Configurable antenna port selection for beam forming and MIMO in a telecommunications network

A switching device and a method and medium for using the switching device are provided. The switching device is associated with a remote radio unit (RRU) and an antenna of a base station and comprises a plurality of switching cables arranged in predetermined configurations including a single-layer beam forming configuration, a dual-layer beam forming configuration, and a MIMO configuration. In response to inputs received from UEs served by the base station, the switching device can implement the configuration best-suited to target the UEs.

SUMMARY

In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, a switching device associated with a base station. The switching device comprises switching cables that selectively communicatively couple radio head ports of the base station's RRU to antenna ports of the base station's antenna. The switching cables of the switching device are arranged in predetermined configurations that can be dynamically selected in order to implement single-layer beam forming, dual-layer beam forming, or MIMO transmission modes.

This disclosure also describes computer-readable media, methods, and systems for using inputs received from UEs served by the base station to select, via the switching device, between the single-layer beam forming, dual-layer beam forming, or multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) transmission modes. Inputs from UEs served by the base station aid in the determination of which transmission mode is implemented. For example, if most of the UEs served by the base station are located at a serving cell edge, the switching device may be instructed to implement a beam forming transmission mode in order to more effectively target the UEs. On the other hand, if most of the UEs are located close to the base station, the switching device may be instructed to implement a MIMO transmission mode. Additionally, rank indicators transmitted by UEs to the base station may be used by the base station to determine if a single-layer beam forming transmission mode should be implemented or if a dual-layer beam forming transmission mode should be implemented. For instance, if a UE transmits a rank indicator having a value of 1, indicating that channel paths are correlated, then single-layer beam forming is implemented by the switching device. If the UE transmits a rank indicator having a value of 2, indicating that channel paths are not correlated, then dual-layer beam forming is implemented by the switching device. Using a switching device to selectively switch between single-layer beam forming, dual-layer beam forming, and MIMO transmission modes enables the base station to more effectively serve UEs which improves the network subscriber's experience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations are used to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to the associated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notations are intended to help provide an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressed herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The following is a list of these acronyms:BBU Baseband UnitBF Beam formingBS Base StationCDMA Code Division Multiple AccesseNodeB Evolved Node BGIS Geographic Information System2GPP 2ndGeneration Partnership Project3GPP 3rdGeneration Partnership ProjectGPRS General Packet Radio ServiceGSM Global System for Mobile CommunicationsLTE Long-Term EvolutionMIMO Multiple-Input-Multiple-OutputRF Radio-FrequencyRRU Remote Radio UnitTM Transmission ModesUE User Equipment

WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description. An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these terms can be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 27thEdition (2012).

Embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as, among other things, a method, system, or set of instructions embodied on one or more non-transitory computer-readable or computer-storage media. Computer-readable media comprises physical storage devices and include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplates media readable by a database, a switch, and various other network devices. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Media examples include, but are not limited to computer-storage media such as information-delivery media, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently.

Examples of the present invention are directed towards a switching device associated with a RRU and an antenna of a base station. The switching device utilizes a plurality of switching cables to selectively communicatively couple radio head ports of the RRU to antenna ports of the antenna. As used throughout this disclosure, the term “communicatively couple” means to enable the propagation of a RF signal from the RRU to the antenna and from the antenna to the RRU. The switching cables are arranged in predetermined patterns or configurations that, when selected, implement single-layer beam forming, dual-layer beam forming, or MIMO transmission modes. The selection or implementation of one of the transmission modes may be dependent upon inputs received from UEs served by the base station. Additionally, the selection of one of the transmission modes may also be dependent upon such things as the topological morphology of the area served by the base station.

