Daisy-Chained Ring Remote Units for Distributed Antenna Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network operators face challenges in maximizing DAS network capacity while maintaining cost-effectiveness and high remote unit availability, particularly due to issues with electronic and optical connections that can lead to failures and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system with multiple Digital Access Units (DAUs) and Digital Remote Units (DRUs) configured in daisy-chained ring configurations, providing fault tolerance, dynamic load balancing, and self-healing capabilities to ensure high availability and flexibility in managing radio resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional DAS architectures with linear daisy-chained connections are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to single points of failure in electronic and optical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a ring topology architecture where DAUs are connected in a closed loop configuration instead of linear daisy-chaining. This curved/cyclic arrangement eliminates single points of failure by providing alternative signal paths, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including signal direction (bi-directional communication), connection topology (ring vs linear), and traffic routing paths based on detected failure conditions. This allows the system to adapt and maintain reliability while managing complexity through automated parameter adjustment
2Reliability
If redundant transport facilities are deployed to improve reliability, then DAS remote unit availability increases, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring topology with automated failure detection and dynamic rerouting enables the system to self-heal without manual intervention or additional redundant facilities. When a connection fails, the system automatically redirects traffic through the alternative path in the ring, providing reliability at the same deployment cost
Solution Approach 2:
Each transport link in the ring serves dual functions: normal operation and backup path. The same physical infrastructure provides both primary and redundant capabilities, eliminating the need for separate redundant facilities while maintaining reliability
3Productivity
If dynamic reconfigurations are implemented to improve radio resource efficiency, then network capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the NOC monitors network conditions and dynamically reconfigures DAUs and DRUs based on real-time performance data. This feedback-driven approach increases network capacity through intelligent resource allocation while managing complexity through automation rather than manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the DAS network including changing active carriers, adjusting DRU assignments, and modifying traffic routing based on network conditions. This dynamic capability increases productivity while the complexity is managed through automated control algorithms and standardized interfaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances radio resource efficiency, supports dynamic reconfigurations, reduces costs by minimizing transport facilities, and provides high availability and flexibility, enabling efficient management of wireless networks with features like Flexible Simulcast and automatic traffic load-balancing.
Implementation Method 1
communicates with the associated DRU's via an optical transport arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is a novel utility of a software defined radio (SDR) based Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that is field reconfigurable and support multi-modulation schemes (modulation-independent), multi-carriers, multi-frequency bands and multi-channels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a DAS utilizing one or more Daisy-Chained Rings of Remote Units. The present invention enables a high degree of flexibility to manage, control, enhance, facilitate the usage and performance of a distributed wireless network such as Flexible Simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, network and radio resource optimization, network calibration, autonomous/assisted commissioning, carrier pooling, automatic frequency selection, frequency carrier placement, traffic monitoring, traffic tagging, pilot beacon, etc. As a result, a DAS in accordance with the present invention can increase the efficiency and traffic capacity of the operators' wireless network.