BBU RRH Identifier Exchange via Control Sub-Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for identifying and managing microwave (MW) links in digital radio over microwave (DRoM) systems, particularly in LTE networks, are costly and labor-intensive, requiring manual technician involvement to determine associated Base Band Units (BBUs) and Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), as well as to obtain service information like frequency bands and data rates.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a system where BBU and RRH units automatically exchange identifiers through predetermined control sub-channels within microwave beams, allowing for automatic identification and storage of unit identifiers, and optionally transmitting additional service information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual technician involvement is used to identify and manage MW links, then service information can be obtained, but operational costs and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of link identificationVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-identification of MW links by having BBUs and RRHs autonomously exchange and process identifier information through control sub-channels, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention while maintaining accurate link identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where identifiers are transmitted through control sub-channels and processed by receiving units, creating a closed-loop system that automatically confirms and validates link associations without manual verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If manual methods are used to determine BBU and RRH associations, then link information can be obtained, but time and resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice information availabilityVSAvoididentification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Identifier information is embedded in control sub-channels in advance, allowing receiving units to immediately obtain and process link association information without requiring time-consuming manual investigation or information gathering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of technician-based identification is replaced with an automated electronic information exchange system using control sub-channels, dramatically reducing the time required to obtain service information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automatic identifier exchange is implemented, then operational costs are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control sub-channels serve multiple functions including identifier transmission, link association confirmation, and service information exchange, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

Control sub-channels act as intermediaries that facilitate automatic identifier exchange between BBUs and RRHs, providing a standardized communication mechanism that simplifies the automation process while managing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3011799B1Devices for supplying service information for a microwave link
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 ORANGE SA
  • EP3011799B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3011799B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

In a first embodiment, the invention relates to a BBU (Base Band Unit) (respectively RRH (Remote Radio Head)), comprising means for supplying to a microwave head (MWBBU, respectively MWRRH) connected to said BBU unit (respectively RRH), an identifier of said unit, in at least one pre-determined control sub-channel of a signal for the digital radio. In a second embodiment, the invention also relates to a BBU (respectively RRH) comprising means for receiving, from a microwave head (MWBBU, respectively MWRRH) to which said BBU (respectively RRH) is connected, an identifier of an RRH unit (respectively BBU) contained in at least one predetermined control sub-channel of a signal for the digital radio.