Optical Repeater Master Unit Synchronization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical repeater systems face challenges in synchronizing uplink/downlink switching timings across multiple base stations and remote units, leading to potential interference and inefficiencies in carrier aggregation due to timing mismatches and the limitations of the majority decision method.
Innovation Solution
The optical repeater system employs a master unit with a timing detector, information sharer, determinator, and synchronization controller to autonomously determine and synchronize uplink/downlink switching timings across connected base stations and remote units, using a weight-based approach to manage carrier aggregation and prevent timing mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the majority decision method is used to synchronize uplink/downlink switching timings across multiple base stations, then synchronization can be achieved in simple scenarios, but timing mismatches and interference occur in carrier aggregation scenarios with multiple optical repeater devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing detection and synchronization functions into a dedicated master unit that centrally manages uplink/downlink switching timing for all base stations. This removes the timing decision-making from individual base stations (which caused the majority decision problem) and consolidates it in a single controller that can coordinate carrier aggregation scenarios without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The master unit continuously detects uplink/downlink switching timings from multiple base stations and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust and synchronize the switching timings across all connected base stations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures timing synchronization is maintained even when network conditions change, preventing the timing mismatches that occur with static majority decision methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple base stations of different owners are accommodated in one master unit for infrastructure sharing, then cost advantage is achieved, but timing synchronization becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The master unit is designed with universal timing detection and synchronization capabilities that can handle multiple base stations from different owners and different carrier aggregation scenarios through a single unified control mechanism. This multi-functional design allows infrastructure sharing without requiring separate synchronization systems for each owner, managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of components.
Data Source
AI summary
The optical repeater system of an embodiment includes master units connectable to a base station to which a carrier band to be subjected to carrier aggregation is assigned and a remote unit capable of transmitting and receiving an uplink/downlink signal of the carrier band. The master unit includes memory, timing detector, information sharer, determinator and synchronization controller. The memory stores a weight assigned to the each master unit. The timing detector detects a UL/DL switching timing for each carrier band of a subordinate base station. The information sharer communicates with another master unit and shares information including at least the weight and a latest UL/DL switching timing among the detected UL/DL switching timings with the another master unit. The determinator determines the own UL/DL switching timing based on the shared information. The synchronization controller sets the own UL/DL switching timing to the determined UL/DL switching timing.