In one aspect, the RRU may be split into a first side carrying a set of lower-frequency channels and a second side carrying a set of higher-frequency channels. The selection of a transmission mode may be determined separately and independently for each side of the RRU. For instance, in response to inputs received by the base station from UEs served by the first side of the RRU, a MIMO transmission mode may be dynamically implemented via the switching device for the first side of the RRU. Continuing, in response to inputs received by the base station from UEs served by the second side of the RRU, a single-layer beam forming transmission mode may be dynamically implemented via the switching device for the second side of the RRU. Other combinations of transmission modes for the first and second sides of the RRU are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, a switching device associated with a RRU and an antenna of a base station is provided. The switching device comprises an RRU inlet side that has a plurality of radio port connecting terminals. Each radio port connecting terminal is connected to a radio port of a RRU by a data transmission cable. The switching device further comprises an antenna inlet side having a plurality of antenna port connecting terminals. Each antenna port connecting terminal is connected to an antenna port of an antenna by a data transmission cable. The switching device also comprises a plurality of sets of switching cables, where each set of switching cables is associated with a radio port connecting terminal. Each switching cable within the set of switching cables connects the respective radio port connecting terminal to one of the plurality of antenna port connecting terminals. The plurality of sets of switching cables is configured in a single-layer beam forming configuration, a dual-layer beam forming configuration, and a MIMO configuration (the “configurations). Additionally, the switching device comprises a plurality of switching units that are associated with the plurality of sets of switching cables and are used to selectively switch between the configurations in response to one or more inputs received by the base station from UEs served by the base station.

In a second aspect, there is provided computer-storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method of implementing a predetermined configuration of a plurality of switching cables of a switching device associated with a split remote radio unit (RRU) and an antenna of a base station in response to one or more inputs received by the base station from a plurality of UEs served by the base station. The split RRU comprises a first transmit/receive (T/R) side carrying a first set of RF channels and a second T/R side carrying a second set of RF channels. The predetermined configuration comprises at least one of a beam forming configuration or a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) configuration, and the plurality of switching cables communicatively couples a plurality of radio head ports of the RRU to a plurality of antenna ports of the antenna. The method comprises determining whether the plurality of UEs is served by the first T/R side of the split RRU or by the second T/R side of the RRU. The inputs received from the plurality of UEs are monitored to determine whether the plurality of UEs is transmitting/receiving at a serving cell edge of the base station, or whether the plurality of UEs is transmitting/receiving at a location close to the base station. When it is determined that the plurality of UEs is transmitting/receiving at the serving cell edge, the beam forming configuration is implemented for the first T/R side of the split RRU when the first T/R side is serving the plurality of UEs or the second T/R side of the split RRU when the second T/R side is serving the plurality of UEs. When it is determined that the plurality of UEs is transmitting/receiving at the location close to the base station, the MIMO configuration is implemented for the first T/R side of the split RRU when it is determined that the first T/R side is serving the plurality of UEs or the second T/R side of the split RRU when the second T/R side is serving the plurality of UEs.

In a third aspect, a computerized method is carried out by at least one server having at least one processor for implementing a predetermined configuration of a plurality of switching cables of a switching device associated with a split remote radio unit (RRU) and an antenna of a base station in response to one or more inputs received by the base station from a UE served by the base station. The split RRU comprises a first T/R side carrying a first set of RF channels and a second T/R side carrying a second set of RF channels. The predetermined configuration comprises at least one of a single-layer beam forming configuration or a dual-layer beam forming configuration, and the plurality of switching cables communicatively couples a plurality of radio head ports of the RRU to a plurality of antenna ports of the antenna. The method comprises receiving a rank indicator from the UE, wherein the rank indicator comprises either a value of 1 or a value of 2. It is determined whether the UE is being served by the first T/R side of the split RRU or by the second T/R side of the split RU. When the rank indicator received from the UE has a value of 1, the single-layer beam forming configuration is implemented for the first T/R side when it is determined that the first T/R side is serving the UE and for the second T/R side when it is determined that the second T/R side is serving the UE. When the rank indicator received from the UE has a value of 2, the dual-layer configuration is implemented for the first T/R side when it is determined that the first T/R side is serving the UE and for the second T/R side when it is determined that the second T/R side is serving the UE.

