Edge Cloud Network Design for 5G vRAN Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunication carriers face significant challenges in managing the explosive growth of mobile traffic, leading to high capital and operational expenses due to the inefficiencies in current Radio Access Network (RAN) designs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN) with edge cloud nodes allows for the sharing of network resources such as compute and storage, reducing equipment requirements at base stations and improving spectral and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional RAN infrastructure is expanded to meet increasing mobile traffic demand, then network capacity is improved, but capital expenses and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RAN functions into a unified vRAN architecture where base station functionalities are consolidated and virtualized. This allows multiple base stations to share common infrastructure resources (compute, storage, networking) hosted in edge cloud data centers, thereby increasing network capacity without proportionally increasing infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vRAN infrastructure is designed with universal, multi-functional components that can serve multiple base stations and network functions simultaneously. The edge cloud platform provides universal compute and storage resources that can be dynamically allocated to different RAN functions, reducing the need for dedicated infrastructure at each base station location.
2Productivity
If more equipment is deployed at base station locations to handle increased traffic, then network capacity is improved, but device complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex RAN processing functions from traditional base station equipment and relocates them to edge cloud data centers. By taking out the computationally intensive functions (such as packet core processing, mobility management, and resource allocation) from the base station, the patent significantly reduces base station device complexity while maintaining or enhancing network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge cloud platform serves as an intermediary between the radio access network and the core network. It mediates complex processing tasks by providing a intermediate layer that handles computationally intensive functions, thereby simplifying base station equipment while maintaining end-to-end network capacity and performance.
3Quantity of substance
If network resources are centralized to reduce infrastructure costs, then capital expenses are reduced, but network latency and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional network architecture (base station to core network) to a three-dimensional architecture by introducing edge cloud data centers as an intermediate dimension. This spatial reorganization allows resources to be positioned optimally between centralized and distributed locations, reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining low latency through proximity to base stations and improving reliability through redundant edge locations.
4Quantity of substance
If virtualization is implemented to share network resources, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but system complexity in virtualization management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vRAN architecture implements self-service capabilities through automated orchestration and management systems. The virtualized network functions can automatically allocate, scale, and manage their own resources based on demand, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying virtualization management despite the underlying complexity of resource sharing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may use a math programming model for designing an edge cloud network. The edge cloud network design may depend on various factors, including the number of edge cloud nodes, edge cloud node location, or traffic coverage, among other things.