FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE
SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING A 4G COMBO CELL
APPLICANT
JIO PLATFORMS LIMITED
of Office-101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad -
380006, Gujarat, India; Nationality : India
The following specification particularly describes
the invention and the manner in which
it is to be performed
2
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material,
which is subject to intellectual property rights such as, but are not limited to,
5 copyright, design, trademark, Integrated Circuit (IC) layout design, and/or trade
dress protection, belonging to Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) or its affiliates
(hereinafter referred as owner). The owner has no objection to the facsimile
reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
10 reserves all rights whatsoever. All rights to such intellectual property are fully
reserved by the owner.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
15 communication technology. In particular, the present disclosure relates to network
optimization by supporting a fourth generation (4G) combo cell.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
[0003] The following description of related art is intended to provide
20 background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may
include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the
present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only
to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure,
and not as admissions of prior art.
25 [0004] Currently, fourth generation (4G) combo indoor small cell (IDSC)
(4G access radio and Wi-Fi access radio) is deployed in mass level, and to upgrade
it to 5G, may require a change in the whole infrastructure. In effect, the existing 4G
combo IDSC may have to be removed and replaced with new IDSC, which may
support both 5G, and 4G and Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) radio.
30 [0005] The backhaul configuration and changes in the infrastructure may
require massive cost and high time. There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING A 4G COMBO CELL
3
a method and a system that can capitalize on the existing infrastructure and
overcome the shortcomings of the existing prior arts.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
5 [0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide daisy chain support
for fourth generation (4G) and wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) combo cell through 5G
indoor small cell (IDSC).
10 [0008] An object of the present disclosure is to facilitate dynamic bandwidth
allocation between 5G, and daisy chain connected Wi-Fi.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to support prioritization of
precision time protocol (PTP) traffic from 4G to 5G, and vice versa.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to use existing infrastructure
15 of 4G and Wi-Fi for both 4G and Wi-Fi, and 5G by minimizing backhaul
configuration changes, and without any additional cost and time for indoor 5G
rollout.
[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to enhance network and cost
optimization.
20
SUMMARY
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a
method for supporting a daisy chain support for 4G combo IDSC. The method
comprising configuring a backhaul router for a plurality of virtual local area
25 networks (VLANs) to support a connectivity between a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC)
and the 4G combo IDSC. The method comprising creating, by the 5G IDSC, a
plurality of VLANs for signalling, data traffic and a 5G (precision time protocol)
PTP slave interface. The method comprising creating, by the backhaul router, a first
set of plurality of VLANs for 4G packets. The 4G packets are 4G data packets,
30 signalling packets and operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) packets.
The method comprising bridging, at the 5G IDSC, the first set of plurality of
4
VLANs to create a tunnel of the 4G packets from the backhaul router to the 4G
combo IDSC. The method comprising creating, by the backhaul router a second set
of a plurality of VLANs for wi-fi packets. The wi-fi packets are wi-fi data packets
and signalling packets. The method comprising bridging, at the 5G IDSC, the
5 second set of the plurality of VLANs for creating a tunnel of the wi-fi packets from
the backhaul router to the 4G combo IDSC. The method comprising generating, by
a grandmaster of the backhaul router, a plurality of VLAN PTP packets to enable
PTP synchronization at the 5G IDSC with the grandmaster. The method comprising
enabling, by the 5G IDSC, the VLAN interface on a daisy chain support. The
10 VLAN interface acts as a PTP master for a 4G PTP slave.
[0013] In some embodiments, the method comprising configuring, by the
5G IDSC, the PTP master internet protocol (IP) address and providing the PTP
master IP address to the VLAN interface. The method comprising configuring, by
the 5G IDSC, a PTP slave internet protocol (IP) address and providing the PTP
15 slave IP address to the 4G combo IDSC. The method comprising generating, by the
5G IDSC, a plurality of PTP packets and sending the plurality of PTP packets
towards the 4G combo IDSC. The plurality of PTP packets provides PTP
synchronization at the 4G combo IDSC. The method comprising performing 5G
signalling at the 4G combo IDSC to enable the 4G combo IDSC for a 5G user
20 equipment (UE) attach and data flow. The method comprising performing 4G
signalling at the 4G combo IDSC to enable the 4G combo IDSC for a 4G user
equipment (UE) attach and data flow.
[0014] In some embodiments, an existing ethernet port of the 5G IDSC is
converted as output port for a backhaul of the 5G IDSC to support the daisy chain
25 of 4G combo IDSC.
[0015] In some embodiments, a bandwidth for a communication between
the 5G IDSC and the 4G combo IDSC is dynamically allocated.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a
system for supporting a 4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to configure a
30 backhaul router for a plurality of virtual local area networks (VLANs) to support a
connectivity between a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC) and the 4G combo IDSC. The
5
system is configured to create, by the 5G IDSC, a plurality of VLANs for signalling,
data traffic and a 5G precision time protocol (PTP) slave interface. The system is
configured to create, by the backhaul router, a first set of plurality of VLANs for
4G packets, The 4G packets are 4G data packets, signalling packets and operations,
5 administration, and maintenance (OAM) packets. The system is configured to
bridge, at the 5G IDSC, the first set of plurality of VLANs to create a tunnel of the
4G packets from the backhaul router to the 4G combo IDSC. The system is
configured to create, by the backhaul router a second set of a plurality of VLANs
for wi-fi packets. The wi-fi packets are wi-fi data packets and signalling packets.
10 The system is configured to bridge, at the 5G IDSC, the second set of the plurality
of VLANs for creating a tunnel of the wi-fi packets from the backhaul router to the
4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to generate, by a grandmaster of the
backhaul router, a plurality of VLAN PTP packets to enable PTP synchronization
at the 5G IDSC with the grandmaster. The system is configured to enable, by the
15 5G IDSC, the VLAN interface on a daisy chain support. The VLAN interface acts
as a PTP master for a 4G PTP slave.
