Cloud RAN Layer-Based Interface Bandwidth Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio access networks face challenges in scalability, upgradeability, and cost efficiency due to their integrated design, particularly in supporting increased capacity requirements and transitioning to new wireless technologies, as they rely on application-specific hardware that is difficult to upgrade and evolve.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cloud-based Radio Access Network (RAN) with a functional split between the central unit (CU) and remote radio unit (RU), where the CU is virtualized in the cloud, allowing for a flexible and efficient fronthaul interface that supports various transmission modes and user equipment devices, independent of the number of antenna ports, and enables layer-based and bit-oriented interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RAN functions are split between CU and RU with traditional antenna-port based interface, then network flexibility and virtualization capability are improved, but fronthaul bandwidth requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidfronthaul bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the interface parameter from antenna-port based to layer-based. Specifically, it maps multiple antenna ports to fewer layers (e.g., 4 antenna ports mapped to 2 layers), thereby reducing the fronthaul bandwidth requirement while maintaining network flexibility and virtualization capabilities through the layer-based abstraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If application-specific hardware is used in traditional RAN, then processing performance is maintained, but scalability and upgradeability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoidscalability and upgradeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the RAN into CU and RU functional units with a standardized layer-based interface. This segmentation allows the CU to be virtualized and deployed on general-purpose hardware while the RU handles RF processing, enabling independent scaling and upgrading of each component without requiring application-specific hardware throughout the entire system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The layer-based interface design creates a universal communication standard between CU and RU that works across different hardware platforms. This universality enables the system to maintain processing performance while allowing flexible deployment on general-purpose hardware and easy upgrading through software updates rather than hardware replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If integrated RAN design is used, then system complexity is reduced, but cost efficiency and resource utilization worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the RAN into CU and RU with clear functional boundaries and a standardized layer-based interface, the patent reduces system complexity through modular design while enabling cost efficiency. The segmentation allows resource pooling in the CU where multiple RUs can share common processing resources, reducing duplicate hardware and operating costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11812302B2System and method for reduction in fronthaul interface bandwidth for cloud RAN

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 MAVENIR NETWORKS INC

AI summary

There are provided systems, methods, and interfaces for optimization of the fronthaul interface bandwidth for Radio Access Networks and Cloud Radio Access Networks.