Apparatus and method for E2 interface configuration including cell information in wireless access network

Abstract

A method performed by an E2 node is provided. The method includes transmitting a first message to a Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC) over an E2 interface to the RIC, and receiving a second message from the RIC in response to the first message, where the first message is an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and where the second message is an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message. The first message includes at least one of first configuration information of one or more served new radio (NR) cells or second configuration information of one or more served evolved universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) cells.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT invention patent application with the application date of December 10, 2020, application number 202080092669.1, and invention name "Device and method for configuring E2 interface including cell information in wireless access network". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a radio access network. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for E2 interface configuration including cell information in a radio access network included in a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0003] To meet the growing demand for wireless data services following the commercialization of the fourth generation (4G) communication system, efforts have been made to develop advanced fifth generation (5G) communication systems or pre-5G communication systems. For this reason, 5G communication systems or pre-5G communication systems are referred to as beyond-4G network communication systems or post-long term evolution (LTE) systems.

[0004] To achieve high data rates, 5G communication systems are being considered for implementation in extremely high frequency (millimeter wave) bands, such as the 60 GHz band. To mitigate propagation path loss and extend propagation distance in these extremely high frequency bands, 5G communication systems are exploring beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimensional (FD)-MIMO, array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies.

[0005] In addition, for network enhancement of the system, 5G communication systems are developing technologies such as evolved small cells, advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, cooperative communications, coordinated multi-point (CoMP), and receive interference cancellation.

[0006] In addition, 5G systems are developing hybrid frequency shift keying and quadrature amplitude modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as advanced coding modulation (ACM) schemes, as well as filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as advanced access technologies.

[0007] 5G systems and new radio or next radio (NR) are being commercialized to meet the demand for wireless data services, and high data rate services are being provided to users through 5G systems that have surpassed 4G. It is also expected that wireless communication services for various purposes such as the Internet of Things and services requiring high reliability for specific purposes can be provided. In a system that is a mixture of the current 4G communication system and the 5G system, the open radio access network (O-RAN) established by operators and equipment providers defines new network elements (NEs) and interface standards based on the existing 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, and proposes an O-RAN structure.

[0008] The above information is presented as background information only to assist in understanding the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above may be applicable as prior art with respect to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for supporting operator-specific services in a Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for generating and interpreting Service Model (SM)-related messages in a RAN.

[0012] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method for operating an apparatus using an interface between a base station in a radio access network and a node constituting a radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) is provided. The method includes generating a message including information about at least one serving cell or at least one neighboring cell provided by the node, and sending the message to the RIC.

[0015] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by an E2 node is provided. The method includes: sending a first message to a RIC via an E2 interface to the RIC, and receiving a second message from the RIC in response to the first message, wherein the first message may be an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and the first message may include at least one of first configuration information of one or more served New Radio (NR) cells or second configuration information of one or more served Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) cells.

[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a RIC is provided. The method includes: sending a first message from an E2 node to the RIC via an E2 interface, and sending a second message to the E2 node in response to the first message, wherein the first message may be an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and the first message may include at least one of first configuration information of one or more served NR cells or second configuration information of one or more served E-UTRA cells.

[0017] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus executed by an E2 node is provided. The apparatus includes at least one transceiver and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to: send a first message to the RIC via an E2 interface to the RIC, and receive a second message from the RIC in response to the first message, wherein the first message may be an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and the first message may include at least one of first configuration information of one or more served NR cells or second configuration information of one or more served E-UTRA cells.

[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus executed by a RIC is provided. The apparatus includes at least one transceiver and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to: send a first message from an E2 node to the RIC via an E2 interface, and send a second message to the E2 node in response to the first message, wherein the first message may be an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and the first message may include at least one of first configuration information of one or more served NR cells or second configuration information of one or more served E-UTRA cells.

[0019] [Beneficial effects of the invention]

[0020] Apparatuses and methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may support operator-specifically defined radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) service models.

