On-demand Reconfiguration User Plane Architecture for mmWave Small Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LTE HetNet Dual Connectivity architecture is not optimized for dense deployment scenarios with mmWave small cells, which require new radio characteristics and 5G requirements, such as gigabit-rate links and intermittent connectivity, due to its design for less dense, low-rate microwave small cell scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The On-demand Reconfiguration User Plane Architecture (ORUA) is proposed, which revises the LTE DuCo architecture to enable scenario-specific and on-demand configurability, supporting multiple simultaneous data paths and minimizing backhaul usage between macro and small cell base stations, allowing for localized high-speed traffic and soft handover, while maintaining the same underlying hardware architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE HetNet Dual Connectivity architecture is used for mmWave small cells, then macrocell coverage and service robustness are maintained, but the architecture is not optimized for dense deployment scenarios with gigabit-rate links and intermittent connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic user plane configuration that allows the system to adapt between different connectivity modes (direct mmWave path, macrocell path, or both simultaneously) based on real-time channel conditions, deployment density, and traffic requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables the architecture to optimize for dense gigabit scenarios when needed while maintaining compatibility with existing macrocell infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces configurable parameters including user plane configuration parameters that control data path selection, backhaul usage minimization settings, and scenario-specific optimization parameters. These parameters allow the system to adjust its behavior based on deployment density, mobility patterns, and service requirements without changing the fundamental architecture.
2Productivity
If mmWave small cells are deployed with high carrier frequency for compact RF design, then gigabit-rate links are achieved within small cell coverage, but propagation loss increases due to atmosphere gaseous losses and precipitation attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mmWave small cell high-rate links with macrocell robust coverage by implementing dual connectivity at the user plane. The system can simultaneously utilize both mmWave paths for high-speed data transmission and macrocell paths for reliable control signaling and fallback connectivity, effectively merging the advantages of both frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The macrocell infrastructure serves as an intermediary that provides backhaul connectivity and control plane support for mmWave small cells. When mmWave links experience propagation loss or intermittent connectivity, the macrocell path acts as a mediator to maintain service continuity and enable seamless handover.
3Productivity
If mmWave systems use highly directional beam forming to meet link budget requirements, then gigabit-rate links are achieved, but beam-tracking challenges and intermittent links occur in low-to-medium mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different parts of the communication system: mmWave links are optimized for high-rate data transmission with directional beam forming, while macrocell links provide omnidirectional robust coverage for control signaling. The user plane configuration allows selective use of each path based on its strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures alternative data paths through the macrocell infrastructure in case mmWave links become intermittent. The user plane architecture maintains ready backup paths and can perform rapid path switching, cushioning against link disruptions before they impact service continuity.
4Reliability
If microwave systems provide wide-area coverage with robust omni-directional services, then service reliability is maintained for high mobility users, but spectrum availability is limited and bandwidth is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to spectrum utilization by deploying mmWave small cells in dense urban environments where macrocell spectrum is constrained. The mmWave bands provide an additional spectral dimension that complements the licensed microwave bands, enabling the system to serve more users with higher rates without additional macrocell spectrum.
Data Source
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Figure 2B~3
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AI summary
Millimeter-wave (mmWave) band communication is a very promising technology for 5G small cells. In practice, such a new system will coexist with legacy or evolved microwave band systems, such as E-UTRAN LTE macro-cell cellular systems, for a long time to come. Considering the typical scenarios where a macro cell offers umbrella coverage for clusters of small cells, several user plane (U-plane) architectural choices of macro-assisted 5G mmWave systems from both UE and network's perspectives are evaluated. The proposed On-demand Reconfiguration U-Plane Architecture (ORUA) for Macro-assisted Millimeter Wave (mmWave) small cells is designed to meet 5G expectations of dense deployment of small cells and UEs and beam formed intermittent Gbps links.