JP4421774B2 - Method and apparatus with configurable functionality for an information communication system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the flexibility and application of a communication system. The invention further relates to a communication system. The invention also relates to ATM board units and board rack arrangements used in communication systems.
[0002]
(Related technologies and other considerations)
A typical wireless communication system, or public land mobile telephone network (PLMN), includes a base station (BS) and a base station controller (BSC) (also referred to as a radio network controller (RNC)), mobile Switching center (MSC). A BS is typically formed by one or several base transceiver stations (BTS). The arrangement is such that the BTS can communicate with a mobile station (MS), such as a mobile phone or cellular phone, over the air interface. The MSC is also arranged to provide an interface between the PLMN and a regular fixed network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a simplified old telephone system (POTS). The PLMN thus includes different types of nodes (MSCs, BSCs, etc.) located at appropriate locations in the network and can process different types of information as will be detailed later. Also, different types of functionality can be provided to the network system.
[0003]
Two conventional PLMN systems are based on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), respectively. For example, the IS-95 standard used in the United States is based on CDMA, while the widely used GSM standard (Global System for Mobile Communications) is based on TDMA. The principles of CDMA and TDMA are known to those skilled in the art of mobile communications and are designated by international telecommunication associations such as ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Sector) and ETSI (European Telecommunication Standards Institute). It will not be described in detail here. In a CDMA system, different calls can be communicated using the same frequency separated from each other by a specific code, whereas in a TDMA system, each time slot reserved for each call. Separation is performed. Recent developments in PLMN are moving towards so-called Wideband Cellular Systems (WCS), which can support multimedia services such as video and video. An example of WCS is W-CDMA.
[0004]
As described above, in PLMN, different types of information and / or operations are processed at the different nodes. A BSC node is one example, which has a number of functions that need to be allocated to available processing resources.
[0005]
For example, the current BSC of a cellular system uses a pooled speech encoder / decoder (CODEC) for speech traffic. Each CODEC in the pool forms a resource that is processed and connected for a voice call when a need arises. Conventional systems have one CODEC assigned per transceiver (TRX) or per user channel, regardless of whether it is used. Data calls are also connected via CODEC, but the function of CODEC in this case is passive.
[0006]
(Brief summary of the invention)
Prior art arrangements have been introduced as new services and features are increasingly being introduced into telephone systems, even though they have proven to work satisfactorily under the conditions that existed when they were designed. The disadvantages and limitations of are increasing. Accordingly, there is a need for more complex and powerful functionality in communication systems. This is especially true in the field of cellular systems where new services and / or features cannot be handled by resources pooled within a particular node.
[0007]
In addition to the above, in a broadband cellular system (WCS) that supports multimedia services, the characteristics of the required radio resources change during a call established by a mobile subscriber, Impose additional demands on the flexibility and management of the operation of the system and the functional allocation of resources in a broadband radio access network (WRAN) consisting of a base transceiver station (BTS) and a radio network controller (RNC). A drawback with CODECs was that the number of CODECs for use could not be dynamically scaled and / or optimized in the configuration described above.
[0008]
In addition, when trying to solve the problem of sufficient flexibility of the node, the prior art could not provide an appropriate solution for the following problems: required processing power and memory required by different applications (services) Flexibility regarding the amount of data, especially buffering when high-speed data services are involved, and effective resource handling and channel splitting minimization of pooled devices.
[0009]
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a new solution for handling and / or processing different types of services and / or features and / or information within a communication system. That is.
[0010]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that allows a large pool of reconfigurable resources that can handle different types of services in the system, the solution comprising pooled devices and Allows more optimized use of network elements.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that can flexibly change the functional characteristics of a communication network.
[0011]
The purpose of the present invention is to simplify the general configuration of the system, minimize the number of components required and reduce the amount of different parts, thus reducing the overall design, construction and maintenance costs of the system. To provide a solution that can be reduced.
[0012]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and arrangement in which the system functionality can be reconfigured by a programmable unit.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following part of the present specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
The above objective is accomplished by a method of operating an information communication system including a plurality of communication nodes interconnected by a communication channel, each node being connected to the communication system and having data processing functionality. Process data related to the terminal. The method includes dynamically configuring the functionality of at least one node of the communication system by installing or modifying software in at least one board unit of the node.
