Fronthaul Topology Probing via Source Route Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for probing fronthaul topology in wireless communication networks are inefficient, relying on construction drawings that cannot be easily digitized, leading to low consultation efficiency and difficulties in maintaining accurate configuration data, which can result in network faults due to inconsistencies between actual topology and configuration information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for probing fronthaul topology by sending source and destination route probe frames through transport network devices to determine port connections between wireless devices and transport network devices, allowing for accurate recording and reporting of port information to an element management system, thereby establishing a clear connection relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If construction drawings are used to represent fronthaul topology, then a complete topology can be documented, but consultation efficiency is extremely low and the drawings cannot be updated in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical construction drawings with an electronic topology discovery system that automatically probes and discovers the fronthaul topology through signal transmission and automated reporting, eliminating the need for manual drawing consultation and enabling real-time updates
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the network infrastructure to automatically discover and report its own topology through probe frame transmission and automated information collection, eliminating the need for manual documentation and updates by operators
2Loss of information
If configuration is added to statically represent topology connection relationship, then connection information can be recorded, but configuration is difficult to perform and correctness cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration operations with an automated topology discovery system that uses probe frames to automatically detect and report connection relationships, eliminating the need for manual configuration and ensuring accuracy through automated measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having transport network devices automatically report topology information back to the initiating device, which then updates the topology database, ensuring that configuration information continuously reflects the actual network state through automated verification
3Reliability
If manual configuration maintenance is performed, then topology information can be updated, but inconsistency between actual topology and configuration data occurs frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous topology discovery and automatic updates, ensuring that configuration data continuously reflects the actual network state through ongoing automated probing and reporting, eliminating periods of inconsistency that occur with periodic manual maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-maintenance by automatically detecting topology changes through probe frames and updating configuration databases without human intervention, ensuring continuous accuracy while eliminating the time investment required for manual verification and updates
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and an apparatus for probing a fronthaul topology. The method includes: sending, by a baseband device, a source route probe frame; receiving a destination route probe frame, where the destination route probe frame is formed after a first transport network device records first port information in the source route probe frame and a second transport network device records second port information in the source route probe frame; and determining, by the baseband device, probe information according to the destination route probe frame, and sending the probe information to an element management system EMS. According to the method and the apparatus for probing a fronthaul topology in the embodiments of the present invention, the baseband device sends, to a radio frequency device by using the transport network devices in a transport network, the route probe frame used to probe a path; the transport network devices record the related port information and return the route probe frame to the baseband device; and the baseband device reports the probe result to the wireless EMS, so that the wireless EMS can determine information about a topology between a wireless device and a transport network device, and determine a connection relationship between ports of various devices, according to the probe result.