Shared eNodeB for Multi-Operator LTE in Unlicensed Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing universal or common spectrum for small cells in public locations, leading to expensive solutions that require independent core infrastructure and separate radios for each licensed spectrum owner, limiting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of small cell growth.
Innovation Solution
A shared eNodeB system that utilizes unlicensed frequency bands to establish communication links with multiple operator networks, enabling simultaneous communication with UEs from different operators over unlicensed frequency bands, such as 5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz, and providing supplemental downlink or uplink services, thereby reducing the need for multiple access points and infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent core infrastructure and separate radios are deployed for each licensed spectrum owner, then service coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operator networks into a single shared eNodeB infrastructure. The shared eNodeB integrates radio resources, baseband processing, and core network functions for multiple operators, allowing them to share common hardware and software resources while maintaining separate logical network identities. This merging approach reduces overall infrastructure complexity and deployment costs while preserving service coverage and reliability for each operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared eNodeB is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple operator networks simultaneously. It can handle different radio access technologies, support multiple operators' specific requirements, and provide universal service capabilities across diverse network configurations. This universal design allows a single infrastructure to fulfill the roles of multiple separate systems.
2Reliability
If separate radios and independent infrastructure are used for each operator, then network performance and service quality are maintained, but deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the infrastructure requirements of multiple operators into a single shared eNodeB system. By combining radio frequency resources, baseband processing units, and core network functions into a unified platform, the deployment cost is significantly reduced compared to deploying separate independent infrastructures for each operator. The shared system maintains service quality through virtualization and resource isolation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are deployed for different operators, then operator-specific service requirements are met, but spectrum efficiency and resource utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The shared eNodeB employs universal multi-functionality to meet diverse operator-specific service requirements while operating on unlicensed frequency bands. It can dynamically adapt to different operators' service needs, support multiple radio access technologies, and provide customized network configurations. This adaptability is achieved through software-defined networking and virtualization, allowing the single infrastructure to serve multiple specialized functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in unlicensed frequency bands to achieve spectrum efficiency. By dynamically adjusting transmission parameters, resource allocation, and frequency usage based on real-time conditions, the shared eNodeB optimizes spectrum utilization while maintaining operator-specific service capabilities. This includes adaptive modulation, coding schemes, and resource block allocation that respond to changing network conditions.
4Reliability
If licensed frequency bands are used for small cell deployment, then service coverage is ensured, but spectrum availability and cost-effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shared eNodeB acts as an intermediary that bridges licensed and unlicensed frequency band operations. It enables operators to extend their licensed band coverage by integrating unlicensed spectrum resources through technologies like License Assisted Access (LAA). The shared eNodeB manages both licensed and unlicensed carriers, coordinating resource allocation and maintaining seamless service coverage while expanding spectrum availability beyond traditional licensed bands.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are described for providing a shared eNodeB that is configured to provide shared network access to UEs associated with disparate cellular service providers, or operators, over one or more unlicensed frequency bands in a multi-operator, heterogeneous, and dual-connectivity-compatible system. In an example methodology, a shared eNodeB may establish a secondary communication link with a first user equipment associated with a first operators primary cell, then may establish another secondary communication link with a second UE associated with a second operators primary cell, wherein the shared eNodeB is configured to communicate with both a first core network associated with the first operator and a second core network associated with the second operator, and may communicate wirelessly over one or more unlicensed frequency bands with both the first UE via the first communication link and the second UE via the second communication link.