Power Cable Emergency Control Channel for Base Station Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio base stations face challenges in controlling remote radio units (RRUs) when the common public radio interface (CPRI) between the baseband unit (BBU) and RRU is abnormal, leading to loss of control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a central monitoring module to transmit RRU control information over power cables, allowing the BBU to control the RRU through an out-of-band emergency channel, even if the CPRI is abnormal, by establishing power cable connections between the BBU, backup power supply systems, and RRUs, enabling power and status control operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the BBU controls the RRU through the CPRI interface, then the control capability is maintained under normal conditions, but the control capability is lost when the CPRI interface becomes abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power cable as an intermediary communication channel between the BBU and RRU. When the CPRI interface fails, the control information is transmitted through the power cable instead, allowing the BBU to maintain control capability over the RRU through an alternative path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the control channel by utilizing the power cable, which traditionally only carries electrical power, to also carry control information. This transforms the power cable from a single-function component into a dual-function component that provides both power supply and communication capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the CPRI interface is used for control, then the control mechanism is simple and direct, but the system lacks redundancy and fails completely when CPRI is abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power cable multi-functional by enabling it to carry both electrical power and control information. This universal component serves dual purposes: providing power to the RRU and serving as a backup communication channel, thereby reducing the need for separate redundant control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a backup control channel through the power cable in advance, before any failure occurs. This preparatory measure ensures that when the primary CPRI interface fails, the control capability is immediately maintained through the pre-configured alternative path, minimizing service interruption.
3Reliability
If a dedicated control channel is used, then the control reliability is high, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power cable multi-functional by enabling it to carry both electrical power and control information. This universal component serves dual purposes: providing power to the RRU and serving as a backup communication channel, thereby reducing the need for separate redundant control infrastructure.
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 effective control of RRUs even during CPRI failures, reducing maintenance costs and service interruption times by using power cables as an emergency control channel, allowing the BBU to maintain control over RRUs without relying on the CPRI.
Implementation Method 1
the central monitoring module is configured to receive RRU control information that is transmitted by the BBU and includes a control instruction, modulate the RRU control information onto the power cable
Implementation Method 2
the direct current power distributor is configured to transmit the RRU control information to the RRU by using the power cable
Implementation Method 3
the RRU is configured to demodulate, from the power cable, the RRU control information including the control instruction
Data Source
AI summary
In a system for controlling a radio base station, an out-of-band emergency channel based on a power cable is established between a BBU and an RRU such that even if a unique communications interface CPRI between the BBU and the RRU is abnormal, the BBU can still effectively control the RRU using the out-of-band emergency channel. In another system for controlling a radio base station, out-of-band emergency channels based on power cables are established among multiple RRUs such that even if a unique communications interface CPRI between a BBU and a target RRU is abnormal, the BBU can still effectively control the target RRU using an out-of-band emergency channel between any RRU (a unique communications interface CPRI of the RRU is normal) and the target RRU. In the present disclosure, the BBU can effectively control the RRU.