Virtualized MTS Latency Reduction via Parallel Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latency issues in wireless communication networks arise due to the serial nature of data transfer grants between wireless protocols and DOCSIS communication links, leading to inefficiencies and degraded Quality of Experience (QoE) for users, especially in systems where MSOs and MNOs operate with different communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a request-grant based communication system that links a modem to a Modem Termination System (MTS) via DOCSIS, allowing for simultaneous processing of wireless requests and backhaul negotiations, utilizing virtualized Modem Termination Systems (vMTS) and optical networks to reduce latency by intercepting and decoding buffer status reports (BSR) and uplink grants, enabling parallel data transfer scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial data transfer grants are used between wireless protocol and DOCSIS communication link, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the wireless protocol layer prepare and queue data transfer requests before the DOCSIS backhaul grant is received. The gNB (base station) pre-processes wireless data packets and prepares them for transmission, so that when the DOCSIS grant arrives, the data is already ready for immediate forwarding, eliminating the serial waiting time between grant reception and data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by creating a parallel processing path where wireless protocol operations and DOCSIS backhaul operations occur simultaneously in different time dimensions. The wireless data plane and backhaul data plane are decoupled, allowing independent processing in parallel rather than sequential execution, thus resolving the latency issue while maintaining protocol compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate entities control wireless and backhaul networks, then operational independence is maintained, but visibility into network operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the coordinated scheduling interface between gNB and CMTS - that enables information exchange between the wireless network controller and backhaul network controller. This intermediary layer maintains operational independence of each network while providing mutual visibility into network state, data buffering status, and grant timing, allowing optimized joint scheduling without compromising autonomous control.
3Loss of time
If parallel processing of wireless requests and backhaul negotiations is implemented, then latency is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into distinct functional segments: wireless data plane (gNB), backhaul data plane (CMTS), and control plane (core network). Each segment handles specific tasks independently in parallel, with well-defined interfaces. This modular segmentation enables parallel processing while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns and standardized interaction protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein provide for reducing latency in wireless service through a communication link comprising a Modem Termination System (MTS) and a modem. The communication link is coupled with a virtualized wireless link. In one embodiment, a method includes transferring a buffer status report (BSR) from a user equipment (UE) through the communication link to a control portion of the virtualized wireless link, generating a wireless grant to allow the data of the UE through virtualized wireless link, and generating a backhaul grant for the UE to transfer data through the communication link based on the wireless grant information.