Sequential Cell Allocation for C-RAN BBU Hub Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network architectures, particularly in 5G environments, face challenges in optimizing cell allocation and BBU coordination to maximize advanced C-RAN/E-RAN features while minimizing hardware resources and costs, especially in heterogeneous networks with diverse use cases requiring high bandwidth, low latency, and efficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for optimizing cell allocation and BBU coordination by sequentially assigning cells to hubs and BBUs based on predetermined capacity parameters, generating optimal cell allocation maps, and configuring connections to optimize key performance indicators such as RF capacity, network throughput, and user media experience, while leveraging features like Carrier Aggregation and Coordinated Multi-Point transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cells are allocated to multiple BBUs simultaneously to maximize resource utilization, then hardware resource efficiency is improved, but allocation complexity and computation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell allocation process into two distinct phases: (1) determining which BBUs can serve each cell based on coordination requirements, and (2) sequentially assigning cells to BBUs based on capacity constraints. This segmentation simplifies the overall allocation complexity while maintaining resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first determining the set of BBUs capable of coordinating for each cell before proceeding with allocation. This preliminary determination of coordination-capable BBUs simplifies subsequent allocation decisions and reduces computational complexity.
2Device complexity
If sequential allocation is used to simplify the allocation process, then allocation complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the allocation status of each BBU is continuously monitored and used to inform subsequent allocation decisions. The system feedbacks on BBU capacity utilization and coordination requirements to optimize the sequential allocation process and improve resource utilization efficiency.
3Reliability
If advanced C-RAN/E-RAN features are fully implemented to maximize network performance, then network performance is improved, but hardware costs and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables BBUs to serve multiple cells across different hubs through inter-hub coordination, making each BBU more universal and multi-functional. This reduces the total number of BBUs required while maintaining advanced C-RAN/E-RAN features and network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges coordination capabilities across multiple hubs, allowing BBUs from different hubs to cooperate on cell serving. This consolidation of coordination functions reduces hardware redundancy and optimizes resource utilization while maintaining network performance.
4Productivity
If inter-hub BBU coordination is enabled to maximize coordination benefits, then coordination efficiency is improved, but network complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary allocation mechanism that manages inter-hub BBU coordination. This intermediary allocation process simplifies the complexity of direct inter-hub coordination by providing a structured framework for determining and managing coordination relationships between BBUs across hubs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and non-transitory computer readable media for facilitating network connectivity in a split architecture fronthaul network (102) comprising a plurality of cells (118-1 to 118-5, 120-1 to 120-5) and one or more BBU hubs (108A, 108B), each hub comprising at least a BBU (110-N, 112-M). An example cell allocation process (400B, 500A) is configured to assign cells to the hubs sequentially, i.e., a hub must be completely full (e.g., with respect to certain predetermined capacity such as port utilization) before adding cells to any other hubs. Once a hub is full, the allocated cells are further assigned to the individual BBUs of the hub also sequentially (500B). An optimal cell allocation map (418) is thereby obtained, which may be used in (re)configuring the connectivity between the cells (118-1 to 118-5, 120-1 to 120-5) and the hubs/BBUs (110-N, 112-M).