[0017] In some embodiments, the system is configured to configure, by the
5G IDSC, the PTP master internet protocol (IP) address and provide the PTP master
IP address to the VLAN interface. The system is configured to configure, by the 5G
20 IDSC, a PTP slave internet protocol (IP) address and provide the PTP slave IP
address to the 4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to generate, by the 5G
IDSC, a plurality of PTP packets and send the plurality of PTP packets towards the
4G combo IDSC. The plurality of PTP packets provide PTP synchronization at the
4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to perform 5G signalling at the 4G
25 combo IDSC to enable the 4G combo IDSC for a 5G user equipment (UE) attach
and data flow. The system is configured to perform 4G signalling at the 4G combo
IDSC to enable the 4G combo IDSC for a 4G user equipment (UE) attach and data
flow.
[0018] In some embodiments, an existing ethernet port of the 5G IDSC is
30 converted as output port for a backhaul of the 5G IDSC to support the daisy chain
of 4G combo IDSC.
6
[0019] In some embodiments, a bandwidth for a communication between
the 5G IDSC and the 4G combo IDSC is dynamically allocated.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a
network comprising a system for supporting a 4G combo indoor small cell (IDSC).
5 The system is configured to configure a backhaul router for a plurality of virtual
local area networks (VLANs) to support a connectivity between a 5G indoor small
cell (IDSC) and the 4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to create, by the 5G
IDSC, a plurality of VLANs for signalling, data traffic and a 5G PTP slave
interface. The system is configured to create, by the backhaul router, a first set of
10 plurality of VLANs for 4G packets. The 4G packets are 4G data packets, signalling
packets and operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) packets. The
system is configured to bridge, at the 5G IDSC, the first set of plurality of VLANs
to create a tunnel of the 4G packets from the backhaul router to the 4G combo IDSC.
The system is configured to create, by the backhaul router a second set of a plurality
15 of VLANs for wi-fi packets. The wi-fi packets are wi-fi data packets and signalling
packets. The system is configured to bridge, at the 5G IDSC, the second set of the
plurality of VLANs for creating a tunnel of the wi-fi packets from the backhaul
router to the 4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to generate, by a
grandmaster of the backhaul router, a plurality of VLAN PTP packets to enable PTP
20 synchronization at the 5G IDSC with the grandmaster. The system is configured to
enable, by the 5G IDSC, the VLAN interface on a daisy chain support. The VLAN
interface acts as a PTP master for a 4G PTP slave.
[0021] In some embodiments, the system is configured to configure, by the
5G IDSC, the PTP master internet protocol (IP) address and provide the PTP master
25 IP address to the VLAN interface. The system is configured to configure, by the 5G
IDSC, a PTP slave internet protocol (IP) address and provide the PTP slave IP
address to the 4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to generate, by the 5G
IDSC, a plurality of PTP packets and send the plurality of PTP packets towards the
4G combo IDSC. The plurality of PTP packets provide PTP synchronization at the
30 4G combo IDSC. The system is configured to perform 5G signalling at the 4G
combo IDSC to enable the 4G combo IDSC for a 5G user equipment (UE) attach
7
and data flow. The system is configured to perform 4G signalling at the 4G combo
IDSC to enable the 4G combo IDSC for a 4G user equipment (UE) attach and data
flow.
[0022] In some embodiments, an existing ethernet port of the 5G IDSC is
5 converted as output port for a backhaul of the 5G IDSC to support the daisy chain
of 4G combo IDSC.
[0023] In some embodiments, a bandwidth for a communication between
the 5G IDSC and the 4G combo IDSC is dynamically allocated.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a
10 method for bandwidth allocation for an access point in a 4G combo indoor small
cell (IDSC) (606) in a network. The method comprising determining a throughput
of a backhaul switch connected to a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC). The method
comprising determining a throughput of the 5G IDSC. The method comprising
determining a remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC based on the
15 determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the
5G IDSC. The method comprising determining a throughput of a 4G IDSC. The 4G
combo IDSC comprising the access point and the 4G IDSC. The method comprising
determining a precision time protocol (PTP) bandwidth associated with a PTP
grandmaster attached to the network. The method comprising calculating a
20 bandwidth for the access point in the 4G combo IDSC based on the determined
remaining bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G IDSC and the
determined PTP bandwidth. The method comprising allocating the calculated
bandwidth to the access point in the 4G combo IDSC.
[0025] In some embodiments, the remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo
25 IDSC is a difference between the determined throughput of the backhaul switch and
the determined throughput of the 5G IDSC.
[0026] In some embodiments, the calculated bandwidth for the access point
in the 4G combo IDSC is a difference between the remaining bandwidth, the
determined throughput of the 4G IDSC and the determined PTP bandwidth.
30 [0027] In some embodiments, the backhaul switch is connected to at least
one optical port of the 5G IDSC.
8
[0028] In some embodiments, the 5G IDSC includes at least one daisy chain
output port. In some embodiments, the at least one daisy chain output port is
connected from the 5G IDSC to the 4G combo IDSC.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a
5 system for bandwidth allocation for an access point in a 4G combo indoor small
cell (IDSC) (606) in a network. The system is configured to determine a throughput
of a backhaul switch connected to a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC). The system is
configured to determine a throughput of the 5G IDSC. The system is configured to
determine a remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC based on the determined
10 throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the 5G IDSC.
The system is configured to determine a throughput of a 4G IDSC. The 4G combo
IDSC comprising of the access point and the 4G IDSC. The system is configured
to determine a precision time protocol (PTP) bandwidth associated with a PTP
grandmaster attached to the network. The system is configured to calculate a
15 bandwidth for the access point in the 4G combo IDSC based on the determined
remaining bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G IDSC and the
determined PTP bandwidth. The system is configured to allocate the calculated
bandwidth to the access point in the 4G combo IDSC. In some embodiments, the
remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC is a difference between the
20 determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the
5G IDSC.
[0030] In some embodiments, the calculated bandwidth for the access point
in the 4G combo IDSC is a difference between the remaining bandwidth, the
determined throughput of the 4G IDSC and the determined PTP bandwidth.
25 [0031] In some embodiments, the backhaul switch is connected to at least
one optical port of the 5G IDSC.
[0032] In some embodiments, the 5G IDSC includes at least one daisy chain
output port.
