RAN Base Station Computing Offloading Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current edge computing systems are not truly edge systems as they rely on central cloud infrastructure, leading to delays and processing complexities due to traffic passing through multiple network nodes and protocol layers during workload migration between user devices and edge clouds.
Innovation Solution
Integrating computation capabilities into base stations (BS) within the Radio Access Network (RAN), enabling direct computing offloading between user equipment (UE) and BS through L2 UP or CP protocols, allowing for tight integration of computation and communication for enhanced performance and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If edge computing relies on central cloud infrastructure, then computing resources are available, but latency increases and processing complexity increases due to traffic passing through multiple network nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the central cloud infrastructure by deploying computing functions at distributed edge locations (base stations, gateway nodes) rather than relying on a single central cloud. This segmentation brings computation closer to users, reducing the distance data must travel and eliminating the need for traffic to pass through multiple network nodes, thereby reducing latency while maintaining computing resource availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized vertical architecture to a distributed horizontal architecture by introducing a new dimension of computation at the network edge. This dimensional change allows computing functions to be deployed across multiple network nodes (base stations, gateway nodes) simultaneously, creating parallel processing paths that reduce latency without sacrificing computing capacity.
2Reliability
If edge computing relies on central cloud infrastructure, then computing resources are available, but processing complexity increases due to traffic passing through multiple network nodes and protocol layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts computing functions from the central cloud infrastructure and deploys them directly at edge network nodes (base stations, gateway nodes). This extraction eliminates the need for traffic to pass through multiple network nodes and protocol layers, significantly reducing processing complexity while maintaining computing resource availability through distributed deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges communication and computation functions by integrating computing capabilities directly into network nodes (base stations, gateway nodes). This merging eliminates the need for separate centralized cloud infrastructure and reduces the number of protocol layers and network nodes that traffic must pass through, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining computing resource availability.
3Loss of time
If computation capabilities are integrated into base stations, then latency is reduced and processing complexity is reduced, but device complexity at the base station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling base stations to perform both their traditional communication functions and new computing functions. The base station becomes a universal node that can handle user communications, host computing workloads, and provide edge computing services. This multi-functionality reduces latency by eliminating the need for separate centralized cloud infrastructure while managing the added complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computing function as an intermediary capability within the base station that mediates between communication functions and computing workloads. This intermediary computing function layer allows the base station to process computations locally without requiring full complexity integration, thereby reducing latency while managing device complexity through modular architecture.
4Productivity
If direct computing offloading between UE and BS is enabled, then workload migration efficiency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol adaptation where the communication protocol can flexibly switch between traditional cloud-based approaches and direct edge computing approaches. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize workload migration efficiency by selecting the appropriate protocol path (through base station or via cloud) based on current network conditions and workload requirements, while managing protocol complexity through configurable design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides embodiments in which computing (e.g., edge computing) is part of base station (BS) capability. These embodiments may enable conducting computing offloading between a user equipment (UE) and BS in the radio access network (RAN), for example, compute in the RAN, and deliver “true” edge computing user experience. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.