Near real-time wireless smart controller architecture and its wireless function enhancement method

Abstract

The application discloses a near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture and a wireless function enhancement method thereof, wherein the near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture comprises a cloud platform, a near real-time wireless intelligent controller (nRT RIC) platform and a wireless function entity (xAPP); the cloud platform is used for performing life cycle management on software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP, configuring a routing path between the software carriers, and performing message transmission between the xAPP and between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform; the nRT RIC platform runs on the cloud platform and is used for managing the xAPP and / or realizing part or all of wireless functions; and the xAPP runs on the nRT RIC platform and is used for realizing enhanced functions of the wireless functions. The application can realize SBA decentralization and management and control combination of master and auxiliary functions of an application layer, provides a unified solution of nRT RIC basic functions and incremental functions, and can realize AI driving and digital twin simulation ring nRT RIC function enhancement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of mobile communication, in particular to a near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture and a wireless function enhancement method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Figure 1 The O-RAN overall architecture is given by the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) International Alliance Organization (O-RAN Alliance). In the architecture, a non real-time wireless intelligent controller (non-RT RIC) and a near real-time wireless intelligent controller (near-RT RIC (nRT RIC, sometimes also referred to as Near-RT RIC in this paper)) are introduced.

[0003] In an O-RAN overall architecture scheme, a functional entity of xApp is introduced in the nRT RIC. The xApp runs related artificial intelligence (AI) content, and interacts with the nRT RIC architecture (Near-RT RIC framework) through an open application programming interface (Open API) to control the E2 node (E2 node). How to control the wireless function entity is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0004] At least one embodiment of the present application provides a wireless function enhancement method and device of a near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, which can realize control of a wireless function entity based on an SBA near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, at least one embodiment provides a near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, comprising: a cloud platform, a near real-time wireless intelligent controller nRT RIC platform and a wireless function entity xAPP; wherein,

[0006] The cloud platform is configured to manage software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP, configure routing paths between the software carriers, and / or configure message transmission between the xAPP and between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform;

[0007] The nRT RIC platform runs on the cloud platform and is configured to manage the xAPP and / or realize part or all of the wireless functions;

[0008] The xAPP runs on the nRT RIC platform to implement enhanced functions of wireless functions.

[0009] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the xAPP is further configured to obtain measurement parameters through the nRT RIC platform, perform the enhanced functions based on the measurement parameters, generate at least one of control information, policy information, algorithm demand information for wireless management, and indication information, and send the generated information to the nRT RIC platform.

[0010] The nRT RIC platform is further configured to receive measurement parameters reported by a functional entity in a radio access network and send the measurement parameters to a corresponding xAPP, and / or receive information sent by the xAPP and determine whether to operate on the received information or send the received information to a base station.

[0011] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the nRT RIC platform is further configured to implement part or all of radio resource management (RRM) functions, and send radio resource control (RRC) control command demand generated by the RRM functions to a functional entity in a radio access network through interaction with the radio access network.

[0012] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the nRT RIC platform manages the xAPP, and specifically includes at least one of the following: responding to an extension process, an activation process, a registration process, and a management process of the xAPP, and configuring and maintaining routing information of the xAPP to the nRT RIC platform.

[0013] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the xAPP is further configured to send a registration request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the registration request message carrying at least one of identification information, function description information, measurement parameter description information, and output result description information of the xAPP.

[0014] The nRT RIC platform is further configured to receive the registration request message, and when the registration is successful, perform at least one of the following operations: establishing an information exchange link with the xAPP, configuring initial parameters started by the xAPP, and providing measurement parameters to the xAPP.

[0015] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the xAPP is further configured to apply for services from the nRT RIC platform in a subscription or notification manner, wherein the subscription or notification includes periodic subscription or periodic reporting, and / or event-triggered subscription or event-triggered reporting.

[0016] The nRT RIC platform is further configured to send a notification to the xAPP in response to a service application of the xAPP, the content of the notification including service content provided by the nRT RIC platform and / or indication information for obtaining the service.

[0017] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the xAPP is further configured to send a service request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the service request message carrying identification information of the xAPP and provided service information, the service information including at least one of the following: policy or control indication information for wireless resource management, user service management policy or control indication information, and management policy or control indication information for connection between devices.

[0018] The nRT RIC platform is further configured to receive the service request message and return a service response message to the xAPP indicating whether the service information is available.

[0019] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform interact through a logical API interface.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present application, at least one embodiment provides a wireless function enhancement method of a near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, the near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture including a cloud platform, a near real-time wireless intelligent controller nRT RIC platform, and a wireless function entity xAPP; the method including:

[0021] The cloud platform performs lifecycle management on software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP, configures routing paths between the software carriers, and performs message transmission between the xAPP and between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform;

[0022] The nRT RIC platform running on the cloud platform manages the xAPP and / or implements part or all of the wireless function;

[0023] The xAPP running on the nRT RIC platform implements an enhanced function of the wireless function.

