Small Cell Backhaul Controller for Dynamic 3GPP Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current small cell backhaul solutions lack flexibility and scalability, as they often rely on scaling down traditional macro cell backhauling solutions, which results in semi-static connectivity differences between the MBH and 3GPP domains, limiting dynamic on-demand connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A small cell backhaul network configuration that includes multiple small cell radio base stations, a small cell hub, a small cell backhaul controller, and a small cell backhaul storage unit, which emulate 3GPP radio bearers and reuse 3GPP technology to manage dynamic small cell links, enabling flexible and scalable connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional macro cell backhauling solutions are scaled down for small cells, then existing infrastructure can be reused, but flexibility and scalability are reduced due to semi-static connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereuse of existing infrastructureVSAvoidflexibility and scalability of connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connectivity management by introducing a backhaul controller that enables on-demand establishment and release of backhaul connections. The system transitions from semi-static OSS-controlled connectivity to dynamic 3GPP-core-like connectivity, where connections can be established and released based on real-time service requirements, achieving both infrastructure reuse and operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal backhaul control architecture that can handle multiple types of backhaul connections (3GPP and non-3GPP) through a single controller. The backhaul controller implements a unified interface and control mechanism that manages diverse connection types using common procedures, enabling the system to serve multiple functions while reusing existing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If semi-static MBH connectivity is used, then network management is simplified, but dynamic on-demand connectivity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of network managementVSAvoiddynamic on-demand connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a backhaul controller as an intermediary component that mediates between the OSS and the backhaul connections. This controller implements 3GPP-core-like procedures to dynamically establish and manage connections, bridging the gap between simplified OSS management and dynamic connectivity requirements without adding significant complexity to the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a large number of small cell links are managed manually, then individual link control is precise, but system complexity and management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual link control precisionVSAvoidmanagement overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the backhaul controller automatically manages the establishment, modification, and release of backhaul connections based on service requirements. The system uses automated procedures similar to 3GPP core network operations, eliminating the need for manual management of individual links while maintaining precise control through standardized protocols and algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9232557B23GPP based control and management architecture for small cell backhaul solutions
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US9232557B2 patent drawing
  • US9232557B2 patent drawing
  • US9232557B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A small cell backhaul network is described herein which is configured to interact with a 3GPP core and further configured to enable mobile broadband services to be provided to 3GPP mobile terminals. In addition, the small cell backhaul network's components namely a small cell radio base station, a small cell hub, a small cell backhaul controller, and a small cell backhaul storage unit are described herein.