C-RAN RU Network Listening via RF Transmit Output Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In Cloud-Radio Access Network (C-RAN) structure base stations with multiple cells and RUs, interference between RU groups and handover issues occur, necessitating optimization of cell and RU configurations. However, existing methods struggle to automatically detect neighboring RUs due to signal interference, hindering service quality optimization and automation.
Innovation Solution
A method for performing network listening (NL) in a C-RAN structure base station, where the base station instructs a RU to perform NL by turning off its RF transmit output, allowing it to distinguish and detect neighboring RUs. This process is coordinated to minimize interference and optimize cell and RU configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a RU performs network listening to detect neighboring cells, then the ability to detect and measure neighboring cell signals is improved, but the RU itself cannot distinguish its own output signal from neighboring RU signals when they share the same PCI, leading to failure in identifying neighboring RUs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network listening process by dividing RUs into different groups based on their PCI assignments. RUs with different PCIs perform NL in different time slots or frequency resources, allowing the detecting RU to distinguish between its own signals and neighboring RU signals through PCI differentiation. This segmentation resolves the confusion between self-signal and neighboring signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces PCI (Physical Cell Identifier) as an intermediary element that enables distinction between different RUs. By assigning different PCIs to different RUs and using PCI as a tagging mechanism during network listening, the system can identify which signals come from neighboring RUs versus the local RU, even when signals are transmitted simultaneously.
2Productivity
If multiple RUs operate simultaneously in a C-RAN structure, then service coverage and network capacity are improved, but interference between RU groups occurs, requiring manual optimization of cell and RU configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic network listening operations where RUs periodically measure neighboring cell signals at scheduled intervals. This periodic action allows the system to continuously monitor and detect interference conditions between RU groups, enabling dynamic adjustment of configurations to minimize interference while maintaining high network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where network listening results are reported back to the base station controller. The controller uses this feedback information about neighboring cell signal strengths and interference levels to automatically optimize cell and RU configurations, adjusting parameters such as power levels, frequency allocations, and cell boundaries to reduce interference between RU groups.
3Reliability
If manual configuration optimization is performed for cell and RU settings, then interference minimization and handover optimization can be achieved, but automation and efficiency in the operation process are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the C-RAN system to perform self-optimization through automated network listening and configuration adjustment. The base station controller automatically collects network listening data from RUs, analyzes interference patterns, and adjusts cell and RU configurations without human intervention. This self-service capability maintains reliable interference minimization while achieving full automation in the optimization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration optimization with automated electronic control systems. The base station controller uses software-based algorithms to process network listening measurements and automatically adjust configuration parameters, substituting the manual mechanical process of configuration optimization with an automated electronic control mechanism that achieves both reliability and efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is a method of performing network listening (NL) for a radio unit (RU) in a Cloud-Radio Access Network (C-RAN) structure base station in which a certain RU distinguishes and automatically detects signals of neighboring RUs through NL in a C-RAN structure base station to thereby enable optimization and automation of configuration setting of multiple cells and multiple RUs. The method of performing NL for a RU in a base station having a structure of a C-RAN, performed between a C-RAN base station body and a RU in the C-RAN supporting multiple cells and multiple RUs, includes the steps of: (a) searching for, by the C-RAN base station body, RU configuration (a cell-RU combination) information constructed therein to instruct an RU that is to perform NL to perform the NL while instructing a RU using the same physical cell identifier (PCI) as the RU that is to perform the NL to turn off a radio frequency (RF) transmit (Tx) output thereof during performance of the NL of the RU that is to perform NL; (b) performing, by the RU instructed to perform the NL, the NL with a RF transmit (Tx) output thereof turned off; (c) turning on, by the RU instructed to perform the NL, the RF transmit (Tx) output thereof after completion of the performance of the NL while reporting a result of the performance of the NL and completion of the NL to the C-RAN base station body; and (d) instructing, by the C-RAN base station body, the RU using the same PCI to turn on the RF transmit (Tx) output thereof.