Virtual Base Station Configuration via Self-Service Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual base stations in mobile networks require complex manual instantiation and management, lack flexibility in deployment and integration, and struggle with associating radio access points (RAPs) with virtual radio access functions (VRAFs), leading to increased management overhead and manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method to configure a virtual base station by providing a description of radio access functionalities executed by RAPs and VRAFs, allowing joint local execution on RAPs and a centralized entity, enabling automated integration and management as a logical functional network entity, with pre-defined configuration profiles for automatized integration and bootstrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional manual instantiation and configuration methods are used for virtual base stations, then the system can be deployed, but the management overhead increases and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual base station performs self-configuration by automatically generating its own configuration data upon instantiation. The VBS generates configuration profiles that describe its radio access functionalities, associates itself with appropriate RAPs, and configures its parameters without requiring manual intervention from network operators or administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines configuration profiles that contain template data for virtual base station configuration. These profiles are prepared in advance with standard parameters and can be automatically instantiated and customized when a VBS is created, eliminating the need for manual configuration setup at deployment time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual base stations are manually configured with pre-defined profiles, then integration is standardized, but flexibility in deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration profiles are designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than static. The system allows configuration parameters to be adjusted and customized based on specific deployment scenarios, network conditions, and service requirements. The VBS can dynamically select and modify profile parameters to suit different deployment environments while maintaining standardized integration protocols.
3Productivity
If RAPs and VRAFs are associated manually, then the association can be established, but the process requires significant manual intervention and time
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual base station implements an automated feedback mechanism that monitors the availability and status of radio access points. When a VBS is instantiated, it automatically queries the network for suitable RAPs, receives feedback about available resources, and autonomously establishes associations based on predefined criteria and current network conditions without manual intervention.
4Reliability
If virtual base stations are instantiated without standardized descriptions, then deployment is simple, but integration into the mobile core network becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal configuration profiles that serve multiple purposes: they standardize the instantiation process, ensure compatibility with mobile core networks, and provide a common interface for management. These multi-functional profiles enable VBS instances to be reliably integrated into different network environments while maintaining consistent configuration structures and protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for providing a virtual base station in a mobile network, wherein the mobile network comprising one or more virtual base stations, 'VBS', wherein a VBS comprises at least one radio access point, 'RAP' and at least one virtual radio access functions, 'VRAF', wherein the VBS is configured by providing a description of radio access functionalities, which are executed by the RAP or by the VRAF and wherein the VBS is executed jointly locally on said at least one RAP and on a centralized entity forming a logical functional network entity.