WO2024058626A1 - Communication node, communication system and operating method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An operating method of a communication node connected between a base station and a remote node, according to one aspect of the technical idea of the present disclosure, comprises the steps of: detecting a beam ID, a payload, and a frame start point from a first frame received from the base station; calculating, on the basis of the detected frame start point, symbol intervals of a plurality of symbols included in the first frame; generating, on the basis of the calculated symbol intervals, pulse signals corresponding to each of the plurality of symbols; generating a second frame including the generated pulse signals; and transmitting the generated second frame to the remote node.

Description

Communication node, communication system, and method of operation thereof

The technical idea of the present disclosure relates to a communication node, a communication system, and a method of operating the same. More specifically, it relates to a communication node that provides beamforming through beam control for each symbol, a communication system, and a method of operating the same.

Around 2019, 5G mobile communications began to be commercialized with the supply of 5G NR (New Radio) terminals. In 5G mobile communication networks, beamforming technology using multiple antennas is applied to improve data transmission speed.

This beamforming technology is a technology that strongly transmits and receives signals in a specific direction by arranging multiple antennas at regular intervals and changing the amplitude and phase of the signal supplied to each antenna to form an antenna beam in a specific direction.

The remote unit of the 5G mobile communication system can form beams in dozens or more different directions using the multiple antennas described above. These beams must be formed individually according to the location of the terminal, and the beams must also be controlled and formed temporally. However, in 5G signals, when the subcarrier spacing is 240 kHz, the spacing between symbols is 4.46 ㎲ and the cyclic prefix (CP) is 0.29 ㎲. In order to form an antenna beam for the next symbol, accurate beam control must be achieved in a very short time within the CP period.

One problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a communication system and operation method that allows a remote node to smoothly perform beam control for each symbol in a short time within a CP section.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of operating a communication node connected between a base station and a remote node according to an aspect according to the technical idea of the present disclosure includes beam ID, pay detecting the load and frame start point; calculating symbol intervals of a plurality of symbols included in the first frame based on the detected frame start point; Based on the calculated symbol interval, generating a pulse signal corresponding to each of the plurality of symbols; generating a second frame including the generated pulse signals; and transmitting the generated second frame to the remote node.

According to one embodiment, the detecting step may include detecting the frame start point by demodulating a synchronization block included in the overhead portion of the first frame.

According to one embodiment, the calculating step may include calculating a symbol spacing of the plurality of symbols based on the detected frame start point and subcarrier spacing (SCS).

According to one embodiment, the detected frame start point corresponds to an initial frame start point, and the calculating step includes detecting a frame start point of each frame transmitted from the base station based on the first frame start point; And it may include calculating the interval between each symbol included in the frames based on the frame start point of each of the frames and the SCS.

According to one embodiment, the step of generating the pulse signal includes generating pulse signals to correspond to the start point of each of the plurality of symbols determined based on the frame start point and the interval between each of the plurality of symbols. It can be included.

According to one embodiment, generating the second frame includes generating the second frame based on the beam ID, payload, frame start point, and generated pulse signals detected from the first frame. It can be included.

According to one embodiment, the communication node may transmit and receive the first frame or the second frame with the base station and the remote node according to CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) or eCPRI (Ethernet-based CPRI).

A communication node according to an aspect according to the technical idea of the present disclosure includes a frame detector that detects a beam ID, payload, and frame start point from a first frame received from a base station; A pulse generator that calculates the symbol interval of a plurality of symbols included in the first frame based on the detected frame start point and SCS, and generates a pulse signal corresponding to each of the plurality of symbols based on the calculated symbol interval. ; a frame generator that generates a second frame including the detected beam ID, payload, frame start point, and the generated pulse signals; and a frame transmission unit that transmits the generated second frame to the remote node.

A communication system according to an aspect according to the technical idea of the present disclosure detects a beam ID, payload, and frame start point from a first frame received from a base station, and sends the first frame to the first frame based on the detected frame start point and SCS. Calculate the symbol interval of the plurality of symbols included, generate a pulse signal corresponding to each of the plurality of symbols based on the calculated symbol interval, and calculate the detected beam ID, payload, frame start point, and the generated a communication node generating a second frame containing pulse signals; and a remote node that receives a second frame from the communication node, forms an antenna beam for each of a plurality of symbols included in the received second frame, and outputs the antenna beam.

