CU-DU Paging Configuration for Low-Latency Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

In a cloud radio access network (CRAN) architecture with a CU-DU split, existing technologies fail to optimize the processing and transmission of paging messages and system information across distributed network nodes, leading to latency and accuracy issues in determining paging ranges and occasions.

Innovation Solution

A method for optimizing paging message transmission by a first network node, involving the computation of paging configuration parameters based on configuration information from both the first and second network nodes, ensuring real-time determination of paging ranges and occasions, and a method for generating and sending system information by a first network node to optimize system information transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If paging message processing is distributed to multiple network nodes in CU-DU architecture, then system flexibility and modularity are improved, but latency and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the base station into CU (control unit) and DU (distributed unit) with clear functional division. The CU handles high-layer processing including paging message generation and configuration parameter calculation, while the DU handles low-layer processing including actual paging transmission. This segmentation enables flexible deployment while controlling latency through defined processing boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the CU pre-calculate paging configuration parameters (paging range, paging occasion) before the actual paging transmission. The DU receives these pre-computed parameters and configures itself accordingly, eliminating the need for real-time calculation at the DU and reducing processing latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If paging configuration parameters are computed at the DU, then processing simplicity at the distributed unit is improved, but accuracy and real-time determination capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the CU as an intermediary that performs complex calculations of paging configuration parameters. The CU receives UE location information and network configuration from the core network, calculates the paging range and occasion accurately, then transmits these parameters to the DU. This intermediary approach ensures both accuracy in parameter determination and simplicity at the DU execution level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the base station architecture is split into CU and DU, then system modularity and flexibility are improved, but coordination complexity between modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem modularityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex calculation functions from the DU and places them in the CU. The CU extracts and processes high-layer signaling including paging message generation, while the DU extracts and handles low-layer physical transmission. This extraction reduces coordination complexity by clearly defining which node performs which function, while maintaining system modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the calculation and transmission functions into a coordinated CU-DU system where the CU generates paging messages with configuration parameters and the DU executes the actual paging transmission. This merging maintains system modularity while simplifying coordination through a clear split in processing responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If paging range and occasion are determined in real-time, then accuracy and timeliness are improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the CU pre-calculate paging configuration parameters (paging range, paging occasion) before the actual paging transmission. The CU receives UE location information and network configuration from the core network, calculates the paging range and occasion accurately, then transmits these parameters to the DU. This pre-calculation reduces processing time at the DU while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The DU performs self-configuration using the paging parameters received from the CU. The DU independently determines the paging range and occasion based on the pre-computed parameters without requiring real-time calculation or complex coordination, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3592058B1Paging in a CU/du architecture
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3592058B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3592058B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3592058B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

This application provides an information transmission method and a network device. The method includes: receiving, by a first network node, a first paging message sent by a second network node, where the first paging message includes first configuration information corresponding to a terminal device, and the first paging message is sent by the second network node based on a second paging message that is sent by a core network node and that is used for paging the terminal device; determining, by the first network node, a first paging configuration parameter based on the first configuration information and second configuration information, where the second configuration information is configuration information that is stored by the first network node and that is of a cell served by the first network node; and sending, by the first network node, a third paging message based on the first paging message and the first paging configuration parameter, where the third paging message is used for paging the terminal device. According to the information transmission method in embodiments of this application, when functions of a network device are separated, a manner of sending a paging message and a manner of sending system information are optimized.