Virtualized 5G Satellite RAN Scheduling for Multi-Operator Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently apportioning the capacity of a satellite among virtual operators while adhering to thermal, DC power, and spectrum constraints in satellite networks, particularly in scenarios involving low earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Innovation Solution
A satellite system with a virtualized gNodeB-DU payload function that shares radio access networks and spectrum allocations among multiple operators, utilizing a scheduling function and network operations function to dynamically manage RAN coverage based on network and satellite-related parameters, including synchronization signal blocks, PRACH, intercell interference, thermal limitations, and power flux density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellite capacity is apportioned among virtual operators according to predetermined factors, then service provision to multiple operators is enabled, but the complexity of managing thermal, DC power, and spectrum constraints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite capacity management into separate functional components: a scheduling function that handles time and frequency resource allocation, and a network operations function that manages thermal and power constraints. This segmentation allows each function to specialize in specific aspects of capacity apportionment, reducing overall system complexity while enabling multi-operator service provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic capacity apportionment where the scheduling function continuously adjusts time and frequency resources based on real-time satellite conditions, operator requirements, and constraint parameters. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex static configurations, thereby managing multi-operator services more effectively.
2Productivity
If dynamic scheduling of RAN coverage is implemented to serve multiple cells, then spectrum and power usage efficiency is improved, but the complexity of controlling antenna operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scheduling function as an intermediary component between the antenna control system and the network operations function. This scheduling function acts as a mediator that translates high-level capacity apportionment decisions into specific antenna control commands, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining efficient spectrum and power usage across multiple cells.
3Quantity of substance
If virtualized gNodeB-DU payload function is used to share radio access networks, then operational expenses are reduced through resource sharing, but the complexity of managing network-related and satellite-related parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments parameter management into two distinct functions: the scheduling function handles time and frequency resource allocation parameters, while the network operations function manages thermal and DC power parameters. This segmentation allows each function to specialize in specific parameter sets, reducing the cognitive load and complexity of managing all parameters simultaneously while enabling comprehensive resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment where the scheduling function modifies time and frequency allocation parameters in real-time based on satellite conditions and operator requirements. This dynamic parameter changes approach allows the system to optimize resource sharing without requiring complex static parameter configurations, thereby managing the complexity of multiple parameters more effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer systems and methods are provided for virtualizing 5G services provided via satellite. A computer system includes at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions for execution by the at least one processor to implement a scheduling function and a network operations function, the scheduling function and the network operations function being communicatively coupled via an interface. The scheduling function is configured to control the operation of an antenna to provide radio access network (RAN) coverage to a plurality of cells in a target area. The network operations function is configured to configure the RAN coverage to serve the plurality of cells defined by at least one mobile network according to a set of network-related parameters and a set of satellite-related parameters.