O-RAN API Dynamic Signal Processing Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing default allocation of signal processing operations in Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) between radio units (RUs) and distributed units (DUs) is limiting, as it does not optimize bandwidth and latency, and is inflexible, failing to meet diverse network performance requirements such as those of autonomous vehicles and standard voice services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an Application Programming Interface (API) to dynamically allocate signal processing operations between O-RAN RUs and DUs, allowing for customizable functional splits based on specific client needs, where the API identifies which operations should be performed by each unit and configures them accordingly, using hardware accelerators like GPUs to optimize processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If default allocation of signal processing operations is used between RU and DU, then system simplicity is maintained, but network performance optimization (bandwidth and latency) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of signal processing operations between RU and DU through an API that allows runtime configuration. The system can dynamically adjust the functional split based on network conditions, traffic patterns, and performance requirements, transitioning from static default allocation to adaptive dynamic allocation that optimizes bandwidth and latency for different service types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the allocation parameters of signal processing operations by introducing an API that accepts configuration inputs specifying which operations should be performed at RU versus DU. This allows modification of the functional split parameters (e.g., moving FFT, channel decoding, or beamforming operations between units) to optimize network performance for different scenarios such as autonomous vehicle communications versus voice services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If default allocation settings are used, then deployment simplicity is achieved, but flexibility to meet diverse client requirements (autonomous vehicles, voice services) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal allocation API that can serve multiple client types and service requirements through a single interface. The same API infrastructure supports diverse allocation scenarios including autonomous vehicle communications requiring low latency, voice services requiring high reliability, and data services requiring high bandwidth, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate configuration mechanisms for each service type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration through the API by pre-defining allocation options and parameters that can be selected based on client requirements. Deployment templates or preset allocation profiles can be prepared in advance for different service types, allowing operators to simply select appropriate pre-configured allocation schemes rather than manually optimizing each parameter, thus maintaining ease of deployment while achieving service-specific optimization.
3Speed
If static functional split is implemented, then system stability is maintained, but ability to optimize bandwidth and latency for different services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the functional split between RU and DU through an API that allows the system to adapt signal processing speed optimization to different service requirements. For latency-sensitive services like autonomous vehicle communications, the system can dynamically allocate more processing to the RU to reduce latency, while for bandwidth-intensive services, it can optimize the split to maximize throughput, all through programmatic configuration without hardware changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and techniques to perform an API to indicate an allocation of wireless signal processing operations. In at least one embodiment, a distributed unit and radio unit perform one or more operations based, at least in part, on an indicated allocation. In at least one embodiment, a processor comprising one or more circuits performs an application programming interface (API) to indicate an allocation of wireless signal processing operations between one or more Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) radio units (RUs) and one or more O-RAN distributed units (DUs).