Distributed Unit Spectrum Aggregation via Direct DU Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and beyond, efficient spectrum aggregation between distributed units (DUs) is hindered by the lack of direct interfaces, leading to increased signaling delays and inefficient resource management due to vendor-specific frequency band incompatibilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing new interfaces and procedures for configuring spectrum aggregation by enabling direct communication between DUs through setup request and response messages that include global IDs and identification information of base stations and cells, facilitating seamless integration and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If direct interfaces between distributed units are implemented for spectrum aggregation, then signaling delays are reduced and resource management is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary entity that manages spectrum aggregation between distributed units. This controller handles the complex interface management and signaling coordination, allowing direct DU-to-DU spectrum aggregation while offloading the complexity to the controller layer, thus reducing signaling delay without proportionally increasing DU complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distributed units (DUs) and a centralized controller, separating the functions of spectrum aggregation (performed directly between DUs) from interface management (performed by the controller). This segmentation allows time-critical spectrum operations to occur directly between DUs while complex management functions are handled separately, reducing signaling delay for critical operations
2Ease of manufacture
If vendor-specific frequency band configurations are used, then implementation is simpler for individual vendors, but spectrum aggregation efficiency decreases due to incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frequency band configuration framework where the centralized controller manages and coordinates frequency band assignments across different vendors' distributed units. This allows each vendor to maintain their own implementation simplicity while the universal coordination layer enables efficient multi-vendor spectrum aggregation through standardized interface protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts frequency band parameters through the centralized controller, which can modify and reallocate frequency resources based on network conditions and vendor capabilities. This parameter management approach maintains vendor-specific implementation simplicity while achieving overall spectrum aggregation efficiency through centralized parameter optimization
3Productivity
If centralized control is implemented for spectrum aggregation, then resource management is improved, but network complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical control dimension by implementing a centralized controller that operates at a higher network layer, managing spectrum aggregation across multiple distributed units. This dimensional separation allows efficient centralized resource management while keeping individual DU operations relatively simple, as the complexity is distributed across the control dimension rather than concentrated in each DU
4Speed
If direct communication interfaces between distributed units are established, then spectrum aggregation speed is improved, but reliability and stability may decrease due to increased system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller acts as a mediator that establishes and manages the direct communication interfaces between distributed units. This intermediary ensures that while DUs can communicate directly at high speed for spectrum aggregation, the controller maintains system stability by coordinating these interfaces, managing error handling, and ensuring reliable operation across the distributed architecture
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electronic device for a first distributed unit (DU) is provided, and a memory for storing instructions can be included. When the instructions are executed on the first DU, the instructions can cause the first DU to: transmit a setup request message to a second DU through a communication interface between the first DU and the second DU; and receive a setup response message from the second DU. The setup request message can include: a global ID for a base station of the first DU; first identification information about the first DU at the base station; and cell information about each cell of one or more first cells of the first DU, and can include: a global ID for a base station of the second DU; second identification information about the second DU at the base station; and cell information about each cell of one or more second cells of the second DU.