[0021] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 An example of a fourth generation (4G) long term evolution (LTE) core system according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 2AAn example of a fifth generation (5G) non-standard standalone (NSA) system according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 2B An example of an architecture of an open radio access network (O-RAN) according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 3 A protocol stack of an E2 application protocol message in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 4 An example of a connection between a base station and a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the configuration of devices in a RAN according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates logical functions related to E2 messages of an E2 node and RIC in a RAN according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the process of E2 I / F establishment, RIC subscription, and information provision between an E2 node and an RIC in a RAN according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a process of configuring an E2 interface in a RAN according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a process of E2 RAN configuration update in a RAN according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a fuller understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in understanding, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0035] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0036] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0037] In the various embodiments of the disclosure described below, a hardware-based method is described as an example. However, the various embodiments of the disclosure include technologies using both hardware and software, and thus the various embodiments of the disclosure do not exclude a software-based method.

[0038] The disclosure below relates to operations between devices in a radio access network (hereinafter referred to as "RAN") of a wireless communication system and devices for controlling the RAN, such as E2 interface establishment, subscription, indication, and control. Specifically, the disclosure explains a technology for delivering serving cell / neighboring cell information in E2 interface settings to a base station compliant with the Open RAN (O-RAN) standard using E2 messages of the wireless communication system.

[0039] For the convenience of description, the following explanations include signal terms, terms indicating channels, terms indicating control information, terms indicating network entities, and terms indicating device components. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the terms to be described, and other terms with the same technical meaning may be used.

[0040] In addition, this disclosure describes various embodiments using terms used in some communication standards (e.g., the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)), but this is merely an example for description. Various embodiments of this disclosure can be easily modified and applied to other communication systems.

[0041] With the commercialization of fourth generation (4G) / fifth generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., New Radio (NR)), users in virtualized networks need differentiated service support. Therefore, O-RAN newly defines 3GPP network entities (NEs) and nodes for building base stations, radio units (RUs), digital units (DUs), central units (CUs)-control planes (CPs), and CU-user planes (UPs), as O-RAN (O)-RUs, O-DUs, O-CU-CPs, and O-CU-UPs, respectively, and additionally standardizes near real-time (NRT) radio access network intelligent controllers (RICs). NRT RICs are devices used to standardize and implement some call processing functions of existing RAN functions and some radio resource management (RRM) functions with a central server. This disclosure supports an operator-specific service model in the E2 interface, where the RIC requests services from the O-DU, O-CU-CP, or O-CU-UP. Here, O-RUs, O-DUs, O-CU-CPs, and O-CU-UPs can be understood as objects for building a RAN that can operate according to the O-RAN standard, and can be referred to as E2 nodes. The interface with objects that build the RAN that can operate between the RIC and the E2 node according to the O-RAN standard uses the E2 Application Protocol (AP).

[0042] RIC is a logical node for collecting information about cell sites sent and received by the terminal and O-DU, O-CU-CP or O-CU-UP. RIC can be implemented as a server centrally deployed in one physical location. O-DU and RIC, O-CU-CP and RIC, and O-CU-UP and RIC can be connected via Ethernet. To this end, interface standards for communication between O-DU and RIC, between O-CU-CP and RIC, and between O-CU-UP and RIC are required, and message formats such as E2-DU, E2-CU-CP, E2-CU-UP and process definitions between O-DU, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP and RIC are required. Specifically, for users in virtualized networks, differentiated service support is required, and functional definitions of messages for E2-DU, E2-CU-CP and E2-CU-UP are required to support services for wide cell coverage by centralizing call processing message / function generation in O-RAN on RIC.

[0043] Specifically, the RIC can use the E2 interface to communicate with the O-DU, O-CU-CP, or O-CU-UP and set event conditions by generating and sending subscription messages. It can be sent through E2 indication / report. E2 control messages are used to provide control of the O-DU, O-CU-CP, and O-CU-UP.

[0044] Figure 1 An example of a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) core system according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 The LTE core system includes a base station 110, a terminal 120, a serving gateway (S-GW) 130, a packet data network gateway (P-GW) 140, a mobility management entity (MME) 150, a home subscriber server (HSS) 160, and a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) 170.

[0046] Base station 110 is a network infrastructure for providing radio access to terminal 120. For example, base station 110 is a device that performs scheduling by collecting status information such as the buffer status, available transmit power, and channel status of terminal 120. Base station 110 has a coverage area defined as a specific geographical area based on signal transmission distance. Base station 110 is connected to MME 150 via the S1-MME interface. In addition to base stations, base station 110 may also be referred to as an "access point (AP)", "eNodeB (eNB)", "radio point", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", or other terms with equivalent technical meanings.

