RF Transceiver Chain Sharing for RAN and Backhaul

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless relay systems have inefficiently independent Radio Access Networks (RAN) and backhaul links, with separate RF chains that do not effectively utilize aggregated Radio Frequency (RF) power for communication between a Core Network and a RAN.

Innovation Solution

The system employs N radio transceiver chains connected to both RAN and Backhaul antennas, using RF switches and power combiners to aggregate RF power, allowing data to be relayed wirelessly between the Core Network and the RAN, optimizing resource usage by sharing hardware and software resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate RF chains are used for RAN and backhaul links, then each link can operate independently, but resource utilization is inefficient and hardware resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidhardware resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the same RF chains to serve dual purposes - first for RAN communication with user equipment, then for backhaul communication with the core network. The RF chains are reconfigured through switching to perform different functions at different times, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function and thereby reducing overall hardware resource consumption while maintaining operational independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the RF chain connections flexible and reconfigurable rather than fixed. Through dynamic switching mechanisms, the RF chains can be reallocated from RAN functions to backhaul functions based on operational needs. This dynamic resource allocation allows the system to adapt to different communication scenarios while using the same physical hardware, thus reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate RF chains are used for RAN and backhaul links, then signal paths are independent, but transmission power and reception sensitivity are not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission independenceVSAvoidtransmission power efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RF chains into a unified resource pool that can be dynamically assigned to different functions. By combining the capabilities of multiple RF chains and selectively activating them for either RAN or backhaul operations, the system optimizes transmission power efficiency. The aggregated power from multiple chains can be concentrated for backhaul transmissions when needed, improving power utilization while maintaining signal path independence through controlled switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If N radio transceiver chains are connected to N RAN antennas, then data communication with wireless SS is enabled, but the same chains cannot simultaneously serve backhaul communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoiddual-function capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by sequentially allocating RF chains to different functions in time. The RF chains are first dedicated to RAN communication with wireless subscriber stations, then switched to serve backhaul communication with the core network. This time-division approach allows the same physical chains to perform multiple functions periodically, enabling both data communication capabilities and dual-function versatility without requiring simultaneous dedicated resources for both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances communication efficiency by utilizing aggregated RF power for both RAN and backhaul transmissions, improving transmission power and reception sensitivity, and economizing resources by sharing hardware and software resources as needed.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing the aggregated RF power of the N radio transceiver chains

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF power aggregation:

Implementation Method 2

communicates data wirelessly with at least one wireless SS via the N radio transceiver chains and the corresponding N RAN antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS8634339B2Methods and systems for sharing resources between a radio access network and a backhaul network

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 AVIAT U S

AI summary

Various embodiments are presented for combining features of a Radio Access Network (RAN) and those of a backhaul link or Network. In particular, and unlike the prior art, certain hardware and software resources are shared by the two Networks as needed. Such resources may include, for example, radio transceiver chains, interconnects, interconnect matrices, and RF power combiners. These resources will be dedicated on a time and need basis to either Network. This sharing permits the economizing of resources. Also, the aggregated transmission power of the radio transceiver chains previously used for RAN communication can now be utilized for backhaul transmission, or the aggregated reception capability for multiple chains used for RAN communication can now be used to improve reception when receiving transmissions from the Core Network.