Hybrid Cell Configuration for vRAN Coverage and Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) architectures face challenges in managing radio coverage to support both shared cell and unique cell operating modes efficiently, particularly in hybrid application environments where different user equipment types require varying levels of reliability and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hybrid cell configuration mode in vRAN architectures, where radio units can operate concurrently in both shared cell and unique cell modes, allowing for dynamic assignment of operating modes based on user equipment type and policy, facilitating efficient sharing of RAN resources and classification of user equipment for optimal service connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If vRAN architectures use shared cell mode to provide coverage, then network coverage is improved, but network reliability for specific user equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell operation into two distinct modes: shared cell mode for general coverage and unique cell mode for dedicated user equipment service. This segmentation allows the network to provide broad coverage when needed while maintaining reliable dedicated connections for specific users, resolving the contradiction between coverage and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic cell mode selection where the network can switch between shared cell mode and unique cell mode based on real-time user equipment requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize between coverage and reliability depending on the specific operational context and user needs.
2Reliability
If vRAN architectures use unique cell mode for dedicated service, then network reliability is improved, but network scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cell structure multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both shared cell mode and unique cell mode. This universality allows the same physical infrastructure to serve different purposes: providing broad coverage through shared mode and dedicated reliable service through unique mode, thereby achieving both scalability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cell by introducing a mode indicator that can switch between shared and unique cell configurations. This parameter change enables the network to adapt its behavior based on demand, supporting both large-scale coverage operations and small-scale dedicated services without requiring separate infrastructure.
3Productivity
If radio units operate in hybrid mode with both shared and unique cells, then resource utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shared cell and unique cell operations within a single radio unit, allowing both modes to coexist and be managed by the same hardware. This combining approach improves resource utilization by eliminating idle capacity while managing complexity through unified control architecture that handles both modes through standard interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques to facilitate the configuration of hybrid cells to support shared cell and unique cell operating modes for user equipment. In one example, a method may include obtaining a registration request for a user equipment (UE) in which the mobile network includes a radio access network (RAN) comprising a plurality of radio units (RUs) in which each RU provides a shared cell that is shared with at least one other RU and each RU also provides a unique cell that is not shared with any other RU. The method may further include determining an operating mode for the UE in which the operating mode indicates whether the UE is to operate in a shared cell or a unique cell operating mode, and facilitating connection of the UE to one of the shared cell or the unique cell of an RU based on the operating mode.