[0047] The terminal 120 is a device used by a user and communicates with the base station 110 via a radio channel. In some cases, the terminal 120 can operate without user participation. That is, at least one of the terminals 120 is a device that performs machine type communication (MTC) and may not be carried by the user. In addition to the term "terminal", the terminal 120 may also be referred to as a "user equipment (UE)", "mobile station", "subscriber station", "remote terminal", "wireless terminal", "user device" or other terms with equivalent technical meanings.

[0048] The S-GW 130 provides data bearers and generates or controls data bearers under the control of the MME 150. For example, the S-GW 130 processes packets arriving from the base station 110 or packets to be forwarded to the base station 110. In addition, the S-GW 130 can perform an anchoring role in handover of the terminal 120 between base stations. The P-GW 140 can serve as a connection point to an external network (e.g., the Internet). In addition, the P-GW 140 allocates an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the terminal 120 and acts as an anchor point for the S-GW 130. In addition, the P-GW 140 can apply a Quality of Service (QoS) policy for the terminal 120 and manage charging data.

[0049] The MME 150 manages the mobility of the terminal 120. In addition, the MME 150 can perform authentication, bearer management, etc. for the terminal 120. In other words, the MME 150 is responsible for the mobility management and various control functions of the terminal. The MME 150 can interwork with the Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN).

[0050] The HSS 160 stores key information and a user profile used for authentication of the terminal 120. If the terminal 120 accesses the network, the key information and the user profile are transmitted from the HSS 160 to the MME 150.

[0051] PCRF 170 defines policies and charging rules. The stored information is sent from PCRF 170 to P-GW 140, and P-GW 140 can control Terminal 120 (eg, QoS management, charging, etc.) based on the information provided from PCRF 170.

[0052] Carrier aggregation (hereinafter referred to as "CA") technology is a technology that combines multiple component carriers and sends and receives signals using multiple component carriers simultaneously at one terminal, thereby improving the frequency utilization efficiency of the terminal or base station. Specifically, according to the CA technology, the terminal and the base station can use the broadband using multiple component carriers to send and receive signals in the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL), where the component carriers are located in different frequency bands. Hereinafter, UL indicates a communication link through which the terminal sends a signal to the base station, and DL indicates a communication link through which the base station sends a signal to the terminal. At this time, the number of uplink component carriers and downlink component carriers may be different from each other.

[0053] Dual connectivity or multi-connectivity is a technology used to increase the frequency utilization efficiency of a terminal or base station, in which one terminal is connected to multiple different base stations and uses carriers within multiple base stations in different frequency bands to simultaneously send and receive signals. The terminal can be simultaneously connected to a first base station (for example, a base station providing services using LTE technology or 4G mobile communication technology) and a second base station (for example, a base station providing services using NR technology or 5G mobile communication technology) to send and receive services. In this case, the frequency resources used by each base station can be located in different frequency bands. In this way, the operating scheme of the dual connectivity scheme based on LTE and NR can be referred to as 5G non-standalone (NSA).

[0054] Figure 2A An example of a 5G NSA system according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0055] Reference Figure 2A, the 5G NSA system includes NR RAN 210a, LTE RAN 210b, terminal 220 and evolved packet core network (EPC) 250. NR RAN 210a and LTE RAN 210b are connected to EPC 250, and terminal 220 can be served by any one or both of NR RAN 210a and LTE RAN 210b at the same time. NR RAN 210a includes at least one NR base station, and LTE RAN 210b includes at least one LTE base station. Here, the NR base station may be referred to as a "5G node", "next generation Node B (gNB)" or other terms with equivalent technical meanings. In addition, the NR base station may have a structure divided into CU and DU, and the CU may also have a structure divided into a CU-CP unit and a CU-UP unit.

[0056] exist Figure 2A In the illustrated structure, the terminal 220 can perform radio resource control (RRC) access through a first base station (e.g., a base station belonging to the LTE RAN 210b), and services can be provided to it using functions provided in the control plane (e.g., connection management, mobility management, etc.). In addition, the terminal 220 can receive additional radio resources for sending and receiving data via a second base station (e.g., a base station belonging to the NR RAN 210a). This dual connectivity technology using LTE and NR can be referred to as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA)-NR(EN)-Dual Connectivity (DC). Similarly, a dual connectivity technology in which the first base station uses NR technology and the second base station uses LTE technology is referred to as NR-E-UTRA(NE)-DC. In addition, various embodiments can be applied to multiple connections and various types of Carrier Access (CA) technologies. In addition, the various embodiments are also applicable if a first system using a first communication technology and a second system using a second communication technology are implemented in one device, or if the first base station and the second base station are located in the same geographical location.

