Shared Cell eAxC_ID Grouping for Lower O-RAN Control Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing resources and maintaining high communication quality, particularly in network infrastructures with functional splits, leading to resource waste and suboptimal performance in O-RAN environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for configuring a shared cell that involves a middle node receiving capability information, extending control plane messages, and determining combining timing to efficiently combine uplink packets, thereby optimizing resource utilization and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functional split method is implemented in base station, then network infrastructure flexibility is improved, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared cell configuration where a single cell can be shared by multiple O-DUs through the introduction of eAxC_ID groups. This allows the same physical cell to serve multiple distributed units, making the network infrastructure more universal and flexible while reducing resource waste by eliminating redundant cell configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple eAxC_IDs into groups where a single control plane message can represent multiple member eAxC_IDs. This combining approach reduces the number of separate control messages needed, thereby reducing resource waste while maintaining the flexibility of having multiple O-DUs share the same cell.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple eAxC_IDs are configured for shared cell, then communication flexibility is improved, but control plane message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple eAxC_IDs into groups where one control plane message can represent multiple member eAxC_IDs. The middle node extends the control plane message to include information about all member eAxC_IDs in the group, reducing the number of separate control messages needed while maintaining communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane message is designed to be universal by including a representative eAxC_ID that can represent multiple member eAxC_IDs. This multi-functional message structure allows a single message to serve multiple purposes, reducing overhead while maintaining the ability to address multiple eAxC_IDs individually when needed.
3Measurement precision
If uplink packets are processed individually, then processing accuracy is improved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple uplink packets that share the same representative eAxC_ID into a single extended control plane message. The middle node processes these packets together by determining combining timing based on user plane symbol reference timing, which reduces processing delay while maintaining accuracy through unified timing determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary grouping of eAxC_IDs into representative groups before processing uplink packets. By pre-organizing packets into groups that can be processed together, the system reduces subsequent processing delays while maintaining accuracy through the preliminary established groupings and timing relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a middle node in a communication system includes: receiving a request message for capability information from a controller; transmitting capability information of the middle node as a response to the request message; and receiving configuration information for an extended antenna carrier (eAxC)_identifier (ID) group supporting Section Extension 10 based on the capability information of the middle node from the controller.