[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one daisy chain output port is
30 connected from the 5G IDSC to the 4G combo IDSC.
9
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a
network comprising a system for bandwidth allocation for an access point in a 4G
combo indoor small cell (IDSC) (606). The system is configured to determine a
throughput of a backhaul switch connected to a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC). The
5 system is configured to determine a throughput of the 5G IDSC. The system is
configured to determine a remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC based on
the determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput
of the 5G IDSC. The system is configured to determine a throughput of a 4G IDSC.
The 4G combo IDSC comprising of the access point and the 4G IDSC. The system
10 is configured to determine a precision time protocol (PTP) bandwidth associated
with a PTP grandmaster attached to the network. The system is configured to
calculate a bandwidth for the access point in the 4G combo IDSC based on the
determined remaining bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G IDSC and
the determined PTP bandwidth. The system is configured to allocate the calculated
15 bandwidth to the access point in the 4G combo IDSC. In some embodiments, the
remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC is a difference between the
determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the
5G IDSC.
[0035] In some embodiments, the remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo
20 IDSC is a difference between the determined throughput of the backhaul switch and
the determined throughput of the 5G IDSC.
[0036] In some embodiments, the calculated bandwidth for the access point
in the 4G combo IDSC is a difference between the remaining bandwidth, the
determined throughput of the 4G IDSC and the determined PTP bandwidth.
25 [0037] In some embodiments, the backhaul switch is connected to at least
one optical port of the 5G IDSC.
[0038] In some embodiments, the 5G IDSC includes at least one daisy chain
output port. In some embodiments, the at least one daisy chain output port is
connected from the 5G IDSC to the 4G combo IDSC.
10
[0039] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments
and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the
teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.
5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same
parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not
10 necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components
using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each
component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such
drawings includes the disclosure of electrical components, electronic components
15 or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation 100 for exchanging
access media via a fifth generation (5G) indoor small cell (IDSC), in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flow chart 200 of a method for
20 bandwidth allocation at the 5G IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart 300 of a method for
bandwidth allocation at the 5G IDSC considering different 5G throughputs, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
25 [0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary representation 400 of the 5G new
radio (NR) IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram 500 of the 5G IDSC
with 4G combo IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram 600 depicting
30 connectivity data flow, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
11
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram 700 for supporting
daisy chain connectivity to 4G combo IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram 800 depicting
5 precision time protocol (PTP) flow from backhaul to 5G IDSC and from daisy chain
port to 4G combo IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary detailed architecture 900 of
connectivity data flow, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary PTP flow/clock synchronization
10 mechanism 1000, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary computer system 1100 in which or
with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.
[0052] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more
detailed description of the disclosure.
15
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE
[0053] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that
20 embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific
details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one
another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not
address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the
problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be
25 fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
[0054] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and
is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure.
Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those
skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary
30 embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the
12
function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope
of the disclosure as set forth.
[0055] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one
5 of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other
components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to
obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known
circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without
10 unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0056] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a
process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a
structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the
operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in
15 parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged.
A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional
steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a
procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a
function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling
20 function or the main function.
[0057] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to
mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt,
the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any
aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not
25 necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms
“includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed
description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar
30 to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any
additional or other elements.
13
[0058] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an
embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included
in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the
5 phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout
this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
10 particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As
used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,
15 elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one
or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations
of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0060] The present disclosure relates to a daisy chain support for Fourth
20 Generation (4G) combo small cell in 5G indoor small cell. In particular, the present
disclosure relates to a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC) with daisy chain that may
support backhaul connectivity of 4G combo IDSC, consisting of 4G radio access
network (RAN) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point. The 5G IDSC has one
dedicated Ethernet/optical port to connect with the 4G combo IDSC. In some
25 embodiments, the 5G IDSC may bridge data, control, and precision time protocol
(PTP) signals from a backhaul switch, connected to the 5G IDSC Ethernet/optical
port, and re-route it to the 4G combo IDSC through the dedicated Ethernet/optical
port. It may be noted that the proposed mechanism may be deployed on existing
infrastructure of 4G and Wi-Fi to be used for both Wi-Fi and 4G, and 5G, by
30 minimizing backhaul configuration changes, and without any additional cost and
time for indoor 5G rollout.
14
[0061] The various embodiments throughout the disclosure will be
explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 1 - FIG. 9.
[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation 100 for exchanging
access media via a 5G IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the present
5 disclosure.
[0063] The proposed 5G IDSC 104 with daisy chain support for 4G combo
IDSC 102 leverages the existing 4G + Wi-Fi indoor deployment infrastructure for
fast upgrade to latest 5G technology by connecting the 5G IDSC 104 with existing
backhaul and daisy chain port in 5G IDSC 104 providing the backhaul to existing
10 4G combo IDSC 102. The changes require in backhaul configuration are minimum
and with respect to additional configuration for 5G IDSC only. The 4G combo
IDSC configuration may remain same at a switch 106. It may be noted that the peak
throughput requirements of different access media are as below:
1. 5G IDSC – Peak Downlink throughput requirement – 750 Mbps
15 2. 4G IDSC – Peak Downlink throughput requirement – 100 Mbps
3. Wi-Fi 5 access point (AP) – Peak Downlink/Uplink throughput requirement
– 500 Mbps
[0064] In an embodiment, the 5G IDSC 104 may take a decision on run time
to provide the adequate bandwidth to all the three-access media.
20 [0065] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flow chart 200 of a method for
decision making at the 5G IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 depicts how the 5G IDSC manages existing
bandwidth and required bandwidth for optimal use cases.
[0066] As depicted in FIG. 2, at step 202, the 5G IDSC (e.g., 104) may be
25 connected to a switch (e.g., 106) with 1G (1000 Mbps) backhaul. At step 204, the
5G throughput may be x Mbps, where x may be an integer. Therefore, the 5G IDSC
104 may determine, at step 206, that remaining bandwidth for 4G combo IDSC
(e.g., 102) is (1000-x) Mbps.