Turning now toFIG. 1, a block diagram of an illustrative communications device or UE is provided and is referenced generally by the numeral150. Although some components are shown in the singular, they may be plural. For example, the communications device150might include multiple processors or multiple radios, etc. As illustratively shown, the communications device150includes a bus160that directly or indirectly couples various components together including memory162, a processor164, a presentation component166, a radio168, input/output ports170, input/output components172, and a power supply174.

The memory162might take the form of memory components previously described. Thus, further elaboration will not be provided here, only to say that the memory component162can include any type of medium that is capable of storing information (e.g., a database). A database can be any collection of records. In one embodiment, the memory162includes a set of embodied computer-executable instructions that, when executed, facilitates various aspects disclosed herein. These embodied instructions will variously be referred to as “instructions” or an “application” for short.

The processor164might actually be multiple processors that receive instructions and process them accordingly. The presentation component166includes the likes of a display, a speaker, as well as other components that can present information (such as a lamp (LED), or even lighted keyboards).

The radio168facilitates communication with a wireless-telecommunications-network. Illustrative wireless-telecommunications technologies include CDMA, EvDO, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, WiMax technology, LTE, LTE Advanced and the like. In some embodiments, the radio168might also facilitate other types of wireless communications including Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® communications, GIS communications, and other near-field communications.

As way of background, a base station, such as an eNodeB in an LTE telecommunications-network is composed of, among other components, a broadband unit (BBU) that is connected to one or more remote radio units (RRUs). In turn, each RRU is typically connected directly to one or more antenna ports associated with an antenna located on the base station. In general, the BBU is responsible for, among other things, digital baseband signal processing. For instance, CDMA/EVDO and LTE Internet protocol (IP) packets are received from the core network (not shown) and are digitally combined by the BBU. The blended digital baseband signal is then transmitted to the RRU. Digital baseband signals received from the RRU are demodulated by the BBU and the resulting IP packets are then transmitted by the BBU to the core network.

The RRU transmits and receives wireless RF signals. The RRU converts the blended digital signal received from the BBU into an analog RF output via a digital to analog (AD) converter. The analog signal is then amplified by an amplifier in the RRU and sent out for transmission to a UE via the antenna ports of the antenna. The RF signals received from the UE via the antenna ports are amplified by the RRU and converted to digital baseband signals for transmission to the BBU.

A typical RRU comprises an 8 transmit/8 receive (8T/8R) RRU that has eight radio head ports connected to the antenna ports of the antenna. In some instances, the 8T/8R RRU is split into two 4T/4R units (a first 4T/4R side and a second 4T/4R side). By splitting the RRU into two 4T/4R units, the carrying capacity of the RRU is increased. For instance, instead of the RRU carrying a total of three channels, the first 4T/4R side can carry three lower-frequency RF channels that serve a first group of UEs, and the second 4T/4R side can carry three higher-frequency RF channels that serve a second group of UEs. As used throughout this disclosure, the term “serve” means to provide RF coverage to a UE. Because the RRU is split, four radio head ports are associated with the first 4T/4R side and the remaining four radio head ports are associated with the second 4T/4R side.

FIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate a typical arrangement of an 8-port antenna210, a split RRU212, and a BBU218and is referenced generally by the numeral200. The BBU218is communicatively coupled to the RRU via transmission lines220and222where the transmission line220transmits, for example, the three lower-frequency channels and the transmission line222transmit, for example, the three higher-frequency channels. The RRU212is split into a first 4T/4R side214carrying the lower-frequency channels and a second 4T/4R side216carrying the higher-frequency channels. The first 4T/4R side214has radio head ports1,2,3, and4, and the second 4T/4R side has radio head ports5,6,7, and8. The antenna210comprises, in one aspect, an 8-port antenna.

