Signal Link Budget Optimization in Centralized Radio Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network congestion occurs in densely populated areas due to high concentrations of wireless devices, leading to poor signal quality from overlapping signals from additional base stations without precise signal adjustment.
Innovation Solution
Strategic placement of low-powered micro-radios with multiple distributed antennas and passive signal processing equipment to optimize signal link budgets, allowing for precise control of radio frequency signals and minimizing interference, thereby enhancing wireless capacity in crowded venues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional base stations are added to increase wireless capacity, then wireless capacity is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to overlapping signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station functionality into distributed antenna elements that are spatially separated and independently controlled. Each antenna element transmits segmented portions of the overall signal, allowing precise control over signal distribution in different spatial zones. This segmentation enables multiple base stations to operate without harmful overlap by directing signals to specific geographic areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different signal characteristics to different spatial locations through beamforming and spatial filtering. Each antenna element or group of elements adjusts its transmission properties (phase, amplitude, direction) to provide optimized signal quality for local user equipment, while minimizing interference to other areas. This creates location-specific signal zones that prevent overlapping interference.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple base stations are deployed in dense areas, then coverage area is improved, but interference increases due to signal overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the signal control from traditional two-dimensional planar coverage to three-dimensional spatial control by utilizing vertical antenna arrangements and elevation angle adjustments. This dimensional expansion allows base stations to create layered coverage zones in the vertical dimension, enabling denser horizontal deployment without interference by stacking coverage areas at different elevations and angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial filtering and beamforming algorithms as intermediary mechanisms that mediate between multiple base station transmitters. These intermediaries process and condition signals before transmission, shaping them into directed beams that pass through specific spatial pathways. This mediation prevents direct signal overlap by routing signals through interference-free spatial channels.
3Productivity
If signal power is increased to improve capacity, then wireless capacity is improved, but interference from overlapping signals worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal power and direction control through real-time beamforming adjustments. Instead of fixed high-power transmission, the system continuously adapts signal parameters (power, phase, direction) based on current user equipment locations and channel conditions. This dynamics allows the system to concentrate power precisely where needed while maintaining lower overall power levels, preventing interference from overlapping high-power signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple signal parameters simultaneously (frequency, phase, amplitude, direction of arrival) to differentiate signals from multiple base stations. By applying spatial multiplexing techniques, the system assigns different parameter combinations to different spatial zones, allowing multiple high-power signals to coexist without interference. User equipment receives signals with unique parameter signatures that enable clear differentiation and rejection of interfering signals.
Data Source
AI summary
In a centralized radio access network, a system in a remote radio unit combines signals from multiple radios and independently attenuates uplink and downlink signals for multiple antennas connected to the multiple radios. The system includes two Or more antennas; a radio set including a first analog front end configured for a first channel of a first frequency band and a second analog front end configured for a second channel of a second frequency band; and a signal combining and conditioning (SCC) unit coupled in series between the radio set and the two or more antennas. The SCC unit includes downlink passive attenuators for downlink signals from the radio set to each of the two or more antennas and uplink passive attenuators for uplink signals from each of the two or more antennas to the radio set.