[0067] Further, at step 208, the 5G IDSC 104 may determine that PTP
30 bandwidth may be reserved as 50 Mbps. At step 210, the 4G throughput may be y
Mbps, where y may be an integer. Accordingly, at step 212, the 5G IDSC 104 may
15
determine the bandwidth for Wi-Fi in 4G combo IDSC 102 as 1000-(5G
throughput) -(4G throughout) - (PTP bandwidth) in Mbps, i.e. (1000-x-y-50) Mbps.
[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart 300 of a method for
decision making at the 5G IDSC considering 5G throughput as 700 Mbps and 500
5 Mbps, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0069] As depicted in FIG. 3, at step 302, the 5G IDSC (e.g., 104) may be
connected to a switch (e.g., 106) with 1000 Mbps backhaul. At step 304, the 5G
IDSC 104 may monitor the 5G throughput to be x Mbps and PTP bandwidth of 50
Mbps may be reserved.
10 [0070] Now, at step 306, the 5G IDSC 104 may determine the 5G
throughput (i.e., x Mbps) to be 700 Mbps. Therefore, at step 308, the 5G IDSC 104
may determine the bandwidth for 4G combo IDSC (e.g., 102) to be (1000-700-50)
Mbps, i.e., 250 Mbps. Referring to FIG. 3, at step 310, if the 4G throughput is 100
Mbps, then, at step 312, the 5G IDSC 104 may determine the Wi-Fi throughput to
15 be 150 Mbps.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, at step 314, the 5G IDSC 104 may determine
the 5G throughput to be 500 Mbps. Therefore, at step 316, the 5G IDSC 104 may
determine the bandwidth for 4G combo IDSC 102 to be 450 Mbps. At step 318, if
the 4G throughout is 100 Mbps, then at step 320, the 5G IDSC 104 may determine
20 the Wi-Fi throughout to be 350 Mbps.
[0072] At step 322, in case of another scenario, the 5G IDSC 104 may take
the decision on bandwidth requirements, based on the process followed in FIG. 2.
For example, at step 324, the 5G IDSC 104 may determine the 4G combo
throughput as (1000-x-50) Mbps. Further, if the 4G throughput, at step 326, is
25 determined to be y Mbps, then at step 328, the 5G IDSC 104 may determine the
Wi-Fi throughput to be (1000-x-50-y) Mbps.
[0073] It may be noted that the final Wi-Fi throughput may always depend
on the actual 5G traffic on a particular cell.
[0074] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary representation 400 of the 5G new
30 radio (NR) IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
16
[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, the proposed 5G IDSC 402 is 2T2R NR, all in
one gNodeB. The 5G IDSC 402 may support sub-6 (3.3-3.6 GHz) n78 band. In
particular, the 5G IDSC 402 comprises a network processor unit 404, a 5G modem
unit 406, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 408, and an RF front end unit 410. In
5 an embodiment, the network processor unit 404 may integrate with cores with
packet processing acceleration and high-speed peripherals.
[0076] Further, the 5G model unit 406 provides 5G NR standard for sub-6
GHz. The 5G model unit 406 supports PCIe Gen 3, x2 lanes with PCIe boot for
communication with the network processor unit 404. Further, the 5G model unit
10 406 supports I/F interface for communication with sub-6 GHz RF transceiver 408.
In an embodiment, the 5G modem unit 406 may operate at 3
rd partnership project
(3GPP) n78 band.
[0077] Furthermore, the RF transceiver 408 supports 5G NR sub-6 GHz
with the 5G modem unit 406. The RF transceiver 408 communicates with the 5G
15 modem unit 406 through an interface. Referring to FIG. 4, the RF front end unit
410 for the RF transceiver 408 may include power amplifiers, filters, circulators,
switches, etc. in the RF path.
[0078] The 5G IDSC 402 has two backhaul 412 options, 1 Gbps Ethernet
port and 1 Gbps optical port. For supporting the daisy chain of 4G combo IDSC,
20 the existing 1G Ethernet port is converted as output port for backhaul 412 to the 4G
combo IDSC. All 4G data, management, and synchronization PTP signals are
passed from 1G optical port to 1G Ethernet port. Similarly, Wi-Fi data and control
are also passed from the 1G optical port to the 1G Ethernet port through the 5G
IDSC 402.
25 [0079] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram 500 of the 5G IDSC
with 4G combo IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0080] In particular, FIG. 5 shows connectivity of 4G combo IDSC 506 with
5G IDSC 502 and backhaul 504. As shown, the backhaul 504 is connected to an
optical port 508 of the 5G IDSC 502, and daisy chain output port, i.e., Ethernet port
30 510 from the 5G IDSC 502 is connected to the 4G combo IDSC 506. Backhaul
network routers are configured to support all 5G core, 4G core, and Wi-Fi core in
17
terms of control, data, and synchronization PTP, reachability to the 5G IDSC 502.
In an embodiment, the required reachability may be done over virtual local area
networks (VLANs). In an embodiment, 641, 642, and 643 VLAN identifiers (IDs)
may be used for 5G core connectivity, and 601, 602, and 603 VLAN IDs may be
5 used for 4G core connectivity. In an embodiment, VLAN 945 may be used for WiFi core connectivity. However, it may be noted that any other VLAN IDs may be
defined as per backhaul architecture within the scope of ongoing disclosure.
[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram 600 depicting
connectivity data flow, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
10 [0082] Referring to FIG. 6, a backhaul router 602 may be configured for
different VLANs to support 5G IDSC and 4G combo connectivity. At step A1, 5G
IDSC 604 may create VLAN 641, 642, and 643 for 5G signalling and data traffic.
At step A2, the 5G IDSC 604 may create VLAN 615 for 5G PTP slave interface
(depicted in FIG. 5).
