Wireless Network Function Configuration for C-RAN Bandwidth Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment and use of Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) systems are limited due to the high bandwidth and low latency requirements of the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) interface, which is challenging to achieve in ultra-dense small cell networks, leading to increased interference and reduced system capacity.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first wireless network node determines a function configuration policy to split wireless network functions with a second node, reducing CPRI interface utilization and bandwidth requirements by implementing specific parts of wireless network functions, such as PDCP, RLC, MAC, and PHY layers, to facilitate efficient communication and interference reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centralized processing is implemented using C-RAN architecture, then interference between cells is reduced and system capacity is increased, but the bandwidth requirement of CPRI interface becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidbandwidth requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protocol stack into multiple parts, with the first wireless network node implementing the first part (PDCP layer and above) and the second wireless network node implementing the second part (RLC layer and below). This segmentation allows distributed processing while reducing the bandwidth requirement of the CPRI interface between nodes, thereby resolving the contradiction between system capacity improvement and bandwidth requirement reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If centralized processing is implemented using C-RAN architecture, then interference between cells is reduced, but the latency requirement of CPRI interface becomes excessively strict

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between cellsVSAvoidlatency requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the protocol stack and distributing different parts to different wireless network nodes, the patent enables localized processing that reduces transmission latency. The first node processes higher layers while the second node processes lower layers, allowing parallel processing and reducing the strict latency requirements of centralized C-RAN architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Extent of automation

If all protocol layer functions are implemented by the BBU, then centralized control is achieved, but the CPRI interface bandwidth requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidCPRI interface bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the protocol stack functions between two wireless network nodes, with the first node handling the PDCP layer and above, and the second node handling the RLC layer and below. This segmentation maintains centralized control capabilities while significantly reducing the bandwidth requirement of the interface between nodes compared to implementing all functions in a single BBU.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3301964B1Wireless network function configuration method and wireless network node
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3301964B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3301964B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3301964B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a wireless network function configuration method, a wireless network node, and a core network device, so as to reduce a requirement on a bandwidth of a transport network while effectively reducing interference between cells and increasing a system capacity, thereby facilitating deployment and use of a C-RAN system. The method includes: determining, by a first wireless network node, a function configuration policy that is used by the first wireless network node and a second wireless network node to perform wireless network function configuration, where the function configuration policy includes a first part of wireless network functions that are of wireless network functions and implemented by the first wireless network node, and a second part of wireless network functions that are of the wireless network functions and implemented by the second wireless network node; and sending, by the first wireless network node and to the second wireless network node, function configuration information corresponding to the first part of wireless network functions that are in the function configuration policy and implemented by the second wireless network node, so that the second wireless network node completes function configuration of the second wireless network node according to the function configuration information.