Software-Defined Distributed Antenna Reconfiguration for Carrier Pooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) face challenges in managing varying subscriber loads, optimizing radio resource usage, and achieving accurate indoor location determination, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, particularly in dynamic environments like enterprise facilities.
Innovation Solution
A Reconfigurable Distributed Antenna System employing software-defined radio technology with frequency-selective Digital Up-Converters and Down-Converters, integrated Pilot Beacons, and a software-programmable Remote Radio Head architecture for flexible simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, and enhanced location accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many low-power high-capacity base stations are deployed throughout the facility to accommodate maximum subscriber loading, then quality of service is improved, but total life cycle cost increases due to wasted capacity during low-usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of DAS remote units through software control, allowing the system to adapt radio resource allocation based on real-time subscriber load conditions. This enables capacity to be dynamically adjusted rather than statically provisioned for peak loads, reducing wasted capacity during low-usage periods while maintaining quality of service during high-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of DAS remote units based on measured subscriber loading conditions. By monitoring traffic load and adjusting radio resource allocation parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between quality of service and resource utilization efficiency, avoiding both over-provisioning and under-provisioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed DAS configuration is deployed during the design process, then initial setup is simplified, but the system requires frequent manual reconfiguration when enterprise re-organizations occur, increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static DAS configuration into a dynamic system that can be reconfigured through software control. Remote units can be dynamically assigned to different base stations and radio resources based on changing enterprise requirements, eliminating the need for physical redeployment and manual reconfiguration while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The DAS remote units are designed with multi-functionality, capable of serving multiple base stations and adapting to different configuration scenarios. This universal design allows the same hardware to fulfill different roles based on software configuration, providing both initial setup simplicity and long-term operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of DAS remote units is performed to adapt to changing enterprise needs, then system adaptability is improved, but deployment of additional staff resources and expertise is required, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated monitoring and reconfiguration of DAS remote units. The system autonomously detects changes in subscriber loading and enterprise requirements, then automatically adjusts radio resource allocation and remote unit assignments without requiring manual intervention from staff with specialized wireless network expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor subscriber loading conditions and system performance. This feedback drives automated decision-making for reconfiguration, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while minimizing the need for manual operational complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If conventional DAS with centralized base stations is deployed, then coverage is improved, but radio resource efficiency decreases due to inability to dynamically allocate resources based on location and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized base station functionality into distributed remote units that can be independently configured and controlled. Each remote unit can be optimally positioned for coverage while radio resources are segmented and allocated dynamically based on local demand, improving both coverage area and resource efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic allocation of radio resources to different DAS remote units based on real-time subscriber location and traffic patterns. This dynamic resource allocation improves radio resource efficiency while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the distributed architecture.
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. The present disclosure 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.