According to one embodiment, the remote node detects the beam ID, payload, frame start point, and pulse signals from the second frame, and uses the detected beam ID, frame start point, and pulse signals to create the plurality of symbols. By generating beam control information for controlling the antenna beam for each of the antenna beams, and controlling a plurality of antennas included in the remote node based on the generated beam control information, forming an antenna beam for each of the plurality of symbols Can be printed.

According to one embodiment, at least some of the antenna beams for each of the plurality of symbols may be output in different directions.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of antennas may correspond to array antennas arranged at predetermined intervals.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication node connected to a base station may calculate the interval between each symbol included in the frame, generate a pulse signal, and provide the generated pulse signal to a remote node. The remote node does not directly calculate the spacing and starting point of the symbols included in the received frame, but performs control of the antenna beam for each symbol based on the pulse signal included in the received frame, effectively beaming in a short time within the CP section. Control can be performed. Accordingly, beamforming, a core technology of 5G, is effectively implemented, making it possible to guarantee high data transmission speeds.

The effects according to the technical idea of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. There will be.

In order to more fully understand the drawings cited in this disclosure, a brief description of each drawing is provided.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of each communication node included in the communication system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pulse generator of FIG. 2.

Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of the main hub unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating a remote unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 shows an example of a frame configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation of a remote unit included in the communication system of FIG. 1 to output an antenna beam based on the frame of FIG. 6.

This disclosure is a study conducted with the support of the National IT Planning and Evaluation Institute with funding from the government (Ministry of Science and ICT) in 2022 (No. 2019-0-01360, Open base station distribution unit (DU) technology supporting dynamic functional division Development).

Illustrative embodiments according to the technical idea of the present disclosure are provided to more completely explain the technical idea of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and the examples below can be modified into various other forms. may be, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples below. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to completely convey the technical idea of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

Although the terms first, second, etc. are used in this disclosure to describe various members, regions, layers, portions, and/or components, these members, parts, regions, layers, portions, and/or components are referred to by these terms. It is obvious that it should not be limited by . These terms do not imply any particular order, superiority, inferiority, or superiority or inferiority, and are used only to distinguish one member, region, region, or component from another member, region, region, or component. Accordingly, the first member, region, portion, or component described in detail below may refer to the second member, region, portion, or component without departing from the teachings of the technical idea of the present disclosure. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical terms and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the concept of the present disclosure pertains. Additionally, commonly used terms, as defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted to have meanings consistent with what they mean in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be used in an overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. It should not be interpreted.

In cases where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially at the same time, or may be performed in an order opposite to the order in which they are described.

In the accompanying drawings, variations of the depicted shape may be expected, depending, for example, on manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances. Accordingly, embodiments based on the technical spirit of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the specific shape of the area shown in the present disclosure, but should include, for example, changes in shape that occur during the manufacturing process. The same reference numerals are used for the same components in the drawings, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

As used herein, the term 'and/or' includes each and every combination of one or more of the mentioned elements.

Hereinafter, embodiments based on the technical idea of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a core network, a centralized unit (CU) 100, and a distributed unit (DU) 200. , a main hub unit (or main unit) (Main hub Unit or Main Unit (MU); 300), and a plurality of communication nodes such as a plurality of remote units (Remote Unit (RU); 400). Each of these units 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be implemented as at least one device, and each device may include hardware and software for transmitting and receiving communication signals (frames). The hardware may include components such as a processor, memory, communication chip or circuit.

Figure 1 illustrates a structure in which the base station is divided into CU (100) and DU (200), but it is not limited to this and various modifications are possible. The CU (100) and DU (200) can separate and perform functions in various forms according to various function separation options (e.g., 3GPP TR38.801 standard, etc.).

Depending on the embodiment, the CU (100) and DU (200) may process the RRC, PDCP, High-RLC, Low-RLC, High-MAC, Low-MAC, and High-PHY layers separately. The CU (100) is directly linked to the core network and can interface between the core network and the base station.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication system 10 may be implemented in a form that further includes an intermediate node called MU (300) between the DU (200) and the plurality of RUs (400). The MU (300) may transmit the downlink signal received from the DU (200) to a plurality of connected RUs (400). Additionally, the MU (300) may transmit uplink signals received from a plurality of RUs (400) to the DU (200).