15 [0083] At step A3, the backhaul router 602 may create VLAN 615 for PTP
packets from a grandmaster and send to the 5G IDSC 604. The PTP grandmaster is
a clock that is equipped with a built-in global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
receiver and a stable oscillator. The grandmaster clock is tasked with propagating
the timing signal from the GNSS or a global positioning system (GPS) to the rest
20 of the elements in the network. Similarly, at step A4, the backhaul router 602 may
create VLAN 641, 642, and 643 for 5G data/signalling/operations administration
and management (OAM) packets. Further, at step A5, the backhaul router 602 may
create VLAN 601, 602, and 603 for 4G data/signalling/OAM packets.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, at step A6, the VLAN 601, 602, and 603 are
25 bridged at the 5G IDSC 604 to create a tunnel of 4G packets from the backhaul
router 602 to 4G combo IDSC 606. At step A7, the backhaul router 602 may create
VLAN 945 for Wi-Fi data/signalling. Further, at step A8, the VLAN 945 may be
bridged at the 5G IDSC 604 for creating a tunnel of Wi-Fi packets from the
backhaul router 602 to the 4G combo IDSC 606.
30 [0085] In an embodiment, VLAN 615 PTP packets may be generated from
the grandmaster present behind the backhaul router 602. Accordingly, at step A9,
18
PTP synchronization may be achieved at the 5G IDSC 604 with the grandmaster.
At step A10, the 5G IDSC 604 may enable the VLAN 615 interface on daisy chain
support which may act as PTP master for 4G PTP slave. Referring to FIG. 6, at step
A11, the 5G IDSC 604 may configure a PTP master internet protocol (IP) address
5 and provide to the VLAN 615 master interface. At step A12, the PTP slave IP
address may be configured and provided via the VLAN 615 interface to the 4G
combo IDSC 606. In an embodiment, at step 13, the 5G IDSC 604 may generate
PTP packets and send towards the 4G combo IDSC 606. Accordingly, at step 14,
as per PTP message flow, the PTP synchronization may be achieved at the 4G
10 combo IDSC 606.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 6, at steps A15 and A16, 5G signalling procedures
may be carried out and cell may be up and ready for 5G user equipment (UE) attach
and data flow. Further, at steps A17 and A18, 4G signalling procedures may be
carried out and cell may be up and ready for 4G UE attach and data flow. In an
15 embodiment, Wi-Fi signalling procedures may be carried out and connectivity with
core may be established over VLAN 945 (from steps A7 and A8). Accordingly, WiFi access point in the 4G combo IDSC 606 may be up and ready, and Wi-Fi client
(e.g., mobile, laptop, television, or the like) may attach and initiate data flow.
[0087] In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a method for
20 supporting a 4G combo indoor small cell (IDSC) (606). The method comprising
configuring a backhaul router (602) for a plurality of virtual local area networks
(VLANs) to support a connectivity between a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC) and the
4G combo IDSC (606). The method comprising creating, by the 5G IDSC (604), a
plurality of VLANs for signalling, data traffic and a 5G precision time protocol
25 (PTP) slave interface. The method comprising creating, by the backhaul router
(602), a first set of plurality of VLANs for 4G packets. The 4G packets are 4G data
packets, signalling packets and operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM)
packets. The method comprising bridging, at the 5G IDSC (604), the first set of
plurality of VLANs to create a tunnel of the 4G packets from the backhaul router
30 (602) to the 4G combo IDSC (606). The method comprising creating, by the
backhaul router (602) a second set of the plurality of VLANs for wi-fi packets. The
19
wi-fi packets are wi-fi data packets and signalling packets. The method comprising
bridging, at the 5G IDSC (604), the second set of the plurality of VLANs for
creating a tunnel of the wi-fi packets from the backhaul router (602) to the 4G
combo IDSC (606). The method comprising generating, by a grandmaster of the
5 backhaul router (602), a plurality of VLAN PTP packets to enable PTP
synchronization at the 5G IDSC (604) with the grandmaster. The method
comprising enabling, by the 5G IDSC (604), a VLAN interface on a daisy chain
support. The VLAN interface acts as a PTP master for a 4G PTP slave.
[0088] In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a method for
10 bandwidth allocation for an access point in a 4G combo indoor small cell (IDSC)
(606) in a network. The method comprising determining a throughput of a backhaul
switch connected to a 5G indoor small cell (IDSC) (604). The method comprising
determining a throughput of the 5G IDSC (604). The method comprising
determining a remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC (606) based on the
15 determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the
5G IDSC (604). The method comprising determining a throughput of a 4G IDSC
(606). The 4G combo IDSC (606) comprising the access point and the 4G IDSC
(606). The method comprising determining a precision time protocol (PTP)
bandwidth associated with a PTP grandmaster attached to the network. The method
20 comprising calculating a bandwidth for the access point in the 4G combo IDSC
(606) based on the determined remaining bandwidth, the determined throughput of
the 4G IDSC (606) and the determined PTP bandwidth. The method comprising
allocating the calculated bandwidth to the access point in the 4G combo IDSC
(606).
25 [0089] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram 700 for supporting
daisy chain connectivity to 4G combo IDSC, in accordance with embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 7, at step A1, a 5G IDSC 702 may execute PTP4L
binary with customized configuration parameters to act as slave for a grandmaster
30 and master for 4G combo IDSC 704. At step A2, the PTP4L may start slave
behaviour by trying to sync the local 5G clock with PTP packets coming from the
20
grandmaster. In parallel, at step A3, the 4G combo IDSC 704 may start the PTP4L
binary in slave mode and wait in listening mode for the PTP packets coming from
the 5G IDSC 702.
[0091] Further, at step A4, on the 5G IDSC 702, due to the customization
5 commands set, PTP4L may start master mode for the 4G combo IDSC 704. This
sets the PTP message exchange between master and slave processes resulting in
establishment of PTP master-slave communication at step A5. At step A6, due to
the PTP establishment (from step A5), the local clock on the 4G combo IDSC 704
enters into PTP sync state.
10 [0092] In an embodiment, network synchronization deals with the
distribution of time and frequency across a network of clocks often spread over a
wide geographical area. The goal is to align (i.e., synchronize) the time and
frequency scales of all network elements clocks. In an embodiment, in 5G IDSC
702, this may be achieved using the PTP profile IEEE 1588v2.
