Network Node Selection for Consistent Multi-CU Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, connecting multiple higher layer split (HLS) interfaces to a single distributed unit (DU) can lead to inconsistencies in signal transmission between the central unit (CU) and the DU.

Innovation Solution

A network node is provided with a receiving unit to receive higher layer messages, a control unit to determine the appropriate CU for transmission, and a transmitting unit to send the messages to the determined CU, ensuring consistent information exchange between network nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single DU includes multiple HLS interfaces connected to different CUs, then the system can support multiple network connections and data transmission paths, but inconsistencies in signal transmission occur between CUs and the DU

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of HLS interfacesVSAvoidsignal transmission consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a standardized interface protocol as an intermediary between multiple CUs and the DU. This protocol acts as a mediator that ensures consistent signal transmission by defining uniform message formats, encoding schemes, and transmission rules that all CUs must follow when communicating with the DU, thereby resolving the inconsistency problem while maintaining multi-interface connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting interface configuration parameters such as message format versions, encoding types, and transmission protocols based on the specific CU-DU connection. This allows the system to adapt parameters for each interface while maintaining overall consistency through centralized parameter management and coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple CUs are connected to a single DU, then network capacity and data transmission diversity are improved, but the complexity of managing and coordinating signals between multiple CUs and the DU increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsignal coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal management function by dividing it into independent modular components at both the CU and DU sides. Each CU-DU interface is treated as an independent segment with its own configuration and management, allowing parallel processing of multiple interfaces without requiring complex cross-interface coordination, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high network capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal interface framework that enables the DU to handle multiple types of signals and messages from different CUs through a single standardized protocol. This multi-functional interface design allows the same physical interface to serve multiple purposes and connect to multiple CUs, reducing the need for separate dedicated interfaces and simplifying the overall system architecture

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

Data Source

PatentEP3927109B1Network node
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3927109B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927109B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3927109B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A network node includes a receiving unit that receives a message of a higher layer from a user equipment, a control unit that determines a higher network node to which the message of the higher layer is to be transmitted from a plurality of higher network nodes that terminate and split a higher layer, and a transmitting unit that transmits the message of the higher layer to the determined higher network node.