Software-Defined Distributed Antenna System Dynamic Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) face challenges in managing varying subscriber loads, optimizing radio resource usage, and achieving indoor location accuracy, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for multiple dedicated devices and manual reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined Reconfigurable Distributed Antenna System employing frequency-selective Digital Up-Converters and Down-Converters, integrated Pilot Beacons, and a central Digital Access Unit for flexible simulcast, automatic traffic management, and enhanced location determination, allowing dynamic reconfiguration and efficient use of optical fiber bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many low-power high-capacity base stations are deployed throughout the facility to accommodate maximum subscriber loading, then quality of service is improved, but total life cycle cost increases due to wasted capacity during low-usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of DAS remote units through software control, allowing the system to adapt radio resource allocation to real-time subscriber loading conditions. The network controller dynamically assigns remote units to different base stations based on current traffic demands, enabling capacity to be activated or deactivated as needed rather than maintaining fixed provisioning for peak loads throughout the facility.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed DAS configuration is deployed during the design process, then initial setup is simplified, but the system requires manual reconfiguration and additional staff resources when enterprise re-organizations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic modification of system parameters through software control, allowing the network controller to reassign remote units, change radio resource allocation, and adjust base station configurations without physical reconfiguration. This software-defined approach allows enterprises to adapt to organizational changes by simply updating configuration parameters rather than deploying additional staff for physical reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of DAS remote units is performed to adapt to changing enterprise needs, then some flexibility is achieved, but additional staff resources and time are required for real-time management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service capabilities where the network controller automatically monitors subscriber loading and dynamically reconfigures DAS remote unit assignments without human intervention. The system autonomously optimizes radio resource allocation by analyzing traffic patterns and reassigning remote units to appropriate base stations based on current demands, eliminating the need for manual management while maintaining high adaptability.
4Reliability
If dedicated devices are deployed for each operator and function, then service reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal DAS architecture where remote units can be dynamically assigned to serve multiple operators and different service functions through software control. The network controller manages a pool of shared remote units that can be allocated to different base stations and operators as needed, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each operator while maintaining service reliability through flexible resource allocation and load balancing.
Data Source
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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 disclosure 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, the SDR DAS can increase the efficiency and traffic capacity of the operators' wireless network.