Central Controller Commissioning in Cloud Radio Access Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for commissioning central controllers in cloud radio access networks (C-RANs) require manual intervention by skilled technicians, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, as central controllers need to be configured with operator-specific and location-specific information to provide wireless services.

Innovation Solution

The central controller automatically connects to an activation server upon power-up, downloads a commissioning package containing necessary configuration information, and configures itself, reducing the need for on-site manual intervention by utilizing pre-configured activation server information and commissioning packages that include details such as security gateways, timing sources, and license files.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual commissioning by skilled technicians is used, then configuration accuracy is ensured, but labor intensity and deployment time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoiddeployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring activation server information (including IP addresses, ports, and credentials) into the central controller during manufacturing. This allows the controller to automatically connect to the activation server and download commissioning packages without requiring manual technician intervention for configuration, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while significantly improving deployment speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating standardized commissioning packages that contain pre-validated configuration data. These packages are generated from templates and copied to multiple central controllers, ensuring consistent and accurate configuration across different deployments without requiring technicians to manually configure each device, thus resolving the contradiction between configuration accuracy and deployment efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual commissioning is performed, then complex configuration tasks can be handled, but skilled technicians are required and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidcommissioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the central controller to automatically perform commissioning tasks. The controller autonomously connects to the activation server, authenticates using pre-configured credentials, downloads the appropriate commissioning package, and applies the configuration. This eliminates the need for skilled technicians to perform manual configuration while maintaining the ability to handle complex configuration scenarios through automated processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The activation server acts as an intermediary between the central controller and the commissioning process. It receives authentication requests from the controller, provides the appropriate commissioning packages based on the specific deployment scenario, and manages the configuration data. This intermediary approach enables complex configuration capabilities to be delivered automatically without requiring technician expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic commissioning is implemented, then deployment efficiency improves, but initial setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommissioning speedVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the initial setup complexity issue by applying preliminary action during the manufacturing stage. Activation server information, including connection details and authentication credentials, is pre-configured into the central controller before deployment. This shifts the complexity from the commissioning phase to the manufacturing phase, allowing automatic commissioning to proceed without requiring complex on-site configuration while maintaining high deployment efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11777794B2Commissioning a central controller in a cloud radio access network

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A cloud radio access network (C-RAN) includes a plurality of remote units (RUs), each with a wireless transceiver to exchange RF signals with at least one UE. The C-RAN also includes a central controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of RUs via a fronthaul comprising one or more ETHERNET switches. The central controller is communicatively coupled to an activation server via a backhaul network. The central controller also includes at least one processor configured to, following initial power up, establish a connection to the activation server indicated by activation server information pre-configured on the central controller. The at least one processor is also configured to receive a commissioning package, which includes commissioning information, from the activation server. The at least one processor is also configured to configure the central controller based on the commissioning information.