O-RAN Downlink Power Reconfiguration Without Service Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current O-RAN fronthaul specifications require service interruption for downlink power reconfiguration due to the need for cell lock and unlock, leading to performance degradation and customer dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

Implementing control-plane messaging for dynamic downlink power configuration, allowing seamless power adjustments without service interruption by synchronizing the O-DU and O-RU at the same symbol using precise timing data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If M-plane-based power configuration is used, then power reconfiguration can be achieved, but service interruption is inevitable due to cell lock and unlock requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring power adjustment parameters and timing information before the actual power change is needed. The gNB prepares the power adjustment command with precise timing data (symbol-level granularity) in advance, allowing the O-RU to execute the power change seamlessly without service interruption when the specified time arrives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by enabling power reconfiguration during active service operation. Instead of stopping downlink transmission for cell lock/unlock, the system continues transmitting service data while the O-RU adjusts power at the specified symbol boundary, ensuring uninterrupted service flow and maintaining system productivity throughout the reconfiguration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Ease of manufacture

If cell lock with deactivation is performed for power reconfiguration, then power can be changed, but service interruption occurs leading to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower change simplicityVSAvoidservice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cell lock/unlock mechanism with a software-based control-plane messaging system. The gNB sends power adjustment commands via control-plane messages to the O-RU, which executes the power change at the radio frequency level without requiring cell state transitions. This substitution eliminates the service interruption inherent in the mechanical lock/unlock approach while maintaining power reconfiguration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by enabling real-time, flexible power adjustments during service operation. The control-plane messaging mechanism allows the gNB to dynamically change power levels at any symbol boundary based on current network conditions, rather than being constrained by static cell lock/unlock cycles. This dynamic approach maintains high service performance while achieving power reconfiguration goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If downlink transmission is stopped for power reconfiguration, then power can be reconfigured, but customer satisfaction decreases due to service interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control flexibilityVSAvoidcustomer experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining downlink transmission throughout the power reconfiguration process. The O-RU continues transmitting service data to the UE while adjusting power levels at the specified symbol boundary, ensuring that customers experience no service interruption. This approach preserves customer satisfaction while achieving the necessary power control flexibility for CBRS coexistence and energy saving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12563508B2Runtime downlink power configuration using control-plane messaging

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

The technology described herein is directed towards runtime dynamic downlink power configuration between a distributed unit and radio unit. In one O-RAN-compliant implementation, control-plane messages are used to update the downlink power without any service interruption, based on initialization information provided by management-plane messages to the distributed unit, including a radio unit's indication of support for the power change and the time (gap) needed by the radio unit to implement a power change. Based on this data, the distributed unit and radio unit (which are synchronized) change the downlink power at the same specific time (same symbol) such that the power configuration can be done during runtime without any service interruption. This is advantageous with power changes needed for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) systems and/or for energy saving purposes, for example.