[0024] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, further including:

[0025] The xAPP obtains measurement parameters via the nRT RIC platform, executes the enhanced function based on the measurement parameters, generates at least one of control information, policy information, algorithm demand information and indication information for wireless management, and sends the generated information to the nRT RIC platform;

[0026] The nRT RIC platform receives the measurement parameters reported by the functional entity in the radio access network and sends them to the corresponding xAPP, and / or receives the information sent by the xAPP and determines whether to operate on the received information or send it to the base station.

[0027] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, further comprising:

[0028] The nRT RIC platform implements part or all of the radio resource management (RRM) function, and sends the radio resource control (RRC) control command requirement generated by the RRM function to the functional entity in the radio access network through interaction with the radio access network.

[0029] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the nRT RIC platform manages the xAPP, specifically including at least one of the following: responding to the extension process, activation process, registration process and management process of the xAPP, configuring and maintaining the routing information of the xAPP to the nRT RIC platform.

[0030] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, further comprising:

[0031] The xAPP sends a registration request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, and the registration request message carries at least one of the following: identification information, function description information, measurement parameter description information and output result description information of the xAPP;

[0032] The nRT RIC platform receives the registration request message, and when the registration is successful, at least one of the following operations is performed: establishing an information exchange link with the xAPP, configuring initial parameters started by the xAPP, and providing measurement parameters to the xAPP.

[0033] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, further comprising:

[0034] The xAPP applies for services to the nRT RIC platform in a subscription or notification manner, wherein the subscription or notification includes periodic subscription or periodic reporting, and / or event-triggered subscription or event-triggered reporting;

[0035] The nRT RIC platform sends a notification to the xAPP in response to the service application of the xAPP, and the content of the notification includes: the service content provided by the nRT RIC platform, and / or the indication information of obtaining services.

[0036] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, further comprising:

[0037] The xAPP sends a service request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the service request message carrying identification information of the xAPP and provided service information, the service information including at least one of the following: policy or control indication information of wireless resource management, user service management policy or control indication information, and management policy or control indication information of connection between devices.

[0038] The nRT RIC platform receives the service request message and returns a service response message to the xAPP indicating whether the service information is available.

[0039] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform interact through a logical API interface.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present application, at least one embodiment provides a near-real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein,

[0041] The processor is configured to run an nRT RIC platform on a cloud platform, run a wireless function entity xAPP on the nRT RIC platform, manage software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP through the cloud platform, configure routing paths between the software carriers, and / or configure message transmission between the xAPPs, between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform; manage the xAPP through the nRT RIC platform, and / or implement part or all of the wireless function; and implement enhanced functions of the wireless function through the xAPP.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present application, at least one embodiment provides a near-real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, comprising a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, the program being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method described above.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present application, at least one embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium having a program stored thereon, the program being executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method described above.

[0044] Compared with the prior art, the near-real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture and the wireless function enhancement method thereof provided by the embodiments of the present application can realize the combination of SBA decentralization and the management and control of primary and secondary functions of the application layer, provide a unified solution for the basic functions and incremental functions of the nRT RIC, and realize AI-driven and digital twin simulation loop nRT RIC function enhancement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. The detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an O-RAN overall architecture provided by an O-RAN international alliance organization;

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an overall design of a near real-time wireless intelligent controller;

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a registration process of a wireless function entity xAPP of an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a wireless function service application of an xApp to a nRT RIC Framework of an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a wireless function provided by an xApp to a nRT RIC Framework of an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a logical connection relationship between an xApp and a nRT RIC Framework of an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a function layer when an xApp and a nRT RIC Framework of an embodiment of the present application interact;

[0054] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a Radio Function and an xApp of a nRT RIC Framework deployed on a cloud platform of an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a wireless function enhancement method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a structure of a near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0058] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus. The terms “and / or” in the specification and claims indicate at least one of the connected objects.

[0059] The technology described herein is not limited to NR systems and Long Time Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, and can also be used for various wireless communication systems such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system can implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. UTRA includes Wideband-CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA system can implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA system can implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolution-UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.21 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). LTE and LTE-Advanced (e.g., LTE-A) are new releases of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2).The techniques described herein can be used for the above mentioned systems and radio technologies, but also for other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes, for example purposes, an NR system, and uses NR terminology in much of the following description, although the techniques can also be applied outside of NR system applications.

[0060] The following description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Various examples can omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described can be performed in an order different from that described, and / or various steps can be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain examples can be combined in other examples.

[0061] Figure 2 A general design schematic of Near-RT RIC is given, in which the mode of introducing xApp in Near-RT RIC is introduced, in order to realize capability opening and rapid introduction of third-party capabilities.

[0062] Specifically, based on Figure 2 An implementation mode is to encapsulate all radio resource management (RRM) functions into different xApps, Figure 2 The Near-RT RIC of the application is transparent to xApps (xApp 1-xApp N), and the xApps directly interact with the base station through the E2 interface, and the Near-RT RIC is only responsible for processing of messages of the E2 interface.