15 [0093] The unique feature of 5G IDSC 702 is implementation of the PTP
using PTP4L running in 5G IDSC 702 for synchronization of itself and daisy chain
4G combo IDSC 704. PTP packets may be by default marked with differentiated
services code point (DSCP) 46 or DSCP 56 (both DSCP 46 and DSCP 56 packets
may be marked with priority 1 in quality of service (QoS) policy). These packets
20 may be sent with high priority from 4G combo IDSC 704 to 5G IDSC 702, and
vice-versa. In this way, PTP packets may be passed in high priority queue, and it
may not be affected during bandwidth choking.
[0094] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary sequence diagram 800 depicting PTP
flow from backhaul to 5G IDSC and from daisy chain port to 4G combo IDSC, in
25 accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0095] In an embodiment, a PTP grandmaster 804 may be running in a
network and connected to 5G IDSC 806 over a backhaul router 802. The PTP4L
may be running on the 5G IDSC 806.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 8, at step A1, the 5G IDSC 806 may create VLAN
30 615 for PTP slave on an optical interface. At step A2, the PTP grandmaster 804
21
may send PTP packets to the 5G IDSC 806. Accordingly, at step A3, the 5G IDSC
806 may achieve PTP sync with the PTP grandmaster 804.
[0097] Further, the backhaul router 802, at step A4, may create VLANs 641,
642, and 643 for 5G signalling and data traffic. Similarly, at step A5, the backhaul
5 router 802 may create VLANs 601, 602, and 603 for 4G signalling and data traffic.
At step A6, the VLANs 601, 602, and 603 may be bridged at the 5G IDSC 806 to
create a tunnel of 4G packets from the backhaul router 802 to 4G combo IDSC 808.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, at step A7, the 5G IDSC 806 may create VLAN
615 as PTP master for the 4G combo IDSC 808. At step A8, the 5G IDSC 806 may
10 configure a PTP master IP address over VLAN 615. At step A9, the 5G IDSC 806
may configure a PTP slave IP address and provide to the 4G combo IDSC 808 over
VLAN 615. Further, at step A10, the PTP packets may be provided from the master
5G IDSC 806 to the 4G combo IDSC 808 over the established interface.
Accordingly, the 4G combo IDSC 808 may achieve PTP sync with the master 5G
15 IDSC 806.
[0099] In an aspect, the present disclosure facilitates prioritization of
precision time protocol (PTP) traffic from 4G to 5G, and vice versa. The present
disclosure facilitates the use of existing infrastructure of 4G and Wi-Fi for both 4G
and Wi-Fi, and 5G by minimizing backhaul configuration changes, and without any
20 additional cost and time for indoor 5G rollout. In an aspect, the present disclosure
can be implemented in a communication network.
[00100] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary detailed architecture 900 of
connectivity data flow, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00101] As shown in FIG. 9, the connectivity of 4G Combo IDSC with 5G
25 IDSC and backhaul is disclosed. The backhaul is connected to an optical port of 5G
IDSC and daisy chain output port from 5G IDSC (Ethernet Port) is connected to 4G
Combo IDSC. The backhaul network routers are configured to support all 5G Core,
4G Core and Wi-Fi Core (control, Data and PTP synchronization) reachability to
5G IDSC.
22
[00102] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary precision time protocol (PTP)
flow/clock synchronization mechanism 1000, in accordance with embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[00103] As shown in FIG. 10, the PTP grandmaster running in the network
5 is connected to 5G IDSC over the backhaul port (same port used for data, signalling
and OAM). The PTP4L software running in 5G IDSC decode it (in slave mode) and
provide the synchronization to this 5G IDSC.
[00104] The PTP4L software acts as PTP Master and provide the
synchronization packets to the 4G Combo IDSC.
10 [00105] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary computer system 1100 in which or
with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.
[00106] As shown in FIG. 11, the computer system 1100 may include an
external storage device 1110, a bus 1120, a main memory 1130, a read-only
memory 1140, a mass storage device 1150, communication port(s) 1160, and a
15 processor 1170. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system
1100 may include more than one processor and communication ports. The processor
1170 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present
disclosure. The communication port(s) 1160 may be any of an RS-232 port for use
with a modem-based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10
20 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or
future ports. The communication port(s) 1160 may be chosen depending on a
network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any
network to which the computer system 1100 connects. The main memory 1130 may
be random access memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly
25 known in the art. The read-only memory 1140 may be any static storage device(s)
including, but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips
for storing static information e.g., start-up or basic input/output system (BIOS)
instructions for the processor 1170. The mass storage device 1150 may be any
current or future mass storage solution, which may be used to store information
30 and/or instructions.
23
[00107] The bus 1120 communicatively couples the processor 1170 with the
other memory, storage, and communication blocks. The bus 1120 can be, e.g., a
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small
Computer System Interface (SCSI), universal serial bus (USB), or the like, for
5 connecting expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems as well as other buses,
such a front side bus (FSB), which connects the processor 1170 to the computer
system 1100.
[00108] Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g., a display,
keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to the bus 1120 to
10 support direct operator interaction with the computer system 1100. Other operator
and administrative interfaces may be provided through network connections
connected through the communication port(s) 1160. In no way should the
aforementioned exemplary computer system 1100 limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
15 [00109] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred
embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that
many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from
the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred
embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
20 disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing
descriptive matter to be implemented merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not
as limitation.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
25 [00110] The present disclosure provides daisy chain support for Fourth
generation (4G) and Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) combo cell through a 5G indoor
small cell (IDSC).
[00111] The present disclosure facilitates dynamic bandwidth allocation
between 5G, and daisy chain connected Wi-Fi.
30 [00112] The present disclosure facilitates prioritization of precision time
protocol (PTP) traffic from 4G to 5G, and vice versa.
24
[00113] The present disclosure facilitates the use of existing infrastructure of
4G and Wi-Fi for both 4G and Wi-Fi, and 5G by minimizing backhaul configuration
changes, and without any additional cost and time for indoor 5G rollout.
[00114] The present disclosure enhances the network and cost optimization.