[0014]
According to an embodiment, the communication system comprises at least one base station node, a base station controller node controlling the at least one base station node, and the at least one base station from the at least one base station node. And an exchange node operatively connected to the base station controller node for processing traffic to the station node. According to the present invention, at least one node is provided with functionality used in the operation of a communication system, and a software configurable board unit with general-purpose resources is realized in the at least one node, the arrangement of the board unit The functionality of the system can be changed according to the specific requirements of the communication system.
[0015]
The present invention further comprises a print board unit, which comprises an ATM interface, a board processor unit, a digital signal processor, an operational connection between the ATM interface and the board processor unit, a board processor unit, And an operational connection between the digital signal processor and an operational connection between the application and the ATM interface. The placement of the board unit allows the board processor unit to form general-purpose resources and change the functionality of the digital signal processor, after which the digital signal processor has changed functionality for the ATM interface. Prepare.
[0016]
The present invention also provides an equipment rack for a communication node, which rack operatively connects several multifunction board units, an interface for the node, and the multifunction board unit and the interface. Means. The arrangement is such that at least one multi-function board can be modified by software as required by a communication system.
[0017]
This solution provides a reliable and controllable way of reconfiguring the features of the communication system, while reducing the number and variety of different types of components required in the system, so Several advantages can be obtained with the present invention.
[0018]
The solution of the present invention can be used for various different types of applications in various nodes of the communication system, especially in mobile communication systems. The present invention allows a number of functions to be assigned to better meet actual traffic demands in the system and to suit future combinations of services. This solution may provide a means for obtaining a sufficient amount of memory to meet the demands of high speed data services. The bandwidth required for interprocessor communication can be achieved regardless of the physical location of neighboring processors. Thus, system granularity can be at the signal processor level rather than the board level, facilitating resource handlers to optimally manage pooled resources or objects. In addition, several channels / devices can be operated under one processor. The present invention can further help eliminate the channel split problem.
[0019]
In the following, the present invention and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate like features throughout the several views.
[0020]
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Reference characters in the accompanying drawings indicate the same parts throughout the different views. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
[0021]
(Detailed description of the drawings)
In the following description, specific details such as specific architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc., for purposes of explanation and not for purposes of limitation, are presented in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be used in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a general arrangement of a broadband cellular system (WCS) to provide an example of an environment in which the present invention may be implemented. The WCS includes a base station (BS) 12, a base station controller (BSC) 14, a mobile switching center (MSC) 16, arranged to communicate with a mobile station (MS) 10 via an air interface 11, including. BS 12 is controlled by a base station controller (BSC), which is also referred to as a radio network controller (RNC). In addition to this control function, the BSC 14 can also be configured to switch connections between base stations.
Although this schematic shows only one such network node, a mobile telephone network typically includes several BSs, BSCs, and often also includes more than one MSC.
[0023]
In the example of FIG. 1, the interface 13 between the BS 12 and the BSC 14 is a so-called “super A type”. A super A connection can be defined as a connection based on ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), which has, for example, a transfer rate of 1.5 Mb / s at each base station BS. The connection between the BSC 14 and the MSC 16 is instead realized by a so-called “A connection”, and the transfer rate is, for example, 4 × 1.5 Mb / s in each BSC. The MSC 16 can connect to a local ATM network (not shown, but can be an ATM LAN using the IP protocol, ie, an ATM local area network) via a 155 Mb / s data connection 17 such as a fiber optic cable connection. Connected to allow transmission of data packets between the ATM network and the MSC 16.
[0024]
FIG. 1 also shows a maintenance tool (MT) 18 operatively connected to each of the MSC 16, BSC 14, and BS 12. In practice, MT resources can be realized by a portable computer or similar means and appropriate software.
The following short descriptions of certain terms and meanings used herein in connection with ATM technology are provided to aid in understanding the examples described.
