Fronthaul Load Adaptation via Dynamic Modulation Order
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication networks, the fronthaul network often becomes a bottleneck as the number of remote units connected to a central unit increases, especially with high data rate techniques like MIMO and Carrier Aggregation, leading to a need for substantial reduction in fronthaul transport load.
Innovation Solution
A method and scheduler entity that adapt the load on the fronthaul network by obtaining capacity information and adjusting air interface performance to optimize compression, allowing for reduced fronthaul load while minimizing impact on end-to-end network communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of remote units connected to a central unit increases, then the network coverage and service capacity are improved, but the fronthaul transmission capacity becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the modulation order of baseband signal information based on fronthaul network conditions. The scheduler entity modifies the modulation scheme (e.g., from QAM64 to QAM16 or QPSK) to control the amount of data transmitted over the fronthaul, thereby adapting the transport load to match available capacity while maintaining as much service capacity as possible.
2Productivity
If high data rate techniques such as MIMO and Carrier Aggregation are employed, then the air interface throughput is improved, but the fronthaul transport load increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by introducing dynamic modulation order adjustment as a control parameter. The scheduler entity monitors fronthaul capacity and adjusts the modulation order accordingly, enabling the system to support high data rate techniques like MIMO and Carrier Aggregation at the air interface while controlling the actual fronthaul transport load by using lower modulation orders when fronthaul capacity is limited.
3Quantity of substance
If compression is increased to reduce fronthaul load, then the fronthaul transport load is reduced, but the air interface performance may be impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using modulation order as a controllable parameter that directly affects both fronthaul load and air interface performance. By adjusting the modulation order, the system achieves compression-like effects on fronthaul traffic without the negative side effects of signal compression algorithms, maintaining signal integrity while reducing transport load.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of compressing the signal to reduce fronthaul load (which degrades signal quality), the patent inverts the approach by controlling the data generation rate at the source through modulation order adjustment. This prevents excessive data from being generated in the first place, avoiding the need for compression and its associated performance degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed in a scheduler entity is provided for adapting load on a fronthaul network in a radio access network comprising a central baseband unit and a remote radio unit. The central baseband unit and the remote radio unit are interconnected by the fronthaul network over which baseband signal information is exchanged. The method comprises obtaining information related to capacity of the fronthaul network, and adapting, based on the obtained information, air interface performance for at least one type of conveyed baseband signal information such as to enable adapting of load on the fronthaul network. A scheduler entity, method in a fronthaul module, computer programs and computer program products are also provided.