FIG. 3, referenced generally by the numeral300, illustrates details associated with a typical 8-port antenna310used in an LTE network that supports TM8 MIMO and beam forming modes. The antenna310comprises eight antenna elements configured into two groups, antenna group0and antenna group1. Antenna group0comprises antenna elements1,2,3, and4, and antenna group1comprises antenna elements5,6,7, and8. The antenna ports, shown inFIG. 3by the numeral314, correspond in numbers to the antenna element with which each antenna port is associated. Antenna elements1,2,3, and4are polarized at plus 45 degrees)(+45°, and antenna elements5,6,7, and8are polarized at minus 45 degrees)(−45°. Additionally, the first group of antenna elements (antenna elements1,2,3, and4) are orthogonally cross-polarized at 90 degrees to the second group of antenna elements (antenna elements5,6,7, and8) as indicated by the numeral312. As shown inFIG. 3, antenna element1is orthogonally cross-polarized to antenna element5and together the antenna elements comprise a first antenna column316. Likewise, antenna element2is orthogonally cross-polarized with antenna element6and together they comprise a second antenna column318, antenna element3is orthogonally cross-polarized with antenna element7and together they comprise a third antenna column320, and antenna element4is orthogonally cross-polarized with antenna element8and together they comprise a fourth antenna column322.

Each of the antenna elements within a given group (e.g., antenna group0or antenna group1) are spatially separated by approximately half the RF carrier wavelength or approximately 0.50λ. This provides a high degree of antenna element correlation within a given antenna group which is good for beam forming. Since antenna group0is cross-polarized to antenna group1, there is a low correlation between each of the two antenna groups, which is good for MIMO.

Additionally, the first and second antenna columns316and318, and the third and fourth antenna columns320and322are each separated by approximately 0.65λ which provides good correlation between these columns. The first and third antenna columns316and320, and the second and fourth antenna columns318and322are each separated by more than one wavelength causing a low correlation between these antenna columns.

Returning now toFIGS. 2A and 2B, a typical cabling arrangement between the first 4T/4R side214of the RRU212and the antenna210is shown. Although typical cabling arrangements are shown only for the first 4T/4R side214inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the cabling arrangements are equally applicable to the second 4T/4R side216. Only one side is shown for clarity's sake. Typically the first 4T/4R side214is physically cabled to the antenna ports of the antenna210in either a MIMO or a beam forming arrangement with no ability to switch between the two without having to physically visit the base station and physically alter the cabling arrangement. The fixed cabling as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2Boffers no ability to dynamically switch between transmission modes (e.g. beam forming versus MIMO) in response to changing conditions which can lead to a degradation in the network subscriber's experience.

With respect toFIG. 2A,FIG. 2Arepresents a first typical cabling arrangement between the first 4T/4R side214and the antenna210and is optimized for the beam forming transmission mode. In this configuration, radio head port1is cabled to antenna port1via RF transmission line224, radio head port2is cabled to antenna port2via RF transmission line226, radio head port3is cabled to antenna port3via RF transmission line228, and radio head port4is cabled to antenna port4via RF transmission line230. As discussed above with respect toFIG. 3, because the first 4T/4R side214is cabled to antenna elements1,2,3and4, and because the antenna elements1,2,3, and4are all polarized at +45° and thus correlated, this cabling configuration is optimal for beam forming.

With respect toFIG. 2B,FIG. 2Brepresents the other typical cabling configuration between the first 4T/4R side214and the antenna210and is optimized for the MIMO transmission mode. In this configuration, radio head port1is cabled to antenna port1via RF transmission line224, radio head port2is cabled to antenna port5via RF transmission line226, radio head port3is cabled to antenna port3via RF transmission line228, and radio head port4is cabled to antenna port7via RF transmission line230. As discussed above with respect toFIG. 3, because the antenna elements1and5and the antenna elements3and7are orthogonally cross-polarized at 90 degrees to each other and thus not correlated, this cabling configuration is optimal for MIMO.