[0057] Figure 2B An example of an O-RAN architecture is shown. For E2-SM-KPI monitoring (KPIMON) of the E2 service model, according to the disclosed embodiments, O-RAN non-standalone in multi-connectivity operation using E-UTRA and NR radio access technologies is considered, while the E2 node can be assumed to be in O-RAN standalone mode.

[0058] refer to Figure 2B In O-RAN non-standalone mode deployment, the eNB connects to the EPC through the S1-C / S1-U interface and to the O-CU-CP through the X2 interface. The O-CU-CP used to deploy O-RAN standalone mode can connect to the 5G core (5GC) through the N2 / N3 interface.

[0059] Figure 3 A protocol stack of an E2 application protocol message in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 The control plane includes a transport network layer and a radio network layer. The transport network layer includes a physical layer 310, a data link layer 320, an IP 330, and a stream control transmission protocol (SCTP) 340.

[0061] The radio network layer includes an E2AP 350. The E2AP 350 is used to deliver a subscription message, an indication message, a control message, a service update message, and a service query message, and is transmitted in a higher layer of the SCTP 340 and the IP 330.

[0062] Figure 4 An example of a connection between a base station and an RIC in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 , RIC 440 is connected to O-CU-CP 420, O-CU-UP 410 and O-DU 430. RIC 440 is a device that customizes RAN functions for new services or regional resource optimization. RIC 440 can provide functions such as network intelligence (e.g., policy implementation, handover optimization), resource guarantee (e.g., radio link management, advanced self-organizing network (SON)), resource control (e.g., load balancing, slicing strategy). RIC 440 can communicate with O-CU-CP 420, O-CU-UP 410 and O-DU 430. RIC 440 can be connected to each node through E2-CP, E2-UP and E2-DU interfaces. In addition, the interface between O-CU-CP and DU and between O-CU-UP and DU can be referred to as F1 interface. In the following description, DU and O-DU, CU-CP and O-CU-CP, and CU-UP and O-CU-UP can be used interchangeably.

[0064] Although Figure 4 One RIC 440 is shown, but according to various embodiments, there may be multiple RICs. The multiple RICs may be implemented using multiple hardware located in the same physical location, or may be implemented through virtualization using a single hardware.

[0065] Figure 5 FIGURE 1 illustrates the configuration of a device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 5 The structure shown in the figure is understood as having Figure 5The terms "... unit" or "... device" used hereinafter indicate a unit for processing at least one function or operation and may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 , the core network device includes a communication unit 510, a storage unit 520 and a control unit 530.

[0067] The communication unit 510 provides an interface for communicating with other devices in the network. That is, the communication unit 510 converts a bit string sent from a core network device to another device into a physical signal, and converts a physical signal received from another device into a bit string. In other words, the communication unit 510 can send and receive signals. Therefore, the communication unit 510 can be referred to as a modem, transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. In this case, the communication unit 510 enables the core network device to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection (e.g., wired backhaul or wireless backhaul) or through a network.

[0068] The storage unit 520 stores data such as basic programs, application programs, and setting information for the operation of the core network device. The storage unit 520 may include volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The storage unit 520 provides the stored data according to the request of the control unit 530.

[0069] The control unit 530 controls the general operations of the core network device. For example, the control unit 530 transmits and receives signals via the communication unit 510. Furthermore, the control unit 530 records data in the storage unit 520 and reads data from the storage unit 520. To this end, the control unit 530 may include at least one processor. According to various embodiments, the control unit 530 may control the device to perform operations according to various embodiments explained in this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates logical functions related to E2 messages of an E2 node and an RIC in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figure 6, the RIC 640 and the E2 node 610 can send or receive E2 messages to each other. For example, the E2 node 610 can be an O-CU-CP, an O-CU-UP, an O-DU, or a base station. The communication interface of the E2 node can be determined according to the type of the E2 node 610. For example, the E2 node 610 can communicate with another E2 node 616 through an E1 interface or an F1 interface. Alternatively, for example, the E2 node 610 can communicate with the E2 node 616 through an X2 interface or an XN interface. Alternatively, for example, the E2 node 610 can perform communication through an S1 interface or a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) interface (i.e., an interface between a Next Generation (NG) RAN node and an AMF).

