Distributed Unit Air-Interface Control for Low-Latency Interference Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently managing inter-cell interference, cell mobility, and latency due to the centralized control architecture, particularly in dense deployments where high latency and increased message exchanges between central and distributed units are common.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an air interface between distributed units (DUs) to enable direct exchange of control information, including radio resource management and radio resource control functions, allowing DUs to perform control functions independently or in conjunction with the central unit, reducing the need for multiple message exchanges and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized control architecture is used, then control functions are managed from central unit, but latency increases and message exchanges between central and distributed units become frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented between central unit and distributed units. The distributed unit performs radio resource management functions locally while the central unit handles higher-level control, reducing the need for frequent message exchanges and minimizing latency in time-sensitive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed unit acts as an intermediary between the central unit and the radio interface. It receives control information from the central unit, processes it locally, and executes control functions directly at the radio interface, reducing the communication overhead and latency associated with direct centralized control.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control architecture is used, then control functions are managed from central unit, but number of message exchanges between central and distributed units increases
Solution Approach 1:
Control functions are segmented such that time-sensitive radio resource management operations are performed locally at the distributed unit, while strategic control decisions are made at the central unit. This segmentation reduces the frequency of message exchanges for routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed unit performs preliminary processing of control information locally before executing control functions. It pre-processes radio resource allocation and management tasks, reducing the need for subsequent message exchanges with the central unit for routine operations.
3Loss of time
If distributed control is implemented, then latency is reduced, but interference management between cells becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed unit continuously monitors radio conditions and interference levels in its coverage area, providing feedback to both local control decisions and the central unit. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive interference management that responds to real-time conditions while maintaining overall network coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Interference management strategies are tailored to local conditions at each distributed unit based on measured radio environment characteristics. Each unit adjusts its control parameters according to local interference levels, while the central unit coordinates broader interference management policies across multiple cells.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a distributed unit, DU, connected to a central unit, CU, of a wireless communications network is provided. The method comprises receiving, from another DU connected to the CU, information for controlling communications with a communications device controlled by the DU. The information for controlling communications with the communications device being received over an air interface connecting the DU and the other DU. The method comprises controlling communications with the communications device based on the information for controlling communications with the communications device received over the air interface. The controlling the communications with the communications device comprises executing one or more control functions including at least a radio resource management, RRM, function.