[0063] The xApp is a functional entity defined in IT, and exists in the form of a microservice on a cloud platform. The Near-RT RIC framework is also a microservice on the cloud platform, and the two are equal software functional entities on the cloud platform. At the same time, according to the principle of protocol layer equality, the xApp cannot be a functional entity of the Near-RT RIC framework. Thus, the following paradox exists: from the perspective of cloud platform technology, the xApp and the Near-RT RIC framework are equal microservice software entities; from the perspective of the function of the Near-RT RIC, the functions running inside the xApp are indeed functions running on the Near-RT framework, and there is a strict upper and lower layer constraint between the two.

[0064] Service-based Architecture (SBA) is the basic architecture of the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), which divides network functions into services that can be flexibly invoked, and uses lightweight interfaces between services, aiming to achieve high efficiency, software, and openness of the 5G system.

[0065] The SBA architecture is applied in the core network of 5G, and the main feature of SBA is that each functional module can realize flexible interaction (service) through a standard service model, and each component can be flexibly loaded as needed. In the 5G core network, logical control functions are abstracted into independent functional components, and these independent network function components can be flexibly combined according to business needs. The network function component and other components are logically decoupled, and the network function supports a neutral interface, which can provide services to other network function callers through the same interface message, and convert multiple coupling interfaces into a single interface, thereby reducing the number of interfaces. The network function management framework provides management functions such as registration, discovery, and monitoring of network functions, and its independent characteristics ensure that existing network services are not affected during the addition or upgrade of network functions. The componentized control plane architecture realizes plug-and-play through flexible orchestration of network functions.

[0066] In view of the paradox mentioned in the background art, the embodiment of the present application proposes a centralized SBA RIC architecture to solve the above paradox, which realizes the unification of parallel and hierarchical constraint logic relationship through hierarchical manner and defining the constraint relationship between upper and lower layers.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, the RIC Framework is the center of the wireless function layer, realizing the control of the wireless function layer; and the SBA architecture is used as the basis to realize the flexible control of the xApp of the wireless function.

[0068] Figure 3 A centralized SBA nRT RIC architecture diagram is given in the embodiment of the present application, which includes a cloud platform (Cloud Framework), a near real-time wireless intelligent controller platform (nRT RIC Framework), and a wireless function entity (xAPP). Wherein,

[0069] The cloud platform is used for managing the software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP, configuring the routing paths between the software carriers, and / or configuring the message transmission between the xAPPs and between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform.

[0070] The nRT RIC platform runs on the cloud platform, is used for managing the xAPP, and / or realizes part or all of wireless functions.

[0071] The xAPP runs on the nRT RIC platform, and is used for realizing enhanced functions of wireless functions.

[0072] In the embodiment of the application, the enhanced functions of various wireless functions run on different microservice (Microservice) software bodies to form the software form of the xApp. In this paper, Radio Function (xApp) is used to refer to the wireless function of the xApp unless otherwise specified. The enhanced function of the wireless function refers to the auxiliary function introduced in the form of Radio Function (xApp) for the purpose of enhancing the existing wireless function in addition to the various wireless functions defined in the prior art for 5G or 4G systems, such as: algorithm enhancement of Radio Resource Management (RRM); Radio Function (xApp) completes the judgment of the moving direction of the user, classifies the users in the cell according to the moving direction, generates the switching strategy of the user between cells, and sends the switching strategy to the switching algorithm of RRM to realize the fast convergence of the switching algorithm and thus improve the system performance. The nRT RIC framework runs on a microservice (Microservice) carrier. In this paper, nRT RIC Framework is used to refer to the RIC platform unless otherwise specified.

[0073] The nRT RIC platform of the embodiment of the application can realize Figure 2 The functions shown in the figure, such as Messaging Infrastructure, Conflict Mitigation, Subscription Mgmt, Mgmt.Services (xApp, E2, etc.), SharedData Layer, Database, E2 Termination, etc. In addition to the above functions, the nRT RIC platform also has:

[0074] a) management function of Network Function (NF, i.e. Figure 2 xApp software entity carrying various wireless enhanced functions in the above-mentioned) including registration, routing information and monitoring and detection of each NF, activation, registration, management, etc. of each NF when the nRT RIC scales, and routing configuration and control of each Radio Function (xApp) to it.

[0075] b) Various radio resource management functions, i.e. RRM algorithms, already defined in 5G or 4G systems. In the nRT RIC Framework, all the defined RRM functions are running. Through the nRT RIC Framework, the interaction with the Radio Access Network (RAN) is performed, the control commands of RRM algorithm parameters are sent to the RRC functional entity in the RAN, and the RRC functional entity generates RRC signaling to configure the UE, or the RRC functional entity generates control messages or signaling to configure the functional entities inside the RAN, such as the physical layer (PHY) of layer 1 (L1), the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), the radio link control (RLC), the medium access control (MAC), and other entities of layer 2 (L2). Each functional entity in the Radio Access Network (RAN) (such as each protocol functional entity of L1 and L2 above, the RRC of L3, etc.) reports the required various measurement parameters to the nRT RIC Framework, including UE level and cell level.

[0076] The xApp (Radio Function) of the embodiment of the application is used to implement various wireless related function enhancements or algorithm enhancements. The basic wireless functions or algorithms such as RRM are not included in the xApp. The xApp (Radio Function) directly runs on the nRT RIC Framework, obtains the required various measurement parameters through the nRT RIC Framework, and sends the generated control, policy, algorithm operation requirements or instructions for wireless management information to the nRT RIC Framework, and the nRT RIC Framework decides (including various operations such as giving up, correcting, adding, etc.) whether to send to the base station.

