Optical Switching Apparatus for Flexible eNB Networking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication connections between BBU and RRU in eNBs are limited by direct connection modes, lacking diversification, flexibility, and long transmission distances, especially in complex terrains.
Innovation Solution
An optical switching apparatus and method that transforms the network topology from direct connections to a switching network, utilizing a fiber transceiver module, transmission address module, switching control module, and optical switching and routing module to enable separate, multiple-to-multiple communication and flexible networking, allowing communication between devices from different manufacturers and extending transmission distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct connection mode is used between BBU and RRU, then connection simplicity is maintained, but networking flexibility and transmission distance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
An optical switching module is introduced as an intermediary device between BBU and RRU units. This switching module receives optical signals from source BBUs, performs routing and switching based on transmission address information, and forwards signals to destination RRUs. This intermediary approach enables flexible networking topologies (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, many-to-many connections) while maintaining simple direct-like connections between individual devices, thus resolving the contradiction between networking flexibility and connection simplicity.
2Length of stationary object
If direct connection mode is used between BBU and RRU, then connection simplicity is maintained, but transmission distance is limited to M km
Solution Approach 1:
The direct connection between BBU and RRU is segmented into multiple hops through the optical switching module. Instead of requiring a single long direct connection, the transmission path is divided into shorter segments: BBU → optical switching module → RRU. Each segment remains within the reliable transmission distance M km, but the overall transmission distance can extend beyond M km by chaining multiple segments together, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission distance and connection simplicity.
3Quantity of substance
If optical interfaces are limited by BBU and RRU provisions, then device simplicity is maintained, but connection number is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switching module serves multiple functions: it acts as a router, a switch, an address translator, and a connection manager. By concentrating these functions in a single device, individual BBUs and RRUs can maintain their simple optical interface designs while the switching module provides multiple connection paths. This enables one BBU to connect to multiple RRUs and vice versa, dramatically increasing the total connection number without requiring each device to have multiple optical interfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between connection number and device simplicity.
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
Enables flexible networking, separate, and multiple-to-multiple communication, allowing eNBs to adapt to different modes and communicate with devices from various manufacturers, while increasing transmission distances and overcoming limitations of direct connections.
Implementation Method 1
the fiber transceiver module is configured to receive an optical signal which carries transmission address information from the source input end and to transmit the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical switching apparatus and method of an eNB. The above apparatus includes: a fiber transceiver module (102), configured to receive an optical signal which carries transmission address information from the source input end (101) and transmit the optical signal; a transmission address module (103), configured to receive the above optical signal, query routing, and manage and maintain transmission address(s); a switching control module (104), configured to obtain the transmission address information of the optical signal, analyze and select an optical switching mode, and transmit a routing control signal which carries the transmission address information and the optical switching mode; and an optical switching and routing module (105), configured to receive the above optical signal and transmit the same to a destination output end (106) by the fiber transceiver module (102), receive the routing control signal of the switching control module (104), select a routing and transmit the optical signal to the destination output end (106). According to the present invention, the RRU and the BBU of the eNB can communicate with devices of the BBU and the RRU of the different manufacturers, can be applied to the multi-mode base station, and can adapt to the different mode; therefore the transmission distance is enlarged.