Base Station CU-DU Connection for Network Slice Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G mobile communication systems face challenges in meeting diverse service requirements for high bandwidth, low latency, and high reliability due to limitations in resource utilization and differentiation of slice support capabilities within base stations, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed communication method and apparatus enable flexible exposure and utilization of internal resources within base stations by allowing distributed units (DUs) and central units (CUs) to dynamically select and switch between CUs that support specific network slices, optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single network is used to carry various services, then network simplicity is maintained, but the ability to meet diverse service requirements (high bandwidth, low latency, high reliability) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple network slices, each dedicated to specific service types (e.g., eMBB slice for high bandwidth, URLLC slice for low latency and high reliability). This segmentation allows each slice to be optimized for its specific service requirements while maintaining overall network manageability through virtualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple network slices simultaneously. The base station can serve different service types through resource sharing and flexible configuration, allowing a single physical infrastructure to provide diverse services without requiring separate dedicated networks for each service type.
2Reliability
If a new network is built for each service type, then service-specific performance requirements are met, but deployment costs and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple network slices are merged onto a single shared network infrastructure. The base station consolidates resources to serve multiple slices simultaneously, eliminating the need to build separate dedicated networks for each service type. This merging approach guarantees service performance through logical isolation while significantly reducing deployment and operation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Network resources are dynamically allocated and reconfigured based on service requirements through parameter changes. The base station can adjust resource allocation, priority levels, and quality of service parameters in real-time to meet diverse service needs without physical network reconfiguration, thereby reducing deployment costs while maintaining service reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If slice support capability is differentiated at base station level, then service differentiation is achieved, but internal resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base station implements dynamic resource allocation that adapts to real-time service requirements. Internal resources are dynamically assigned to different slices based on current demand patterns, allowing the system to optimize resource utilization efficiency while maintaining the ability to differentiate and support multiple slice service types simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor resource usage across different slices and adjust allocation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the base station to optimize internal resource utilization by redistributing resources based on actual service demand, thereby improving productivity while preserving slice differentiation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method and a related apparatus provide for differences between internal resources of a base station to support different slice service capabilities on a RAN side. In the communication method, when a first distributed unit (DU) sets up a connection to a first central unit (CU) but the first CU does not support a first slice, and a second CU supports the first slice, the first DU may establish a connection to the second CU based on transport layer information of the second CU and an identifier or a name of the second CU, or the second CU may update the connection between the first CU and the first DU to a connection between the second CU and the first DU. A difference between internal resources of a base station can be more fully utilized to support different slice service capabilities on a RAN side and improve flexibility and coverage of providing a slice service for user equipment.