Inter-donor Cell Migration in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated access and backhaul (IAB) networks face challenges in efficiently managing and migrating radio access network (RAN) nodes between donor nodes, particularly in processing and transmitting cell configuration data across different communication interfaces, which affects network performance and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that involves receiving cell configuration data at a first donor node, processing it for migration, and transmitting the processed data via a second communications interface to a second donor node, utilizing interfaces like F1-C or RRC for cell configuration data and Xn or X2 for migration, enabling seamless node migration and network reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cell configuration data is processed and transmitted through multiple communication interfaces (F1-C, Xn) for node migration, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station functionality into Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) components. The CU handles higher-layer protocols (RRC, PDCP) while the DU manages lower-layer protocols (RLC, MAC, PHY). This segmentation allows cell configuration data to be processed and migrated independently between different CU-DU pairs, reducing the complexity burden on any single interface while maintaining overall system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the CU as an intermediary between the DU and the core network, and between different donor nodes during migration. The CU processes cell configuration data and manages the F1-C interface, acting as a mediator that simplifies the complexity of direct multi-interface processing by centralizing control functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cell configuration data is transmitted via multiple interfaces for migration purposes, then network scalability is improved, but loss of time due to processing and transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary configuration of cell data at the CU before actual migration is needed. Cell configuration data can be prepared, validated, and staged in advance, allowing faster migration execution when scalability events occur. This preliminary action reduces the time penalty associated with multi-interface data transmission during actual migration events.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cell configuration data is processed for migration between donor nodes, then network flexibility is improved, but processing overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control and configuration functions into the CU, which is shared across multiple DUs and donor nodes. By consolidating cell configuration processing at the CU level rather than duplicating it at each DU or donor node, the system reduces redundant processing operations and associated energy consumption while maintaining the ability to perform network reconfiguration and migration.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to technologies and techniques for migrating a radio access network (RAN) node associated with a first donor node in a communications network. The first donor node may receive, via a first communications interface, such as an F1-C or resource control (RRC) interface, cell configuration data associated with one or more cells of the RAN node activated by the first donor node. The first donor node may process the cell configuration data and transit the cell configuration data, using a second communications interface, such as an Xn or X2 interface, to a second donor node for use in migrating the RAN node from the first donor node to the second donor node.