Uplink Signal Routing in C-RAN Fronthaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
In centralized-radio access network (C-RAN) architectures, the transmission efficiency of uplink (UL) signals in the fronthaul is compromised due to excessive use of bandwidth when multiple distributed units (DUs) share radio resources, leading to inefficient signal distribution.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that allocates UL signals to an appropriate DU based on resource allocation information, using a resource controller to determine the optimal DU for signal transfer among multiple DUs, thereby optimizing resource utilization and reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distributed units share radio resources in C-RAN architecture, then resource utilization flexibility is improved, but transmission efficiency of UL signals in fronthaul deteriorates due to excessive bandwidth consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each distributed unit have specialized functionality tailored to specific resource types. Each DU is configured to handle particular frequency bands, time slots, or spatial resources, creating localized optimization where resources are processed by the most appropriate DU rather than being universally distributed, thereby reducing redundant bandwidth consumption in the fronthaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fronthaul transmission by dividing uplink signals into different components (e.g., data portions, control portions, reference signals) and routing each segment to the appropriate distributed unit based on resource allocation. This segmentation allows precise targeting of transmissions, eliminating the need to transmit complete signal copies to all DUs and thus reducing overall bandwidth consumption.
2Reliability
If uplink signals are distributed to all distributed units, then system reliability is improved, but transmission efficiency deteriorates due to redundant signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central unit as an intermediary that intelligently routes uplink signals to the appropriate distributed units based on resource allocation information. This intermediary function eliminates the need for all DUs to receive all signals, as the CU determines and directs signals only to the relevant DUs, thereby maintaining system reliability through proper signal routing while significantly improving transmission efficiency by eliminating redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring distributed units with specific resource allocations and pre-determining signal routing paths based on anticipated traffic patterns and resource requirements. This allows the system to prepare transmission paths in advance, ensuring reliable signal delivery to the correct DUs without requiring redundant transmissions, thus improving both reliability and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes reception circuitry which, in operation, receives control information regarding resources to be allocated to a plurality of distributed units, and control circuitry which, in operation, determines, based on the control information, a distributed unit to which a received signal of uplink is to be transferred among the plurality of distributed units.