Radio Network Controller Assembly Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building and managing large radio network controllers is complex due to their design limitations, leading to suboptimal network size and increased risk of failure, which compromises operational efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A radio network controller assembly comprising multiple unit radio network controllers with internal interfaces for peer communication and a database for configuration data, allowing for flexible capacity adjustment and dynamic load management, while maintaining standard external interfaces for compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single radio network controller controls a large number of base stations, then network administration efficiency and hardware efficiency are improved, but device complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large radio network controller into multiple smaller unit radio network controllers (unit RNCs), each capable of independently controlling a subset of base stations. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual controlling nodes while maintaining the ability to manage large networks through coordinated operation of multiple units.
2Productivity
If a single radio network controller controls a large number of base stations, then resource pool size and response time are improved, but failure area and network reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the controlling function across multiple unit RNCs, the patent creates a distributed architecture where each unit manages a portion of the network. This reduces the failure area - when one unit fails, others continue operating - while maintaining fast response times through localized decision-making at each unit level.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit radio network controller is designed to handle specific local functions and a subset of base stations independently. This local quality allows each unit to respond quickly to local events while the overall system maintains reliability through distribution, preventing single points of failure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radio network controller assembly is designed with multiple unit controllers, then capacity flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular architecture where the radio network controller assembly is divided into identical or similar unit RNCs that can be added, removed, or configured independently. This segmentation provides capacity flexibility - the network can be scaled by adding or removing units - while managing complexity through standardization of each unit's design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit radio network controller is designed with universal capabilities to interact with base stations, core networks, and other unit RNCs through standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows any unit to potentially take over any function, providing adaptability while reducing the need for specialized complex configurations.
4Ease of operation
If internal interfaces are designed freely for unit radio network controllers, then efficiency and ease of operation are improved, but compatibility and standardization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates interfaces into two categories: external interfaces that must conform to telecommunication standards for compatibility with base stations and core networks, and internal interfaces between unit RNCs that can be freely designed for optimization. This extraction allows internal efficiency improvements without compromising external compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the interface requirements into external (standardized) and internal (optimized) categories, the patent allows each segment to be designed independently according to its specific requirements, achieving both compatibility and efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is presented a radio network controller assembly for controlling base stations. The radio network controller assembly comprises: a plurality of unit radio network controllers, wherein each unit radio network controller comprises: a set of external interfaces configured for interaction with a core network, base stations and other radio network controllers; and a set of internal interfaces, distinct from the set of external interfaces, configured at least for interaction with peer unit radio network controllers belonging to the radio network controller assembly. The radio network assembly further comprises a database arranged to store configuration data comprising mappings of each base station to one of the plurality of unit radio network controllers. The radio network controller assembly is arranged to use the set of external interfaces for communication with the plurality of base stations, the core network and other radio network controllers external to the radio network controller assembly.