A plurality of RUs 400 may be connected to the MU 300 and distributed so that signals transmitted and received from the base station can be transmitted and received at various locations. Each of the plurality of RUs 400 and the MU 300 may be connected through various communication media such as optical cables, high-speed cables, or microwave cables.

Depending on the embodiment, the DU (200), the MU (300), and the plurality of RUs (400) may comply with various fronthaul communication standards. For example, the DU (200) and the MU (300), and the MU (300) and a plurality of RUs (400) can transmit and receive communication frames through CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) or eCPRI (Ethernet-based Common Public Radio Interface). there is.

Meanwhile, each of the plurality of RUs 400 includes an array antenna in which a plurality of antennas are arranged, and through beamforming technology using the array antenna, antenna beams corresponding to symbols included in the received frame are generated. It can be output in different directions. For example, the direction of antenna beams may be formed depending on the location of the user terminal communicating with the RU 400, but the direction is not limited thereto.

The frame transmitted from the base station (DU 200) includes a beam ID for classification (identification) of antenna beams, and the RU 400 can form a plurality of antenna beams based on the beam ID.

Meanwhile, Table 1 below shows the time between symbols for each subcarrier spacing (SCS) in the 5G signal.

Parameter/Numerology	0	One	2	3		4
Subcarrier Spacing (Khz)	15	30	60	120		240
OFDM Symbol Duration (us)	66.67	33.33	16.67	8.33		4.17
Cyclic Prefix Duration (us)	4.69	2.34	1.17	0.57		0.29
OFDM Symbol including CP (us)	71.35	35.68	17.84	8.92		4.46

Referring to Table 1, when the SCS is 240khz, the interval between symbols including CP is about 4.46 ㎲, and CP is only about 0.29 ㎲. Beam control must be performed within the CP period to transmit the IQ data of the frame in the next OFDM symbol period. Therefore, when the SCS is 240khz, beam control must be performed in a very short time of at least 0.29㎲, and for this, the RU (400) must accurately detect each symbol section.

However, when the RU 400 performs the process of detecting a symbol section from a received frame, it may be difficult to secure sufficient time for beam control. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the MU 300 detects the starting point of each symbol from the frame and provides the starting point to the RU 400, so that the RU 400 can smoothly perform beam control without detecting the symbol section. Specific embodiments related to this will be described with reference to the drawings below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of each communication node included in the communication system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pulse generator of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the MU 300 may include a frame detection unit 310, a pulse generation unit 320, a frame generation unit 330, and a frame transmission unit 340.

The frame detection unit 310 may detect a beam ID, IQ data corresponding to the payload, and a frame start point from a frame (eg, CPRI frame) transmitted from the frame transmission unit 210 of the DU 200. For example, the frame detector 310 may detect the frame start point by demodulating a synchronization block included in the overhead part of the frame. For example, the frame start point may correspond to the first frame start point.

The pulse generator 320 may calculate the symbol interval based on the frame start point detected by the frame detection unit 310 and generate a pulse signal corresponding to each start point of the symbols.

Referring to FIG. 3 for a specific configuration example of the pulse generator 320, the pulse generator 320 includes a frame start detector 322, a symbol duration calculator 324, and a pulse generator. (pulse generator; 326), and a pulse transmitter (pulse transmitter; 328).

The frame start point detector 322 may detect the start point of each frame based on the frame start point (first frame start point) detected by the frame detection unit 310. For example, the period of a 5G radio frame is 10ms, so the frame start point detector 322 can detect the start point of each frame at 10ms intervals.

The symbol spacing calculator 324 may calculate the spacing of symbols included in the frame based on the SCS mode used based on the frequency range of use of the frame, etc. For example, when the SCS is 240khz, the symbol interval calculator 324 can calculate the symbol interval (including CP) as 4.46 ㎲.

The pulse generator 326 may generate a pulse corresponding to each symbol based on the symbol interval calculated by the symbol interval calculator 324. For example, a pulse may be generated to correspond to the start point of each symbol, but the pulse is not limited to this and may be generated for various time points, such as being generated to correspond to the CP start point of each symbol.

