Optical Radio Access Transition Unit for Multi-Operator Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional arrangements for providing radio access in local sites are limited by the need for multiple technology-specific and operator-specific radio units, leading to high costs and complexity, especially in multi-operator scenarios, and require manual configuration, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that utilize a local transition unit to convert analog signals from antennas into optical form and transmit them to a central office, where a central transition unit processes and routes the signals to appropriate radio units based on configuration data, eliminating the need for multiple radio units at the local site and reducing manual configuration efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple technology-specific and operator-specific radio units are deployed at local sites, then support for multiple radio technologies and operators is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio unit that can serve multiple radio technologies and operators through a single device. The radio unit includes a processor that can identify different radio technologies via identification signals and route signals accordingly, eliminating the need for separate dedicated radio units for each technology or operator while maintaining full functionality and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transition unit as an intermediary component between the antenna and the radio unit. This transition unit receives analog signals from the antenna, converts them to digital form, and transmits them to the radio unit via an optical link. This intermediary enables flexible signal routing and technology identification without requiring multiple radio units at the local site
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple technology-specific and operator-specific radio units are deployed at local sites, then support for multiple radio technologies and operators is achieved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio unit that can serve multiple radio technologies and operators through a single device. The radio unit includes a processor that can identify different radio technologies via identification signals and route signals accordingly, eliminating the need for separate dedicated radio units for each technology or operator while maintaining full functionality and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate radio units into a single integrated radio unit. By combining the processing, identification, and routing capabilities in one device, the solution reduces equipment costs and simplifies deployment while maintaining support for multiple radio technologies and operators
3Reliability
If manual configuration is performed for each antenna and radio unit association, then precise control over signal routing is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration where the transition unit automatically identifies antenna characteristics and routes signals to the appropriate radio unit without manual intervention. The transition unit reads identification signals from the antenna, determines the correct routing based on stored characteristics, and establishes connections automatically, ensuring reliable signal routing while eliminating time-consuming manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing antenna characteristics and routing information in the transition unit before actual signal transmission occurs. This pre-configured data enables automatic and rapid signal routing decisions when antennas are activated, eliminating the need for manual configuration during deployment while maintaining reliable signal paths
4Device complexity
If radio units are placed remotely at central office, then equipment at local sites is simplified, but signal transmission distance and propagation losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition unit as an intermediary component at the local site that handles all signal processing locally. This transition unit receives analog signals from the antenna, converts them to digital form, and transmits them to the remotely located radio unit via an optical link. By placing the transition unit at the local site, the patent simplifies local equipment while managing propagation losses through efficient analog-to-digital conversion close to the antenna
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal transmission over long distances with optical transmission. The transition unit converts electrical signals to optical signals for transmission to the central office radio unit, and vice versa for received signals. This substitution of mechanical/electrical transmission with optical transmission enables remote placement of equipment while minimizing propagation losses through fiber optic cables
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the equipment needed at local sites, reduces costs, and automates the association of antennas with correct radio units, enabling flexible support for multiple radio technologies and operators, while minimizing propagation losses and enabling remote placement of the central office.
Implementation Method 1
A local transition unit at the local site receives analog signals from at least one antenna and associated radio head installed at the local site, when the at least one antenna receives the signals from the one or more mobile terminals. The local transition unit converts the analog signals into optical form and sends the signals in optical form over an optical link to a central office
Implementation Method 2
A central transition unit at the central office converts the signals into a form adapted for reception by a radio unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
Figure 4
AI summary
Methods and nodes for providing radio access to a communication network (314) for mobile terminals (T) at a local site (300). When a local transition unit (304) at the local site receives incoming signals from an antenna (302a) and associated radio head (302b) installed at the local site, the signals are converted into optical form and the local transition unit sends the signals in optical form over an optical link (306) to a central office (308) comprising a set of radio units (312). A central transition unit (310) at the central office converts the signals into a form adapted for reception by a radio unit. The central transition unit is further instructed by a control unit (316) to forward the signals to one of the radio units based on configuration data of the antenna/radio head. The configuration data has been registered at the control unit when received from the antenna/radio head over a control channel automatically at installation. The central transition unit accordingly forwards the signals according to the instruction from the control unit to the correct radio unit for processing in digital format and digital transmission over the communication network.