DAS Management via RAN Node Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distributed antenna systems (DAS) operate independently of radio access networks (RAN), leading to uncontrolled signal management and lack of communication between DAS and RAN nodes, which limits the ability to manage RF signals effectively.

Innovation Solution

A DAS configuration that includes a host unit and active antenna units, enabling bi-directional communication with RAN nodes to send management information and receive commands, allowing RAN nodes to manage RF signals and control DAS operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional DAS operates independently of the RAN, then the DAS can be controlled separately with autonomous management, but the RAN cannot manage RF signals effectively and coordination between DAS and RAN is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF signal management capabilityVSAvoidDAS-RAN integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the DAS control functionality with the RAN node by implementing a control unit within the RAN that can manage both RAN operations and DAS operations. This integration allows the RAN to send management information to the DAS and receive status information, enabling coordinated control of RF signals while maintaining operational autonomy through a unified management architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If the DAS is controlled independently of the RAN, then the DAS has operational autonomy, but the RAN is not aware of the DAS presence and cannot coordinate signal management

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDAS status information availabilityVSAvoidSignal management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the DAS control unit sends management information to the RAN node, and the RAN node responds with commands or acknowledgments. This bidirectional communication ensures the RAN is aware of DAS status, presence, and operational state, enabling informed decision-making for RF signal management while maintaining efficient coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If RAN nodes manage RF signals based on management information from DAS, then signal management and coordination improve, but the system requires bi-directional communication infrastructure between DAS and RAN

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSignal management reliabilityVSAvoidCommunication infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the RAN node multi-functional by equipping it with a control unit that can perform both traditional RAN functions and DAS management functions. This universal control unit handles RF signal management, DAS coordination, and bidirectional communication through existing interfaces, eliminating the need for separate dedicated management infrastructure while improving signal management reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUSRE50356E1DAS management by radio access network node

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein provide for a distributed antenna system (DAS) including a host unit and a plurality of active antenna units (AAUs). The host unit is configured to send management information to the one or more RAN nodes. The one or more RAN nodes are configured to manage the RF signals based on the management information.