5
10
15
20
25
WE CLAIM:
1. A method for supporting a 4G combo indoor small cell (IDSC) (606), the method
comprising:
5 configuring a backhaul router (602) for a plurality of virtual local area
networks (VLANs) to support a connectivity between a 5G indoor small cell
(IDSC) and the 4G combo IDSC (606);
creating, by the 5G IDSC (604), a plurality of VLANs for signalling,
data traffic and a 5G precision time protocol (PTP) slave interface;
10 creating, by the backhaul router (602), a first set of plurality of VLANs
for 4G packets, wherein the 4G packets are 4G data packets, signalling packets
and operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) packets;
bridging, at the 5G IDSC (604), the first set of plurality of VLANs to
create a tunnel of the 4G packets from the backhaul router (602) to the 4G
15 combo IDSC (606);
creating, by the backhaul router (602) a second set of the plurality of
VLANs for wi-fi packets, wherein the wi-fi packets are wi-fi data packets and
signalling packets;
bridging, at the 5G IDSC (604), the second set of the plurality of VLANs
20 for creating a tunnel of the wi-fi packets from the backhaul router (602) to the
4G combo IDSC (606);
generating, by a grandmaster of the backhaul router (602), a plurality of
VLAN PTP packets to enable PTP synchronization at the 5G IDSC (604) with
the grandmaster; and
25 enabling, by the 5G IDSC (604), a VLAN interface on a daisy chain
support, wherein the VLAN interface acts as a PTP master for a 4G PTP slave.
30
26
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
configuring, by the 5G IDSC (604), internet protocol (IP) address of the
PTP master and providing IP address of the PTP master to the VLAN interface;
configuring, by the 5G IDSC (604), a PTP slave internet protocol (IP)
5 address and providing the PTP slave IP address to the 4G combo IDSC (606);
generating, by the 5G IDSC (604), a plurality of PTP packets and
sending the plurality of PTP packets towards the 4G combo IDSC (606),
wherein the plurality of PTP packets provides the PTP synchronization at the
4G combo IDSC (606);
10 performing 5G signalling at the 4G combo IDSC (606) to enable the 4G
combo IDSC (606) for a 5G user equipment (UE) attach and data flow; and
performing 4G signalling at the 4G combo IDSC (606) to enable the 4G
combo IDSC (606) for a 4G user equipment (UE) attach and data flow.
15 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein an existing ethernet port of the 5G
IDSC (604) is converted as output port for a backhaul of the 5G IDSC (604) to
support the daisy chain of 4G combo IDSC.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bandwidth for a communication
between the 5G IDSC (604) and the 4G combo IDSC (606) is dynamically
20 allocated.
5. A system for supporting a 4G combo indoor small cell (IDSC) (606), the system
is configured to:
configure a backhaul router (602) for a plurality of virtual local area
networks (VLANs) to support a connectivity between a 5G indoor small cell
25 (IDSC) and the 4G combo IDSC (606);
create, by the 5G IDSC (604), a plurality of VLANs for signalling, data
traffic and a 5G precision time protocol (PTP) slave interface;
27
create, by the backhaul router (602), a first set of plurality of VLANs for
4G packets, wherein the 4G packets are 4G data packets, signalling packets and
operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) packets;
bridge, at the 5G IDSC (604), the first set of plurality of VLANs to
5 create a tunnel of the 4G packets from the backhaul router (602) to the 4G
combo IDSC (606);
create, by the backhaul router (602) a second set of the plurality of
VLANs for wi-fi packets, wherein the wi-fi packets are wi-fi data packets and
signalling packets;
10 bridge, at the 5G IDSC (604), the second set of the plurality of VLANs
for creating a tunnel of the wi-fi packets from the backhaul router (602) to the
4G combo IDSC (606);
generate, by a grandmaster of the backhaul router (602), a plurality of
VLAN PTP packets to enable PTP synchronization at the 5G IDSC (604) with
15 the grandmaster; and
enable, by the 5G IDSC (604), a VLAN interface on a daisy chain
support, wherein the VLAN interface acts as a PTP master for a 4G PTP slave.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, further configured to:
20 configure, by the 5G IDSC (604), internet protocol (IP) address of the
PTP master and provide the IP address of the PTP master to the VLAN
interface;
configure, by the 5G IDSC (604), a PTP slave internet protocol (IP)
address and provide the PTP slave IP address to the 4G combo IDSC (606);
25 generate, by the 5G IDSC (604), a plurality of PTP packets and send the
plurality of PTP packets towards the 4G combo IDSC (606), wherein the
plurality of PTP packets provides the PTP synchronization at the 4G combo
IDSC (606);
perform 5G signalling at the 4G combo IDSC (606) to enable the 4G
30 combo IDSC (606) for a 5G user equipment (UE) attach and data flow; and
28
perform 4G signalling at the 4G combo IDSC (606) to enable the 4G
combo IDSC (606) for a 4G user equipment (UE) attach and data flow.
7. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein an existing ethernet port of the 5G
5 IDSC (604) is converted as output port for a backhaul of the 5G IDSC (604) to
support the daisy chain of 4G combo IDSC.
8. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein a bandwidth for a communication
between the 5G IDSC (604) and the 4G combo IDSC (606) is dynamically
10 allocated.
9. A network comprising a system for supporting a 4G combo indoor small cell
(IDSC) (606), the system is configured to:
configure a backhaul router (602) for a plurality of virtual local area
15 networks (VLANs) to support a connectivity between a 5G indoor small cell
(IDSC) and the 4G combo IDSC (606);
create, by the 5G IDSC (604), a plurality of VLANs for signalling, data
traffic and a 5G precision time protocol (PTP) slave interface;
create, by the backhaul router (602), a first set of plurality of VLANs for
20 4G packets, wherein the 4G packets are 4G data packets, signalling packets and
operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) packets;
bridge, at the 5G IDSC (604), the first set of plurality of VLANs to
create a tunnel of the 4G packets from the backhaul router (602) to the 4G
combo IDSC (606);
25 create, by the backhaul router (602) a second set of the plurality of
VLANs for wi-fi packets, wherein the wi-fi packets are wi-fi data packets and
signalling packets;
bridge, at the 5G IDSC (604), the second set of the plurality of VLANs
for creating a tunnel of the wi-fi packets from the backhaul router (602) to the
30 4G combo IDSC (606);
29
generate, by a grandmaster of the backhaul router (602), a plurality of
VLAN PTP packets to enable PTP synchronization at the 5G IDSC (604) with
the grandmaster; and
enable, by the 5G IDSC (604), a VLAN interface on a daisy chain
5 support, wherein the VLAN interface acts as a PTP master for a 4G PTP slave.