[0025]
ATM is a cell-based switching and multiplexing system standardized by ITU-T, ANSI (American National Standards Institute), ETSI, and ATM Forum. The ATM format is, for example, for B-ISDN (broadband integrated digital communication network; see, for example, 1991 ITU-T, Recommendation I.321, B-ISDN protocol reference model and its application). Therefore, FIG. 2 discloses the B-ISDN protocol reference model to clarify the ATM format. This model is divided into layers and planes. According to these, these planes are responsible for the actual transfer of information (user plane), signaling (control plane), and network management (management plane). Each plane is further divided into four layers: a physical layer (PHY), an ATM layer, an ATM adaptation layer (AAL), and a higher layer. Of these, the PHY is responsible for the actual transfer of bits, the ATM layer is responsible for ATM cell switching and multiplexing, and the higher layers include all higher layer tasks. The function of AAL is to adapt various services to the ATM cell format. A virtual ATM connection above the AAL may have a constant bit rate (CBR) or an unspecified bit rate (UBR).
[0026]
An ATM “cell” is an ATM basic transmission unit. The standardized size of this cell is 53 bytes, of which the first 5 bytes form the headnote and the remaining 48 bytes form the actual load. Regardless of the layer used, all ATM traffic is carried and switched on a cell-by-cell basis.
[0027]
AAL layer services can be divided into four classes from A to D. AAL signaling is divided into different types used depending on the service class and connection type. These types are, for example, AAL1, AAL2, AAL2 ', AAL3 / 4, and AAL5. Network nodes require functionality that allows conversion between the above types (eg, AAL2 to AAL2 ').
[0028]
FIG. 3 discloses the general structure of an ATM cell switching network (ACSN), which is a platform designed for the processing of ATM traffic. An ASCN typically includes common hardware and software modules. Its basic elements are ATM switches and associated software, which is often referred to as Spatial Switching (SPAS). This system is controlled by several modules such as a control system module, an SNMP element management module, and an ATM cell transport module. By adding application specific modules to these, an ACSN node such as BSC or MSC can be obtained. In the ASCN of FIG. 3, the ATM switch is implemented as an application dependent integrated circuit (ASIC) in the back of the rack. However, it should be noted that ATM switches can also be implemented within each subrack, for example as disclosed in FIG. High level control is realized by a main processor board (MPB). All application dependent functions and connections to other than ATM switches are realized by a user oriented board (DB, ie device board).
[0029]
A software configurable application processor platform that can flexibly process both user plane information and control plane information above the ATM layer provides the basis for general-purpose processing resources. This resource can be configured, for example, to provide different types of functionality, MSC, BSC, or BS nodes. The processor platform may be a digital signal processor (DSP) or other type of processor such as a RISC (reduced instruction set) processor, as shown in the particular embodiment illustrated herein.
[0030]
FIG. 4 discloses a block diagram of a board unit that provides one example of a general purpose processing resource. As disclosed, this resource can be in the form of a general-purpose configurable board 20, which is referred to below as an ATM multifunction board, or AMB. An embodiment of this is a configurable general purpose print board assembly having a processing capacity that provides many services for different characteristics requirements.
[0031]
The AMB assembly 20 includes an ATM interface or ATM switch port 24 (asynchronous transfer mode switch port) with several processors (eg, digital signal processor [DSP]) 22. The switch port 24 connects the AMS to an ATM switch core in an equipment rack or subrack (for racks see, for example, FIG. 6). All user plane and control plane communications to and from the AMB take place via this port 24.
[0032]
The processing pool is made up of several (eg four) application processors 22. Examples of possible processors are Texas Instruments ^TM From the C54x and C6x families manufactured by (eg, C548 and C6201, respectively). The number of processors 22 on the board is limited primarily by two factors: power consumption and the possibility of connecting them to an ATM switch.
[0033]
Programs associated with the application are executed in the application processor 22, and thus in FIG. 4, they are named as application DSP # 1 through application DSP # N. In one mode of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, each processor 22 has its own multi-switch in the ATM switch port interface circuit 24. PHY Have an address. In this way, the need for additional multiplexer / demultiplexer logic schematically illustrated by dashed box 26 in FIG. 4 may be eliminated. This multiplexer / demultiplexer logic tends to create a bottleneck in the system, especially when high speed data services are processed. The removal of the multiplexer / demultiplexer logic provides significant benefits to the overall operation of the AMB. However, it should be understood that in another mode of the present invention, the logic illustrated by box 26 can be used consistently with features of the present invention, such as dynamic configuration of resources and functionality. is there. The use of such multiplexer / demultiplexer logic in the form of a router is described, for example, in US patent application entitled “Centralized Queuing for ATM Node” filed Nov. 9, 1998. This is understood by reference to 09 / 188,097. The contents of this patent application are incorporated herein by reference.
