Uplink Fronthaul Processing with Virtual BBUs for Multi-Band Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small-cell solutions for cellular DAS deployment in small-medium sized buildings and mini metropolitan areas are limited by high costs, complexity, and inability to provide multi-operator and multi-band coverage efficiently, with each small-cell requiring separate powering cables and lacking flexibility in sector coverage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system utilizing virtual BBUs and digital links, featuring intelligent switching units and flexible connection options, enables easy installation, reduces costs, and enhances capacity management with advanced interference reduction and noise cancellation techniques, incorporating 5G's Next generation Fronthaul Interface (NGFI) paradigm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If small-cell solutions are deployed to provide multi-operator and multi-band coverage, then coverage capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase rapidly due to the large number of small-cells required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote unit that can serve multiple operators and multiple frequency bands simultaneously through a single infrastructure. The remote unit is designed to handle different operators' signals and multiple bands (e.g., 700MHz, 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2600MHz) through a unified architecture, eliminating the need for separate small-cells for each operator and band combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single remote unit: multiple operators' baseband units are virtualized and consolidated into one physical unit, multiple frequency bands are handled through a single remote unit with multiple radio frequency chains, and power delivery is combined through Power over Ethernet technology. This consolidation dramatically reduces the number of discrete components needed.
2Reliability
If traditional DAS deployment is implemented, then coverage is provided, but cost effectiveness deteriorates due to high CAPEX and OPEX
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and hardware-intensive DAS components with virtualized software-based solutions. Baseband units are virtualized and run as software instances on shared hardware platforms. Remote units use standard Ethernet infrastructure instead of specialized DAS cables and connectors. Power delivery uses standard PoE technology instead of dedicated power cables, dramatically reducing both equipment costs and installation expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key system parameters from hardware-centric to software-centric operations. The baseband processing is migrated from dedicated hardware to virtualized software environments, allowing dynamic resource allocation and consolidation. The fronthaul interface is standardized to Ethernet with PoE power delivery, changing the physical layer parameters to use commodity infrastructure rather than specialized DAS components.
3Ease of operation
If small-cells are deployed with separate powering cables for each unit, then individual cell operation is enabled, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery with data communication in a single Ethernet cable using Power over Ethernet technology. The same cable that carries fronthaul data between the remote unit and the virtual BBU also delivers electrical power to the remote unit, eliminating the need for separate power cables and power supplies at each remote unit location.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable serving the remote unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it carries downlink and uplink data traffic, transports management and control signals, and delivers electrical power to the remote unit. This multi-functional approach simplifies installation and reduces the number of connections required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The wireless communications system (1) comprises: a plurality of remote units (2), wherein each remote unit (2) is configured to convert a respective RF signal into a plurality of time and frequency samples, perform a noise estimation corresponding to the plurality of time and frequency samples, compute a plurality of coefficients corresponding to the plurality of time and frequency samples that have an amplitude greater than at least a predefined threshold value, and multiply each of the plurality of coefficients by its corresponding time and frequency sample to create a plurality of weighted time and frequency samples; at least an intelligent switching unit (6), coupled to the plurality of remote units (2), wherein the intelligent switching unit (6) is configured to receive the plurality of weighted time and frequency samples from each of the plurality of remote units (2), temporally align the pluralities of weighted time and frequency samples, compute a set of weighted sums of time and frequency samples and transmit the set of weighted sums of time and frequency samples; and a baseband processing unit (3) coupled to the intelligent switching unit (6) and configured to receive the set of weighted sums of time and frequency samples, and compute a remaining portion of baseband protocol stack processing on the set of weighted sums of time and frequency samples.