Small Cell Base Station Architecture for mmWave Sub-6 GHz Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently managing multiple protocols and frequency ranges, leading to suboptimal performance and coverage in heterogeneous networks with overlapping frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A flexible small cell base station architecture that supports both FR1 and FR2 frequency ranges using a shared PCIe interface and dual modems, allowing seamless protocol identification and switching between mmWave and Sub-6 GHz protocols, enabling simultaneous communication and seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hardware configurations are used for mmWave and Sub-6 GHz protocols, then protocol performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base station architecture where a single gNB can support both FR1 and FR2 frequency ranges through shared hardware components. The common pool of antennas, RF units, and baseband processing resources can be dynamically allocated to either mmWave or Sub-6 GHz protocols based on operational needs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware configurations for each protocol while maintaining full protocol performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic resource allocation and protocol switching mechanisms that allow the base station to adaptively transition between FR1 and FR2 operations. The shared hardware resources can be reconfigured in real-time based on traffic demands, channel conditions, and coverage requirements, enabling the same physical infrastructure to optimally serve different frequency ranges without manual intervention or hardware changes
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware is allocated for each frequency range, then communication reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate hardware resources for FR1 and FR2 into a unified common pool. Antennas, RF units, and baseband processing capabilities are combined and shared between both frequency ranges, allowing these resources to be dynamically assigned to either protocol based on instantaneous communication needs, thereby achieving both high reliability and optimal resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as frequency range, protocol type, and resource allocation based on real-time network conditions. This parameter adaptability allows the same hardware infrastructure to reliably support different communication requirements by adjusting its configuration rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each scenario
3Reliability
If separate base stations are deployed for FR1 and FR2, then coverage and performance are improved, but deployment cost and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal gNB platform that can function as either an FR1 base station, an FR2 base station, or both simultaneously. This multi-functional capability means that a single deployed unit can replace what would traditionally require two separate base stations, one for each frequency range, thereby reducing deployment costs while maintaining comprehensive coverage and performance across both bands
Data Source
AI summary
A network node apparatus may be configured to receive, from a first user equipment (UE), a first transmission including an indication of a first protocol identifier. The apparatus may further be configured to communicate with the first UE using a first protocol associated with the first protocol identifier. The apparatus may also be configured to receive, from a second UE, a second transmission including an indication of a second protocol identifier. The apparatus may further be configured to communicate with the second UE using a second protocol associated with the second protocol identifier. The apparatus may include a shared kernel space driver for a first PCIe interface and a second PCIe interface, a first modem connected to the shared kernel space driver via the first PCIe interface, and a second modem connected to the shared kernel space driver via the second PCIe interface.