The pulse transmitter 328 may provide the generated pulse to the frame generator 330.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the frame generator 330 corresponds to the beam ID detected from the frame detector 310, the payload (IQ data), the frame start point, and the symbols provided from the pulse generator 320. A frame can be created to include a pulse that The frame transmitter 340 may transmit the generated frame to at least one RU (400) corresponding to the frame among the plurality of RUs (400).

Meanwhile, the RU 400 may include a frame detection unit 410, a beam control unit 420, and an antenna unit 430.

The frame detector 410 may detect pulses corresponding to each of the beam ID, payload (IQ data), frame start point, and symbols from the frame received from the MU 300.

The beam control unit 420 uses the beam ID, frame start point, and pulse of each symbol detected by the frame detection unit 410 to generate and generate beam control information for controlling the antenna beam for each symbol. The antenna unit 430 can be controlled based on the beam control information. That is, the frame detection unit 410 or the beam control unit 420 performs beam control at precise timing based on the pulse in the frame received from the MU 300 without directly detecting the starting point of each symbol in the frame, thereby By securing sufficient time for control, beam control can be performed more smoothly and accurately.

The antenna unit 430 outputs signals with each of the plurality of antennas having the same or different amplitude/phase under the control of the beam control unit 420. By combining signals output from a plurality of antennas, beamforming can be achieved by concentrating the signals output from the antenna unit 430 and outputting them in a predetermined direction.

Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of the main hub unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the MU 300 may receive a frame from the DU 200 (S400) and detect the start point of the received frame (S410).

The MU 300 calculates the symbol spacing based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the frame (S420) and generates pulses corresponding to each start point of the symbols determined based on the calculated symbol spacing. There is (S430).

The MU 300 may generate a frame including the generated pulse and transmit the generated frame to the RU 400 (S440).

As described above in FIGS. 2 and 3, the MU 300 can detect the beam ID, payload (IQ data), and frame start point from the received frame. The MU 300 may calculate the spacing of symbols based on the SCS and the detected frame start point, and generate pulses corresponding to each of the symbols based on the calculated spacing of the symbols. The MU 300 may regenerate a frame including the beam ID, payload, frame start point, and generated pulse, and transmit the generated frame to the corresponding RU 400.

Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating a remote unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the RU 400 may receive a frame from the MU 300 (S500) and detect a beam ID, IQ data, and pulse from the received frame (S510).

As the RU 400 controls the antenna beam based on the detected beam ID and pulse (S520), an antenna beam according to the control result may be formed and output (S530).

As described above in FIGS. 2 and 3, the RU 400 detects a pulse corresponding to each of the beam ID, payload, frame start point, and symbols from the frame received from the MU 300, and the beam ID, Beam control information for each symbol can be generated using the frame start point and pulse. The RU 400 may perform antenna beam control for each symbol based on the generated beam control information.

Figure 6 shows an example of a frame configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing an operation of a remote unit included in the communication system of FIG. 1 to output an antenna beam based on the frame of FIG. 6.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, one frame includes 10 subframes, the frame period may be 10 ms, and the subframe period may be 1 ms. When the SCS is 240khz, one subframe may include 16 slots, and the slot period may be 0.0625ms. Additionally, one slot may consist of 14 symbols (sb#0 to sb#13), and the symbol interval (symbol duration) is approximately 4.46 ㎲.

As described above, the MU 300 can detect the start point of the frame and generate pulses (Pulse #0 to Pulse #13) corresponding to each of the symbols based on the detected start point and the symbol interval according to the SCS. . In Figure 6, the pulses (Pulse #0 to Pulse #13) are shown as being generated according to the starting point of the corresponding symbol, but the positions of the pulses (Pulse #0 to Pulse #13) are generated according to the starting point of the CP within the slot, etc. It may be created in a different location.

The MU (300) may transmit a frame including the generated pulses (Pulse#0 to Pulse#13) to the RU (400). By performing beam control based on the received frame, the RU 400 can form and output antenna beams with different directions for each of the symbols sb#0 to sb#13. For example, each of the symbols (sb#0 to sb#13) is assigned to a different user terminal, and the user terminals may exist in different locations. Accordingly, the RU 400 may perform beam control to provide antenna beams for each of the symbols sb#0 to sb#13 in the direction where the corresponding user terminal is located.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely an example with reference to the drawings for a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the technical idea of the present disclosure.

In addition, it will be clear to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the basic principles of the present disclosure.

