Compressed-Packet Fronthaul Multiplexing for Longer 5G Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the fronthaul network of 5G wireless communication, the existing fronthaul multiplexers face challenges in expanding serviceable distance due to insufficient memory capacity and increased delay caused by decompression and re-compression processes when combining uplink signals from multiple radio units.
Innovation Solution
A fronthaul multiplexer design that combines uplink packets in a compressed state without decompressing them, using a packet reception unit, buffer unit, and combining unit to optimize memory usage, allowing for increased serviceable distance and reduced delay by storing and processing packets in a compressed form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the fronthaul multiplexer stores packets for a predetermined time to combine packets from multiple RUs, then the serviceable distance is increased, but the memory capacity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fronthaul multiplexer is divided into separate functional modules: packet reception unit, buffer unit, combining unit, and packet output unit. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to process packets from multiple RUs efficiently without requiring excessive memory capacity while maintaining the ability to service distant RUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer unit pre-stores received uplink packets in a compressed state before combining operations. This preliminary storage in compressed form reduces the memory capacity requirement while still allowing the system to accommodate packets from multiple distant RUs for the required predetermined time period.
2Manufacturing precision
If the fronthaul multiplexer decompresses and recompresses signals to combine uplink signals, then the signal combining accuracy is improved, but the signal transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the conventional approach of decompressing signals for combining and then recompressing, this invention inverts the process by combining packets in their compressed state. The combining unit performs combining operations directly on compressed packets, eliminating the time-consuming decompression and recompression steps while maintaining signal combining accuracy through proper handling of compressed data formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by processing packets in compressed form throughout the entire chain from reception to output. The buffer unit stores compressed packets, the combining unit combines them in compressed state, and the packet output unit outputs the combined compressed packets. This continuous processing in compressed form eliminates the interruption and time loss associated with decompression and recompression cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A fronthaul multiplexer according to one aspect of the present invention combines uplink packets in a compressed state that is received from two or more radio units so that the uplink packets are accumulated and combined immediately when received or the uplink packets are recompressed using a compressing method with high compression efficiency when stored in a memory in order to reduce a use amount of memory.