Decoupled CU-CP Architecture for Independent RRM Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in next-generation radio access networks face limitations in flexibility and efficiency due to the lack of separation between the CU-CP and DU entities, leading to inefficient upgrades and resource wastage during algorithm updates.
Innovation Solution
A decoupled architecture is introduced within the CU-CP, separating the RRM algorithm function into a second entity, allowing independent upgrades and resource management, enhancing flexibility and reducing unnecessary updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the CU-CP and DU entities are not separated, then the network architecture is simpler, but the flexibility and efficiency of upgrades are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the CU-CP into a first entity (controlling plane) and a second entity (radio resource management algorithm), separating control functions from algorithmic processing. This segmentation enables independent upgrades of the RRM algorithm without affecting the controlling plane, thereby improving deployment flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through functional decomposition.
2Productivity
If the RRM algorithm is updated together with the controlling plane, then the system remains consistent, but resource wastage occurs during upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the CU-CP into separate controlling plane and RRM algorithm entities, the patent enables independent updates of each component. The RRM algorithm can be upgraded separately without triggering a full system restart or affecting ongoing communications, thereby eliminating resource wastage associated with coordinated upgrades while maintaining system consistency through the interface protocols.
3Ease of operation
If the CU-CP is decoupled into first and second entities, then upgrade efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CU-CP into a first entity for control plane functions and a second entity for RRM algorithms, enabling independent upgrade operations. This segmentation simplifies upgrade operations by allowing targeted updates without system-wide impact, while the modular architecture manages complexity through standardized interfaces and clear functional boundaries.
4Adaptability or versatility
If centralized deployment is used, then the control is more unified, but the flexibility for distributed deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane into a centralized first entity and a distributed second entity, enabling both centralized control for policy management and distributed execution for RRM algorithms. This segmentation supports flexible deployment configurations where the architecture can adapt to either centralized or distributed operational modes, thereby improving deployment flexibility while maintaining automated control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Example communication methods and apparatus are described. In one example method, a first entity sends an access request of a terminal to a second entity. The second entity determines whether to allow access of the terminal, and sends an access response to the first entity. In response to the access response indicating that access of the terminal is allowed, the first entity sends a radio bearer (RB) setup request to the second entity. The second entity determines whether to allow setup of an RB to the terminal, and sends an RB setup response to the first entity. In response to the RB setup response indicating that setup of the RB to the terminal is allowed, the first entity triggers setup of the RB to the terminal.