Virtualized DAS Role Swapping for Server Failure Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional distributed antenna systems (DAS) are expensive to deploy, have limited scalability and upgradeability, and suffer from service disruptions when nodes fail.
Innovation Solution
A virtualized distributed antenna system (vDAS) utilizing scalable software executed on physical server computers, where roles are dynamically reassigned among servers to maintain system functionality in case of failures, and uses shared Ethernet networks for communication among nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional custom physical hardware is used to implement DAS nodes, then system reliability is maintained, but deployment cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies virtualization by creating virtual copies of DAS node functions that run on standardized server hardware. Instead of requiring custom physical hardware for each node, the system uses virtual machine images that can be deployed on any compatible server, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional reliability through software-based node implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/custom hardware system with a software-based virtualized system. Physical custom hardware is substituted with virtual machine instances that execute on standardized servers, eliminating the need for specialized equipment while preserving system reliability through virtualized node management
2Reliability
If dedicated point-to-point communication links are used for DAS nodes, then communication reliability is ensured, but scalability and ease of manufacture are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication framework where standardized server nodes can communicate through shared Ethernet networks. The virtualized architecture allows any node to serve multiple functions and connect to multiple other nodes, replacing dedicated point-to-point links with a flexible multi-functional communication platform that maintains reliability through virtual network management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication infrastructure from fixed dedicated physical links to dynamic virtual network connections. By using software-defined networking parameters and virtual machine communication, the system can dynamically configure connectivity based on operational needs while maintaining reliability through virtualized network management
3Productivity
If traditional DAS nodes are deployed, then initial system functionality is achieved, but scalability and upgradeability are time-consuming and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic deployment and upgrading of DAS nodes through virtual machine images. Instead of time-consuming physical hardware changes, new nodes can be instantiated or existing nodes can be upgraded by deploying updated virtual machine images, enabling rapid scalability and version upgrades without service disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-configured virtual machine images that contain all necessary software and configuration for DAS nodes. These pre-prepared images can be rapidly deployed to new hardware or upgraded to newer versions, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site configuration and enabling fast scalability
4Reliability
If traditional DAS nodes fail, then service disruption occurs until node is repaired or replaced, but role redundancy mechanisms can prevent complete service loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements role redundancy by pre-configuring multiple virtual machine instances that can assume different node roles. When a node fails, standby virtual machines can quickly take over failed roles, cushioning against service disruption before complete failure occurs. This redundancy is built into the virtualized architecture itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal virtual machine images that can perform multiple different node roles. A single virtual machine image can be deployed to serve as a central access node, remote access node, or other DAS components, providing role flexibility and redundancy without requiring separate specialized hardware for each role
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a virtualized distributed antenna system (vDAS) comprising: a plurality of physical server computers on which scalable vDAS software is executed to perform a plurality of roles for the vDAS; and a plurality of access points (APs), each of the APs communicatively coupled to at least one of the physical server computers. The vDAS is configured to: determine if there has been a failure in performing a first role included in the plurality of roles performed for the vDAS, the first role performed using a first physical server computer included in the plurality of physical server computers; and, in response to the failure in performing the first role using the first physical server computer, perform the first role using a second physical server computer included in the plurality of physical server computers. Other embodiments are disclosed.