[0034]
Signals from the control plane are routed through a board processor (BP) 28, which has its own multi-PHY address. The EP operates under a main processor that belongs to equipment located in the equipment rack or subrack of FIG.
[0035]
Each application processor 22 has a host port interface (HPI) 23. Each HPI 23 is BP It is connected to 28 external data memory spaces. The HPI is mainly used for managing the configuration operation of the AMB board 20 (operation such as DSP software loading or upgrading or correction).
[0036]
The placement of the AMB 20 is done so that there is complete freedom to load any application software to all processors on the board. The application processor 22 can comprise an external data memory and can thus meet the demands of high speed data services (eg, for buffering).
[0037]
FIG. 4 further discloses a UTOPIA (General Test and Operation PHY Interface for ATM) bus between each application processor 22 and the ATM interface, and between the board processor 28 and the ATM interface. The UTOPIA bus definition allows the connection of 8 PHY devices to ATM devices (multi-PHY technology). Each device may comprise four physical ports to which handshaking signals are connected by external logic. The maximum amount of application processors on a board is therefore 28. This is because one bus is reserved for the board processor. The UTOPIA bus has been standardized and is now considered as a preferred alternative for providing connectivity.
[0038]
For example, replacing the router processor between each application processor 22 and ATM interface 24 provides significant advantages by removing the restrictions set by this router (or similar) on data processing capacity. . Furthermore, by connecting each application processor 22 directly to its own UTOPIA multi-PHY branch, the required bandwidth for inter-processor communication within the AMB is the same. AMB It is implemented independently of the physical location of neighboring processors that may be on or on another board in the same subrack, in another subrack, or in another node of the system. Thus, system granularity can be at the application processor level rather than the board level. This also facilitates resource handlers to optimally manage pooled objects.
[0039]
FIG. 5 discloses another embodiment of the AMB. In this embodiment, it is provided by seven application processor modules 22 ′ # 1 to # 7 including a plurality of application processors 22 interconnected by interface logic 40. This can be realized by an ASIC circuit forming the application processor module 22 ′. These application processor modules 22 'are then connected to a switch port interface module (SPIM) by a UTOPIA bus. This SPIM forms the interface or switch between the AMB and the network and is responsible for routing ATM cells. The arrangement of FIG. 5 allows a board unit including 28 processors to be provided.
[0040]
As can be seen from FIG. 6, the AMB is placed in an equipment rack 30 (eg, a so-called ATM switch rack) that belongs to the PLMN node and includes several AMBs to form the pooled resources of the system. In addition to the AMB 20, the rack 30 includes an exchange terminal (ET) board 32 and switching devices 34 disposed between the various components of the rack 30. The exchange terminal board 32 provides an interface between different racks and nodes via connections 36. An example of a suitable switching device 34 is shown in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 188,101, filed Nov. 9, 1998, entitled “Asynchronous Transfer Mode Switch”. Incorporated into this application by reference.
[0041]
The arrangement is such that the AMB and / or the individual application processors of each AMB can be loaded / updated with the necessary software, for example during installation, in order to select different tasks in the startup of the system. The AMB or its DSP can also be configured during system operation. This can be done, for example, by the maintenance tool of FIG.
[0042]
The following are some examples of functions to be performed at a BSC node that an AMB can implement.
-Combining / dividing macro diversity handover (DHT; Diversity Handover Trunk) in CDMA system
DHT receives ATM cells sent from the ALT board by the mobile station (MS) and controls the handover of the MS between different base stations.
-Audio Coder / Decoder (CODEC)
− Echo canceller
-UDI (Unlimited Digital Information) Adapter for Circuit Data (UADP; UDI Adapter for Data Processing)
A packet data adapter for packet data (PADP); this adapts to packet data traffic in wireless path transmission.
[0043]
According to further exemplary embodiments, the following functions may also be realized by AMB.
-IPR board connected to the MSC node. An IPR (Internet Packet Router) board routes IP packets between a mobile station and a fixed telephone network.
-BSC or BTS ALT board connected to the node. The ALT (ATM and AAL2 Link Termination) board is used to convert AAL2 'cells to AAL2 cells. The ALT board can also be used to prioritize traffic at both ATM and AAL2 levels.
