RAN Management Apparatus for Distributed Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared Radio Access Networks (RAN), it is challenging to ensure a lower limit of throughput for User Equipment (UEs) with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) due to strained usage resources of Distributed Units (DUs), particularly during congestion.
Innovation Solution
A RAN management apparatus that includes a processor to instruct the Central Unit (CU) and DUs to distribute data processing, where a second DU processes a portion of data for specific UEs with guarantee-type SLAs when the first DU's resource usage exceeds a threshold or traffic exceeds a predetermined level, with the portion determined by data type or a fixed percentage in resource block units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple operators share a single RAN to improve space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but resource contention and throughput guarantee for specific UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing function of the first DU by identifying specific data packets for guarantee-type SLA UEs and routing them to a second DU. This segmentation allows the first DU to handle best-effort traffic while the second DU dedicates resources to SLA UEs, thereby maintaining throughput guarantees despite RAN sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts critical data packets for guarantee-type SLA UEs from the general data stream processed by the first DU. By separating these high-priority packets and directing them to a second DU, the system ensures dedicated resource allocation for SLA UEs while maintaining efficient space utilization through RAN sharing.
2Device complexity
If the first DU processes all data for UEs to maintain simple architecture, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput for guarantee-type SLA UEs deteriorates during congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a segmentation mechanism at the first DU that divides incoming data into two categories: best-effort traffic and guarantee-type SLA traffic. This segmentation enables the system to maintain a relatively simple overall architecture while ensuring dedicated processing paths for SLA UEs through selective data extraction and redirection to a second DU.
3Device complexity
If the first DU handles all traffic to reduce system complexity, then system complexity is reduced, but resource strain and inability to guarantee SLA throughput worsens during high traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively identifying and extracting data packets for guarantee-type SLA UEs before they enter the main processing queue of the first DU. This preliminary separation ensures that SLA traffic is prepared for dedicated handling by the second DU, preventing resource contention and ensuring SLA fulfillment even during high traffic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus of a Radio Access Network (RAN) that is shared by a plurality of operators, wherein the RAN comprises: a Central Unit (CU); a first Distributed Unit (DU) that is communicably connected to the CU; a second DU that is communicably connected to the CU; and a Radio Unit (RU) that is communicably connected to the first DU and the second DU, wherein the management apparatus comprises a processor that executes transmission of instructions to the CU, the first DU, and the second DU to cause the second DU to process, among data to be processed at the first DU for the RU, at least a portion of data for a specific equipment (UE) that is communicably connected to the RU.