[0077] The cloud platform (Cloud Framework) of the embodiment of the present application is used for completing the generation, registration, life cycle management and release of the software carrier (Microservice, VM, Container, Docker or any one of them) of each xApp (Radio Function) and nRT RIC Framework; and completing the establishment, configuration and control of the routing path between the software carriers; and completing the message transmission between each xApp (Radio Function) and nRT RIC Framework and xApp (Radio Function).

[0078] The service and message interaction between each entity are described below in combination with the drawings.

[0079] 1, SBA interface registration message (SBAI_Register)

[0080] As shown in Figure 4 , in the process of registration of xApp (Radio Function) to near real-time wireless intelligent controller platform (nRT RIC Framework), after the deployment of an xApp (Radio Function) is completed, the xApp performs wireless function registration to the nRT RIC Framework, which can be specifically in the form of request or response (Request / Response).

[0081] Here, the content of the request (Request) message can specifically include the identity information, function description, measurement parameter description or demand, output result description and the like of the xApp (Radio Function). The content of the response (Response) message can specifically include the response of successful or failed registration.

[0082] If the registration is successful, the nRT RIC Framework establishes information for the xApp (Radio Function), establishes information exchange link, configures the initial parameters for starting of the xApp (Radio Function), and provides the existing measurement parameters that can be used for the xApp (Radio Function).

[0083] 2, SBAI interface service application message (SBAI_Request)

[0084] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the radio function entity xApp requests radio function services from the near real-time radio intelligent control platform (nRT RIC Framework), which can be done through subscription or notification.

[0085] Here, the Subscribe message includes information such as the periodic or event-triggered method and the type of service requested. The periodic or event-triggered method includes, for example, periodic subscription and periodic reporting, or event-triggered subscription and event-triggered reporting. The Notify message content includes at least: the service content provided by the nRT RIC Framework, such as various measurement parameters subscribed to, and the feedback results of the last generated control pair; or the method of obtaining the service, such as the storage address of the service content, and database access instructions for the storage service.

[0086] 3. Service messages of the SBAI interface (SBAI_Serving)

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, the radio function (xApp) provides wireless functionality to the near real-time wireless intelligent control platform (nRT RIC Framework). Once an xApp (Radio Function) is running, it obtains the results and provides services to the nRT RIC Framework.

[0088] Here, a Request / Response approach can be used. The Request message includes: the identity information of the xApp (Radio Function), the services provided, including policies or control instructions for radio resource management, user service management policies or control instructions, management policies or control instructions for inter-device connections, and various controls or instructions for Radio Resource Management (RRM). The Response message includes: a response indicating whether the service is available, and if a conflict occurs, the cause of the conflict.

[0089] In the interface model between the near real-time wireless intelligent control platform (nRT RIC Framework) and the radio function entity xApp (Radio Function) in this embodiment of the invention, the logical connection relationship between xApp (Radio Function) and nRT RIC Framework is as follows: Figure 7 As shown:

[0090] Each xApp(Radio Function) is a radio function running on the nRT RIC Framework, including an AI model, an AI-driven radio management algorithm, training of an AI model, a digital twin simulation system of a base station (including a simulation system of partial functions or all functions), an algorithm of RRM, a protocol stack function (PHY / MAC / PDCP / RLC / SDAP / RRC, etc.) of Layer 1 (L1) or Layer 2 (L2) or Layer 3 (L3) on a base station, an operation and maintenance (O&M) function (Log customization and reporting, information tracking, system parameter configuration, alarm collection, etc.).

[0091] Each xApp(Radio Function) function applies for a running permission to the nRT RIC Framework according to a unified interface (API) and a unified function information template defined by the nRT RIC Framework, and can run as a part of the nRT RIC function only after obtaining the permission of the nRT RIC Framework.

[0092] The xApp(Radio Function) obtains the measurement data (Metrics) required for running through the nRT RIC Framework, and the control commands, policies, instructions or requirements generated thereby are sent to the base station by the nRT RIC Framework after conflict mitigation, etc. When the measurement data of the base station saved by the nRT RIC Framework is updated, the measurement information or data can be distributed to the corresponding xApp(Radio Function) according to the function needs of each xApp(Radio Function).

[0093] The xApp(Radio Function) and the nRT RIC Framework interact through an application program interface (API). The API interface can be an open interface or a proprietary interface.

[0094] Figure 8A schematic diagram of the functional layers when interacting between xApp (Radio Function) and nRT RIC Framework is given, each functional layer has a protocol to complete the above interaction. xApp (Radio Function) and nRT RIC Framework are functional entities running on the cloud platform (Cloud Framework), existing in the form of virtual machines (Virtual Machine), micro services (Micro Service), containers (Container), etc. Each xApp (Radio Function) and nRT RIC Framework interacts through API.

