Radio Head Packet Deframing for Wireless Network Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loss of synchronization between a central controller and radio heads due to errors in Ethernet packets transmitted over Ethernet links leads to system restarts and recalibration, consuming power and causing delays.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a deframer in both the central controller and radio heads detect errors in Ethernet packets and alter them to maintain synchronization, using digital-to-analog converters and antennas to ensure continuous data transmission without losing synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error detection and correction mechanisms are implemented to maintain synchronization, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deframer as an intermediary component between the Ethernet packet receiver and the synchronization system. This deframer detects packet errors and performs corrective actions (such as adjusting packet timing or inserting synchronization markers) to maintain synchronization without requiring complex changes to the core synchronization mechanism. The deframer acts as a buffer that absorbs errors and translates them into correctable formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The deframer implements self-service by autonomously detecting errors in received packets and correcting them without external intervention. The system monitors its own synchronization status and automatically adjusts packet timing or format to maintain synchronization, eliminating the need for external control signals or manual recalibration.
2Reliability
If system restarts and recalibration are performed to recover synchronization, then synchronization is restored, but power consumption increases and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The deframer performs preliminary error detection and correction actions continuously during normal operation, addressing synchronization issues before they escalate to the point requiring system restarts. By proactively correcting packet timing errors and maintaining synchronization markers, the system prevents the need for energy-intensive recalibration sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of packet errors into a beneficial opportunity for maintaining synchronization. Instead of allowing errors to accumulate and trigger restarts, the deframer uses error detection as a trigger for corrective actions that actually strengthen synchronization. The errors become information that helps the system adjust and maintain precise timing alignment.
3Reliability
If system restarts and recalibration are performed to recover synchronization, then synchronization is restored, but transmission delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The deframer continuously monitors packet timing and performs preliminary corrections to maintain synchronization, preventing the need for time-consuming restart sequences. By addressing timing drift and packet errors in real-time, the system avoids the significant delays associated with full system restarts and recalibration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous synchronization maintenance through the deframer's ongoing error detection and correction operations. Rather than interrupting transmission for restarts, the deframer continuously adjusts packet timing and format to maintain synchronization, ensuring uninterrupted data flow and eliminating transmission delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a system including a controller and multiple radio heads connected to the controller through communication cables. The controller transmits a synchronization signal to each of the radio heads to synchronize the local clocks in the radio heads to a master clock in the controller. The controller also transmits packets to the radio heads using the communication cables. Each of the radio heads includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an antenna coupled to an output of the DAC, and a deframer coupled to an input of the DAC. For a radio head, upon detecting that a received packet from the controller includes an error, the deframer alters the received packet to maintain the synchronization between the controller and the radio head and transmits the altered packet to the DAC.