[0072] The E2 node 610 may include an E2 node function 612. The E2 node function 612 is a function corresponding to a specific xApp (application software) 646 installed in the RIC 640. For example, in a KPI monitor, the KPI monitor set software may be installed in the RIC 640, and the E2 node 610 may include the E2 node function 612. The E2 node function 612 generates KPI parameters and then forwards an E2 message including the KPI parameters to the E2 termination function 642 located in the RIC 640. The E2 node 610 may include an RRM 614. The E2 node 610 may manage resources provided to the radio network for the terminal.

[0073] E2 termination 624 in RIC 640, which is a termination of RIC 640 for E2 messages, may interpret E2 messages forwarded by E2 node 610 and then forward them to xApp 646. Database (DB) 644 in RIC 640 may be used for E2 termination 624 or xApp 646. Figure 6 The E2 node 610 shown in FIG. 6 is a termination of at least one interface and can be understood as a termination of messages sent to the terminal, the neighboring base station, and the core network.

[0074] The E2 node sends an E2 Setup Request message to the RIC for service initialization, and the RIC forwards an E2 Setup Response message in response. Next, the E2 node forwards the call processing functions of the RAN it supports to the RIC using a Service Update message, and the RIC forwards a Service Update Acknowledge (ACK) message in response. Next, the RIC generates an E2 Subscription Request message, forwards it to an E2 node (e.g., O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU) to set a call processing event, and after setting the event, forwards the Subscription Request Response message forwarded by the E2 node to the RIC.

[0075] In order to perform some call processing functions and RRM functions, the RIC requires serving cell information and neighboring cell information at the same time as the service set up by the E2 is initiated. This disclosure proposes an embodiment for delivering the serving / neighboring cell information of the E2 node by using newly defined messages exchanged between the RIC and the E2 node (e.g., O-DU, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP).

[0076] To address the above-mentioned issues, in a method for a first node of a wireless communication system, the disclosure includes generating an E2 setup request message at an E2 node and including, when generating an E2 setup response message at an RIC, an NR serving cell list, a neighboring cell information element (IE), an E-UTRA serving cell list, and a neighboring cell IE. Furthermore, the E2 setup message that delivers the serving cell / neighboring cell information of the E2 node can be identified based on the cell-related detailed information element of the E2 setup request message sent from the E2 node and the E2 setup response message sent from the RIC, and the information element information can include identifier information such as serving cell information NR, DU ID, gNB ID, PLMN ID, and network slice ID.

[0077] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the process of E2 I / F establishment, RIC subscription, and information provision between an E2 node and an RIC in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0078] refer to Figure 7 In operation 701, the E2 node 610 may send an E2 setup request message to the RIC 640. The E2 node function in the E2 node 610 may find the RIC using the IP address of the RIC 640 set as Operation-Administration-Management (OAM) and send the E2 setup request message.

[0079] In operation 703, the RIC 640 may transmit an E2 setup response message to the E2 node 610. That is, if the E2 setup request message transmitted by the E2 node 610 is accepted, the RIC 640 transmits the E2 setup response message.

[0080] In operation 705 , the E2 node 610 sends a RIC service update message. The E2 node 610 sets the supportable functional capabilities in the E2 node 610 to the value of the E2 function ID, generates a list in the RIC service update ID, and sends an E2 service update message including them to the RIC 640 .

[0081] In operation 707, the RIC 640 transmits a service updater acknowledgement message to the E2 node 610. That is, if the E2 node 610 function ID value in the E2 service update message transmitted by the E2 node 610 is accepted, the RIC 640 transmits the E2 service updater ACK message.

[0082] In operation 709, the RIC 640 sends a RIC subscription request message to the E2 node 610. In other words, the specific xApp located in the RIC 640 requests the RIC E2 terminal function to subscribe to the specific E2 RAN function definition function supported by the E2.

[0083] In operation 711, the E2 node 610 may send an RIC subscription request message to the RIC 640. Specifically, the E2 node function of the E2 node 610 decodes the RIC subscription request message and configures the event condition requested by the RIC 640 from the E2 node function. Here, the event condition may be a service model with an operator-specific definition defined by the RAN function, and whether the operator is operator-specific may be specified by the RIC style ID. After successfully configuring the event condition, the E2 node 610 may notify the RIC 640 of the successful configuration of the event trigger condition by sending an RIC subscription response message.

