Fronthaul Timing Feedback for C-Plane and U-Plane Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems with disaggregated radio access network architectures, the in-sequence delivery of control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) messages is not guaranteed, leading to U-Plane messages being received outside their expected timing windows, which can result in dropped packets and suboptimal system performance.
Innovation Solution
The radio unit (RU) maintains a counter for U-Plane messages received without corresponding C-Plane messages and signals this information to the distributed unit (DU), allowing the DU to adjust C-Plane transmission timing to correct for timing discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If C-Plane and U-Plane messages are transmitted independently without timing coordination, then transmission flexibility is improved, but message delivery sequence reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving network entity monitors the timing of received U-Plane messages and sends timing adjustment feedback to the transmitting entity. This feedback loop enables the transmitting entity to adjust its C-Plane message timing based on actual reception conditions, thereby maintaining reliable message delivery sequence while preserving transmission flexibility through dynamic timing adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the transmitting network entity proactively adjust C-Plane message transmission timing based on predicted or pre-negotiated timing requirements. By preparing and sending C-Plane messages at optimally timed intervals before U-Plane messages, the system ensures proper message sequencing is maintained without requiring complex real-time coordination, thus preserving transmission flexibility while ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If C-Plane transmission timing is adjusted to ensure U-Plane message delivery, then message delivery reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the timing parameters of C-Plane message transmissions based on monitored system conditions and feedback. Instead of implementing complex protocol modifications or additional hardware components, the system achieves improved message delivery reliability by simply changing the transmission timing parameters, thereby maintaining low system complexity while enhancing reliability.
3Measurement precision
If timing synchronization is implemented between C-Plane and U-Plane messages, then message processing accuracy is improved, but transmission speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing timing synchronization at regular intervals rather than continuously. The system periodically adjusts C-Plane message timing based on monitored drift or timing errors, achieving adequate message processing accuracy without the overhead of continuous synchronization. This periodic approach maintains acceptable timing precision while preserving transmission speed by avoiding excessive synchronization operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for improving fronthaul timing. An example method, performed by a first network entity, includes receiving user plane (U-Plane) messages from a second network entity, maintaining at least a first counter that indicates a number of U-Plane messages for which the first network entity has not received an associated control plane (C-Plane) message, and transmitting, to the second network entity, a message indicating the counter.