Smart Gateway SDN Backhaul for Small Cell Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network architectures for small cell deployments face challenges such as static resource allocations, under-utilization of backhaul transmission resources, and limited flexibility in accommodating varying traffic demands, leading to bottlenecks and increased infrastructure costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Smart Gateway (Sm-GW) framework that utilizes software-defined networking (SDN) to dynamically allocate and reconfigure network resources, allowing flexible sharing of resources among small cell eNBs and operators, and enabling adaptive scheduling to maximize resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static network resource allocations are used between eNBs and operator gateways, then network infrastructure cost is reduced, but backhaul transmission resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through an SDN orchestrator that continuously monitors traffic demands from eNBs and adjusts network resource allocations in real-time. This transforms the static allocation model into a dynamic one, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions and maximize backhaul transmission resource utilization without proportionally increasing infrastructure costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where eNBs report their traffic demands to a central SDN orchestrator, which then reconfigures network resources accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the network to respond to actual traffic conditions, improving resource utilization while maintaining cost-effectiveness through targeted resource allocation.
2Reliability
If dedicated links with prescribed QoS are established for each interface connection, then reliability of cellular protocol operations is improved, but backhaul transmission resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal backhaul transport network that can dynamically serve multiple eNBs and support various cellular protocols (S1, X2, Xn interfaces) through a single shared infrastructure. The SDN orchestrator allocates QoS parameters dynamically based on current traffic demands, allowing the same physical links to serve multiple functions and improve overall resource utilization while maintaining protocol reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the QoS parameters from fixed prescribed values to dynamically adjustable parameters controlled by the SDN orchestrator. This allows the system to optimize QoS settings based on actual traffic conditions, maintaining reliability for critical operations while freeing up resources for other uses during low-demand periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operator gateways install high uplink transmission bitrate capacity, then accommodation of small cell traffic demands is improved, but network infrastructure cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacity allocation where the SDN orchestrator monitors aggregate traffic demands from multiple small cells and adjusts the uplink transmission bitrate allocation to operator gateways in real-time. This allows the network to accommodate traffic demands adaptively without requiring permanently provisioned high-capacity links, reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining the ability to handle peak loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple small cell connections through intermediate Sm-GWs that aggregate traffic before forwarding to operator gateways. This consolidation allows the network to accommodate many small cells using shared backhaul resources, reducing the total infrastructure cost compared to providing dedicated high-capacity links to each individual small cell.
4Quantity of substance
If intermediate Sm-GWs aggregate small cell connections, then required port count at operator gateways is reduced, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate Sm-GWs as mediator devices between eNBs and operator gateways. These Sm-GWs aggregate multiple small cell connections and perform protocol translation and traffic management functions, reducing the port count requirements at operator gateways. The added complexity is localized to the Sm-GW layer, allowing operator gateways to remain simpler while achieving the desired port reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A new access networking framework is provided for supporting small cell deployments based on the sharing of network resources. A smart gateway framework flexibly accommodates eNB connections and dynamically assigns uplink transmission resources to the eNBs. Novel techniques are also introduced for sharing the small cell infrastructures among multiple operators through virtualization and SDN based reconfiguration.