Method for initiating an adaptation of an access network

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for initiating an adaptation of an access network, comprising the following steps: - determining (101) an association between an application mode of an application and a service profile of an access network of a communication network on the basis of received information relating to the access network and / or relating to the application, - retrieving (102) a current network status of the access network and / or a current application mode, - checking (103) the current network status based on an assessment of whether the service profile of the access network (RAN) meets a requirement for a current quality of service for the associated specific application mode, and if the result of the check is positive, the method proceeds to the next step, - checking (104) the current application mode based on an assessment of whether the application mode of the application has changed, and if the result is positive, the method continues with the next step, - initiating (105) an adaptation of the access network based on the current application mode and on the basis of the determined (101) assignment.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for initiating an adaptation of an access network. Furthermore, the invention relates to a network function, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium for this purpose. State of the art

[0002] In a 5th generation communications network according to the 3GPP standard, or 5G communications network (5G), the concept of Quality of Service (QoS) is applied to specific connections within the communications network. A connection in this context refers to a QoS flow within a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session. A PDU session is a logical connection within the 5G communications network that transmits IP packets or Ethernet frames between a User Equipment (UE) and a User Plane Function (UPF). In a 5G communications network, the so-called QoS flow represents the finest level of detail for differentiating data traffic with regard to scheduling, queue management, rate control, and more. These are characterized by a set of QoS attributes, which in turn are divided into QoS characteristics and QoS parameters.Typical QoS parameters include, for example, a guaranteed data flow bit rate or a maximum data flow bit rate, as well as parameters such as a packet loss rate or a packet delay budget. Furthermore, 5G specifically supports some limited adaptive QoS features. For some QoS profiles with guaranteed bit rates, the 5G network can provide mechanisms for defining alternative QoS profiles in case the desired QoS profile cannot be supported by the network.

[0003] In its current form, 5G Quality of Service (QoS) is rather static and typically assigns only a single QoS profile to applications and user equipment (UEs). However, practical applications may exhibit dynamic behavior that depends on the current operational state. In such cases, the QoS profile must meet the highest requirements of the application to ensure smooth operation. This often leads to network resource over-consumption. Although it is in principle possible to change the QoS profile of an active user or device in a 5G network, this tends to happen over longer periods of time and requires significant signaling overhead to modify the end-to-end QoS flow. This may not be desirable for service continuity reasons. This is particularly true for applications that change their state in short time intervals, e.g.a machine that waits in an idle state between executing different tasks. Furthermore, existing 5G QoS adaptation features only consider QoS changes based on network conditions. For example, after moving to a new cell, a device receives a different QoS profile if it cannot be supported, and 5G triggers a corresponding notification both at the UE and via the Network Exposure Function (NEF). Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The subject matter of the invention is a method having the features of claim 1, a network function having the features of claim 9, a computer program having the features of claim 10, and a computer-readable storage medium having the features of claim 11. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the network function according to the invention, the computer program according to the invention, and the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other.

[0005] The invention particularly relates to a method for initiating an adaptation of an access network, comprising the following steps: - determining an association between an application mode of an application and a service profile of an access network of a communication network on the basis of received information relating to the access network and / or the application, - Retrieving a current network status of the access network and / or a current application mode, - Checking the current network status based on an assessment of whether the service profile of the access network meets a requirement for a current quality of service for the associated specific application mode, and if the result of the check is positive, the procedure continues with the next step, - Checking the current application mode based on an assessment of whether the application mode of the application has changed, and if the result is positive, the procedure proceeds to the next step, - Initiate an adaptation of the access network based on the current application mode and on the basis of the determined assignment.

[0006] This has the advantage that oversubscription of network resources in an access network (RAN) of a communications network for an application can be significantly reduced because the adaptation is based on the actual current requirements in order to better utilize the network resources. Furthermore, this enables adaptation to be made much faster and more effectively, i.e., almost in real time, because the invention can react more dynamically to changes in the access network or application mode based on the specific assignment of the application mode of an application and the service profile of an access network of a communications network.Furthermore, it allows an application to be transferred to a different operating mode, triggered by an oversubscription of network resources in the access network or a deterioration of the available communication service quality, which requires fewer resources in order to counteract an abrupt termination or a critical error of the application.

[0007] The service profile is preferably a QoS profile. A service profile can be understood as a set or a quantity of parameters, in particular parameter values, which represent or characterize the service or its properties, in particular the quality of service. A QoS profile can, for example, be represented by one or more parameters, in particular values, which characterize the communications network or the network status, in particular the access network. The parameters can be selected from latency, data rate, packet error rate, delay, etc. Service profiles can differ in the values ​​of the parameters representing or characterizing the service or its properties.

[0008] It is also conceivable that the step of determining is preceded by at least one of the following steps: - receiving information relating to the application, wherein the information comprises at least one application mode of the application, and / or - receiving information relating to the access network, the information comprising at least one parameter relating to the quality of service and / or the service profile of the access network.

