Dynamic DU Scaling for 5G RAN Capacity Without F1 Disruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing resource allocation and signal transmission in dynamic environments, particularly in the terahertz band, where path loss and atmospheric absorption are significant, impacting coverage and network performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method of dynamic scaling of distributed units (DUs) in a wireless communication system, where resource usage is monitored, and additional DUs are added or removed based on traffic and resource information, using inter-DU interfaces to maintain efficient network operation without breaking existing F1 interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of distributed units is increased to handle higher traffic demands, then network capacity and throughput are improved, but device complexity and resource management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidresource management overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scaling of distributed units based on real-time traffic conditions. The OAM entity monitors traffic demands and dynamically adjusts the number of DUs by initiating scaling-in or scaling-out procedures, allowing the network to adapt its capacity to actual needs rather than maintaining a fixed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the OAM entity continuously monitors traffic conditions and resource usage, then uses this information to make informed decisions about scaling operations. The monitoring information triggers automated scaling decisions, creating a closed-loop control system that balances network capacity with management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If distributed units are dynamically scaled to match traffic demands, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but interface stability and network performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidinterface stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing backup DUs in advance before scaling operations are needed. These pre-configured backup units can be quickly activated when scaling-out is required, avoiding the need to provision and configure new DUs from scratch during high-traffic events, thus maintaining interface stability while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential scaling operations by maintaining standby resources and pre-establishing interface configurations. This cushioning approach ensures that when scaling is triggered, the transitions are smoother and less disruptive to ongoing network operations, preserving interface stability during dynamic resource adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the F1 interface is broken during scaling operations to reconfigure distributed units, then adaptability to traffic changes is improved, but network performance and service continuity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic change responsivenessVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the OAM entity as an intermediary that manages scaling operations without requiring direct F1 interface disruptions. The OAM entity coordinates scaling-in and scaling-out procedures, acting as a mediator that orchestrates resource allocation and unit activation/deactivation while maintaining F1 interface integrity and service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copy instances of distributed units through scaling operations rather than modifying existing F1 interface connections. When scaling-out, new DU instances are created and integrated; when scaling-in, existing instances are deactivated. This copying approach allows adaptability to traffic changes without breaking established F1 interfaces, maintaining service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12627957B2Method and apparatus for performing radio access network function by using dynamic scaling

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a 5th generation (5G) or 6th generation (6G) communication system for supporting a data rate higher than that of a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). A method of performing communication by a first distributed unit (DU) in a wireless communication system may include identifying, based on resource usage amount information of the first DU, whether a connection to at least one second DU is requested, obtaining, based on a result of the identifying, inter-DU interface setup information for connection to the at least one second DU, and performing, based on the obtained inter-DU interface setup information, the connection to the at least one second DU for transmission and reception of a packet.