Baseband Processing Split Between Non-GPP and GPP Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network node designs face challenges in flexibility and scalability due to their reliance on dedicated hardware for baseband processing, which is costly and time-consuming to develop and adapt for new Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and increasing traffic demands.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a network architecture where a non-GPP implemented processor handles delay-sensitive traffic in a first network node, while a GPP implemented processor handles less delay-sensitive traffic in a second network node, allowing for efficient distribution of baseband processing tasks and enabling scalability without excessive costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a non-GPP implemented processor is used for baseband processing, then high network performance and low latency are achieved, but the system lacks flexibility and scalability for new RATs
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processing function is segmented between two types of processors: non-GPP implemented processors (ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs) for delay-sensitive traffic requiring high performance, and GPP implemented processors for delay-tolerant traffic requiring flexibility and scalability. This segmentation allows each processor type to be optimized for its specific workload characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both non-GPP and GPP implemented processors, enabling it to handle diverse traffic types with different latency requirements and to adapt to various Radio Access Technologies through software reconfiguration of the GPP processors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DSP-based systems are used, then programmability and flexibility are improved, but development costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality levels of processing are applied locally to different traffic types: high-performance hardware processing for delay-sensitive traffic and flexible software processing for delay-tolerant traffic. This allows the system to achieve both performance and flexibility without requiring the entire system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The GPP implemented processor acts as an intermediary layer that provides flexibility and scalability for new RATs without affecting the performance-critical non-GPP processing path. This intermediary approach allows gradual adoption of new technologies while maintaining existing performance guarantees.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network nodes are deployed to support multiple RATs, then support for diverse wireless devices is achieved, but network complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple RAT support is merged into a single network node by combining non-GPP and GPP implemented processors, eliminating the need for separate dedicated nodes for each RAT. The GPP processors can be reconfigured via software to support different RATs as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node achieves universality by designing it to handle multiple RATs through the flexible GPP implemented processors, which can be reconfigured to support different wireless standards without requiring physical hardware changes or additional dedicated nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network node, a second network node and methods therein, for handling baseband processing of signals communicated with wireless devices in a wireless network. The first network node communicates a first type of signals with a first wireless device and performs a first part of baseband processing of the first type of signals using a non-GPP implemented processor. The first network node also communicates the first type of signals with the second network node for a second part of baseband processing of the first type of signals using a GPP implemented processor. The first network node further communicates a second type of signals with a second wireless device and performs both of said first and second parts of baseband processing of the second type of signals using the non-GPP implemented processor.