Local Controller Segmentation for Small Base Station Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The dual-connectivity architecture in mobile communication systems is limited by reliance on macro base stations, restricting communication efficiency and user experience when a large number of small base stations are deployed, as only equipment capable of operating at two frequencies can access high-rate data transmission services.

Innovation Solution

A communication method where a local controller generates and sends data bearer configuration information to local gateways and small base stations, allowing them to establish data transmission channels without involving macro base stations, and configures protocol stacks to optimize backhaul link performance and resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dual-connectivity architecture is used with small base stations, then network capacity and throughput are improved, but communication efficiency is restricted when a large number of small base stations are deployed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple independent local controllers, each managing a group of small base stations. This segmentation allows parallel management of numerous small base stations without creating a single point of congestion, thereby maintaining communication efficiency while supporting high network capacity through dense deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Local controllers are introduced as intermediary management entities between the core network and small base stations. These intermediaries handle local resource allocation and coordination, reducing the management overhead on the core network and improving communication efficiency in densely deployed small base station scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If dual-connectivity architecture is used, then high-rate data transmission service is provided, but user equipment capability is restricted to dual-frequency operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoiduser equipment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The local controller manages multiple small base stations that can operate on the same frequency, allowing user equipment with single-frequency capability to access high-rate data transmission services. This universal approach eliminates the restriction requiring dual-frequency operation while maintaining high data transmission rates through coordinated multi-point transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If macro base station manages small base stations, then architecture is simplified, but management capability is limited in densely deployed networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearchitecture complexityVSAvoidmanagement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The management function is segmented from the macro base station and distributed to independent local controllers. Each local controller manages a specific group of small base stations, enabling scalable management of densely deployed networks while maintaining relatively simple architecture at each management level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The management architecture transitions from a single-dimensional macro base station control model to a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure with local controllers operating at the small base station level. This dimensional change enables efficient management of densely deployed networks by distributing management responsibilities across multiple independent controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3206458B1Communications method, device, and system
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP3206458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3206458B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3206458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communications method, device, and system for solving the connection and communications efficiency problem due to the presence of a large number of cells. The method comprises: a first local controller determines that a user equipment needs to establish a data bearer; data bearer configuration information for transmitting user data is generated; the data bearer configuration information is transmitted to a first local gateway and/or at least a first small base station, so that the network element entity that has received the data bearer configuration information establishes a data transmission channel according to the data bearer configuration information, the user equipment belonging to the first local controller and the first local gateway, the first small base station providing services to the user equipment.