C-RAN Wi-Fi Capacity Provisioning for Dynamic Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi networks in high-density venues face challenges in adapting to spatiotemporal traffic fluctuations, leading to performance deterioration and increased costs due to the disconnect between fixed provisioning and varying traffic demands, with no efficient way to dynamically adjust capacity to meet changing user needs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system using a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) architecture that introduces access points and remote radio heads, tracks traffic fluctuations, and adapts front-haul configurations in real time to dynamically provision Wi-Fi capacity, leveraging software-defined access (SDA) to optimize for both unicast and broadcast traffic demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed Wi-Fi provisioning is used, then network infrastructure is simple to deploy, but the system cannot adapt to spatiotemporal traffic fluctuations leading to performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic Wi-Fi capacity provisioning by enabling the network to adapt its configuration in real-time based on traffic conditions. The system dynamically adjusts capacity allocation across different spatial locations and time periods, transforming the static network into a dynamic one that responds to changing demands in large venues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the Wi-Fi network into multiple independent access points distributed across the venue, each capable of being independently configured and controlled. This segmentation allows different portions of the network to be optimized for different traffic conditions, enabling fine-grained adaptability without requiring complete network reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If Wi-Fi capacity is over-provisioned to handle peak traffic, then performance is maintained under all conditions, but costs and resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated traffic measurement and analysis capabilities that enable the network to autonomously identify traffic patterns, predict demand, and adjust capacity allocation without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures performance consistency while avoiding the need for static over-provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback loops where traffic measurements from previous epochs inform capacity provisioning decisions for current epochs. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from past traffic patterns and adapt capacity allocation in real-time, maintaining reliability without permanent over-provisioning of resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Wi-Fi architecture is used, then deployment is straightforward, but it cannot efficiently serve heterogeneous content access demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal Wi-Fi capacity provisioning system that can handle multiple types of content access demands (video streaming, web browsing, file transfers, real-time communications) through a unified architectural framework. The system provides multi-functional capabilities that adapt to different service requirements without requiring separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for dynamic provisioning of Wi-Fi capacity in areas using a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) architecture is presented. The computer-implemented method includes introducing a set of access points (APs) in a network for providing capacity required to serve a plurality of users accessing heterogeneous content, introducing a set of remote radio heads (RRHs) in the network acting as transmit/receive points, tracking traffic fluctuations, and adapting front-haul configurations at a granularity of epochs, where measurements from previous epochs serve as input to drive current epochs.