10. The network as claimed in claim 9, wherein the system is further configured to:
configure, by the 5G IDSC (604), internet protocol (IP) address of the
PTP master and provide the IP address of the PTP master to the VLAN
10 interface;
configure, by the 5G IDSC (604), a PTP slave internet protocol (IP)
address and provide the PTP slave IP address to the 4G combo IDSC (606);
generate, by the 5G IDSC (604), a plurality of PTP packets and send the
plurality of PTP packets towards the 4G combo IDSC (606), wherein the
15 plurality of PTP packets provides the PTP synchronization at the 4G combo
IDSC (606);
perform 5G signalling at the 4G combo IDSC (606) to enable the 4G
combo IDSC (606) for a 5G user equipment (UE) attach and data flow; and
perform 4G signalling at the 4G combo IDSC (606) to enable the 4G
20 combo IDSC (606) for a 4G user equipment (UE) attach and data flow.
11. The network as claimed in claim 9, wherein an existing ethernet port of the 5G
IDSC (604) is converted as output port for a backhaul of the 5G IDSC (604) to
25 support the daisy chain of 4G combo IDSC (606).
12. The network as claimed in claim 9, wherein a bandwidth for a communication
between the 5G IDSC (604) and the 4G combo IDSC (606) is dynamically
allocated.
30
30
13. A method for bandwidth allocation for an access point in a 4G combo indoor
small cell (IDSC) (606) in a network, the method comprising:
determining a throughput of a backhaul switch connected to a 5G indoor small cell
(IDSC) (604);
5 determining a throughput of the 5G IDSC (604);
determining a remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC (606) based on the
determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput
of the 5G IDSC (604);
determining a throughput of a 4G IDSC (606), wherein the 4G combo IDSC (606)
10 comprising the access point and the 4G IDSC (606);
determining a precision time protocol (PTP) bandwidth associated with a PTP
grandmaster attached to the network;
calculating a bandwidth for the access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606) based on
the determined remaining bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G
15 IDSC (606) and the determined PTP bandwidth; and
allocating the calculated bandwidth to the access point in the 4G combo IDSC
(606).
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the remaining bandwidth for the
20 4G combo IDSC (606) is a difference between the determined throughput of the
backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the 5G IDSC (604).
15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the calculated bandwidth for the
access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606) is a difference between the remaining
25 bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G IDSC (606) and the determined
PTP bandwidth.
16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the backhaul switch is connected
to at least one optical port of the 5G IDSC (604).
30
31
17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the 5G IDSC (604) includes at least
one daisy chain output port.
18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one daisy chain output
5 port is connected from the 5G IDSC (604) to the 4G combo IDSC (606).
19. A system for bandwidth allocation for an access point in a 4G combo indoor
small cell (IDSC) (606) in a network, the system is configured to:
determine a throughput of a backhaul switch connected to a 5G indoor small cell
10 (IDSC) (604);
determine a throughput of the 5G IDSC;
determine a remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC (606) based on the
determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput
of the 5G IDSC (604);
15 determine a throughput of a 4G IDSC (606), wherein the 4G combo IDSC (606)
comprising of the access point and the 4G IDSC (606);
determine a precision time protocol (PTP) bandwidth associated with a PTP
grandmaster attached to the network;
calculate a bandwidth for the access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606) based on
20 the determined remaining bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G
IDSC and the determined PTP bandwidth; and
allocate the calculated bandwidth to the access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606).
20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the remaining bandwidth for the
25 4G combo IDSC (606) is a difference between the determined throughput of the
backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the 5G IDSC (604).
21. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the calculated bandwidth for the
access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606) is a difference between the remaining
30 bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G IDSC (606) and the determined
PTP bandwidth.
32
22. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the backhaul switch is connected
to at least one optical port of the 5G IDSC (604).
5 23. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the 5G IDSC (604) includes at least
one daisy chain output port.
24. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one daisy chain output
port is connected from the 5G IDSC (604) to the 4G combo IDSC (606).
10
25. A network comprising a system for bandwidth allocation for an access point in
a 4G combo indoor small cell (IDSC) (606), the system is configured to:
determine a throughput of a backhaul switch connected to a 5G indoor small cell
(IDSC) (604);
15 determine a throughput of the 5G IDSC (604);
determine a remaining bandwidth for the 4G combo IDSC (606) based on the
determined throughput of the backhaul switch and the determined throughput
of the 5G IDSC (604);
determine a throughput of a 4G IDSC, wherein the 4G combo IDSC (606)
20 comprising of the access point and the 4G IDSC;
determine a precision time protocol (PTP) bandwidth associated with a PTP
grandmaster attached to the network;
calculate a bandwidth for the access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606) based on
the determined remaining bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G
25 IDSC (606) and the determined PTP bandwidth; and
allocate the calculated bandwidth to the access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606).
26. The network as claimed in claim 25, wherein the remaining bandwidth for the
4G combo IDSC (606) is a difference between the determined throughput of the
30 backhaul switch and the determined throughput of the 5G IDSC (604).
33
27. The network as claimed in claim 25, wherein the calculated bandwidth for the
access point in the 4G combo IDSC (606) is a difference between the remaining
bandwidth, the determined throughput of the 4G IDSC and the determined PTP
bandwidth.
5
28. The network as claimed in claim 25, wherein the backhaul switch is connected
to at least one optical port of the 5G IDSC (604).
29. The network as claimed in claim 25, wherein the 5G IDSC (604) includes at
10 least one daisy chain output port.
30. The network as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one daisy chain output
port is connected from the 5G IDSC (604) to the 4G combo IDSC (606).
15
Dated this 10 day of April 2024