[0095] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of xApp of Radio Function and nRT RIC Framework deployed on the cloud platform (Cloud Framework) is given. From the perspective of the cloud platform, each xApp is a service-oriented software function body, and service management and orchestration (Service Management and Orchestration, SMO) manages the life cycle of each software body through the same interface (O&M Interface for Cloud), various operations such as orchestration (Orchestration), monitoring (Monitor), etc.

[0096] From the functional perspective of xApp (Radio Function) and nRT RIC Framework, nRT RIC Framework is the master, and xApp (Radio Function) is one of the functions running on nRT RIC Framework. The two interact through logical API (API Message), Figure 9The API Message routing path is configured and transmitted through the Cloud Framework. The SMO performs parameter configuration, monitoring, maintenance, and tracking of alarms in the radio function through an operation and maintenance interface (O&M Interface for Radio Function). Because the nRT RIC Framework is the master, the operation and maintenance of the SMO can only be connected with the nRT RIC Framework, and then the nRT RIC Framework generates operation and maintenance control of each xApp (Radio Function) according to the indication of the SMO. The SMO can also control the xApp (Radio Function) and the nRT RIC Framework uniformly, and there are independent operation and maintenance interfaces (O&M Interface for Radio Function) respectively.

[0097] As can be seen from the above, based on the above near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, the xAPP in the embodiment of the application can also be used to obtain measurement parameters through the nRT RIC platform, execute the enhanced function based on the measurement parameters, generate at least one of control information, policy information, algorithm demand information for wireless management, and indication information, and send the generated information to the nRT RIC platform; the nRT RIC platform is also used to receive measurement parameters reported by a functional entity in a radio access network and send the measurement parameters to a corresponding xAPP, and / or receive information sent by an xAPP and determine whether to operate on the received information or whether to send to a base station.

[0098] In the embodiment of the application, the nRT RIC platform can also be used to implement part or all of the radio resource management (RRM) function, and send a radio resource control (RRC) control command demand generated by the RRM function to a functional entity in a radio access network through interaction with the radio access network.

[0099] In the embodiment of the application, the nRT RIC platform manages the xAPP, and specifically includes at least one of the following: responding to an expansion process, an activation process, a registration process, and a management process of the xAPP, configuring and maintaining routing information of the xAPP to the nRT RIC platform.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present application, the xAPP can also be configured to send a registration request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the registration request message carrying at least one of the following: identification information of the xAPP, function description information, measurement parameter description information, and output result description information. The nRT RIC platform is also configured to receive the registration request message, and when the registration is successful, perform at least one of the following operations: establish an information exchange link with the xAPP, configure initial parameters for starting the xAPP, and provide measurement parameters to the xAPP.

[0101] Specifically, the xAPP can also be configured to apply for services from the nRT RIC platform in a subscription or notification manner, wherein the subscription or notification includes periodic subscription or periodic reporting, and / or event-triggered subscription or event-triggered reporting; the nRT RIC platform is also configured to send a notification to the xAPP in response to the service application of the xAPP, the content of the notification including: service content provided by the nRT RIC platform, and / or indication information for obtaining services.

[0102] Specifically, the xAPP can also be configured to send a service request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the service request message carrying identification information of the xAPP and provided service information, the service information including at least one of the following: policy or control indication information of radio resource management, user service management policy or control indication information, and management policy or control indication information of connection between devices; the nRT RIC platform is also configured to receive the service request message and return a service response message to the xAPP indicating whether the service information is available.

[0103] Here, the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform interact through a logical API interface.

[0104] Through the above, the application provides a centralized SBA nRT RIC framework, that is, an SBA framework of the nRT RIC, and divides and defines the functions of two functional software bodies (xApp(Radio Function) and nRT RIC Fromework) under the framework. In addition, the constraint relationship between the xApp(Radio Function) and the nRT RIC Fromework is given: the nRT RIC Fromework provides all running support for the xApp(Radio Function); each xApp(Radio Function) directly interacts with the nRT RIC Fromework; there is no direct interaction between the xApp(Radio Function), and all interactions pass through the nRT RIC Fromework. In addition, a message model of an interaction interface between the xApp(Radio Function) and the nRT RIC Fromework is provided.

[0105] The above framework of the embodiment of the application realizes the combination of SBA decentralization and application layer main (function) auxiliary (function) management and control, realizes a unified solution of the basic function and incremental function of the nRT RIC, and can realize AI driving and digital twin simulation ring nRT RIC function enhancement.

[0106] The following takes admission control as an example to provide an application example of the near real-time wireless intelligent controller framework of the embodiment of the application.

[0107] For the xApp of the admission control:

[0108] 1) Parameter (Mextrics) application: subscribe to the cell-level load information to the Near-RT RIC, including the number of users, the sum of GBR, and the location information of each user;

[0109] 2) xApp calculation: according to the location information of the user, predict the location change trend of the user, including the direction of the user movement and the rate of the user movement; calculate the load of the cell, including the increasing change trend of the GBR and the change trend of the total number of UEs;

[0110] 3) Control generation: (Request--Response) generate control information, such as a list of users rejected or transplanted to a neighboring cell, a demand information table of users that can be admitted by the cell;

[0111] After the Near-RT RIC framework receives the control information, conflict mitigation is performed, and control of the base station is generated as needed.

