RRH Control Transfer Between BBU Pools in C-RAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

In centralized, cooperative, or cloud radio access networks (C-RAN), there is a need for efficient management and interworking of Base Band Unit (BBU) processing pools, particularly in localized C-RAN deployments, where resource sharing and load balancing between BBU pools are limited, leading to inefficiencies such as underutilization of resources and reduced opportunities for energy savings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for inter-BBU pool migration, where the control of Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) can be transferred between BBU processing pools based on load conditions or energy-saving criteria, using a switching topology and protocols like X2AP to enable seamless migration without service interruption, allowing for dynamic allocation of processing resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If localized BBU pool architecture is deployed to control RRHs, then device complexity is reduced and deployment is simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and load balancing between pools becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBBU pool architecture complexityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple localized BBU pools into a unified virtualized BBU pool infrastructure, allowing RRHs to be dynamically assigned across physical BBU pools through virtualization. This enables resource sharing and load balancing while maintaining the simplified localized deployment architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal BBU pool management system that can serve multiple RRHs across different physical BBU pools. The virtualized pool provides multi-functional capabilities including load balancing, resource allocation, and seamless handover between pools, enhancing overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If localized BBU pools are deployed without interworking mechanisms, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but energy saving opportunities are reduced due to inability to dynamically allocate resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation within the BBU pool architecture, where RRH control can be dynamically transferred between different physical BBU pools based on load conditions and energy-saving criteria. This maintains deployment simplicity while enabling flexible resource management for energy optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor load conditions and resource utilization across BBU pools, enabling the management system to make informed decisions about resource allocation and energy-saving operations. The feedback loop allows dynamic adjustment of RRH assignments to optimize energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If RRH control is fixed to a single BBU pool, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing load conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRRH-BBU association stabilityVSAvoidload condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares for potential load changes by establishing pre-configured BBU pool associations and migration paths. When load conditions change, the system can rapidly transfer RRH control between pools using pre-established connections and protocols, maintaining stability while adapting to new conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between RRHs and physical BBU pools. This intermediary manages the associations dynamically, allowing stable RRH-BBU logical connections while enabling flexible reassignment between physical pools based on load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3175604B1System and method of transferring control of a remote radio head between base-band unit (BBU) processing pools
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 INTEL IP CORP
  • EP3175604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3175604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3175604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of transferring control of a Remote Radio Head (RRH) between Base-Band Unit (BBU) processing pools. For example, a Base Band Unit (BBU) processing pool may include a transport network interface to communicate with a plurality of Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) via a transport network; and a pool processor to manage a plurality of BBUs, the plurality of BBUs configured to control the plurality of RRHs according to a RRH control protocol, the pool processor being configured to transfer control of at least one RRH of the plurality of RRHs from at least one BBU of the plurality of BBUs to at least one target BBU processing pool.