Network Node Controlling RRU Connectivity via UE Measurement Reports
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, controlling the connectivity of radio resource units (RRUs) to baseband units (BBUs) via a distribution network is challenging, particularly in dense urban areas where many small cells require efficient and scalable solutions, and existing methods require meticulous planning to coordinate adjacent RRUs and BBUs for optimal signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A network node, such as the Lambda Controller (λCTRL), is used to control connectivity by triggering user equipment to perform measurements on neighboring RRUs, reporting these measurements, and selecting an appropriate BBU for the RRU based on neighboring RRU connections, allowing automatic connection and optimization of BBU-RRU relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RRUs are connected to BBUs via a distribution network in dense urban areas, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but planning complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling RRUs to automatically select and connect to appropriate BBUs without manual planning. The RRU autonomously measures neighboring cell signals, receives measurement reports, and determines its optimal BBU connection based on these reports, eliminating the need for meticulous manual planning while maintaining optimal network performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of connectivity management from static pre-planned connections to dynamic parameter-based selection. The system uses measurement parameters (signal strength, neighboring cell information) to dynamically determine RRU-BBU connectivity, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions and automatically optimize connections
2Reliability
If meticulous planning is used to coordinate adjacent RRUs and BBUs, then signal processing optimization is improved, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having UEs perform measurements and send measurement reports before RRU-BBU connectivity is finalized. This preliminary gathering of neighboring cell information enables the RRU to make informed connection decisions automatically, achieving signal processing optimization without requiring time-consuming manual planning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs continuously measure and report neighboring cell signals to the network. This feedback loop provides real-time information about radio conditions, enabling dynamic optimization of RRU-BBU connectivity based on actual signal quality rather than static pre-planning
3Ease of manufacture
If BBUs are centralized in hub sites serving many RRUs, then site simplification and operational efficiency are improved, but connectivity control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating connectivity control functions into two parts: centralized BBU pool management and distributed RRU autonomous selection. The centralized controller manages the pool of BBUs and receives measurement reports, while individual RRUs autonomously select their connections based on local measurements, dividing the complexity burden between centralized and distributed elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where measurement reports from UEs serve as intermediaries between the distributed RRUs and centralized BBU pool. These reports convey neighboring cell information that enables autonomous connection decisions, acting as a mediator that facilitates simplified centralized control without requiring complex direct coordination between each RRU and BBU
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed by a network node (10) in a communication network is disclosed for controlling connectivity of a radio resource unit, RRU, to a baseband unit, BBU, in the communications network. The communication network comprises a plurality of RRUs (21-24) and a plurality of BBUs (41-43), each RRU being connected to a BBU via a distribution network (35). The method comprises: receiving (102) information indicating that a connection of a first RRU (21) to a first BBU (41) is to be controlled and triggering (104) a user equipment, UE (30), connected to the first RRU (21) to perform measurements on signals from neighboring RRUs (22, 23) and to send a report of the performed measurements to the communications network. The method further comprises receiving (106) the report of the performed measurements, and selecting (108) a BBU, out of the plurality of BBUs (41-43), to which the first RRU (21) is to be connected, based on the report of performed measurements and on information regarding to which of the plurality of BBUs (41-43) the neighboring RRUs (22, 23) are connected. A corresponding network node is also disclosed.