RAN Control Unit Configuring Dynamic Small Cell Operational Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed small cells in 5G networks lack flexibility to adapt to changing service and traffic requirements, leading to suboptimal performance and higher operational expenditures due to their inability to dynamically adjust operational modes based on slice-awareness and key performance indicators.
Innovation Solution
A Radio Access Network (RAN) control unit determines and configures the operational mode of dynamic small cells (DSCs) using channel measurements, traffic load, and slice requirements, enabling flexible operation modes such as Amplify and Forward (AF) and Decode and Forward (DF) to meet specific key performance indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed small cells are deployed with predetermined functional split, then network planning is simplified, but flexibility to adapt to changing service requirements and slice-awareness is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic small cells that can change their operational mode (AF or DF) based on real-time service requirements and slice-awareness. The functional split is no longer fixed but dynamically adjustable, allowing the network to adapt to varying traffic patterns and service demands while maintaining simplified network planning through automated mode selection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of small cells dynamically by switching between Amplify-and-Forward (AF) and Decode-and-Forward (DF) modes. This parameter change enables the system to optimize performance for different service types (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) and slice requirements without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
2Device complexity
If fixed operational mode is used for small cells, then device complexity is reduced, but network efficiency and performance optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where small cells automatically determine their optimal operational mode (AF or DF) based on local measurements of channel conditions, traffic load, and service requirements. This self-service capability allows the network to optimize efficiency without increasing device complexity, as the decision-making logic is embedded in automated algorithms rather than complex hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms where small cells continuously monitor network conditions, service requirements, and performance metrics, then use this feedback to dynamically adjust their operational mode. This feedback loop enables network efficiency optimization while keeping device complexity manageable through rule-based or machine learning-driven decision algorithms.
3Loss of energy
If small cells operate in fixed mode, then operational expenditure is reduced, but ability to meet slice-specific key performance indicators is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational modes that allow small cells to switch between AF and DF based on slice-specific requirements. This dynamic adaptation ensures that each network slice (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) receives the appropriate operational mode to meet its KPIs, while the system only incurs additional operational expenditure when and where needed, rather than maintaining fixed high-performance modes universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by determining operational modes based on local conditions at each small cell, including channel measurements, traffic load characteristics, and slice requirements. This localized decision-making allows the network to meet slice-specific KPIs where necessary while maintaining cost-effective operation in other areas, optimizing the trade-off between operational expenditure and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic operational modes are implemented in small cells, then adaptability to service requirements improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where small cells automatically determine their operational mode based on local measurements and pre-configured decision criteria. This self-service approach provides high adaptability to service requirements without increasing device complexity, as the complexity is managed through automated algorithms rather than manual configuration or complex hardware architectures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a radio access network (RAN) control unit (900) for determining a functional operation (908) of a dynamic small cell (DSC), in particular an unplanned small cell, a nomadic node or a relay, in a radio communication network comprising at least one slice associated with at least one user equipment (UE) and at least one radio channel connecting the at least one UE to the radio communication network, the RAN control unit (900) comprising a processor (901) configured to determine a functional operation (908) of the DSC based on information based on channel measurements (902) of the at least one radio channel and/or requirement information (904) of the at least one slice, and/or estimated or measured performance of the RAN, and/or location information (906) of the DSC.