Virtualized 5G Satellite RAN Scheduling Under Power and Spectrum Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently apportioning the capacity of a satellite among virtual operators while adhering to thermal, DC power, and spectrum constraints in satellite networks, particularly in scenarios involving low earth orbit satellites.
Innovation Solution
A satellite system with a virtualized gNodeB-DU payload function that facilitates radio access network sharing and network slicing, utilizing a scheduling function and network operations function to dynamically allocate resources based on operational constraints and quality of service objectives, supported by digital twins and optimization algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellite capacity is apportioned among multiple virtual operators, then resource utilization and service diversity are improved, but system complexity and constraint management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite's radio access network into multiple virtualized network instances, each serving a different operator. The gNodeB-DU is divided into virtualized functions that can be independently configured and managed, allowing multiple operators to share satellite resources while maintaining separate network configurations and quality of service parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite's communication system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple virtual operators simultaneously. A single physical satellite infrastructure provides radio access network services to multiple operators through virtualization, enabling one system to perform multiple functions and serve diverse customer needs without requiring separate dedicated satellites for each operator.
2Productivity
If satellite capacity is apportioned among multiple virtual operators, then resource utilization improves, but constraint management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and scheduling mechanisms that adaptively manage satellite capacity among virtual operators based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adjusts resource distribution, power allocation, and beamforming parameters to optimize utilization while automatically responding to changing traffic demands and constraint conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor satellite operational parameters, resource utilization levels, and constraint conditions. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of resource allocation and scheduling decisions, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance while managing multiple operators and constraints through closed-loop control rather than complex open-loop planning.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Computer systems and methods are provided for virtualizing 5G services provided via satellite. A computer system includes at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions for execution by the at least one processor to implement a scheduling function and a network operations function, the scheduling function and the network operations function being communicatively coupled via an interface. The scheduling function is configured to control the operation of an antenna to provide radio access network (RAN) coverage to a plurality of cells in a target area. The network operations function is configured to configure the RAN coverage to serve the plurality of cells defined by at least one mobile network according to a set of network-related parameters and a set of satellite-related parameters.