In one aspect, the present invention, as shown inFIG. 4, and as referenced generally by the numeral400, comprises a switching device440that is interposed or positioned between an 8-port antenna410, and a split RRU412. The RRU412is split into a first 4T/4R side414carrying, for example, lower-frequency channels and having radio head ports1,2,3, and4, and a second 4T/4R side416carrying, for example, higher-frequency channels, and having radio head ports5,6,7, and8. The switching device440, the antenna410, and the split RRU416are all associated with a base station such as an eNodeB. The antenna410may be the same as the reference antenna310shown inFIG. 3. As indicated inFIG. 4, the antenna410comprises a first antenna column418, a second antenna column420, a third antenna column422, and a fourth antenna column424similar to the first, second, third, and fourth antenna columns316,318,320, and322ofFIG. 3.

The switching device440comprises an antenna inlet side436, a RRU inlet side438, and a plurality of switching cables configured in a MIMO configuration442, a single-layer beam forming configuration444, and a dual-layer beam forming configuration446(as shown in the legend401). The antenna inlet side436comprises a number of antenna port connecting terminals connected to antenna ports432of the antenna410by RF transmission lines (also known as “data transmission cables”). In one aspect, the RF transmission lines connecting the antenna port connecting terminals to the antenna ports may comprise any type of shielded cable such as a coaxial cable. The antenna port connecting terminals are numbered the same as the antenna port with which they connect. Thus, the antenna port connecting terminals and the antenna ports are numbered from left to right as1,5,2,6,3,7,4, and8.

The RRU inlet side438comprises a number of radio head port connecting terminals. As shown inFIG. 4, each of the radio head port connecting terminals is connected to one of the radio head ports434of the RRU412by a RF transmission line (also known as a “data transmission cable”). In one aspect, the RF transmission line may comprise any type of shielded cable such as a coaxial cable. The radio head port connecting terminals are numbered the same as the radio head port with which they connect. Thus, the radio head port connecting terminals and the radio head ports are numbered from left to right as1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and8.

As mentioned, the switching device440further comprises the plurality of switching cables configured in the MIMO configuration442, the single-layer beam forming configuration444, and the dual-layer beam forming configuration446. The term “switching cables” is used for clarity's sake to distinguish the cabling system associated with the switching device440from the data transmission lines connecting the antenna ports and the radio head ports to the antenna port connecting terminals and the radio head port connecting terminals of the switching device440. However, like the data transmission lines, the switching cables may comprise any type of RF transmission line such as, for example, coaxial cables.

With respect to the MIMO configuration442, the MIMO configuration442is shown by the solid lines inFIG. 4. The coupling, via the switching cables, between the antenna port connecting terminals and the radio head port connecting terminals for the MIMO configuration442is set forth in Table 1:

In the MIMO configuration442for the first 4T/4R side414, radio head ports1and2are communicatively coupled to the first antenna column418via the switching cables, and radio head ports3and4are communicatively coupled to the third antenna column422via the switching cables. Because the first antenna column418and the third antenna column422are separated by more than one wavelength and thus are not well correlated, this configuration of switching cables enables the first 4T/4R side414to transmit in the MIMO transmission mode.

Likewise, in the MIMO configuration442for the second 4T/4R side416, radio head ports5and6are communicatively coupled to the second antenna column420via the switching cables, and radio head ports7and8are communicatively coupled to the fourth antenna column424via the switching cables. Because the second antenna column420and the fourth antenna column424are separated by more than one wavelength and also are not well correlated, this configuration of switching cables enables the second 4T/4R side416to additionally transmit in the MIMO transmission mode.

The switching cables of the switching device440may also be configured in the single-layer beam forming arrangement444as shown by the dashed line inFIG. 4. The coupling, via the switching cables, between the antenna port connecting terminals and the radio head port connecting terminals for single-layer beam forming is set forth in Table 2:

In the single-layer beam forming arrangement444for the first 4T/4R side414, radio head ports1,2,3, and4are communicatively coupled to the +45° antenna elements1,2,3and4via the switching cables. Because the +45° antenna elements are well correlated, this configuration of switching cables enables the first 4T/4R side414to transmit in the single-layer beam forming mode.

