Cloud Processing Architecture for Mobile Network Resource Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communications networks face inefficiencies due to a 1-to-1 relationship between baseband and RF hardware deployments, leading to underutilization of resources, especially during off-peak hours, and high costs associated with dedicated links for BTS hoteling architectures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a cloud processing architecture that allows for ad-hoc sharing of non-dedicated processing resources between radio heads, utilizing existing public switched telephone networks for radio head links, and integrating active antennas with absolute timing references to manage signal processing and synchronization, thereby reducing the need for dedicated links and optimizing resource allocation based on demand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a 1-to-1 relationship between baseband and RF hardware is maintained, then each BTS site can fully support peak hour traffic capacity, but resource utilization during off-peak hours becomes inefficient and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak hour traffic capacity supportVSAvoidresource utilization during off-peak hours
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple BTS sites are merged into a centralized BTS hotel where baseband processing units are physically co-located. This allows resources to be shared across multiple sites rather than being dedicated to each site individually, enabling efficient resource utilization during off-peak hours while maintaining peak capacity support through pooled processing power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic resource allocation where processing capacity can be dynamically adjusted based on traffic demand. During peak hours, more processing resources are allocated to handle high traffic volumes, while during off-peak hours, resources are reduced or reallocated to other sites, optimizing both reliability and productivity across different time periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dedicated fibre-optic or microwave links are used to connect BTS hotel and remote radio heads, then reliable communication is achieved, but capital and operational expenditures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcost of installing and operating
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing public switched telephone networks for communication between BTS hotel and remote radio heads, making the communication infrastructure universal and multi-functional. Instead of dedicating专用 links for each connection, the same network infrastructure serves multiple purposes, reducing capital expenditure on installation and operational costs while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If BTS Hoteling architecture is implemented to reduce costs, then housing and maintenance costs are reduced, but transmission delays may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing and maintenance costsVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor transmission quality and delay in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system can dynamically adjust processing parameters, prioritize critical traffic, and optimize routing to minimize transmission delays while maintaining the cost benefits of centralized housing and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2583531B1Mobile communications network with distributed processing resources
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 KATHREIN SE
  • EP2583531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2583531B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2583531B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile communications network is disclosed which comprises a plurality of radio heads, a cloud processing architecture, and a plurality of radio head links. The plurality of radio heads are for transceiving radio signals and for converting the radio signals between baseband representations of the radio signals and radio frequency representation of the radio signals. The cloud processing architecture is for processing the baseband representations of the radio signals. The cloud processing architecture is ad hoc shareable on demand between different ones of the plurality of radio heads. The plurality of radio head links is provided between the plurality of radio heads and the cloud processing architecture. A corresponding method for processing radio signals for a mobile communications network and corresponding computer program products are also disclosed.