Central Aggregate Extension Interface for 5G Uplink Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G radio communication systems, the separation of Layer 1 and Layer 2 functions between the DU and RU in a C-RAN complicates efficient uplink transmission scheduling, leading to inefficient information transmission due to the need for coordination between the MAC and L1 functional units across the fronthaul.
Innovation Solution
An interface method is introduced between the central aggregate apparatus (DU) and the extension apparatus (RU) to transmit uplink signal indication information and identifiers, allowing the RU to extract data and estimate communication quality, which is then transmitted back to the DU for scheduling optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Layer 1 and Layer 2 functions are separated between RU and DU, then transmission band requirement is reduced and scheduling flexibility is improved, but coordination complexity between MAC and L1 functional units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized interface mechanism between the RU and DU that acts as an intermediary, defining specific message formats and protocols for information exchange. This interface standardizes the coordination between MAC and L1 functional units, reducing the complexity of direct coordination while maintaining scheduling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of information transmission by defining specific message structures including uplink signal indication information, communication quality information, and data information. These parameterized messages streamline the coordination process between separated functional units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MAC and L1 functional units are in separate apparatuses, then functional distribution flexibility is improved, but information transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the RU estimate communication quality and extract data information from uplink signals before transmitting this processed information to the DU. This preliminary processing at the RU reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the fronthaul, improving transmission efficiency while maintaining functional distribution flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts essential information (communication quality metrics and data) from the complete uplink signal at the RU side, transmitting only the extracted key parameters to the DU rather than the entire signal. This extraction process improves information transmission efficiency by reducing fronthaul bandwidth requirements.
3Reliability
If complete uplink signals are transmitted between RU and DU, then data accuracy is maintained, but fronthaul bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential data information and communication quality metrics from the complete uplink signal at the RU side. This extraction maintains the necessary data accuracy for scheduling decisions while significantly reducing the quantity of information that must be transmitted over the fronthaul interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portions of the uplink signal information (extracted data and quality metrics) rather than the complete signal. This partial transmission maintains sufficient accuracy for MAC scheduling while reducing fronthaul bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface method between a central-aggregate apparatus and an extension apparatus is provided, which includes: transmitting, by the central-aggregate apparatus, uplink signal indication information for a user equipment and an identifier of the user equipment to the extension apparatus; retaining, by the extension apparatus, the identifier and uplink signal information extracted from the received uplink signal indication information and transmitting an uplink signal indication to the user equipment; receiving an uplink signal transmitted from the user equipment based on one or both of the retained uplink signal information and identifier; extracting data information from the uplink signal, estimating uplink communication quality based on the uplink signal, and transmitting one or both of the extracted data information and the estimated uplink communication quality to the central-aggregate apparatus; and receiving, by the central-aggregate apparatus, one or both of the data information and the uplink communication quality from the extension apparatus.