[0112] Based on the above near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, the embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless function enhancement method, as shown in the figure, the method comprises: Figure 10

[0113] Step 101, through the cloud platform, the software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and xAPP are managed, the routing paths between the software carriers are configured, and / or the message transmission between xAPPs, between xAPP and nRT RIC platform is configured;

[0114] Step 102, through the nRT RIC platform running on the cloud platform, the xAPP is managed, and / or part or all of the wireless function is realized;

[0115] Step 103, through the xAPP running on the nRT RIC platform, the enhancement function of the wireless function is realized.

[0116] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0117] Through the xAPP, the measurement parameters are obtained via the nRT RIC platform, the enhancement function is executed based on the measurement parameters, at least one of the control information, the policy information, the algorithm requirement information and the indication information for wireless management is generated, and the generated information is sent to the nRT RIC platform;

[0118] Through the nRT RIC platform, the measurement parameters reported by the functional entity in the wireless access network are received and sent to the corresponding xAPP, and / or the information sent by the xAPP is received, and it is judged whether the received information is operated or whether it is sent to the base station.

[0119] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0120] Through the nRT RIC platform, part or all of the radio resource management (RRM) function is realized, and the radio resource control (RRC) control command requirement generated by the RRM function is sent to the functional entity in the wireless access network through the interaction with the wireless access network.

[0121] Optionally, the nRT RIC platform manages the xAPP, specifically comprising at least one of the following: responding to the expansion process, activation process, registration process and management process of xAPP, configuring and maintaining the routing information of the xAPP to the nRT RIC platform.

[0122] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0123] ​The xAPP sends a registration request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, and the registration request message carries at least one of the following: identification information, function description information, measurement parameter description information, and output result description information of the xAPP.

[0124] The nRT RIC platform receives the registration request message, and when the registration is successful, at least one of the following operations is performed: an information exchange link between the xAPP is established, initial parameters started by the xAPP are configured, and measurement parameters are provided to the xAPP.

[0125] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0126] The xAPP applies for services to the nRT RIC platform in a subscription or notification manner, wherein the subscription or notification includes periodic subscription / periodic reporting, and / or event-triggered subscription / event-triggered reporting.

[0127] The nRT RIC platform sends a notification to the xAPP in response to the service application of the xAPP, and the content of the notification includes: service content provided by the nRT RIC platform, and / or indication information for obtaining services.

[0128] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0129] The xAPP sends a service request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, and the service request message carries identification information of the xAPP and provided service information, and the service information includes at least one of the following: policy or control indication information of wireless resource management, user service management policy or control indication information, and management policy or control indication information of connection between devices.

[0130] The nRT RIC platform receives the service request message and returns a service response message to the xAPP, indicating whether the service information is available.

[0131] Optionally, the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform interact through a logical API interface.

[0132] As shown in Figure 11 The embodiment of the application provides a near-real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture (which can also be called a near-real-time wireless intelligent controller system), which comprises a processor 1101, a transceiver 1102, a memory 1103, and a bus interface, and wherein:

[0133] In the embodiment of the present application, the near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture further comprises: a program stored on the memory 1103 and executable on the processor 1101, which, when executed by the processor 1101, implements the following steps:

[0134] The nRT RIC platform is run on the cloud platform, the wireless function entity xAPP is run on the nRT RIC platform, the software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP are managed in the life cycle through the cloud platform, the routing paths between the software carriers are configured, and the message transmission is performed between the xAPPs and between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform; the xAPP is managed through the nRT RIC platform, and / or part or all of the wireless functions are implemented; and the enhanced functions of the wireless functions are implemented through the xAPP.

[0135] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps when executing the program:

[0136] Through the xAPP, the measurement parameters are obtained through the nRT RIC platform, the enhanced functions are executed based on the measurement parameters, at least one of the control information, the policy information, the algorithm requirement information for the wireless management, and the indication information is generated, and the generated information is sent to the nRT RIC platform; through the nRT RIC platform, the measurement parameters reported by the function entity in the wireless access network are received and sent to the corresponding xAPP, and / or the information sent by the xAPP is received, and it is judged whether the received information is operated or whether it is sent to the base station.

[0137] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps when executing the program:

[0138] Through the nRT RIC platform, part or all of the radio resource management (RRM) functions are implemented, and the radio resource control (RRC) control command requirements generated by the RRM functions are sent to the function entity in the wireless access network through the interaction with the wireless access network.

[0139] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps when executing the program:

[0140] The extension process, the activation process, the registration process, and the management process of the xAPP are responded, and the routing information of the xAPP to the nRT RIC platform is configured and maintained.

[0141] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps when executing the program:

[0142] The xAPP sends a registration request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, and the registration request message carries at least one of identification information, function description information, measurement parameter description information, and output result description information of the xAPP.

[0143] The nRT RIC platform receives the registration request message, and when the registration is successful, at least one of the following operations is performed: an information exchange link between the xAPP is established, initial parameters started by the xAPP are configured, and measurement parameters are provided to the xAPP.