Likewise, in the single-layer beam forming configuration444for the second 4T/4R side416, radio head ports5,6,7, and8are communicatively coupled to the −45° antenna elements5,6,7, and8via the switching cables. Because the −45° antenna elements are well correlated, this configuration of switching cables enables the second 4T/4R side416to transmit in the single-layer beam forming mode.

The switching cables of the switching device440may also be configured in the dual-layer beam forming arrangement446as shown by the dotted line inFIG. 4. The coupling, via the switching cables, between the antenna port connecting terminals and the radio head port connecting terminals for dual-layer beam forming transmission mode is set forth in Table 3:

In the dual-layer beam forming arrangement446for the first 4T/4R side414, radio head ports1and2are connected to the +45° antenna elements1and2via the switching cables, while radio head ports3and4are coupled to the −45° antenna elements7and8. Thus transmission via the correlated +45° antenna elements occurs in one layer and transmission via the correlated −45° antenna elements occurs in a second layer.

Likewise, in the dual-layer beam forming configuration444for the second 4T/4R side, radio head ports5and6are communicatively coupled to −45° antenna elements5and6, while radio head ports7and8are communicatively couple to +45° antenna elements3and4allowing transmission in two layers.

AlthoughFIG. 4depicts multiple lines connecting a given radio head port to a given antenna port (e.g., radio heard port2is shown as having two lines connecting it to antenna port2), these multiple lines are used in an effort to depict the different transmission mode configurations. In practice, a single switching cable is used to connect a given radio head port to a given antenna port. Using radio head port2as an example, in practice there is only one switching cable connecting radio head port2to antenna port2.

Each switching cable of the switching device440includes a switching unit (shown in detail inFIG. 5) that is used to selectively communicatively couple a respective radio head port to a given antenna port. At any single moment in time, the respective radio head port is communicatively coupled to only a single antenna port via a switching cable. A close-up view of the switching units associated with the radio head port connecting terminal2is shown inFIG. 5.

FIG. 5depicts a close-up view of the radio head port connecting terminal2of the switching device440as indicated onFIG. 4and is referenced generally by the numeral500. Each switching cable associated with radio head port connecting terminal2includes a switching unit such as switching unit510and switching unit512. The depiction of the switching units510and512inFIG. 5is meant to be illustrative and exemplary only. Other configurations of switching units are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.

Only one of the switching units associated with the radio head port connecting terminal2is activated at any given time. For example, inFIG. 5, the switching unit510is currently engaged while the switching unit512is open. The result is that the radio head port connecting terminal2is currently communicatively coupled to, for example, antenna port connecting terminal5in the MIMO configuration442but is not communicatively coupled to the antenna port connecting terminal2in the single- or dual-layer beam forming configuration444or446. As explained in more depth below with respect toFIGS. 7 and 8, selective switching units may be activated in response to inputs received from UEs served by the base station.

FIG. 6depicts another embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 6, a switching device636is integrated into a split RRU612. The split RRU612includes a first 4T/4R side614and a second 4T/4R side616. The split RRU612is connected to an 8-port antenna610. The RRU612and the antenna610have similar functionality as, for example, the split RRU412and the 8-port antenna410ofFIG. 4. As shown by numeral632, the antenna ports are numbered the same as the antenna ports of the antenna410ofFIG. 4. Similarly, the radio head ports, shown by numeral634, are numbered the same as the radio head ports of the RRU412ofFIG. 4.

The switching device636has similar functionality as the switching device440ofFIG. 4. As such, the switching device636includes a plurality of switching cables arranged in a MIMO configuration, a single-layer beam forming configuration, and a dual-layer beam forming configuration as explained above with respect toFIG. 4. As indicated in the legend601, the switching cable configuration for the first 4T/4R side614is shown by a solid line, and the switching cable configuration for the second 4T4R side616is shown by the dashed line. Each 4T/4R side614and616is cabled to achieve a MIMO configuration, a single-layer beam forming configuration, and a dual-layer configuration. The configuration of the switching cables is the same as that set forth above for the switching device440ofFIG. 4. For those radio head ports that are connected to more than one antenna port, a switching unit is utilized to switch from one configuration to another. For instance, with respect to radio head port2, radio head port2is coupled to both antenna port5and antenna port2via switching cables. A switching unit638is associated with the switching cables and is used to communicatively couple radio head port2to one of the antenna ports5or2at any given time.

