Radio Unit Synchronization for Multi-Operator RAN Resource Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanisms for managing Multi-Operator Radio Access Networks (MORAN) are inefficient, consuming excessive resources and failing to provide sufficient interfaces, time-aligned TDD signals, and consistent duty cycles for private networks.

Innovation Solution

A network device, specifically a Radio Unit (RU), acts as a central point of control, receiving and providing frequency, time, and phase synchronizations to ensure aligned operational parameters across private networks, allowing for dedicated CU and DU configurations and enhanced interfaces like eCPRI ports, thereby conserving resources and ensuring time-aligned TDD signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current mechanisms are used to manage MORAN, then multiple operators can share the network, but computing and networking resources are consumed excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-operator supportVSAvoidcomputing and networking resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple operator networks into a single shared MORAN infrastructure with a common core network, centralized unit, and distributed unit. This consolidation allows multiple operators to share computing and networking resources efficiently while maintaining independent radio access networks through virtualization and logical separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If current mechanisms are used to manage MORAN, then network services can be provided, but sufficient interfaces are not provided for private networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice deliveryVSAvoidinterface sufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal interface architecture where the centralized unit and distributed unit provide standardized, multi-functional interfaces that can serve multiple operators and private networks simultaneously. The eCPRI interface and other standardized protocols enable the same infrastructure to adapt to different operator requirements and private network configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current mechanisms are used to manage MORAN, then radio resources can be shared, but time-aligned TDD signals are not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource sharingVSAvoidtime alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the centralized unit monitors and coordinates timing across multiple distributed units and operators. Synchronization protocols and timing adjustment mechanisms provide continuous feedback to ensure TDD signals from different operators are time-aligned, preventing interference and enabling efficient resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240236690A9Systems and methods for managing a multi-operator radio access network with a single radio unit

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A network device may receive a first frequency, time, and phase synchronization from a first occupied bandwidth (OBW) portion provided by the network device, and may utilize the first frequency, time, and phase synchronization when providing first services to the first OBW portion. The network device may receive a second frequency, time, and phase synchronization from a second OBW portion provided by the network device, and may utilize the second frequency, time, and phase synchronization when providing second services to the first OBW portion.