Switch System for Base Station Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional point-to-point links between digital units (DUs) and remote radio units (RRUs) in radio transport networks are inadequate for extended distances, leading to challenges in synchronization and latency, which hinder efficient communication and coordination between base stations, especially when distances exceed a few kilometers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a network node with a controller that configures a switch system to provide communication between remote radio units and separate baseband processing units, using a shared optical infrastructure to transport CPRI and packet data, allowing for dynamic switching of baseband processing units and reducing latency, thereby enabling efficient X2 links between base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional point-to-point links are used between DUs and RRUs, then synchronization and latency control are maintained, but the communication distance is limited to a few hundreds of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared optical infrastructure as an intermediary between DUs and RRUs. Instead of direct point-to-point links, multiple RRUs share common optical fibers through a centralized optical network, enabling extended communication distances while maintaining synchronization through centralized control and timing distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared optical infrastructure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fronthaul connectivity for multiple RRUs, transports CPRI and packet data, and distributes synchronization signals. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple dedicated point-to-point links with a single shared network that handles all communication needs.
2Length of stationary object
If dedicated point-to-point links are established between DUs and RRUs, then low latency is achieved, but the system becomes inadequate for extended distances exceeding a few kilometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capabilities in the optical network, allowing flexible allocation of optical resources to different RRU-DU pairs based on current traffic demands and distance requirements. This dynamic resource allocation optimizes latency performance while supporting extended distances through efficient multiplexing and switching.
3Length of stationary object
If new fiber installations are deployed to extend communication distance, then coverage is improved, but the solution becomes unsustainable and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fronthaul, backhaul, and X2 interface communications into a single shared optical infrastructure. By combining multiple communication functions into one unified network, the solution extends communication reach without requiring separate fiber installations for each function, thereby reducing overall network complexity and deployment costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node (30) for a radio access network, wherein the network node comprises a switch system (35) configured to switch traffic for a plurality of base stations (3, 5; 8) of the radio access network. The switch system (35) is configured to provide for communication between a remote radio unit (3) and a baseband processing unit (5, 12) of the said plurality of base stations. The switch system (35) is configured to provide for communication between a first base station (8) and a second base station (3, 5) of said plurality of base stations. At least one of the first or second base station is a radio base station (8) comprising baseband processing.