CPRI Signal Multiplexing for Base Station Interface Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-mode base station solutions, particularly those using Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology, fail to meet the needs of operators due to the longer lifecycle of GSM and slow progress in SDR development, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective approach to support multiple communication modes in a single base station system.
Innovation Solution
A communication signal multiplexing method and system that utilizes interconnected Radio Equipment Controllers (RECs) to efficiently multiplex and demultiplex data across multiple multi-mode REs, leveraging the CPRI interface to carry multiple links on limited physical links, thereby reducing physical bandwidth usage and system costs while maintaining compatibility with existing standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate physical links are used to connect RECs to multiple multi-mode REs, then communication reliability and bandwidth are improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate physical links into a single shared physical link between RECs and multi-mode REs. The REC multiplexes data streams for multiple REs onto this single link, and the multi-mode RE demultiplexes the combined data stream to extract data intended for each specific RE. This merging approach reduces the number of physical interfaces and connection complexity while maintaining reliable communication through structured data organization and identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single physical link between REC and multi-mode RE is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it carries data streams for multiple different REs (first RE, second RE, etc.) and supports multiple communication modes. The link becomes a universal interface that handles diverse traffic types through multiplexing techniques, eliminating the need for dedicated separate links for each RE or communication mode.
2Speed
If dedicated physical links are allocated to each RE, then bandwidth availability and communication speed are improved, but loss of substance and system cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data streams that would traditionally require separate physical links are merged into a single shared physical link. The REC multiplexes these data streams by organizing them in a structured format with identification fields that allow the receiving end to distinguish and separate data intended for different REs. This combining approach maximizes the utilization of available physical bandwidth while maintaining communication speed through efficient data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared physical link continuously carries multiplexed data streams for multiple REs simultaneously, ensuring that the bandwidth resource is constantly utilized for productive communication purposes. Rather than having idle capacity in dedicated links, the system maintains continuous useful action by dynamically allocating bandwidth to different REs based on their current data transmission needs, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a communication signal multiplexing method, a radio communication system, and a radio equipment controller (REC). Taking the common public radio interface (CPRI) standard as an example, by carrying multiple CPRI links on limited physical links (CPRI-MUX), generally one high-speed physical link, physical bandwidth is used more efficiently and the number of interconnected interfaces and the system cost are reduced without compromising with the CPRI standard is maintained. When the bandwidth provided by the high-speed physical link is insufficient, more physical links can be adopted.