Remote Radio Unit Architecture for Cellular Network Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless cellular networks face limitations in expanding capacity due to interference among macro base stations and the need for additional infrastructure and maintenance costs associated with deploying micro or pico base stations.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides dedicated capacity by co-locating a base station with an outdoor antenna at a local site and an indoor antenna at a geographically remote location, connected via a communication link, allowing mobile communications equipment to access the telephone network while leveraging existing site infrastructure and reducing the need for additional infrastructure and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If micro or pico base stations are added to expand network capacity, then network capacity is improved, but infrastructure complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a remote radio unit that can be nested within existing base station infrastructure. The remote radio unit is positioned in a remote location (such as indoors or in hard-to-reach areas) but is communicatively coupled to the base station controller through a backhaul connection, allowing it to function as part of the existing base station system rather than requiring completely separate infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote radio unit as an intermediary component between the base station controller and mobile devices. This remote radio unit handles the radio frequency functions at the remote location while the base station controller handles higher-layer processing, effectively dividing the base station functionality into two coordinated parts that reduce overall infrastructure complexity.
2Productivity
If micro or pico base stations are deployed to increase capacity, then network capacity is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station into two distinct functional parts: the base station controller that can be maintained at the original site, and the remote radio unit that can be positioned in remote locations. This segmentation allows the radio functions to be deployed remotely while keeping the controllable components accessible for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote radio unit serves as an intermediary that provides radio coverage in hard-to-reach locations while maintaining a communicative link to the accessible base station controller. This allows mobile devices to connect to remote antennas while the main control equipment remains accessible for routine maintenance and upgrades.
3Productivity
If additional backhaul links are added for each micro or pico base station, then network capacity is improved, but installation and maintenance expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple distributed base stations into a single base station system with one controller serving multiple remote radio units. By combining the control functions in one location and distributing only the radio units, the system reduces the number of separate backhaul links needed compared to having fully independent micro or pico base stations at each location.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises systems for and methods of providing dedicated capacity in a wireless cellular network. In an embodiment, a system for providing dedicated capacity in a cellular network comprises: a first base station positioned at a first location and being communicatively coupled to a telephone network, the first base station having an outdoor cellular antenna for forming a local coverage area, a second base station positioned at the first location and being communicatively coupled to the telephone network; and an indoor cellular antenna for forming a coverage area at a second location. The second location is geographically remote from the first location and the indoor cellular antenna is communicatively coupled to the second base station such that mobile communications equipment located within the coverage area at the second location are communicatively coupled to the telephone network via the indoor cellular antenna and the second base station.