Wireless Resource Configuration with Local or REC Beamforming Weights
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication architecture between Radio Equipment Controller (REC) and Radio Equipment (RE) in digital beamforming antenna systems faces challenges such as high data rates and latency due to the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI), leading to inefficiencies and increased costs when replacing REC components, and loss of coordinated multi-sector decision-making capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves collapsing the CPRI-based architecture by moving REC functionality to the RE, enabling packet-based communication, performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) functions at the RE, and using beamforming weights determined by the REC or RE based on internal or external information to optimize resource allocation and reduce data transmission requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the CPRI-based architecture is collapsed by removing the CPRI interface and putting REC functionality in the RE, then data transmission requirements are reduced, but the technical lifetime of the system decreases due to faster REC development compared to RE
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into RE and REC components with defined interfaces. The RE handles radio frequency operations while the REC manages higher-layer protocols, allowing independent evolution and replacement of each component without requiring full system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The RE is designed with universal functionality to perform both traditional radio equipment functions and previously REC-based functions. This multi-functionality allows the RE to operate effectively even as REC capabilities evolve independently, extending the effective technical lifetime of the RE investment.
2Quantity of substance
If the CPRI-based architecture is collapsed by removing the CPRI interface, then data transmission rates are reduced, but coordinated multi-sector decision-making capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fronthaul interface acts as an intermediary between RE and REC, carrying essential control and data traffic. This interface enables coordinated multi-sector decisions by allowing the REC to receive channel state information from multiple REs and distribute coordinated beamforming weights back to the appropriate REs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having REs collect and forward channel state information to the REC in advance of coordination decisions. This allows the REC to compute coordinated beamforming strategies across multiple sectors before executing them, maintaining adaptability despite reduced data rates.
3Ease of operation
If beamforming weights are determined by the REC, then centralized control is maintained, but data transmission requirements and latency increase due to looping information through the REC
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines whether beamforming weight calculation is performed at the REC or RE based on operational conditions. The REC can provide initial weights or constraints, while the RE performs real-time adjustments based on local channel conditions, optimizing both centralized control and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The REC performs preliminary beamforming weight calculations based on available information and provides these weights to the RE in advance. The RE then uses these pre-calculated weights as a foundation for real-time adjustments, reducing the need for continuous REC-RE communication loops and thereby reducing latency.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for configuring resources for terminal devices. A method is performed by an radio equipment (RE) of an access node. The RE has an interface to a radio equipment controller (REC) of the access node. The method comprises configuring the resources for at least one of uplink reception and downlink transmission selectively using beamforming weights determined either based on internal information obtained locally in the RE, or based on external information received from the REC over the interface.