[0144] Optionally, the processor implements the following steps when executing the program:

[0145] The xAPP applies for services to the nRT RIC platform in a subscription or notification manner, wherein the subscription or notification includes periodic subscription / periodic reporting, and / or event-triggered subscription / event-triggered reporting.

[0146] The nRT RIC platform sends a notification to the xAPP in response to the service application of the xAPP, and the content of the notification includes service content provided by the nRT RIC platform and / or indication information for obtaining services.

[0147] Optionally, the processor implements the following steps when executing the program:

[0148] The xAPP sends a service request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, and the service request message carries identification information of the xAPP and provided service information, and the service information includes at least one of the following: policy or control indication information of wireless resource management, user service management policy or control indication information, and management policy or control indication information of connection between devices.

[0149] The nRT RIC platform receives the service request message and returns a service response message to the xAPP, indicating whether the service information is available.

[0150] Optionally, the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform interact through a logical API interface.

[0151] It can be understood that the computer program is executed by the processor 1101 to implement the above Figure 10 The processes of the method embodiments shown above are implemented, and the same technical effects are achieved, and thus repeated description is omitted here.

[0152] In Figure 11In particular embodiments, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges, and the various circuitry representative of the processor 1101 and the memory 1103 that can be linked through a bus architecture can be consolidated in a single chip, or distributed among various locations or devices, connected by interconnection buses and bridges. The bus architecture can also include multiple buses operating at cross-communication speeds, and the various circuitry representative of the processor 1101 and the memory 1103 can be linked together by cross-communication buses. The bus interface provides an interface to the transceiver 1102. The transceiver 1102 can be a multi-element device including a transmitter and a receiver, providing means for communicating with various other apparatuses over a transmission medium.

[0153] The processor 1101 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1103 can store data used by the processor 1101 in executing operations.

[0154] It should be noted that the terminal in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method shown in the above Figure 10 The implementation manners in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of the device, and the same technical effects can be achieved. In the device, the transceiver 1102 and the memory 1103, and the transceiver 1102 and the processor 1101 can be connected through the bus interface, the function of the processor 1101 can be implemented by the transceiver 1102, and the function of the transceiver 1102 can be implemented by the processor 1101. It should be noted that the above device provided by the embodiments of the present application can implement all method steps achieved by the method embodiments, and the same technical effects can be achieved, and the same parts and beneficial effects of the method embodiments in this embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0155] In some embodiments of the present application, a computer readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a program, and the program is executed by a processor to implement the following steps:

[0156] Running an nRT RIC platform on a cloud platform, running a wireless function entity xAPP on the nRT RIC platform, managing software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP through the cloud platform, configuring routing paths between the software carriers, and / or configuring message transmission between the xAPPs, between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform; managing the xAPP through the nRT RIC platform, and / or implementing part or all of the wireless function; and implementing an enhanced function of the wireless function through the xAPP.

[0157] The program is executed by the processor to implement all implementation manners in the above wireless function enhancement method, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, this will not be described here.

[0158] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0159] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0160] In the embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0161] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on multiple network units. According to actual needs, part or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiment of the present application.

[0162] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically independently, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0163] If the functions are realized in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the parts of the present application that essentially contribute to the prior art or the parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of software products. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0164] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An SBA-based near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, characterized by, Comprise: a cloud platform, a near real-time wireless intelligent controller nRT RIC platform and a wireless function entity xAPP; wherein, the cloud platform is configured to manage software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP, configure routing paths between the software carriers, and / or configure message transmission between the xAPPs and between the xAPPs and the nRT RIC platform; the nRT RIC platform runs on the cloud platform and is configured to manage the xAPPs and / or implement part or all of wireless functions; the xAPPs run on the nRT RIC platform and are configured to implement enhanced functions of the wireless functions; wherein the nRT RIC platform provides support for running the xAPPs, the xAPPs directly interact with the nRT RIC platform, and / or the xAPPs interact with each other through the nRT RIC platform.

2. The near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of claim 1, wherein the xAPPs are further configured to obtain measurement parameters through the nRT RIC platform, execute the enhanced functions based on the measurement parameters, generate at least one of control information, policy information, algorithm demand information for wireless management and indication information, and send the generated information to the nRT RIC platform; the nRT RIC platform is further configured to receive measurement parameters reported by function entities in a wireless access network and send the measurement parameters to corresponding xAPPs, and / or receive information sent by the xAPPs and determine whether to operate on the received information or send the received information to a base station.

3. The near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of claim 1, wherein the nRT RIC platform is further configured to implement part or all of radio resource management RRM functions, and send radio resource control RRC control command demand generated by the RRM functions to function entities in a wireless access network through interaction with the wireless access network.

4. The near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of claim 1, wherein the nRT RIC platform manages the xAPPs, specifically including at least one of the following: responding to xAPP extension processes, activation processes, registration processes and management processes, configuring and maintaining routing information of the xAPPs to the nRT RIC platform.

