DU-to-DU Delay Measurement for Low-Latency Base Station Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and beyond, there is a challenge in efficiently managing and configuring resources across distributed units (DUs) of base stations due to lack of direct interfaces, leading to increased signaling delays and inefficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and electronic device for a first distributed unit (DU) to transmit and receive measurement request and response messages with a second DU, including global IDs and time information to accurately measure and manage communication delays, thereby establishing efficient communication interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If distributed units (DUs) communicate without direct interfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but signaling delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is segmented into centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) with defined functional splits. The patent establishes direct F1 interfaces between DUs for delay-critical communications while maintaining centralized control through CUs, allowing time-sensitive signaling to bypass complex centralized routing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct DU-to-DU communication interface as an intermediary path for time-critical signaling messages. This dedicated interface acts as a mediator that shortcuts the traditional CU-mediated communication path, reducing signaling delay without increasing overall system complexity.
2Loss of time
If direct interfaces are established between DUs, then signaling delays are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The F1 interface design enables DUs to perform multiple functions: normal centralized communication through CUs and direct peer-to-peer communication for delay-critical operations. This multi-functionality allows a single interface architecture to serve both centralized control and distributed real-time signaling needs without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path selection where signaling messages can adaptively choose between CU-mediated paths and direct DU-to-DU paths based on timing requirements. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for low latency when needed while maintaining simplified centralized control for non-time-critical operations.
3Device complexity
If resource management is centralized without direct DU interfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Resource management functions are segmented between centralized CU control and distributed DU execution. The patent allows DUs to autonomously perform time-critical resource allocation and scheduling decisions locally, while CUs handle non-time-critical resource management tasks, achieving both efficiency and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables DUs to pre-configure direct communication interfaces and establish resource allocation policies in advance. This preliminary action allows DUs to immediately execute time-critical resource management operations without waiting for centralized CU instructions, improving productivity while maintaining centralized oversight.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the provided method performed by means of a first distributed unit (DU) may comprise: transmitting a measurement request message to a second DU through a communication interface between the first DU and the second DU; and receiving a measurement response message from the second DU through the communication interface. The measurement request message can include: a global ID of the first DU for a base station; first identification information of the first DU in the base station; first time information indicating a first system time at which the measurement request message is transmitted from the first DU; a global ID of the second DU for the base station; second identification information of the second DU in the base station; and second time information. The second time information can be used to identify the difference between a second system time at which the measurement request message is received by the second DU and a third system time at which the measurement response message is transmitted from the second DU.