CPU-MPU partitioning for C-RAN applications

This paper discusses methods for employing co-processors for off-loading the general purpose CPU in a cloud RAN application. A new concept, termed Modem Processing Unit (MPU) is introduced, in which the data path is offloaded from the CPU. The MPU concept provides benefits in overall throughput and power consumption, and alleviates the data transfer problem. This is achieved with a small impact on flexibility. The conventional offloading techniques, as well as the MPU approach are analyzed for the case of LTE-Advanced.