Cellular Frame Alignment Control for CU-DU Latency Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The functional split between Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Units (DUs) in modern cellular networks leads to inefficient coordination and increased latency due to misalignment in communication frames.
Innovation Solution
A method to identify and adjust communication schedules between nodes in a telecommunications network to align frames, reducing temporal misalignment by applying adjustments such as time shifts or changes in subframe durations to minimize latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frames are transmitted without adjustment to accommodate processing time, then node reliability is improved, but communication latency increases due to subframe misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-configuring frame alignment adjustments before communication occurs. The network management entity determines the required time advance for uplink frames in advance, based on processing times at the access node, and configures this alignment information to the transmitting node before data transmission begins. This allows frames to be transmitted immediately without waiting for processing completion, thus reducing latency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the frame alignment configuration adjustable and adaptable. The network management entity can dynamically determine and update the time advance value based on actual processing requirements, traffic conditions, and node capabilities. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize the balance between reliability and latency in real-time, rather than using fixed frame structures.
2Loss of time
If frame alignment adjustment is applied, then communication latency is reduced, but network control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a network management entity that centralizes the complexity of frame alignment management. Instead of each node independently managing frame timing, the network management entity acts as an intermediary that calculates optimal alignment parameters, configures them to appropriate nodes, and monitors performance. This concentrates the control complexity in a dedicated management function rather than distributing it across all network nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network management entity monitors communication performance and can adjust frame alignment configurations based on observed latency and reliability metrics. The system receives feedback about actual processing times and frame transmission outcomes, then uses this information to optimize the time advance values and alignment parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network having a first node, a second node, and a third node, and the method including identifying a first schedule for a frame for facilitating communication between the first node and the second node; identifying a second schedule for a frame for facilitating communication between the second node and the third node, wherein the frames each have an uplink subframe and a downlink subframe; comparing the first and second schedules so as to identify a misalignment in the frames; and applying an adjustment to the first schedule relative to the second schedule so as to reduce the identified misalignment in the frames, thereby to reduce a delay in communication.