Virtualized RAN Clusters for Private Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access networks (RANs) are expensive and difficult to upgrade, leading to performance issues that affect user experience, and existing cellular infrastructure does not allow for the establishment of a cellular network between private and public networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for running a radio access network using containerized applications, such as kubernetes clusters, that extend from a public network to a private network, with a distributed unit (DU) deployed on the private network and a central unit (CU) on the public network, managed by a master module, enabling authorized access and efficient communication between cellular devices and the CU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RAN hardware is used, then network coverage is provided, but the system is expensive and difficult to upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized hardware RAN equipment with software-based virtualized network functions running on general-purpose servers. The radio access network is implemented as virtualized baseband units (vBBUs) and distributed unit (DU) software that can be deployed on commodity hardware, eliminating the need for proprietary hardware appliances and enabling flexible upgrades through software updates rather than hardware replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traditional monolithic RAN into separate functional components: radio unit (RU), distributed unit (DU), and centralized unit (CU). This functional segmentation allows independent deployment, upgrading, and optimization of each component. The DU and CU can be virtualized and deployed on separate hardware platforms, enabling gradual migration and flexible resource allocation without requiring complete hardware replacement
2Reliability
If RAN performance is improved, then user experience is enhanced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RAN functions and cell sites into shared infrastructure. Multiple DUs can be co-located on the same physical server or cloud platform, sharing computing, storage, and networking resources. This consolidation reduces total hardware costs while maintaining or improving performance through efficient resource utilization and centralized management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can host multiple RAN functions and support different network operators or services on the same infrastructure. The virtualized RAN can be dynamically allocated and reconfigured to serve different purposes, maximizing resource utilization and reducing idle capacity costs while providing consistent service quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If private network security is maintained, then authorized access is protected, but connection to public network is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway or interface mechanism that mediates between the private network environment and public network access requirements. This intermediary layer enables controlled communication where public network services can be accessed while maintaining private network security boundaries, allowing authorized users to connect to both networks without compromising security posture
Data Source
AI summary
A 5G cellular network system includes a private network accessible to only authorized users. The private network may include: a plurality of servers that each include: a processor; memory; an operating system; a distributed unit (DU) installed in the memory and a worker installed in the memory. The distributed unit includes computer instructions, that when executed by the processor, processes and controls communications with at least one tower to handle communications between cellular devices. Each DU communicates with a central unit (CU) deployed at a public network that is open to the authorized users and users other than the authorized users. The worker is configured to communicate over a wide area network to the CU in a core network for handling the communications to/from the DU and the CU.