Dynamic CU-DU Allocation for Split-Layer Wireless Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LTE cellular networks face inefficiencies in reallocating upper and lower-layer processing resources to provide higher quality communication services, requiring user equipment to move or change CU/DU allocations.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic allocation of upper and lower-layer communication processing resources by selecting suitable combinations of Centralized Units (CUs) and Distributed Units (DUs) based on service requirements, allowing for reallocation of processing units to maintain or improve service quality without user equipment movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LTE networks use fixed CU-DU allocations for split-layer processing, then network stability is maintained, but service quality cannot be dynamically improved when user equipment moves or service requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic CU-DU allocation where the network can reallocate upper-layer and lower-layer processing units based on changing service requirements and user equipment positions. The system transitions from static fixed allocations to dynamic reconfigurable allocations, allowing CUs and DUs to be reassigned to different user equipment as needed to maintain optimal service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless network processing into separate upper-layer processing units (CUs) and lower-layer processing units (DUs), allowing independent allocation and reassignment of each segment. This segmentation enables flexible recombination of CU-DU pairs to match varying service requirements without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If user equipment moves to a new location requiring new CU-DU allocation, then service quality can be maintained, but communication interruption and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes wireless communication links and pre-configures processing unit allocations before user equipment movement becomes critical. The system proactively manages CU-DU assignments based on predicted user equipment positions and service requirements, reducing the need for urgent reallocation and associated interruptions when movement occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reallocation of CUs and DUs during ongoing communications, allowing the system to adapt to user equipment movement without complete connection breaks. The network can transfer active user equipment between different CU-DU pairs while maintaining service continuity, reducing latency compared to fixed allocations that require full reestablishment upon movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple candidate pools of CUs and DUs are maintained for dynamic allocation, then service flexibility improves, but network complexity and resource management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller or management entity that acts as an intermediary between the candidate pools of CUs and DUs. This intermediary manages the complexity of maintaining multiple candidate pools, handling the logic for selecting appropriate pairs based on service requirements, and coordinating allocations without requiring direct complex interactions between all potential CU-DU combinations.
4Speed
If dynamic reallocation of processing units is implemented, then communication latency is reduced, but control and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making allocation decisions at the appropriate network level - local decisions are made for individual user equipment CU-DU pairings based on their specific service requirements and positions, rather than requiring centralized control of all allocations. This reduces signaling overhead by distributing control authority to local network elements that can make autonomous allocation decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A network includes a first candidate pool of multiple upper-layer communication processing units and a second candidate pool of lower-layer communication processing units to support the split-layer processing. Initially, a first upper-layer processing unit and a first lower-layer processing unit in the network provide a first service over a wireless communication link established between a wireless access point and a communication device in a network. In response to receiving a request to support a second service, the network notifies the first upper-layer processing unit of the second service. If a combination of the first upper-layer processing unit and the first lower-layer processing unit cannot support the second service, the first upper-layer processing unit selects a second upper-layer processing unit. The selected second upper-layer processing unit selected from the first candidate pool is used in conjunction with the first lower-layer processing unit to support the second service.