Turning now toFIG. 7,FIG. 7depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method700of implementing a predetermined configuration of switching cables of a switching device in order to affect a MIMO transmission mode, a single-layer beam forming transmission mode, or a dual-layer beam forming transmission mode in response to inputs received from UEs served by a base station. The switching device may be the same as the switching device440ofFIG. 4or the switching device636ofFIG. 6. As such, the switching device may be a free-standing switching device that is positioned on the base station between an RRU and an 8-port antenna, or the switching device may be integrated into the RRU. The switching cables of the switching device selectively communicatively couple radio head ports of the RRU with antenna ports of the antenna. As explained above, the RRU may comprise an 8T/8R RRU that is split into a first 4T/4R side and a second 4T/4R side. The first 4T/4R side may carry a first set of RF channels and the second 4T/4R side may carry a second set of different RF channels.

At a step710, a determination is made as to whether the UEs are served by the first 4T/4R side of the RRU, or whether the UEs are served by the second 4T/4R side of the RRU. If it is determined that the UEs are served by the first 4T/4R side, a determination is made at a step712whether the UEs are located at a serving cell edge or whether the UEs are located close to the base station. If it is determined that the UEs are located at the serving cell edge, then, at a step716, the beam forming configuration is implemented for the first 4T/4R side. The beam forming configuration may comprise the single-layer beam forming configuration or the dual-layer beam forming configuration as explained more fully below with respect toFIG. 8. The beam forming configuration may be implemented by instructing the switching device to selectively communicatively couple, via the switching units associated with the switching cables, the radio head ports of the first 4T/4R side with corresponding antenna ports of the antenna as set forth in Tables 2 or 3. The use of a beam forming transmission mode in this type of situation helps to more effectively target UEs that are located at some distance from the base station.

If however, it is determined at the step712that the UEs are located close to the base station, then at a step720, the MIMO configuration is implemented for the first 4T/4R side by instructing the switching device to selectively communicatively couple, via the switching units associated with the switching cables, the radio head ports of the first 4T/4R side with corresponding antenna ports of the antenna as set forth in Table 1. The use of a MIMO transmission mode when the UEs are located close to the base station helps to effectively target a greater number of UEs as compared to the beam forming transmission mode.

Returning to the step710, when it is determined that the UEs are served by the second 4T/4R side, then similar to the first 4T/4R side, a determination is made at a step714, whether the UEs served by the second 4T/4R side are located near a serving cell edge or are located close to the base station. If it is determined that the UEs are located near the serving cell edge then, at a step718, the single- or dual-layer beam forming configuration is implemented for the second 4T/4R side. The beam forming configuration may be implemented by instructing the switching device to selectively communicatively couple, via the switching units associated with the switching cables, the radio head ports of the second 4T/4R side with corresponding antenna ports of the antenna as set forth in Tables 2 or 3.

If however, it is determined at the step714that the UEs are located close to the base station, then at a step722, the MIMO configuration is implemented for the second 4T/4R side by instructing the switching device to selectively communicatively couple, via the switching units associated with the switching cables, the radio head ports of the second 4T/4R side with corresponding antenna ports of the antenna as set forth in Table 1.

The determination of which configuration of switching cables is implemented for the first 4T/4R side may be carried out independently of the determination of which configuration of switching cables is implemented for the second 4T/4R side. Thus, in some instances both the first and second 4T/4R sides may be implementing the same configuration, or, in other instance, the first 4T/4R side may be implementing a different configuration as compared to the second 4T/4R side.

