Patent ID: 11190238

Abstract:
One embodiment is directed to a radio access network (RAN) system comprising a baseband unit (BBU), a plurality of remote radio units, wherein each of the remote radio units is located remotely from the BBU, and an intermediary unit The BBU, the remote radio units, and the intermediary unit are communicatively coupled to each other via a switched Ethernet network. The BBU is configured to transmit downlink fronthaul data to the intermediary unit via the switched Ethernet network. The intermediary unit is configured to receive the downlink fronthaul data from the BBU and simulcast the downlink fronthaul data to the remote radio units via the switched Ethernet network. Each remote radio unit is configured to receive the downlink fronthaul data and generate therefrom at least one downlink radio frequency signal for wireless communication to user equipment (UE) via an associated at least one antenna.