Radio Network Controller Splitting for Optical Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio network transmission technologies, such as E1/T1, struggle with high link loads and inability to meet high-speed data transmission requirements, leading to increased costs and reduced quality of service (QoS) due to slow transmission rates and inefficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
The method involves separating the control and bearer functions of a radio network controller into a radio access network server and a wireless adapter, with the wireless adapter configured in a base station to process radio interface protocols and connect to an optical access network, thereby moving the radio interface protocol stack downward to the base station and utilizing passive optical networks or hybrid fiber-coaxial cable networks for interconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If E1/T1 transmission technology is used in radio networks, then equipment compatibility and existing infrastructure utilization are improved, but transmission speed and data service quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from traditional E1/T1 electrical transmission to optical transmission using PON technology. This parameter change enables both high transmission speeds (meeting the 9 parameter requirement) and broad equipment compatibility (meeting the 35 parameter requirement) by utilizing standard optical network interfaces and protocols that can interface with diverse radio network equipment while providing gigabit-capable transmission speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electrical transmission mechanism (E1/T1 copper wire-based systems) with an optical transmission mechanism (PON-based fiber optic systems). This substitution replaces the mechanical/electrical system with an optical system that provides superior transmission performance while maintaining compatibility through standardized interface adapters and protocol conversions at the optical line terminal and optical network unit.
2Device complexity
If radio network controller functions are centralized, then control management is simplified, but transmission delays and resource management efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio network controller functions by separating the control plane (remaining at RNC) from the user plane (moved to base station via wireless adapter). This segmentation allows simplified centralized control management for signaling and configuration while enabling local fast processing of user data at the base station, thereby reducing transmission delays for data traffic without complicating the control management architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the network architecture by introducing the wireless adapter at the base station that operates in parallel with the traditional RNC control path. This creates a dual-path architecture where control signaling flows through the traditional centralized RNC while user data can be rapidly processed locally at the base station, effectively adding a fast local processing dimension that reduces delays without increasing control complexity.
3Speed
If high-speed data transmission is implemented, then service quality is improved, but resource utilization and construction costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical access network universal by designing it to support multiple services and functions. The PON infrastructure provides high-speed data transmission for radio networks while simultaneously supporting triple-play services (voice, data, video) for fixed customers. This multi-functionality allows the same fiber resources to serve dual purposes: backhaul for wireless base stations and broadband access for residential customers, thereby improving resource utilization and reducing construction costs per service provided.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the radio network backhaul function with the fixed broadband access function into a single unified optical access network. By combining these two functions that share common infrastructure requirements (fiber optics, PON technology, optical splitters), the network achieves high-speed transmission for both radio and fixed services while optimizing fiber resource utilization. The same ODN (optical distribution network) serves both radio base stations and residential ONUs, reducing the total quantity of fiber resources needed compared to separate dedicated networks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing a radio network layer to implement a network interconnection is provided. A radio network controller is divided into radio access network servers and wireless adapters configured in a base station. The wireless adapters are adapted to process related radio interface protocols, and are connected to an optical access network via an adaptation function. The radio access network servers and a core network are respectively connected to optical network units to implement the interconnection between an optical network and a radio communication network. Therefore, the single-point failure is effectively prevented, the flexibility and extensibility are improved, it is convenient for networking, and the network coverage is enlarged. It is suitable for the service development and radio access applications in the future, and facilitates the combination with the wired network.