Mesh gNB Architecture for mmWave Relay Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge faced by the industry is how to take advantage of new mmWave spectrum without having to change the existing cell-site grid, which is costly and difficult to densify due to poor propagation characteristics and high fiber construction costs.
Innovation Solution
A mesh-type access point architecture that enables densification at mmWave through a combination of self-backhaul and fiber/microwave media, leveraging SRv6 capabilities for data transport and adapting to the RF environment by using a mix of physical layer links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mmWave technology is deployed to provide high throughput, then data transfer rates are improved, but propagation characteristics deteriorate resulting in short inter-cell site distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay nodes as intermediary elements between donor nodes and user equipment. These relay nodes extend the coverage of mmWave networks by receiving signals from donor nodes and retransmitting them to user equipment, thereby overcoming the short propagation distance limitation of mmWave frequencies while maintaining high data transfer rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-dimensional network architecture combining wireless mmWave links with wired fiber backhaul connections. This hybrid approach adds a spatial dimension to signal transmission, allowing the network to bypass the fundamental propagation limitations of mmWave radio waves by using optical fiber for long-distance connections and reserving mmWave for high-speed local access.
2Productivity
If fiber backhaul is constructed to support mmWave gNBs, then network capacity is improved, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements fiber backhaul selectively only at strategic donor node locations rather than deploying fiber to every potential base station site. This partial deployment approach provides sufficient network capacity for mmWave operations while dramatically reducing construction costs by limiting fiber installation to critical infrastructure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless relay nodes as functional copies or extensions of donor nodes. These relay nodes replicate the base station functionality for local coverage without requiring dedicated fiber backhaul connections, thereby providing network capacity expansion at minimal infrastructure cost.
3Area of stationary object
If site densification is implemented to overcome poor propagation, then coverage is improved, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station functionality into two distinct roles: donor nodes that connect to the core network via fiber backhaul, and relay nodes that provide local coverage extension. This segmentation allows coverage area to be expanded through relay nodes without proportionally increasing fiber construction and site acquisition costs, as relay nodes can be deployed using existing infrastructure or lower-cost sites.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a mesh gNB architecture enabled by SRv6 in which the mesh itself is a single logical gNB. The mesh can adapt to the Radio Frequency (RF) environment, leveraging a mix of physical layer links, including self-backhaul and other media to bypass RF obstacles and reach locations that would otherwise be blocked for coverage. In one aspect, a mesh-based radio access node includes one or more donor nodes and one or more relay nodes. Each of the one or more donor nodes and the one or more relay nodes includes at least one SRv6 router, and the one or more donor nodes and the one or more relay nodes are configured to communicate over a combination of wired and self-backhaul channels.