[0084] In the signaling process between the RIC and the E2 node, the serving cell or neighboring cell information of the E2 node can be provided to the RIC. Figure 7 One of the messages shown in the figure can be delivered, or it can be delivered by Figure 7 The corresponding message may be a message specifically defined for delivering the serving cell or neighboring cell information of the E2 node, or a message defined for other purposes. For example, the serving / neighboring cell information may be delivered during E2 setup or E2 RAN configuration update.

[0085] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a process of configuring an E2 interface in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 8In operation 801, the E2 node 610 sends an E2 setup request message to the RIC 640. In order to establish an E2 connection with the RIC 640, the E2 node 610 can identify the RIC IP address set as OAM and send an E2 setup request message using the identified RIC IP address. If the E2 setup request message is sent, the E2 node 610 can send information about at least one serving cell or at least one neighboring cell related to the corresponding E2 node 610. According to an embodiment, the E2 node 610 can add and send the "Served Cell NR List" and "Served Cell E-UTRA Information Element List" defined in the 3GPP standard. According to another embodiment, the E2 node 610 adds and sends cell information generated in a format different from the 3GPP standard. For example, the details of the "Served Cell NR List" and the "Served Cell E-UTRA Information Element List" are described below with reference to Table 2.

[0087] In operation 803, the RIC 640 sends an E2 setup response message to the E2 node 610. If the E2 setup request message is a complete message, the RIC E2 termination function in the RIC 640 establishes an E2 connection, stores service / neighbor cell information (e.g., served cell NR list and served cell E-UTRA information element information list) in a database, generates an E2 setup response message, and sends it to the E2 node 610. Next, in operation 805, the E2 node 610 may send a RIC subscription response message to the RIC 640.

[0088] Figure 9 A process of E2 RAN configuration update in a radio access network according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0089] refer to Figure 9 In operation 901, the E2 node 610 sends an E2 RAN Configuration Update message to the RIC 640. According to an embodiment, the E2 node 610 may add the "Served Cell NR List" and "Served Cell E-UTRA Information Element List" defined in the 3GPP standard to the E2 RAN Configuration Update message and send the message. According to another embodiment, the E2 node 610 may add cell information generated in a format different from the 3GPP standard to the E2 RAN Configuration Update message and send the message. For example, details of the "Served Cell NR List" and "Served Cell E-UTRA Information Element List" are described below with reference to Table 4. In operation 903, the RIC 640 sends an E2 RAN Configuration Confirm message to the E2 node 610.

[0090] Table 1 below is an example of IEs of the E2 setup message defined in the O-RAN standard.

[0091] Table 1

[0092]

[0093] In Table 1, the first IE has a unique value for each E2 message as the message type. The second IE specifies the E2 node's global eNB ID or global gNB ID as the E2 node ID. The third IE is the RAN Function ID. The RAN Function ID can specify a specific RAN function in a specific E2 node. The fourth IE is the RAN Function Definition, which defines the call processing functions supported by the E2 node.

[0094] Table 2 below is an example of a served cell NR list and a served cell E-UTRAI IE list of the E2 setup message proposed in this disclosure.

[0095] Table 2

[0096]

[0097] In Table 2, the first to fourth IEs are the same as those defined in the standard, and the served cell NR list and served cell E-UTRA IE list defined in 3GPP TS 36.423 are additionally added.

[0098] Table 3 below shows the served cell NR list and served cell E-UTRAI IE list of the E2 RAN Configuration Update message proposed in this disclosure.

[0099] Table 3

[0100]

[0101] In Table 3, the first to fourth IEs are the same as those defined in the standard, and the served cell NR list and served cell E-UTRA IE list defined in 3GPP TS 36.423 are additionally added.

[0102] Table 4

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] In Table 4, the first to fourth IEs are the same as the IEs defined in the standard, and the served cell NR list and served cell E-UTRA IE list defined in 3GPP TS 38.423 are additionally added.

[0106] According to the above embodiment, the E2 configuration procedure for the E2 setup operation of the RIC and the serving cell and neighbor cell identification procedure supported by the E2 node can be combined. That is, the E2 setup request message can optionally include the served cell NR list and the served cell E-UTRA information element list defined in 3GPP TS 36.423. According to another embodiment, the RIC can obtain the served cell NR list and the served cell E-UTRA IE list.

