Radio Node Backhaul Link Management via Dynamic Frequency Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio backhauling systems face challenges in achieving high capacity backhaul links with guaranteed throughput, particularly due to limitations in reach and coverage caused by poor link budget and rain fading, especially in high-frequency bands like E-band, W-band, and D-band.
Innovation Solution
A control unit is configured to manage a radio node with two radio units, where one radio unit exchanges backhaul information over a first frequency bandwidth, and the other radio unit provides radio access connectivity over a second frequency bandwidth, which can be dynamically allocated based on the quality of the first communication link to establish a second communication link for backhaul information exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high frequency bandwidths (E-band, W-band, D-band) are used for backhaul links, then capacity is improved, but reach and coverage deteriorate due to poor link budget and severe rain fading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul communication function across multiple frequency bands. Instead of relying on a single high-frequency band for all backhaul traffic, the system divides backhaul communication into multiple segments operating at different frequency bands, allowing each segment to operate within its optimal performance range while collectively achieving high capacity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency band parameter dynamically based on propagation conditions. By monitoring link quality metrics such as rain fading effects and atmospheric conditions, the system adjusts which frequency bands are active for backhaul communication, switching between bands to maintain both high capacity and reliable reach under varying environmental conditions
2Productivity
If dedicated point-to-point radio backhaul links are established using separate frequency bandwidth, then backhaul throughput is improved, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second radio unit universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: providing radio access connectivity to end-user nodes and exchanging backhaul information with other radio nodes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for backhaul and access functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high backhaul throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the backhaul communication function with the radio access function by allowing the second radio unit to handle both end-user connectivity and backhaul information exchange. This consolidation combines previously separate functions into a single unified radio unit, reducing hardware requirements and simplifying system architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems and control units for controlling radio nodes, wherein radio nodes exchange backhaul information with at least one other radio node jointly over a first communication link established using a first frequency bandwidth (FBACKHAUL); and a second communication link established using a second frequency bandwidth (FEND-USER) that is used by the radio nodes to provide uplink and downlink radio access connectivity to one or more end-user nodes using the second frequency bandwidth (FEND-USER). In some examples, the second communication link may only be established if the quality of the first communication link falls below a minimum quality threshold. In some examples, the portion of the second frequency bandwidth used to establish the second communication link may be dynamically allocated based at least on the quality of the first communication link.