Claims (15)

1. In a method of operating a communication node connected between a base station and a remote node,

   Detecting a beam ID, payload, and frame start point from a first frame received from a base station;

   calculating symbol intervals of a plurality of symbols included in the first frame based on the detected frame start point;

   Based on the calculated symbol interval, generating a pulse signal corresponding to each of the plurality of symbols;

   generating a second frame including the generated pulse signals; and

   Transmitting the generated second frame to the remote node,

   How a communication node operates.
2. According to paragraph 1,

   The detecting step is,

   Comprising the step of detecting the frame start point by demodulating a synchronization block included in the overhead portion of the first frame,

   How a communication node operates.
3. According to paragraph 1,

   The calculating step is,

   Comprising the step of calculating a symbol spacing of the plurality of symbols based on the detected frame start point and subcarrier spacing (SCS),

   How a communication node operates.
4. According to paragraph 3,

   The detected frame start point corresponds to the first frame start point,

   The calculating step is,

   Detecting a frame start point of each frame transmitted from the base station based on the first frame start point; and

   Comprising the step of calculating the interval between each symbol included in the frames based on the frame start point of each of the frames and the SCS,

   How a communication node operates.
5. According to paragraph 1,

   The step of generating the pulse signal is,

   Comprising the step of generating pulse signals to correspond to the starting point of each of the plurality of symbols determined based on the frame starting point and the interval between each of the plurality of symbols,

   How a communication node operates.
6. According to paragraph 1,

   The step of generating the second frame is,

   Comprising generating the second frame based on the beam ID, payload, frame start point, and generated pulse signals detected from the first frame,

   How a communication node operates.
7. According to paragraph 1,

   The communication node transmits and receives the first frame or the second frame with the base station and the remote node according to CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) or eCPRI (Ethernet-based CPRI),

   How a communication node operates.
8. A frame detector that detects a beam ID, payload, and frame start point from the first frame received from the base station;

   Calculate symbol spacing of a plurality of symbols included in the first frame based on the detected frame start point and subcarrier spacing (SCS), and correspond to each of the plurality of symbols based on the calculated symbol spacing. a pulse generator that generates a pulse signal;

   a frame generator that generates a second frame including the detected beam ID, payload, frame start point, and the generated pulse signals; and

   Comprising a frame transmission unit that transmits the generated second frame to a remote node,

   Communication node.
9. According to clause 8,

   The detected frame start point corresponds to the first frame start point,

   The pulse generator,

   a frame start point detector that detects the frame start point of each frame transmitted from the base station, based on the first frame start point; and

   Comprising a symbol interval calculator that calculates the interval between each symbol included in the frames, based on the frame start point of each of the frames and the SCS,

   Communication node.
10. According to clause 9,

    The pulse generator,

    Further comprising a pulse generator that generates pulse signals to correspond to the start point of each of the plurality of symbols determined based on the frame start point and the interval between each of the plurality of symbols,

    Communication node.
11. According to clause 8,

    The communication node transmits and receives the first frame or the second frame with the base station and the remote node according to CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) or eCPRI (Ethernet-based CPRI),

    Communication node.
12. Detect the beam ID, payload, and frame start point from the first frame received from the base station, and select the plurality of symbols included in the first frame based on the detected frame start point and subcarrier spacing (SCS). Calculate a symbol interval, generate a pulse signal corresponding to each of the plurality of symbols based on the calculated symbol interval, and include the detected beam ID, payload, frame start point, and the generated pulse signals. 2 A communication node that generates a frame; and

    Comprising a remote node that receives a second frame from the communication node and forms and outputs an antenna beam for each of a plurality of symbols included in the received second frame,

    communication system.
13. According to clause 12,

    The remote node is,

    Detecting the beam ID, payload, frame start point, and pulse signals from the second frame,

    Generating beam control information for controlling an antenna beam for each of the plurality of symbols using the detected beam ID, frame start point, and pulse signals,

    Forming and outputting an antenna beam for each of a plurality of symbols by controlling a plurality of antennas included in the remote node based on the generated beam control information,

    communication system.
14. According to clause 13,

    At least some of the antenna beams for each of the plurality of symbols are output in different directions,

    communication system.
15. According to clause 13,

    The plurality of antennas correspond to array antennas arranged at predetermined intervals,

    communication system.

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