[0107] In various embodiments of the disclosure, the E2 setup message may perform in combination the serving cell and neighbor cell identification processes supported by the E2 node, thereby effectively providing call processing request services such as DC use case, service-oriented use case, and carrier aggregation use case of RIC.

[0108] According to various embodiments, a method performed by an E2 node includes: sending a first message to a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) via an E2 interface to the RIC; and receiving a second message from the RIC in response to the first message, wherein the first message is an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and wherein the first message includes at least one of first configuration information of one or more served new radio (NR) cells or second configuration information of one or more served evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) cells.

[0109] In some embodiments, for each of one or more NR cells, the first configuration information includes serving cell information related to the NR.

[0110] In some embodiments, for each of the one or more NR cells, the first configuration information further includes at least one of NR-related neighboring cell information or E-UTRA-related neighboring cell information.

[0111] In some embodiments, for each of the one or more E-UTRA cells, the second configuration information includes serving cell information related to E-UTRA.

[0112] In some embodiments, for each of the one or more E-UTRA cells, the second configuration information further includes at least one of E-UTRA-related neighboring cell information and NR-related neighboring cell information.

[0113] In some embodiments, wherein the first message further includes list information for adding one or more RAN functions, wherein the list information includes a RAN function identifier (ID) and a RAN function definition for each of the one or more RAN functions, wherein the RIC is a near real-time RIC, and wherein the E2 node includes an open (O)-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), an O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP), an O-RAN central unit user plane (O-CU-UP), or an O-eNodeB (eNB).

[0114] According to various embodiments, a method performed by a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC), the method comprising: sending a first message from an E2 node to the RIC via an E2 interface; and sending a second message to the E2 node in response to the first message, wherein the first message is an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and wherein the first message includes at least one of first configuration information of one or more served new radio (NR) cells or second configuration information of one or more served evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) cells.

[0115] In some embodiments, for each of one or more NR cells, the first configuration information includes serving cell information related to the NR.

[0116] In some embodiments, for each of the one or more NR cells, the first configuration information further includes at least one of NR-related neighboring cell information or E-UTRA-related neighboring cell information.

[0117] In some embodiments, for each of the one or more E-UTRA cells, the second configuration information includes serving cell information related to E-UTRA.

[0118] In some embodiments, for each of the one or more E-UTRA cells, the second configuration information further includes at least one of E-UTRA-related neighboring cell information and NR-related neighboring cell information.

[0119] In some embodiments, wherein the first message further includes list information for adding one or more RAN functions, wherein the list information includes a RAN function identifier (ID) and a RAN function definition for each of the one or more RAN functions, wherein the RIC is a near real-time RIC, and wherein the E2 node includes an open (O)-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), an O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP), an O-RAN central unit user plane (O-CU-UP), or an O-eNodeB (eNB).

[0120] According to various embodiments, an apparatus of an E2 node includes: at least one transceiver; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: send a first message to a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) via an E2 interface to the RIC; and receive a second message from the RIC in response to the first message, wherein the first message is an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and wherein the first message includes at least one of first configuration information of one or more served new radio (NR) cells or second configuration information of one or more served evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) cells.

[0121] According to various embodiments, a device of a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) includes: at least one transceiver; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: send a first message from an E2 node to the RIC via an E2 interface, and send a second message to the E2 node in response to the first message, wherein the first message is an E2 establishment request message or a configuration update message, and wherein the first message includes at least one of first configuration information of one or more served new radio (NR) cells or second configuration information of one or more served evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) cells.

[0122] The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or the specification of this disclosure can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0123] Regarding software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors of an electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions for controlling the electronic device to perform the methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or description of this disclosure.

[0124] Such a program (software module, software) may be stored in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage device, a compact disc (CD)-ROM, a digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage device, and a magnetic tape cassette. Alternatively, it may be stored in a memory that combines some or all of these recording media. A plurality of memories may be included.

[0125] In addition, the program can be stored in an attachable storage device, which can be accessed via a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WLAN) or a storage area network (SAN), or a communication network that combines these networks. Such a storage device can access the equipment that performs the disclosed embodiment through an external port. In addition, a separate storage device on a communication network can access the equipment that performs the disclosed embodiment.

