Cell-Less RAN Architecture Unifying DC, CA, And Multi-TRP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks face high implementation and operational costs, complexity, and inefficiencies due to the use of distributed RAN architectures and individual technologies like Dual-Connectivity (DC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), and multiple Transmission and Reception points (TRPs), which are not optimized for virtual and cloud RAN architectures.
Innovation Solution
A cell-less wireless network framework that unifies DC, CA, and multi-TRPs into a single framework, eliminating cell boundaries and allowing UEs to connect through a pool of TRPs, optimizing network synchronization and scheduling, and supporting V-RAN and C-RAN architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distributed RAN architecture is used with individual technologies (DC, CA, multi-TRP), then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but implementation and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines DC, CA, and multi-TRP technologies into a unified cell-less framework where multiple TRPs serve a common set of UEs without cell boundaries. This merging eliminates the need for separate cell management and reduces implementation complexity while maintaining coverage reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell-less framework creates a universal architecture that can dynamically allocate TRPs to serve different UE groups based on demand. TRPs function universally across multiple service groups rather than being dedicated to specific cells, reducing operational costs through resource sharing.
2Reliability
If distributed RAN architecture with multiple technologies is deployed, then network connectivity is enhanced, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operational management of DC, CA, and multi-TRP into a single cell-less control plane. The network controller manages TRP allocations and UE associations centrally, eliminating the need for separate cell-level operations and reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If individual technologies (DC, CA, multi-TRP) are implemented separately, then specific connectivity scenarios are optimized, but overall network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cell-less framework dynamically allocates TRPs to UE service groups based on real-time conditions rather than fixed cell assignments. This dynamic resource allocation improves network efficiency by optimizing TRP utilization across different scenarios while maintaining the connectivity benefits of DC, CA, and multi-TRP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of cell boundaries to zero, creating cell-less operation. This parameter change enables flexible TRP allocation and improves overall network efficiency by eliminating the inefficiencies associated with fixed cell structures and inter-cell interference.
4Ease of operation
If cell boundaries are maintained in traditional networks, then cell-specific management is simplified, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes cell boundaries from the network architecture, creating cell-less operation. This extraction eliminates cell boundary crossing delays and enables direct TRP-to-UE connectivity, reducing network latency while the control plane maintains simplified management through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio access network (RAN) may comprise at least one transmission-reception point (TRP) configured to provide wireless connections to one or more User Equipment devices (UEs) in an area. The area is not predefined by a cell boundary. The RAN may be configured to: broadcast Scheduling and Synchronization Relation (SSR) information to a UE; and establish with the UE a transmission mode for the TRP.