Software-Defined DAS Reconfiguration for Indoor Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing dynamic subscriber loading, inefficient resource utilization, and high installation and operational costs, particularly in indoor environments, with limitations in network reconfiguration and indoor location accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined radio-based Distributed Antenna System (DAS) with flexible simulcast, automatic traffic load-balancing, and integrated Pilot Beacons for enhanced location accuracy, utilizing frequency-selective Digital Up-Converters and Down-Converters for efficient resource management and dynamic reconfiguration.
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 adjusts which remote units are active and how capacity is distributed, transforming a static over-provisioned system into a dynamic one that matches capacity to actual demand, thereby maintaining quality of service while reducing wasted capacity during low-usage periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the DAS by remotely reconfiguring remote units through software control. The network controller can modify transmission power levels, activate or deactivate specific remote units, and adjust radio resource allocation parameters based on real-time network conditions and subscriber distribution, allowing optimal performance across varying load conditions without physical hardware changes
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed DAS configuration is deployed during the design process, then initial setup is simplified, but the system requires frequent manual reconfiguration when enterprise re-organizations occur, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed DAS configuration into a dynamic system through software-controlled remote reconfiguration capabilities. The network controller can remotely adjust and reconfigure DAS remote units without physical intervention, allowing the system to adapt to enterprise re-organizations and changing usage patterns while maintaining simple initial deployment. This dynamic control layer provides operational flexibility without sacrificing installation ease
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service reconfiguration through automated network control. The network controller monitors network conditions and can automatically reconfigure remote units in response to changing enterprise structures or usage patterns, eliminating the need for manual intervention by specialized staff. The DAS serves itself by detecting when reconfiguration is needed and executing the changes autonomously through software control
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of DAS remote units is performed to adapt to changing enterprise needs, then system adaptability is improved, but deployment of additional staff resources with specialized expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service adaptability where the network controller automatically manages DAS reconfiguration based on monitored network conditions and enterprise needs. The system detects when reconfiguration is required and executes changes without human intervention, providing high adaptability while eliminating the operational complexity of manual configuration by specialized staff. The DAS performs its own optimization through automated software control
4Quantity of substance
If base stations are sized for maximum subscriber loading during normal working hours, then capacity is sufficient during peak times, but unexpected challenges arise during lunchtime when subscribers congregate in specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, location-based capacity allocation through software-controlled DAS reconfiguration. The network controller monitors subscriber distribution across different locations and time periods, then dynamically adjusts which remote units are active and how capacity is allocated to specific areas. This allows the system to provide sufficient total capacity while adapting its distribution to match actual subscriber locations, whether during normal working hours or lunchtime congregations
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by allowing different DAS remote units to have different operational characteristics based on local subscriber density and needs. The network controller can concentrate capacity in specific geographic areas where subscribers are congregated while reducing or deactivating remote units in areas with low usage, creating locally optimized service quality that matches actual demand patterns rather than applying uniform capacity distribution
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 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.