Central Unit Scheduler for Base Station Backhaul Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing diverse Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and data traffic, leading to potential overloading and throughput degradation due to under-dimensioned backhaul capacity, especially when handling sporadic traffic overflows and varying data rates.
Innovation Solution
A central unit in a distributed base station transceiver architecture manages communication resources by scheduling data transmissions based on the limited capacity of the communication link between the central unit and remote units, utilizing statistical multiplexing gains to optimize backhaul capacity and reduce resource wastage, while shifting data transmissions between intervals to maintain efficient use of air resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network is dimensioned according to the sum of the peak rates of single leaves or end nodes, then traffic overflows can be avoided, but statistical multiplexing gains are wasted and capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing scheduling decisions at the central unit before data transmissions occur. The scheduler module determines transmission intervals and allocates backhaul capacity in advance, allowing the system to prepare for traffic demands without over-provisioning resources. This proactive scheduling enables the network to handle peak rates when needed while avoiding continuous over-dimensioning of backhaul capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the backhaul capacity allocation dynamic rather than static. The scheduler module continuously adapts the allocation of backhaul capacity to remote units based on actual traffic conditions and QoS requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to harvest statistical multiplexing gains by allocating capacity during high-demand periods while reducing allocation during low-demand periods, avoiding the need to dimension for peak rates continuously.
2Loss of energy
If the network is under-dimensioned to harvest statistical multiplexing gains, then capital expenditures are reduced, but occasional outages may occur degrading throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a scheduler module that continuously monitors traffic conditions, QoS requirements, and backhaul capacity utilization. Based on this feedback, the scheduler dynamically adjusts resource allocation and transmission scheduling to prevent outages. The system learns from past traffic patterns and adapts capacity allocation in real-time, ensuring reliability is maintained even with under-dimensioned backhaul capacity by harvesting statistical multiplexing gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting scheduling parameters such as transmission intervals, modulation schemes, and code rates based on current network conditions. When traffic demands increase or QoS requirements change, the scheduler modifies these parameters to maintain service quality without requiring additional backhaul capacity. This flexibility allows the system to maintain reliability while operating with reduced capital expenditures.
3Productivity
If centralized scheduling is implemented at the central unit, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the scheduling function into a dedicated scheduler module within the central unit, separate from other processing functions. This modular segmentation allows the scheduling complexity to be isolated and managed independently, while the benefits of centralized resource allocation are realized. The scheduler module can be implemented as a separate software component or hardware unit, making the system easier to maintain and upgrade without affecting other parts of the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the scheduler module to handle multiple types of traffic, QoS requirements, and remote units through a single unified scheduling mechanism. Rather than implementing separate scheduling systems for different scenarios, the universal scheduler adapts to various conditions by adjusting its parameters and algorithms. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating scheduling tasks into a single versatile component at the central unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments provide an apparatus, a method, and a computer program for a central unit 100 of a base station transceiver 300 in a mobile communication system. The base station transceiver 300 comprises the central unit 100 and a remote unit 200. The central unit apparatus 10 comprises a communication module 12 operable to communicate with the remote unit 200 using a communication link with a limited capacity. The central unit apparatus 10 further comprises a scheduler module 14 operable to schedule data transmissions to or from a mobile transceiver 400 via the remote unit 100, wherein the scheduler module 14 is operable to base the scheduling of the data transmission on the limited capacity of the communication link between the central unit 200 and the remote unit 100.