RU Control Circuit Optimizing Wireless Cluster Performance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, particularly in Open-RAN (O-RAN) shared-cell topology, underperforming remote unit (RU) clusters experience reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to noise combination in uplink signals, leading to suboptimal coverage, power consumption, and data throughput.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a RU control circuit that optimizes underperforming RU clusters by muting underutilized RUs and re-clustering them, dynamically improving coverage, power consumption, and data throughput through link quality measurement processing and optimization tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple RUs are combined in a cluster to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to noise combination in uplink signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RU cluster optimization where the network controller continuously monitors performance metrics and dynamically adjusts cluster configurations. RUs are dynamically muted or activated based on real-time conditions, transforming the static cluster structure into a dynamic system that adapts to changing traffic patterns and signal conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between coverage extension and SNR maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of RUs including muting specific RUs, adjusting transmit power levels, and modifying cluster assignments. By changing these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed configurations, the system can optimize the balance between coverage area and signal-to-noise ratio based on current network conditions
2Use of energy by stationary object
If RUs are muted to improve SNR and reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but coverage area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic cluster optimization where RU muting decisions are made adaptively based on real-time performance monitoring. Instead of static muting configurations, the system dynamically adjusts which RUs are active or muted according to current traffic demand and signal conditions, enabling flexible trade-offs between power consumption and coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller periodically re-evaluates RU cluster performance and reconfigures clusters accordingly. This periodic optimization allows the system to cycle through different RU activation patterns, maintaining adequate coverage while reducing power consumption during low-traffic periods and activating additional RUs when coverage demands increase
3Productivity
If RU clusters are optimized dynamically to improve performance, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-organizing network features where RUs autonomously measure and report their performance metrics to the network controller. The optimization decisions are made based on algorithms that automatically analyze performance data and determine optimal cluster configurations, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the control architecture while maintaining high data throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback loops where performance metrics from RU clusters are continuously monitored and fed back to the network controller. This feedback mechanism enables automated optimization decisions that improve data throughput while managing complexity through algorithmic control rather than complex hardware modifications
Data Source
AI summary
Remote unit cluster optimization in a wireless communications system (WCS) is disclosed. More specifically, the remote unit cluster optimization is supported in a radio access network (RAN) subsystem in the WCS. The RAN subsystem includes multiple remote units (RUs) clusters, each including a set of RUs for providing wireless communications in the respective RU cluster. Herein, a RU control circuit is provided in between a distribution unit (DU) and the RUs to facilitate downlink and uplink communications between the DU and the RUs based on Open-RAN (O-RAN) shared-cell typology. In embodiments disclosed herein, the RU control circuit is configured to perform certain optimization tasks in any of the RU clusters that is deemed underperforming. By performing such RU cluster optimization, it is possible to dynamically improve coverage, power consumption, and/or data throughput in the RU clusters to thereby provide enhanced user experience in the WCS.