Software-Defined DAS Reconfiguration for Load Balancing and Indoor Location
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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 accurate indoor location determination, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for frequent reconfigurations and separate dedicated devices for location services.
Innovation Solution
A Reconfigurable Distributed Antenna System utilizing software-defined radio technology with frequency-selective Digital Up-Converters and Down-Converters, integrated Pilot Beacons, and a central Digital Access Unit to dynamically manage radio resources, optimize network performance, and enhance indoor location accuracy without the need for additional dedicated devices.
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 by changing system configuration based on time of day and usage patterns. The network switch allows remote units to be dynamically assigned to different base stations, enabling the system to adapt capacity allocation to actual subscriber load conditions rather than maintaining fixed maximum capacity configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by reconfiguring which remote units are associated with which base stations based on temporal patterns and usage data. This parameter change allows the network to optimize capacity utilization by matching remote unit assignments to actual demand conditions at different times.
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 reconfigurations when enterprise re-organizations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed DAS configuration into a dynamic system that can be reconfigured through software control. The network switch enables remote units to be reassigned to different base stations based on changing enterprise organizational structures, eliminating the need for physical redeployment while maintaining adaptability to re-organization events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration processes with automated software-controlled network switching. Instead of physically redeploying remote units or manually reconfiguring connections, the system uses software to dynamically assign remote units to base stations, substituting automated digital control for manual mechanical operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of DAS remote units is performed to adapt to changing enterprise needs, then adaptability is improved, but deployment of additional staff resources is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the network management system automatically performs reconfiguration of remote units based on usage data and organizational changes. The system monitors subscriber loading patterns and autonomously reassigns remote units to appropriate base stations without requiring manual intervention from IT staff, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor subscriber loading on base stations and automatically trigger reconfiguration actions. By continuously gathering usage data and responding to changing conditions, the system adapts network configuration autonomously based on real-time feedback rather than requiring manual assessment and reconfiguration by staff.
4Measurement precision
If separate dedicated devices are deployed for indoor location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DAS remote units multi-functional by enabling them to perform both wireless signal transmission and indoor location determination functions. The same remote units that provide cellular service also measure signal characteristics to determine subscriber locations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated location devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate location tracking.
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.