Fronthaul Coordinator for C-RAN Processing Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing transport load and optimizing processing distribution in a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) is challenging due to the need for efficient allocation of protocol layer processing among baseband processing units and remote radio heads, particularly in response to varying traffic conditions and network performance.
Innovation Solution
A centralized radio access network with a fronthaul physical layer coordinator that dynamically allocates protocol layer processing based on traffic conditions, transmission modes, and network performance, determining the optimal remote unit to serve mobile devices by comparing uplink signal power levels and selecting appropriate transmission modes such as MIMO or SIMO, and reallocating physical layer processing between fronthaul and remote units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical layer processing is centralized in baseband processing units, then network control and coordination are improved, but transport load on fronthaul links increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments physical layer processing into two parts: control functions remain centralized in baseband processing units, while data plane processing is distributed to remote radio heads. This segmentation allows network control to be maintained centrally while processing efficiency is improved through distribution, resolving the contradiction between centralized control and processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fronthaul physical layer coordinator as an intermediary component between baseband processing units and remote radio heads. This coordinator manages the distribution of processing tasks, optimizing the balance between centralized control and distributed processing efficiency by coordinating resource allocation and task assignment.
2Area of stationary object
If more remote radio heads are deployed to expand coverage, then wireless signal coverage is improved, but fronthaul link transport load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processing distribution where remote radio heads can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on real-time traffic conditions and coverage requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to expand coverage by activating additional remote radio heads only when needed, rather than maintaining constant high transport load across all deployed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of remote radio heads based on traffic conditions, switching between different processing modes (full processing, partial processing, or no processing) to optimize the balance between coverage area and transport load. This parameter change allows flexible adaptation to varying network demands.
3Device complexity
If processing resources are allocated statically, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying traffic conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the fronthaul physical layer coordinator continuously monitors traffic conditions and dynamically adjusts processing distribution accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple processing distribution scenarios and policies that can be quickly activated based on traffic conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the system to respond adaptively to varying conditions without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining lower system complexity while improving adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain features relate to a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) that can flexibly and dynamically allocate protocol layer processing among baseband processing units and remote units. A C-RAN can be configured to include a media access control ("MAC") scheduler and a fronthaul physical layer coordinator. The fronthaul physical layer coordinator can include a fronthaul physical layer scheduler, which can allocate spatial resources by determining the specific remote unit(s) that should serve a given mobile device. The MAC scheduler can allocate time/frequency resources to user devices communicating with the remote units. The fronthaul physical layer coordinator or the MAC scheduler can also determine the optimal transmission modes remote units can use to serve the user devices.