Shared Fronthaul Scheduling for Multi-Operator Radio Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communications networks face challenges in accommodating multiple network operators and RAN technologies, particularly in non-ideal fronthaul networks, where surges in traffic can cause bandwidth limitations and latency issues, with the O-RAN specification failing to address fronthaul-aware scheduling for shared infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method for allocating fronthaul bandwidth resources among multiple network operators, involving priority assignment, packet-based communications, and monitoring for congestion anomalies, with mechanisms to mitigate allocation violations and congestion through pre-arranged policies and feedback loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fronthaul network is shared by multiple network operators and RAN technologies, then resource utilization and versatility are improved, but bandwidth limitations and latency issues worsen during traffic surges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the system continuously monitors traffic conditions and adjusts bandwidth allocation in real-time. The fronthaul-aware scheduler dynamically modifies scheduling decisions based on current network state, transitioning from static to dynamic resource management to handle traffic surges while maintaining multi-operator support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as bandwidth allocation ratios, scheduling priorities, and resource block assignments based on traffic conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes service quality for different operators and technologies under varying load conditions while maintaining shared infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If fronthaul bandwidth is allocated without fronthaul-aware scheduling, then system complexity is reduced, but allocation violations and congestion anomalies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors actual fronthaul usage, detects allocation violations and congestion anomalies, and uses this information to adjust scheduling decisions. The feedback loop enables the scheduler to learn from past allocations and improve future resource distribution, ensuring compliance while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The fronthaul-aware scheduler performs self-optimization by automatically detecting congestion conditions and adjusting its own scheduling parameters without external intervention. The system monitors its own performance metrics and autonomously modifies resource allocation to prevent allocation violations, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If priority-based packet stream management is implemented, then service quality and reliability are improved, but system complexity and control mechanisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet streams into different priority levels and queues, allowing differential handling of traffic from different operators and services. By dividing the packet management function into segmented priority queues, the system can apply simple FIFO scheduling within each queue while maintaining overall service quality through priority-based queue selection, reducing the complexity of universal priority scheduling.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an integrated radio network that can host a plurality of network operators, each of which may be transmitting and receiving packetized signals over a fronthaul network. Each of the network operators may have one or more prioritized packet streams whereby a given network operator may have a plurality of prioritized packet streams having a different allocated priority, and the plurality of network operators may have a differentiated priority among each other. The integrated radio network has a switch/monitor that (1) identifies one or more network operators exceeding their respective allocations and mitigates the violation; and (2) identifies fronthaul network bottlenecks and takes action to mitigate the bottleneck by reducing or impeding low priority packet streams.