Reconfigurable Distributed Antenna Control for Traffic Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) face challenges in managing varying subscriber loads, optimizing radio resource usage, and achieving accurate indoor location determination, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for frequent reconfigurations and separate dedicated devices for location services.
Innovation Solution
A Reconfigurable Distributed Antenna System employing software-defined radio technology with frequency-selective Digital Up-Converters and Down-Converters, integrated Pilot Beacons, and a central Digital Access Unit to dynamically manage radio resources, optimize network performance, and enhance indoor location accuracy without the need for additional dedicated devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many low-power high-capacity base stations are deployed throughout the facility to accommodate maximum subscriber loading, then quality of service is improved, but total life cycle cost increases due to wasted capacity during low-usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of DAS remote units by changing system configuration based on real-time subscriber loading conditions. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, allowing remote units to be activated or deactivated according to actual traffic demands, thereby eliminating wasted capacity while maintaining quality of service during peak periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which specific remote units are active) based on subscriber loading conditions. By monitoring traffic patterns and adjusting the configuration of DAS components, the system adapts capacity allocation to match actual demand, reducing energy waste during low-usage periods while ensuring adequate service during peak times
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed DAS configuration is deployed during the design process, then initial setup is simplified, but the system requires frequent manual reconfigurations when enterprise re-organizations occur, increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed to dynamic configuration, enabling automatic adaptation to enterprise re-organizations and changing traffic patterns. Remote units can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for manual reconfigurations while maintaining ease of initial deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The DAS system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting changes in enterprise structure and traffic patterns, then adjusting its own remote unit allocation without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability maintains simplicity while providing adaptability to changing conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of DAS remote units is performed to accommodate changing enterprise needs, then adaptability is improved, but additional staff resources and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors subscriber loading and enterprise traffic patterns, then self-configures by activating or deactivating appropriate remote units without human intervention. This eliminates the need for specialized staff while maintaining high adaptability to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of traffic patterns and subscriber loading, using this feedback to automatically adjust remote unit configuration. This closed-loop control enables adaptability while reducing operational complexity by eliminating manual management requirements
4Measurement precision
If separate dedicated devices are deployed for indoor location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates location determination functionality directly into the existing DAS remote units, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices. The same infrastructure components that provide wireless service also perform location measurements, reducing system complexity while maintaining accurate indoor location determination
Solution Approach 2:
The DAS remote units are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing wireless communication service and performing location determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate location devices while maintaining measurement precision, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is a novel utility of a software defined radio (SDR) based Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that is field reconfigurable and support multi-modulation schemes (modulation-independent), multi-carriers, multi-frequency bands and multi-channels. The present disclosure enables a high degree of flexibility to manage, control, enhance, facilitate the usage and performance of a distributed wireless network such as flexible simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, network and radio resource optimization, network calibration, autonomous/assisted commissioning, carrier pooling, automatic frequency selection, frequency carrier placement, traffic monitoring, traffic tagging, pilot beacon, etc.