Protocol Conversion Apparatus for Ethernet CPRI Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RRUs supporting the CPRI protocol face difficulties in being connected to Ethernet protocol-based networks, limiting their compatibility and communication with new BBUs.
Innovation Solution
A protocol conversion method and apparatus that converts synchronization information from Ethernet to CPRI protocol format, enabling frequency and time synchronization, and facilitates the exchange of control and user plane data between new BBUs and conventional RRUs by using a protocol conversion apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RRUs support only the CPRI protocol, then they can maintain stable communication with legacy systems, but they cannot be connected to new Ethernet protocol-based networks
Solution Approach 1:
A protocol conversion apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device between the Ethernet-based BBU and the CPRI-based RRU. This apparatus converts synchronization information from Ethernet protocol format to CPRI protocol format, enabling communication between the two different protocol systems without modifying the existing RRU hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol conversion apparatus changes the format parameters of synchronization information from Ethernet protocol structure to CPRI protocol structure. This includes transforming the data format, timing parameters, and protocol headers to match the target protocol requirements while preserving the underlying synchronization functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If new BBUs use Ethernet protocol for flexible networking, then network flexibility and complexity are improved, but compatibility with conventional RRUs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion apparatus serves as a mediator that allows Ethernet-based BBUs to reliably connect to CPRI-based RRUs. It translates synchronization information between the two protocols, ensuring reliable communication while maintaining the network flexibility benefits of Ethernet architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol conversion apparatus provides multi-functionality by supporting both Ethernet and CPRI protocols simultaneously. It can receive synchronization information from Ethernet interfaces and transmit converted information to CPRI interfaces, making the system universally compatible with both protocol types
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RRUs are upgraded to support Ethernet protocol, then protocol compatibility is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of upgrading the RRU hardware to support Ethernet protocol directly, a separate protocol conversion apparatus is used as an intermediary. This keeps the RRU hardware simple and unchanged while still achieving protocol compatibility through external conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol conversion function is segmented into a separate apparatus rather than being integrated into the RRU. This allows the RRU to remain simple and focused on its core function, while the protocol conversion handles the complexity of protocol translation in a dedicated component
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a protocol conversion method and apparatus. The method includes: implementing frequency synchronization and time synchronization with a baseband unit (BBU) using an Ethernet protocol; obtaining frequency synchronization information and time synchronization information in a first format from an Ethernet interface; converting the frequency synchronization information and the time synchronization information in the first format into frequency synchronization information and time synchronization information that are in a second format, where the second format is a common public radio interface CPRI protocol format; and sending the frequency synchronization information and time synchronization information in the second format to a remote radio unit (RRU) using a CPRI interface, where the RRU supports a CPRI protocol.