Virtualized Wireless Mesh Network for Dynamic Capacity Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid growth in mobile data demand due to internet-enabled devices and machine-to-machine applications exceeds the linear growth in mobile data capacity provided by traditional cellular networks, leading to a widening gap between supply and demand, resulting in inefficiencies such as over-provisioning and under-provisioning, which can cause service degradation and wasted capacity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtualized wireless network using software configurable radio-based distributed antenna systems (DAS) allows for the mixing and matching of base stations from different OEM vendors, enabling on-demand wireless capacity and coverage, and flexible deployment of resources, thereby optimizing asset utilization and network planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cellular networks are used to provide mobile data capacity, then network infrastructure is established, but the supply grows only linearly while demand grows exponentially, leading to over-provisioning and under-provisioning inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where base station resources are not fixed to specific geographic areas but can be dynamically assigned based on real-time demand. The system continuously monitors traffic patterns and reconfigures network resources accordingly, allowing the same physical infrastructure to adapt to varying demand levels across different locations and time periods, thus eliminating over-provisioning in low-demand areas and under-provisioning in high-demand areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base station pool where infrastructure elements can serve multiple functions and multiple operators simultaneously. Base stations are designed to handle different types of traffic and serve different geographic regions at different times, making the infrastructure highly versatile and efficient in matching supply with varying demand patterns across the network.
2Reliability
If base stations are dedicated to specific geographic areas and operators, then network coverage is ensured, but asset utilization is reduced and interoperability between vendors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into logical layers: a virtualized resource pool layer and a physical infrastructure layer. Base station resources are segmented into independent functional units that can be dynamically allocated to different geographic areas and operators as needed. This segmentation allows the same physical assets to provide reliable coverage for multiple operators and regions simultaneously through virtualization and dynamic resource assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical base station infrastructure and the operators. This virtualization layer abstracts the physical resources and presents them as flexible, dynamically allocatable units to multiple operators, enabling interoperability between different vendors while maintaining reliable coverage through centralized resource management and coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If base stations from different OEM vendors are integrated, then vendor interoperability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity at the virtualization layer by standardizing the interface and resource representation across all base stations regardless of vendor. All base stations from different OEMs are abstracted into uniform virtual resource units with standardized protocols and management interfaces. This homogeneous virtual layer simplifies integration and management while allowing heterogeneous physical infrastructure from multiple vendors to interoperate seamlessly.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a network is provided. The network may include a first base transceiver station (BTS). The first BTS may be operable to provide a first signal including a plurality of first carriers. The network may also include a second BTS operable to provide a second signal including a plurality of second carriers. The network may also include a set of one or more digital access units (DAUs), each of the one or more DAUs being coupled to at least one of the first BTS or the second BTS. A set of one or more digital remote units (DRUs) may be included in the network, each of the DRUs being coupled to one of the one or more DAUs and operable to broadcast the first signal or the second signal.