Daisy-Chained DAS Remote Unit Ring for Self-Healing Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network operators face challenges in maximizing DAS network capacity while ensuring cost-effectiveness and high remote unit availability, particularly due to issues with electronic and optical connections that can lead to failures and reduced availability.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system with Digital Access Units (DAUs) and Digital Remote Units (DRUs) configured in daisy-chained or ring configurations for fault tolerance, dynamic load balancing, and self-healing capabilities, using optical transport to manage packet traffic and optimize radio resource efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DAS remote units are deployed to meet high data-traffic growth rates and subscriber needs, then network capacity and service quality are improved, but the complexity of electronic and optical connections increases, leading to higher failure rates and reduced availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and automatic rerouting capabilities in the DAS system. When a transport media connection fails, the system dynamically switches from the primary path to an alternative path without manual intervention, maintaining remote unit availability while supporting network capacity expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures alternative transport paths and implements proactive failure detection mechanisms. By establishing backup routes beforehand and monitoring connection health, the system prepares for potential failures before they occur, ensuring continuous operation when capacity is expanded
2Productivity
If more transport facilities are deployed to support high network capacity, then data-traffic handling capability is improved, but installation and lease costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transport infrastructure to serve multiple functions: primary data transport, backup path, and dynamic resource allocation. The same physical infrastructure supports both high-capacity operations and failure recovery, eliminating the need for separate dedicated backup facilities and reducing overall installation and lease costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transport resource allocation based on actual network conditions and traffic demands. By changing parameters such as bandwidth allocation and path selection in real-time, the system maximizes the utilization of existing transport facilities, reducing the need for additional expensive infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent DAS network re-arrangements are performed to adapt to changing building use and facility needs, then adaptability is improved, but rearrangement costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, software-controlled network reconfiguration capabilities that allow rapid adaptation to changing building uses and facility needs. The system can remotely reconfigure transport paths and resource allocation without physical reinstallation, significantly reducing rearrangement complexity and costs while maintaining high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration operations with automated software-controlled digital reconfiguration. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable reinstallation and manual device reconfiguration, reducing rearrangement complexity and operational costs while enabling frequent adaptations to changing requirements
4Reliability
If redundant transport facilities are deployed to improve self-healing capabilities, then reliability is improved, but installation costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transport infrastructure to serve dual purposes: primary data transmission and backup failure recovery. The same physical facilities function as both working and protection paths, eliminating the need for separate dedicated redundant systems and reducing overall complexity while maintaining self-healing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic failure detection and path switching mechanisms that effectively 'discard' failed connections and 'recover' by activating alternative paths. This automated recovery process maintains reliability without requiring complex manual intervention systems, as the switching logic is integrated into the existing transport infrastructure
Data Source
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.