Radio Resource Management Clustering for 5G Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous 5G networks, existing Radio Resource Management (RRM) solutions face challenges in efficiently selecting and placing RRM controllers and functions to meet diverse network slice requirements, particularly in dense urban scenarios with non-ideal backhaul and excessive signaling, which affects performance and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
An RRM configuration device and method that dynamically form clusters of access nodes, select RRM controllers, and adapt RRM splits based on backhaul quality, load conditions, and network slice requirements, allowing for centralized, distributed, or semi-centralized RRM configurations to optimize resource management and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized RRM solutions are used in dense heterogeneous RAN deployments, then optimal performance and resource allocation are achieved, but the solution is not feasible for distributed radio access network (D-RAN) deployments and requires ideal backhaul
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into clusters of access nodes, with each cluster having its own RRM controller. This segmentation allows the system to achieve centralized RRM benefits within clusters while maintaining distributed deployment flexibility across the overall network, resolving the contradiction between centralized performance and distributed adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local RRM control within each cluster, where the RRM controller makes decisions based on local cluster conditions rather than centralized control from a remote controller. This local quality approach enables optimal resource allocation within clusters while adapting to distributed deployment scenarios, bridging the gap between centralized efficiency and distributed flexibility
2Ease of operation
If RRM functions are centralized in one access node, then fast and simple interactions between RRM functions are achieved, but ideal backhaul is required and signaling overhead becomes high in ultra-dense environments
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the network into multiple clusters, each with its own RRM controller, the patent reduces the signaling overhead that would otherwise be generated in ultra-dense environments. Each controller only needs to manage its local cluster, segmenting the signaling traffic and preventing excessive overhead accumulation across the entire network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to RRM control, with RRM controllers operating at the cluster level rather than requiring a single centralized controller at the network level. This dimensional change allows simplified local interactions within clusters while reducing the need for extensive signaling across the entire ultra-dense network
3Reliability
If network slices are introduced to adapt to vertical industry needs, then latency, reliability, and quality of service are improved, but the RRM design is significantly impacted and different RRM functional placements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different RRM functional placements within clusters to serve different network slice requirements. Each cluster's RRM controller can be configured with appropriate functions based on the specific QoS, latency, and reliability needs of local slices, allowing tailored quality of service without requiring complete redesign of the overall RRM architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic RRM functional placement that can adapt to different network slice requirements. The RRM controllers can dynamically adjust which functions are performed locally versus remotely based on the specific demands of active network slices, providing the flexibility needed to meet diverse vertical industry requirements while managing design complexity
4Speed
If fast scheduling decisions are performed in micro-cells for URLLC, then latency requirements are met, but excessive signaling is required for backhaul and access measurements
Solution Approach 1:
By placing RRM controllers at the cluster level rather than requiring all fast scheduling decisions to propagate through the entire network, the patent enables rapid local scheduling in micro-cells for URLLC while segmenting the signaling traffic. This reduces the excessive signaling overhead that would otherwise be required for backhaul and access measurements across the entire network
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a Radio-resource management (RRM) configuration device, and corresponding method, for a network comprising a plurality of access nodes. The device is configured to divide the plurality of access nodes of the network into clusters, and to select at least one access node of each cluster as RRM controller. Further, the device is configured to determine the non-selected access nodes of each cluster as slave nodes, and to select, for each cluster, an RRM split between each slave node and the at least one RRM controller of the respective cluster. The device is also configured to transmit, to each access node, information about its cluster, the at least one RRM controller of the cluster, and the selected RRM split.