Inputs received by the base station from the UEs may also include the rate of speed with which the UE is traveling through the serving cell. This information may also be used by the base station to determine which transmission mode is implemented by the switching device. For example, beam forming may not be as effective as MIMO when targeting UEs that are traveling at high speeds, such as highway speeds. Upon receiving inputs indicating that the UEs are traveling at high rates of speeds, the MIMO configuration may then be implemented by the switching device for the first or second 4T/4R side depending on which side is serving the UEs.

Additional information besides inputs from the UE may be used in the determination of which transmission mode is implemented via the switching device. For example, the topological morphology of the serving cell may be used to determine which transmission mode is implemented. This may be useful in cases of mobile base station that are set up in areas that have different topologies. If the topological morphology indicates that the serving area is relatively flat without a lot of buildings or other obstructions, then the switching device may be instructed by the base station to implement the beam forming configuration. By contrast, if the topological morphology of the serving area indicates that it is relatively hilly or has a lot of buildings or other obstructions, then the switching device may be instructed to implement a MIMO configuration.

Turning now toFIG. 8, a flow diagram is depicted of an exemplary method800of implementing either a single-layer beam forming transmission mode or a dual-layer beam forming transmission mode using switching cables of the switching device in response to the receipt of rank indicators from one or more UEs served by the base station. Rank indicators are used by the eNodeB in the selection of a transmission layer in downlink transmission. At a high level, rank indicators provide information on whether RF channel paths are correlated or not correlated. If channel paths are correlated, the UE transmits a rank indicator having a value of 1 to the base station. However, if the channel paths are not correlated, the UE transmits a rank indicator having a value of 2 to the base station.

At a step810, the base station receives a rank indicator from a UE currently being served by the base station. At a step812, a determination is made whether the UE is being served by the first 4T/4R side of the RRU or by the second 4T/4R side of the RRU. When it is determined that the first 4T/4R side of the RRU is serving the UE, then, at a step814, it is determined whether the rank indicator has a value of 1 or a value of 2. When it is determined that the rank indicator has a value of 1, then, at a step818, the single-layer beam forming configuration is implemented by the switching device for the first 4T/4R side of the RRU. However, if it is determined at the step814, that the rank indicator has a value of 2, then, at a step822, the dual-layer beam forming configuration is implemented by the switching device for the first 4T/4R side of the RRU.

Returning to the step812, the same process is carried out for the second 4T/4R side of the RRU. For instance, if it is determined that the UE is being served by the second 4T/4R side of the RRU, then, at a step816, a determination is made whether the rank indicator has a value of 1 or 2. If it is determined that the rank indicator has a value of 1, then, at a step820, the base station implements the single-layer beam forming configuration for the second 4T/4R side of the RRU using the switching device. If it is determined that the rank indicator has a value of 2, then, at a step824, the base station implements the dual-layer beam forming configuration for the second 4T/4R side of the RRU using the switching device.

Like the method700, the determination of which configuration of switching cables is implemented for the first 4T/4R side may be carried out independently of the determination of which configuration of switching cables is implemented for the second 4T/4R side. Thus, in some instances both the first and second 4T/4R sides may be implementing the same configuration, or, in other instance, the first 4T/4R side may be implementing a different configuration as compared to the second 4T/4R side. Additionally, it is contemplated that more than one determination may be made of which configuration of switching cables should be implemented. For example, a first determination may be made to a implement beam forming configuration instead of a MIMO configuration depending on the location of the UEs in the serving cell. Next, a second determination may be made as to whether to implement single-layer beam forming or dual-layer beam forming depending on rank indicators received from the UE. The determinations made be made simultaneously or sequentially. Any and all such variations, and any combination thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.

The ability to switch between different transmission modes using predetermined configurations of switching cables facilitates the ability of the base station to more effectively target UEs being served by the base station, which, in turn, improves the network subscriber's experience. Additionally, because the split RRU is able to target a greater number of UEs, this improved experience is broadened over a greater number of network subscribers.