5. The near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of claim 4, wherein the xAPPs are further configured to send a registration request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the registration request message carrying at least one of identification information, function description information, measurement parameter description information and output result description information of the xAPPs; the nRT RIC platform is further configured to receive the registration request message and, when registration is successful, perform at least one of the following operations: establishing an information exchange link with the xAPPs, configuring initial parameters for starting the xAPPs, and providing measurement parameters to the xAPPs. 6.The near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of claim 4, wherein the xAPP is further configured to apply for a service from the nRT RIC platform in a subscription or notification manner, wherein the subscription or notification comprises a periodic subscription / periodic reporting and / or an event-triggered subscription / event-triggered reporting. The nRT RIC platform is further configured to send a notification to the xAPP in response to the service application of the xAPP, wherein the content of the notification comprises service content provided by the nRT RIC platform and / or indication information for obtaining the service. 7.The near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of claim 4, wherein the xAPP is further configured to send a service request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, wherein the service request message carries identification information of the xAPP and provided service information, and the service information comprises at least one of the following: policy or control indication information of radio resource management, user service management policy or control indication information, and management policy or control indication information of connection between devices. The nRT RIC platform is further configured to receive the service request message and return a service response message to the xAPP, wherein the service response message indicates whether the service information is available. 8.The near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture of claim 1, wherein the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform interact through a logical API interface. The SBA-based near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture comprises a cloud platform, a near real-time wireless intelligent controller (nRT RIC) platform, and wireless function entities (xAPPs). The method comprises: The cloud platform manages software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and xAPPs, configures routing paths between the software carriers, and / or configures message transmission between xAPPs and between xAPPs and the nRT RIC platform.

9. A method for wireless function enhancement of an SBA-based near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, comprising: The nRT RIC platform running on the cloud platform manages the xAPPs and / or implements part or all of wireless functions, wherein the nRT RIC platform provides support for running the xAPPs, the xAPPs directly interact with the nRT RIC platform, and / or the xAPPs interact with each other through the nRT RIC platform. The xAPPs running on the nRT RIC platform implement enhanced functions of wireless functions. Further comprising: The xAPPs obtain measurement parameters through the nRT RIC platform, execute the enhanced functions based on the measurement parameters, generate at least one of control information, policy information, algorithm demand information, and indication information for wireless management, and send the generated information to the nRT RIC platform.

10. The wireless function enhancement method of claim 9, wherein, ​ ​ The nRT RIC platform receives measurement parameters reported by a functional entity in a radio access network and sends the measurement parameters to a corresponding xAPP, and / or receives information sent by the xAPP and determines whether to operate on the received information or send the information to a base station.

11. The wireless function enhancement method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: The nRT RIC platform implements part or all of a radio resource management (RRM) function and sends a radio resource control (RRC) control command requirement generated by the RRM function to a functional entity in a radio access network through interaction with the radio access network.

12. The wireless function enhancement method of claim 9, wherein The nRT RIC platform manages the xAPP, specifically including at least one of the following: responding to an extension process, an activation process, a registration process, and a management process of the xAPP, configuring and maintaining routing information of the xAPP to the nRT RIC platform.

13. The wireless function enhancement method of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising: The xAPP sends a registration request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the registration request message carrying at least one of identification information, function description information, measurement parameter description information, and output result description information of the xAPP; The nRT RIC platform receives the registration request message and, when registration is successful, performs at least one of the following operations: establishing an information exchange link with the xAPP, configuring initial parameters started by the xAPP, and providing measurement parameters to the xAPP.

14. The wireless function enhancement method of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising: The xAPP applies for services from the nRT RIC platform in a subscription or notification manner, wherein the subscription or notification includes periodic subscription or periodic reporting, and / or event-triggered subscription or event-triggered reporting; The nRT RIC platform sends a notification to the xAPP in response to the service application of the xAPP, the content of the notification including service content provided by the nRT RIC platform and / or indication information for obtaining services.

15. The wireless function enhancement method of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising: The xAPP sends a service request message to the nRT RIC platform in a request or response manner, the service request message carrying identification information of the xAPP and provided service information, the service information including at least one of the following: radio resource management policy or control indication information, user service management policy or control indication information, and management policy or control indication information for connection between devices; The nRT RIC platform receives the service request message and returns a service response message to the xAPP indicating whether the service information is available.

16. The wireless function enhancement method of claim 9, wherein The xAPP and the nRT RIC platform interact through a logical API interface.

17. An SBA-based near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, comprising: The method includes a processor and a transceiver, wherein The processor is configured to run an nRT RIC platform on a cloud platform, run a radio function entity xAPP on the nRT RIC platform, manage software carriers of the nRT RIC platform and the xAPP through the cloud platform, configure a routing path between the software carriers, and / or configure message transmission between the xAPPs, between the xAPP and the nRT RIC platform; manage the xAPP through the nRT RIC platform, and / or implement part or all of the radio function; and implement an enhanced function of the radio function through the xAPP. The nRT RIC platform provides running support for the xApp; the xApp directly interacts with the nRT RIC platform, and / or the xApp interacts with each other through the nRT RIC platform.

18. An SBA-based near real-time wireless intelligent controller architecture, comprising: The processor, the memory, and a program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, the program being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 9 to 16. The computer program is stored on the computer readable storage medium, and the computer program is executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 9 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, ​

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