[0126] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by an E2 node in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Sending an E2 setup request message to the radio access network RAN ​​intelligent controller RIC; and Receive E2 setup response message from RIC, The E2 setup request message includes information about a message type of the E2 setup request message, an identifier ID of the E2 node, a first list of one or more RAN functions in the E2 node, and configuration information of one or more served cells related to the E2 node, and The configuration information includes a second list of one or more served cells, where the list includes served cell information and neighboring cell information corresponding to the served cell information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The serving cell information relates to one of New Radio (NR) or Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), and The neighboring cell information is related to either NR or E-UTRA.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The serving cell information includes a public land mobile network PLMN identifier associated with the cell of the serving cell information.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein For each of the one or more RAN functions, the first list includes a RAN function identifier ID and a RAN function definition, Wherein, RIC is a near real-time RIC, and Among them, E2 nodes include Open-RAN (O-RAN), Distributed Unit (O-DU), O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP), O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP), or O-eNodeB (eNB).

5. A method performed by a radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Receive an E2 setup request message from the E2 node; and Send an E2 establishment response message to the E2 node, The E2 setup request message includes information about a message type of the E2 setup request message, an identifier ID of the E2 node, a first list of one or more RAN functions in the E2 node, and configuration information of one or more served cells related to the E2 node, and The configuration information includes a second list of one or more served cells, where the list includes served cell information and neighboring cell information corresponding to the served cell information.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The serving cell information relates to one of New Radio (NR) or Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), and The neighboring cell information is related to either NR or E-UTRA.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The serving cell information includes a public land mobile network PLMN identifier associated with the cell of the serving cell information.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein For each of the one or more RAN functions, the first list includes a RAN function identifier ID and a RAN function definition, Wherein, RIC is a near real-time RIC, and Among them, E2 nodes include Open-RAN (O-RAN), Distributed Unit (O-DU), O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP), O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP), or O-eNodeB (eNB).

9. An E2 node in a wireless communication system, the E2 node comprising: transceiver; as well as a processor coupled to the transceiver; as well as A memory that stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the E2 node to: Sending an E2 setup request message to the radio access network RAN ​​intelligent controller RIC; and Receive E2 setup response message from RIC, The E2 setup request message includes information about a message type of the E2 setup request message, an identifier ID of the E2 node, a first list of one or more RAN functions in the E2 node, and configuration information of one or more served cells related to the E2 node, and The configuration information includes a second list of one or more served cells, where the list includes served cell information and neighboring cell information corresponding to the served cell information.

10. The E2 node according to claim 9, wherein: The serving cell information relates to one of New Radio (NR) or Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), and The neighboring cell information is related to either NR or E-UTRA.

11. The E2 node according to claim 9, wherein: The serving cell information includes a public land mobile network PLMN identifier associated with the cell of the serving cell information.

12. The E2 node according to claim 9, wherein: For each of the one or more RAN functions, the first list includes a RAN function identifier ID and a RAN function definition, Wherein, RIC is a near real-time RIC, and Among them, E2 nodes include Open-RAN (O-RAN), Distributed Unit (O-DU), O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP), O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP), or O-eNodeB (eNB).

13. A radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) in a wireless communication system, the RIC comprising: transceiver; as well as a processor coupled to the transceiver; as well as Memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the RIC to: receiving an E2 setup request message from the E2 node; and Send an E2 establishment response message to the E2 node, The E2 setup request message includes information about a message type of the E2 setup request message, an identifier ID of the E2 node, a first list of one or more RAN functions in the E2 node, and configuration information of one or more served cells related to the E2 node, and The configuration information includes a second list of one or more served cells, where the list includes served cell information and neighboring cell information corresponding to the served cell information.

14. The RIC according to claim 13, wherein The serving cell information relates to one of New Radio (NR) or Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), and The neighboring cell information is related to either NR or E-UTRA.

15. The RIC according to claim 13, wherein The serving cell information includes a public land mobile network PLMN identifier associated with the cell of the serving cell information.

16. The RIC according to claim 13, wherein For each of the one or more RAN functions, the first list includes a RAN function identifier ID and a RAN function definition, Wherein, RIC is a near real-time RIC, and Among them, E2 nodes include Open-RAN (O-RAN), Distributed Unit (O-DU), O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP), O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP), or O-eNodeB (eNB).

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