Base Station Virtualization for Multi-Operator Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for virtualizing base stations are not technically simple or flexible enough to allow easy integration into existing networks and do not efficiently inform user equipment of the presence and capabilities of multiple virtual operators.
Innovation Solution
The method involves virtualizing a base station by enabling multiple virtual operators to offer services at the physical channel layer, allowing user equipment to select services from various operators sharing the same resources, and negotiating resource allocation between the virtual operator and the base station owner, while maintaining control over data transmission and radio services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional base station virtualization approaches are used, then base station assets can be shared, but the system becomes complex and difficult to integrate into existing networks
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is segmented into physical layer resources (owned by the base station operator) and logical layer services (offered by virtual operators). This segmentation allows multiple virtual operators to share the same physical base station infrastructure while maintaining independent control over their respective services, thereby reducing integration complexity while enabling sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtualization layer is introduced as an intermediary between the physical base station and virtual operators. This intermediary layer manages the abstraction between physical resources and virtual services, simplifying the integration process and enabling easy deployment of multiple virtual operators without directly modifying the physical infrastructure.
2Productivity
If multiple virtual operators share a base station, then spectral resources are utilized more efficiently, but user equipment cannot be efficiently informed of virtual operator presence and capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The base station's broadcast control channel is designed to serve multiple functions: it broadcasts information for the physical layer operator and simultaneously broadcasts identification and capability information for multiple virtual operators. This multi-functionality ensures that user equipment can discover and select appropriate virtual operators without requiring separate broadcast mechanisms, thereby maintaining spectral efficiency while providing complete information awareness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical layer virtualization is implemented, then base station assets can be shared, but efficiency does not increase and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the virtualization function from the physical layer and places it at the logical channel layer. By taking out physical layer virtualization and replacing it with logical layer virtualization, the system achieves asset sharing capability while maintaining or improving efficiency, as the physical layer remains optimized for its original function while the logical layer provides the necessary virtualization and multiplexing.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method for providing access to a mobile communication network comprising at least one base transceiver station, wherein the communication network is being visited by a piece of user equipment having a home operator in a home network. The method comprises at the base transceiver station: receiving a channel request from said user equipment, creating a virtual machine associated with said home operator of said user equipment, establishing a channel using said virtual machine, and allocating channel resources of said at least one base station to accommodate said channel. The invention also pertains to a base station system to carry out the method of the invention.