Virtualization System Dynamic Baseband Capacity Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heterogeneous networks, especially in the transition to 5G, the need for tight coordination among small and macro cells for spectrum reuse and interference management is challenging due to inefficient use of baseband processing capacity, which is typically dimensioned for peak loads, leading to excess capacity during lower workload periods and increased network overhead during hand-over procedures.
Innovation Solution
A virtualization system dynamically allocates and reallocates baseband processing capacity among virtual machines based on radio domain requirements such as statistical resource utilization, number of user equipment, traffic load, and level of coordination among remote radio units, allowing for flexible resource distribution and optimized spectrum reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If baseband processing capacity is dimensioned for peak loads, then blocking conditions are avoided, but excess capacity remains unused during lower workload periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of baseband processing capacity where the processing capacity is not fixed but can be adjusted in real-time based on actual traffic conditions. The system monitors workload demands and dynamically reconfigures the baseband processing resources to match current needs, transforming the static capacity allocation into a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of baseband processing capacity allocation from a fixed peak-oriented value to a variable value that adjusts according to actual traffic load. By monitoring parameters such as traffic intensity and user equipment count, the system modifies the allocated processing capacity to optimize both reliability and resource efficiency.
2Reliability
If tight coordination is implemented among multiple cells, then spectrum reuse and interference management are improved, but computational resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the baseband processing functions of multiple remote radio units into a shared processing pool. Instead of each cell having dedicated processing resources, the system combines computational resources to handle coordination tasks for multiple cells simultaneously, achieving tight coordination while optimizing resource utilization across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband processing arrangement is designed to serve multiple functions: it handles not only individual cell processing but also coordinated multi-point operations, interference management, and spectrum reuse across multiple cells. This multi-functional design allows the same computational resources to support both standalone and coordinated operations.
3Reliability
If baseband processing is centralized in a common site, then coordination between cells is improved, but resource flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized baseband processing into virtual machine instances that can be independently allocated and configured. Each virtual machine can be dedicated to specific coordination tasks or individual cells, allowing the centralized system to maintain coordination capabilities while providing flexible resource allocation through virtualized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical baseband processing resources and the remote radio units. This virtualization layer enables dynamic resource allocation and flexible configuration while maintaining the centralized coordination architecture, acting as a mediator that provides both centralization benefits and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtualization system (1) comprising a baseband processing arrangement (11,12). The virtualization system is configured to provide a plurality of virtual machines (41,42), each virtual machine having an allocation of baseband processing capacity provided by the baseband processing arrangement for serving remote radio units (6). The virtualization system is configured to dynamically re-allocate baseband processing capacity between virtual machines (41,42) based on at least one parameter related to radio domain requirements of the remote radio units (6).