OpenRAN Virtualized Controllers for Multi-Generation Network Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in efficiently deploying and managing networks in rural and urban environments due to high deployment and operational costs, capacity issues, and the need for seamless mobility and quality of service across different generations of cellular technologies.
Innovation Solution
An OpenRAN solution suite utilizing virtualized software platforms that integrate with COTS BBUs and core networks, providing open RAN controller functionality, network orchestrator functionality, and SON edge core functionality, enabling flexible and scalable deployment and management of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, with features like self-configuration and software upgradeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional 5G networks are deployed using conventional infrastructure, then network coverage and capacity can be achieved, but deployment and operational costs become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 5G network into multiple generations (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) that can operate simultaneously on the same infrastructure. Each network generation is independently managed through virtualized controllers, allowing cost-effective deployment by reusing existing hardware for multiple purposes rather than building separate dedicated infrastructure for each generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal infrastructure that supports multiple network generations through virtualization. The same physical network elements can serve multiple functions by running different network generations in parallel, eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrastructure for each generation and significantly reducing deployment costs.
2Productivity
If multiple network generations are supported simultaneously, then network capacity and user coverage are improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtualized controllers as intermediary components that mediate between the physical network infrastructure and multiple network generations. These virtualized controllers simplify management by providing a unified interface for controlling different network generations, abstracting the complexity from the physical infrastructure and enabling easier multi-generation management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/network management systems with virtualized software-based controllers. By substituting physical management infrastructure with virtualized functions, the system reduces management complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple network generations simultaneously.
3Reliability
If dedicated infrastructure is built for each network generation, then quality of service can be optimized, but deployment cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network generations onto a single shared infrastructure, allowing 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G to coexist and be managed together. This consolidation eliminates the need to build separate dedicated infrastructure for each generation, significantly reducing deployment time and cost while maintaining quality of service through virtualized control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If virtualized software platforms are implemented, then deployment flexibility and scalability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the virtualized software platform to achieve deployment flexibility. By changing software parameters and configurations rather than physical infrastructure, the system can adapt to different deployment scenarios and network requirements without increasing physical system complexity, maintaining flexibility while managing complexity through software abstraction.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer software are disclosed for providing an OpenRAN solution suite. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, the method including communicating, by an all G COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) Base Band Unit (BBU), with a plurality of different G user devices; communicating, by a software platform, with the all G COTS BBU, wherein the software platform includes virtualized software providing open RAN controller functionality, network orchestrator functionality, and SON edge core functionality; and communicating, by the software platform, with a plurality of different G core networks.