CPRI link is segmented into multiple virtual channels, where each virtual channel is assigned to a specific radio access technology. The REC divides the physical link into separate logical paths for different RATs (e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE), allowing simultaneous support for multiple technologies while using a single physical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The CPRI link is designed to serve multiple functions by implementing a multi-tenant architecture where a single physical interface handles multiple radio access technologies. The link layer protocol is enhanced to identify and route data for different RATs through the same physical medium, making the link universal rather than dedicated to a single technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple REC-RE interfaces are created for each radio access technology, then multi-mode support is achieved, but the number of physical cables and interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-mode base station capabilityVSAvoidnumber of physical cables and interfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple logical interfaces for different radio access technologies are merged into a single physical CPRI interface. The system combines GSM, UMTS, LTE, and other RAT-specific interfaces into one unified physical connection between REC and RE, reducing the number of cables while maintaining full multi-mode functionality through virtualization and logical channel separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2661149B1Method and device for data transmission
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2661149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2661149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2661149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and device for data transmission. The method for data transmission includes: when a base station supports multiple radio access technologies, determines radio access technologies respectively supported by two ports of the RE, and transmits data corresponding to the radio access technologies respectively through the two ports. With the technical solutions provided in embodiments of the present invention, the base station can support multiple radio access technologies and transmit service data and control data corresponding to multiple radio access technologies.