Bulk DU Restart Scripting to Reduce 5G Coverage Disruption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for restarting distributed units (DUs) and upgrading radio units (RUs) in 5G networks are inefficient, prone to human error, and cause network coverage disruptions, especially when dealing with large numbers of units across multiple cell sites.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a bulk DU restart script and RU upgrade script to simultaneously restart or upgrade multiple units with a single command, identifying necessary units, addressing connectivity issues, and optimizing memory partition configurations to ensure efficient and reliable operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual restart of DUs is performed one at a time, then operational control is maintained, but time consumption increases and network coverage is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple DU restart operations into a single bulk operation. The bulk restart script allows simultaneous restart of multiple DUs across different cell sites through one command, merging what would otherwise be numerous separate manual restart operations into a single coordinated action, thereby reducing total time while maintaining operational control through centralized management
2Productivity
If bulk restart of multiple DUs is implemented, then restart efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bulk restart script as an intermediary tool between the operator and the DU restart operations. This script acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of simultaneous multi-DU restarts, providing a simplified interface where operators can initiate bulk restarts through a single command without needing to manage individual DU restarts manually, thus improving efficiency while keeping the operator interface simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification and self-execution of restart operations. The bulk restart script automatically identifies which DUs need restarting and executes the restart process without requiring manual intervention for each DU. The system manages its own state and coordinates the restart operations autonomously, reducing the operational burden on human operators while improving restart efficiency
3Reliability
If manual DU restart is performed, then individual unit control is maintained, but network coverage disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification and classification of DUs before initiating restart operations. The system first determines which DUs require restarting based on their operational state and connectivity status, allowing for targeted restarts that minimize overall network disruption. By preparing the restart list in advance and understanding which DUs are critical versus non-critical, the system can coordinate restarts to maintain network coverage where possible
Data Source
AI summary
A jump server receives a command to restart a set of distributed units (DUs) at one or more cell sites. In response, the jump server executes a wrapper script that logs in to a backend server, copies an input file that identifies the set of DUs to a user-specific directory at the backend server. The jump server also copies a bulk DU restart script to the user-specific directory at the backend server. The jump server initiates the execution of the bulk DU restart script at the backend server. The execution of the bulk DU restart script causes the backend server to restart the set of DUs, generate an output log file that comprises the results of the DU restart process, and store the output log file in the user-specific directory.