Virtual eNodeB Segmentation for Multi-PLMN Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless small cell radio access networks (RANs) face challenges in efficiently sharing radio resources among multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs), requiring coordination of parameters like PLMN IDs, TACs, CSG indications, and CSG IDs, which is complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Configuring physical eNodeBs to host multiple virtual eNodeBs, each corresponding to a specific PLMN or group of PLMNs, allowing for separate broadcasting of identifiers and parameters specific to each network, enabling each PLMN to manage its own virtual eNodeB and simplifying provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single physical eNodeB is shared by multiple PLMNs using common parameters, then radio resource sharing is enabled, but coordination complexity among operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single physical eNodeB into multiple virtual eNodeBs, each dedicated to a specific PLMN. This segmentation allows each PLMN to have its own logical eNodeB instance with dedicated parameters (eNodeB ID, TAC, CSG indication, CSG ID), eliminating the need for complex coordination while maintaining resource sharing at the physical layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer between the physical eNodeB and multiple PLMNs. This intermediary virtual eNodeB layer manages the mapping between physical resources and logical network instances, allowing each PLMN to interact with its own virtual eNodeB without direct coordination with other operators.
2Productivity
If multiple PLMNs share common parameters in a single eNodeB, then resource utilization improves, but provisioning and parameter management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the eNodeB into virtual instances, each PLMN can be provisioned independently with its own parameter set. The virtualization architecture allows operators to configure and manage parameters (eNodeB ID, TAC, CSG indication, CSG ID) for each virtual eNodeB separately, significantly easing provisioning while maintaining high resource utilization through shared physical infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If a single eNodeB ID is used for multiple PLMNs, then device count is reduced, but network identification and routing becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique eNodeB IDs to each virtual eNodeB instance, even though they share the same physical hardware. This segmentation of identification space ensures that each PLMN can be uniquely identified and routed correctly, preventing information loss while maintaining efficient resource sharing at the physical layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the identification conflict by adding a virtualization dimension. Multiple eNodeB IDs coexist in the virtual layer, mapping to a single physical eNodeB. This dimensional separation allows unique identification for each PLMN without increasing the physical device count.
Data Source
AI summary
In particular, systems and methods according to present principles configure physical eNodeB to have multiple virtual eNodeBs, where each virtual eNodeBs corresponds to a particular PLMN. Thus, each PLMN has its own virtual eNodeB which is hosted on a common shared physical eNodeB.