SDR Distributed Antenna Architecture for Load Balancing and Self-Healing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network operators face challenges in maximizing DAS network capacity while ensuring cost-effective deployments and high DAS remote unit availability, particularly due to frequent changes in network conditions and subscriber needs, and the reliability of electronic and optical connections.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system with Digital Access Units (DAUs) and Digital Remote Units (DRUs) configured in daisy-chained or ring configurations, utilizing optical transport for fault tolerance, dynamic load balancing, and adaptive resource management, enabling features like Flexible Simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, and self-healing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DAS networks employ traditional architectures with fixed transport facilities, then deployment costs are reduced initially, but the networks lack flexibility to adapt to changing network conditions and subscriber needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and load balancing mechanisms that allow the DAS network to adapt to changing conditions in real-time. The system dynamically assigns radio resources, adjusts traffic routing, and reconfigures network parameters based on current subscriber needs and network state, transforming a static architecture into a dynamic one that can respond to changing demands without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The DAS network is divided into multiple independent functional modules including Remote Radio Heads (RRHs), Baseband Units (BBUs), and core network elements. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently configured, managed, and optimized. Each module can be dynamically adjusted without affecting the entire network, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Reliability
If DAS networks deploy redundant transport facilities to ensure high availability, then remote unit availability improves, but installation and lease costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms that track the state of transport facilities and remote units in real-time. When failures or degradations are detected, the system automatically responds by rerouting traffic through alternative paths, activating standby resources, or dynamically reconfiguring the network topology. This feedback-driven approach maintains high availability without requiring permanent redundant infrastructure for all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic parameter adjustment to optimize network reliability based on actual conditions. Network parameters such as traffic routing paths, resource allocation priorities, and failover thresholds are continuously adjusted based on real-time monitoring data. This allows the system to maintain high availability by changing operational parameters rather than permanently deploying excessive redundant infrastructure.
3Productivity
If DAS networks use extensive transport facilities to support high capacity, then network capacity increases, but installation and lease costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DAS network architecture is designed with universal, multi-functional transport facilities that can dynamically serve multiple purposes. The same infrastructure supports both high-capacity data transmission and control signaling, and can be reconfigured to support different service types and traffic patterns. This multi-functionality allows the network to achieve high capacity without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure for each function, reducing overall deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic capacity allocation that adjusts network resources based on actual traffic demands. During peak periods, maximum capacity is utilized; during off-peak periods, resources are scaled back or reallocated. This dynamic approach allows the network to provide high capacity when needed while avoiding the cost of permanently provisioning infrastructure for maximum theoretical capacity at all times.
4Adaptability or versatility
If DAS networks are designed for frequent re-arrangement to meet changing facility needs, then adaptability improves, but rearrangement costs become significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements fully dynamic, software-controlled network configuration capabilities that allow rapid re-arrangement of DAS resources without physical infrastructure changes. Network parameters, resource allocations, and traffic routing can be modified through software commands in real-time, enabling the network to adapt to changing facility needs without costly physical re-deployment. This dynamic software-based control transforms capital-intensive physical re-arrangement into operational-expenditure-based logical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with flexible, standardized interfaces and modular components that are designed from the outset to facilitate easy re-arrangement. By establishing a modular architecture with standardized connection protocols and pre-programmed reconfiguration capabilities, the system enables rapid adaptation to changing needs without requiring complex custom integration work or expensive specialized equipment during re-arrangement operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides high flexibility, reduces costs by minimizing transport facilities, enhances network performance, and ensures high availability with self-healing features, supporting multiple operators and modulation-independent multi-frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
the transport media e.g., optical fiber, must be very reliable
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is a novel utility of a software defined radio (SDR) based Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that is field reconfigurable and support multi-modulation schemes (modulation-independent), multi-carriers, multi-frequency bands and multi-channels. The present invention enables a high degree of flexibility to manage, control, enhance, facilitate the usage and performance of a distributed wireless network such as Flexible Simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, network and radio resource optimization, network calibration, autonomous/assisted commissioning, carrier pooling, automatic frequency selection, frequency carrier placement, traffic monitoring, traffic tagging, pilot beacon, etc. As a result, a DAS in accordance with the present invention can increase the efficiency and traffic capacity of the operators' wireless network.