An SMX board connected to the BTS node. An SMX (service multiplexer) board is used to convert AAL2 'cells to AAL5 cells.
[0044]
FIG. 7 discloses an embodiment that provides a BSC node in an ATM switch rack 30 that is designed as needed at a given point in time and location. In this embodiment, the AMB is configured to form PADP 41, CODEC 42, DHT 43, and UADP 44 from the alternatives described above. A main processor board (MPB 45) is also included in the BSC node, and is connected to a transmission / reception control cell via the switch 34, for example.
[0045]
FIG. 8 discloses examples of functions that the AMB can implement in the base station. The function realized thereby is a radio link multiplexer (RLX), which is included, for example, in the medium access control (MAC) functionality of the W-CDMA system. A main processor board (MPB) is also included in the base station node of FIG. 8, and is connected to, for example, a transmission / reception control cell via the switch 34.
[0046]
An important feature of the embodiment described here is that the subrack, including the AMB board, can be configured according to the actual and current needs present in the system being used. For example, a mobile station-to-mobile station (MS-to-MS) connection only requires DHT (diversity handover trunk) functionality, while a mobile-station-to-fixed line connection has CODEC and / or UADP functions. I need. The number of DHT boards relative to CODEC and / or UADP boards, i.e., the combination between different boards, or "mixing" can be changed during operation of the system to provide optimal functionality to meet traffic requirements. In other words, the mix between the required functionality being different applications of the AMB is adapted to the actual and current needs of the system.
[0047]
As an example, if the number of MS-to-MS connections in the system increases, more DHT is required. In this case, it is expected that the number of CODECs will be reduced. The reason is that the total amount of connections is not expected to increase as many as the number of MS-to-MS connections, and so one or several CODECs are reconfigured to form one DHT or several DHTs. This is because it can be configured. Correspondingly, if the number of users of packet data increases, more PAPDs are required, and so on.
[0048]
The possibility and alternative of selecting the optimal AMB (or application processor) for configuration can be based on statistical information or other logic rules, the selection being made by the subrack main controller or by the board processor Controlled. According to one alternative, the first AMB (or application processor) in ascending (or descending) order is not active at the moment when a new task / needs due to change is determined, the AMB (or application processor) to be configured. It is.
[0049]
This significantly increases the flexibility of the system. This is because each AMB, or effectively each application processor on the AMB board, can be loaded with the necessary application software and thus properly reconfigured. The architecture of the selected application processor has the characteristics of both a conventional application processor and a RISC processor, which makes it more suitable for a variety of different applications in the nodes of a mobile communication system. Since the processing power of the processor architecture used and the amount of memory per processor are both high compared to the requirements of typical applications, especially when external memory is used, some channels / devices are 1 Can operate under one processor. This also helps to eliminate the channel fragmentation problem that arises when various bit rate data service applications are reserved and released on platforms with low efficiency processors.
[0050]
FIG. 9 discloses a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention. In step 100, a change in the operation of the communication network arises, which change is a change in the functionality of the system resources (such as those described in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7). It's like creating a need. In step 102, a system control unit, such as a BSC main processor board (MPB), determines that the information communication system requires a different resource allocation than before. In step 104, application processor functionality, all AMBs (all application processors on an AMB), or some AMBs are reconfigured to make the necessary changes. This procedure is controlled by the control unit. After this reconfiguration, the operation of the system continues at step 106 with a “mixing” or combination of new resources until further changes are needed.
[0051]
For example, if the BSC node of FIG. 7 detects that the number of mobile station (MS) -to-MS connections in the system has increased to the point where more DHT is required, the main processor board of the BCS node (MPB45) checks to see if there is a processor in the node that can convert from spare or previous functionality to DHT functionality. In situations where MS-to-MS connectivity has increased, it is likely that less CODEC functionality is required at the BSC node. Accordingly, the main processor board (MPB 45) determines that the CODEC functionality shown by one processor 46 of FIG. 7 can be replaced by DHT functionality. Accordingly, as indicated by step 104 in FIG. 9 and as indicated by arrow 49 in FIG. 7, the main processor board (MPB 45) downloads an application module having DHT functionality to the processor 46. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 7, the main processor board (MPB 45) is connected to a storage device 47 (such as a hard disk) that stores application modules of various functionalities. ing. For example, FIG. 7 shows that the storage device 47 stores a DHT application module 48a, a CODEC module 48b, and a PADP module 48n. In the diagram described here, the main processor board (MPB 45) downloads a copy of the DHT application module 48a to replace the CODEC functionality in the processor 46.
[0052]
FIG. 10 discloses a flowchart for a situation where a new system is initialized in its startup. In step 110, initialization of a new system is started. Upon startup, in step 112, a new program is loaded into the system AMB. After the system is initialized, system operation is started at step 114. The operation of the system is controlled, and if a change in functionality is detected in step 116, the system can be reinstated in step 120 by changing the functionality of one or more AMBs in the appropriate node. After that, in step 122, the operation of the system continues with the modified functionality.
[0053]
In this way, the present invention provides a solution that can realize significant improvements in the field of communications. This solution better meets the actual traffic demands in the communication system, even when more general processing resource units, such as AMB units, are introduced into the system, Provide a means to better fit future combinations with new services. The arrangement according to the invention can be realized with originally known components and can be used reliably.
[0054]
The dynamic configuration of the present invention, eg, the dynamic configuration of AMB, can be used to obtain various advantages. For example, using the dynamic configuration procedure of the present invention, node functionality is transferred to multiple boards (AMBs) so that essentially equal bandwidth requirements exist for all racks or subracks of the node. Can be allocated, or allocated, so that interconnect links (with a certain bandwidth) are optimally used with suitable delays.
[0055]
It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, all additional embodiments, modifications, similarities, alternatives, and applications that are obvious to those skilled in the art are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[0056]
Although the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, the present invention should not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but vice versa. It is intended to encompass various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wideband cellular system (WCS).
FIG. 2 discloses a B-ISDN reference protocol model.
FIG. 3 discloses a possible structure of an ATM cell switched network (ACSN) node.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an ATM multifunction board (AMB) arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 discloses another possible AMB.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 discloses a flow chart according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 discloses a flowchart according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (32)

At least one base station node;
A base station controller node that controls the at least one base station node;
An information communication system comprising: an exchange node operatively connected to the base station controller node that processes traffic from and to the at least one base station node; ,
At least one of the nodes comprises asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell processing functionality used for operation of the information communication system;
Universal ATM cell processing software configurable board unit having a resource is mounted within said at least one node, so ATM cell processing functionality of the previous SL-board units may be changed by the specific requirements of the information communication system ing,
An information communication system. 2. The information communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the traffic is processed by an ATM connection. 3. The information communication system according to claim 2 , wherein the board unit includes a software configurable ATM multifunction board. 4. The information communication system according to claim 3 , wherein the ATM multi-function board includes a board processor and at least one application processor. 4. The information communication system according to claim 3 , wherein said ATM multi-function board includes a plurality of application processor modules, each module including one or more application processors and interface logic. Wherein said at least one node, the information communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of board unit forming the pooled resources. Wherein said at least one node, the information communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of board unit disposed within the equipment rack. An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) node of an information communication system,
An ATM switch,
Including a board unit,
The board unit is
An ATM interface connected to the ATM switch ;
A board processor unit;
An application processor for processing ATM cells ;
Only including,
The board unit, the board processor units selectively change the ATM cell processing functionality type of the application processor Then, after the application processor, the modified ATM cell processing functionality types for the ATM Interface To provide ,
A node characterized by that . Node according to claim 8, further comprising a direct UTOPIA bus connecting the ATM interface and the application processor. Node of claim 8, further comprising a direct UTOPIA bus connecting the ATM interface and the board processor unit. Node according to claim 8, further comprising a direct UTOPIA bus connecting the board processor unit and the application processor. Node according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of application processors that are formed by a plurality of application processors modules including one or more sub-processors and interface logic. The board unit is a software configurable multifunction board capable of forming at least one of the resources of a DHT board, CODEC board, EC board, UADP board, PADP board, IPR board, ALT board or SMX board ; The node according to claim 8 , characterized in that: An asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) information communication node, wherein the node is one of a base station node, a base station controller node, and a mobile switching center node;
Multiple multifunction board units,
An interface for the node,
See containing and a connection between said plurality of multi-function board unit interface,
A node wherein the ATM cell processing functionality type of at least one of the multi-function boards can be changed by a software change according to the requirements of the communication system in which the node is operating. A plurality of different functional combinations are provided by the multi-function board, and the combinations of the plurality of ATM cell functionalities can be reconfigured under the control of a control unit during operation of the communication node. The node according to claim 14 , characterized in that: In a method of operating a node of a cellular communication network, the node includes a plurality of board devices, each of the plurality of board devices having at least one functional processor, and different types of ATM cell processing communication functionality are currently available. Is distributed to the functional processors of the node according to the ATM cell processing functionality distribution of:
(1) detecting a resource request change in the node;
(2) during operation of said node, and in response to the detection of the change of the request to change the ATM cell processing functionality type of at least one of the functional processor dynamically, changed thereby in the node Providing a functional distribution,
A method comprising the steps of : The method of claim 16 wherein step (2) is characterized by comprising a step of changing the ATM cell processing functionality types all functional processors on the selected board apparatus of the node. The method of claim 16 wherein step (2) is characterized by comprising a step of changing the ATM cell processing functionality types all functional processors on the plurality of board apparatus of the node. The node, and no domain processor, a switch for connecting the plurality of board apparatus the node domain processor further includes a, the method comprising the steps (1) and to perform at least one of (2) the method according to any one of claims 16 to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises the step of using the no-domain processor. The no-domain processor, in response to detecting the request changes during operation, and in the node, according to claim 19, wherein downloading the new ATM cell processing functionality types to at least one of the functional processor The method described in 1. The method according to claims 16 to any one of up to claim 20, wherein the node, and wherein the base station node, which is one of the base station controller node, and the mobile switching center node. The node is a base station controller node, the ATM cell processing functionality type of at least one of the functional processor in the step (2) is, (1) combining / segmenting macro diversity handover, (2) coder / decoder (3) Echo canceller, (4) Unlimited digital information adapter for circuit data, (5) Packet data adapter, (6) Internet packet router, (7) AAL link termination, (8) Service multiplexer the method according to any one of claims 16 to claim 20 from one of the characterized in that it is changed to another one. An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) node of a cellular communication network,
A node main processor;
A plurality of board apparatus, each having at least one functional processors, different types of ATM cell processing communication functionality, Ru is allocated to function processor of the node in response to the ATM cell processing functionality allocation of existing and multiple board equipment,
A switch for interconnecting the node main processor and the plurality of board devices;
Upon detecting a change in resource request by the node, the node main processor activates the ATM cell processing functionality type of at least one of the functional processors during operation of the node and in response to detecting the change in request. To change the ATM cell processing functionality distribution within the node,
A node characterized by that . The no-domain processor node according to claim 23, characterized in that to change the ATM cell processing functionality types all functional processors on the selected board apparatus of the node. The node according to claim 23 , wherein the node main processor changes the ATM cell processing functionality type of all functional processors on a plurality of board devices of the node . The node according to claim 23 , wherein the node is one of a base station node, a base station controller node, and a mobile switching center node . The node is a base station controller node, the node domain processor, the ATM cell processing functionality type of at least one of the functional processor,
(1) Combining / dividing macro diversity handover, (2) coder / decoder, (3) echo canceller, (4) unlimited digital information adapter for circuit data, (5) packet data adapter, (6) internet packet router, 7) AAL link terminal, node according to claim 23, characterized in that to change (8) services multiplexer to another from one of functionality. A node main processor;
Their Re, respectively has at least one function processor, and a plurality of board apparatus,
An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) node of a cellular communication network, comprising: a switch interconnecting the node main processor and the plurality of board devices;
The node main processor assigns different types of ATM cell processing communication functionality to the functional processor of the node such that there are essentially equal bandwidth requirements for all board devices;
A node characterized by that . The node according to claim 28 , wherein the node is one of a base station node, a base station controller node, and a mobile switching center node . In a method of operating an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) node of a cellular communication network, the node includes a plurality of board devices, each of the plurality of board devices having at least one functional processor, the method comprising: Allocating different types of ATM cell processing communication functionality to the functional processor of the node such that there are essentially equal bandwidth requirements for the board device;
Wherein the. Wherein no domain processor, to provide essentially equal bandwidth requirements for all board device, to download at least the new ATM cell processing functionality type into one of the functional processor during operation of said node The method according to claim 30 . The method of claim 30, wherein the node is characterized in that one of the base station node, the base station controller node, and the mobile switching center node.

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