[0009] This allows the broker or broker function to advantageously assign the application mode and the service profile of the access network based on the information received more quickly and efficiently.

[0010] For example, it may be provided that the adaptation of the access network is initiated via an exposure interface of the O-RAN system, in particular via an E2 interface.

[0011] This has the advantage of enabling better resource utilization in the access network (RAN), as an exposure interface ensures the use of RAN information in the RIC, while at the same time allowing RAN behavior to be controlled and / or monitored by a RIC unit through policies via the E2 interface. Furthermore, this enables better quality of service in the communications network. It also enables faster adaptation to changes in network demand and service profiles, as more flexible configuration of the RAN components is advantageously enabled. An "exposure interface" in an access network or Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) can be understood as an interface that serves to make functions and services of an ORAN network available to external applications or service providers.In the context of OPEN RAN, the exposure interface enables the exposure of information, control functions, and data generated by ORAN network components such as base stations (Radio Access Units, RAN) or network management systems. Furthermore, this interface advantageously enables better programmability and optimization of the RAN via a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC and a near-RT RIC.

[0012] Optionally, the access network can be adapted in real time. This allows for a very timely adaptation of the access network configuration within the scope of service quality, even in time-critical network scenarios and / or time-critical applications.

[0013] According to a further advantage, it can be provided that in case of a negative result of the test, the method comprises the following step: - Sending a message to the application regarding the negative result of the check, the message containing information regarding an insufficient quality of service for the associated specific application mode.

[0014] This has the advantage that the notified application can be informed quickly and flexibly, allowing the application itself to decide more quickly whether a (counter) measure should be initiated. If a (counter) measure is initiated, the application can be configured to notify the access network (via the broker) of any changed network requirements so that the available network resources can be adjusted accordingly.

[0015] It is also optionally conceivable that in case of a negative result of the verification, the procedure includes the following step: - Retrieve another current network status of the access network to perform a re-test.

[0016] This allows more up-to-date information regarding the access network to be used to more effectively assess the need for adaptation action.

[0017] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if the initiation comprises the further following step: - Sending a trigger in the form of a message to the application regarding the adaptation of the access network to indicate that an adaptation of the access network based on the determined assignment will take place before the application is started.

[0018] This allows the broker to initiate the necessary actions more quickly, efficiently, and in a timely manner before an application starts. It is also conceivable that the broker can know in advance when the application mode of the application will change. This knowledge can include, for example, learned information or external information, e.g., to determine the future state of a system or device and thus its application or operating mode. The broker can optionally prepare a (RAN) trigger in the form of a message to the application in advance.

[0019] It is also conceivable that a network function, in particular a broker function, is assigned to an xApplication and / or an rApplication. This has the advantage that a more efficient adaptation of the required service quality can be ensured. Furthermore, this has the advantage that the network function, in particular the broker, can be designed as a standardized xApplication, which advantageously allows the network function to be optionally installed on any O-RAN system. Alternatively, the method according to the invention can be executed as an interoperable function on any O-RAN-compatible system as required.

[0020] The invention also relates to a network function for initiating an adaptation of an access network, in particular a broker function configured to execute the method according to one of the preceding claims. Thus, the network function according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to the method according to the invention.

[0021] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a network function, cause the computer program to execute the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to the method according to the invention.

[0022] The invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a network function, cause the network function to perform the steps of the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to the method according to the invention.

[0023] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method.

[0024] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic visualization of a method, a network function, a storage medium and a computer program according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2 a schematic representation according to embodiments of the invention Fig. 3 a schematic representation according to embodiments of the invention.

[0025] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0026] The core of the invention is a network function, in particular a broker function or broker, which can be arranged between the access network or Radio Access Network (RAN) and the application. The RAN can provide the broker with its Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, RAN mechanisms and RAN functions, scheduling parameters, current network states, and / or the state of specific network participants via a so-called exposure interface. Furthermore, the application can also transmit application-related information to the broker via the exposure interface. This application-related information can include the various operating modes of the application, the criticality of the operating modes, the current state of the operating modes, the ability to switch between certain operating modes, and / or the respective QoS requirements.If the application does not explicitly disclose its QoS requirements, this information can also be derived from the broker in another way: For example, this information could be obtained by observing RAN performance over time using machine learning mechanisms. In another example, this information could be explicitly configured in the broker by an engineer based on application knowledge.

[0027] The core idea of ​​the invention is that the broker can determine a mapping between the application modes and the RAN configurations and adapt the RAN based on the current state of the application in near real-time. To do so, it can use O-RAN elements such as a RIC controller, for example the Near-RT and / or Non-RT RIC to control the RAN. The broker can be provided or implemented as an xApplication, xApp, or as an rApplication, rApp. The present invention considers a QoS adaptation triggered by the external application, which is based on the actual current requirements in order to better utilize the limited network resources, and / or a RAN-limited adaptation within the existing QoS framework in order to enable near-real-time adaptation. Furthermore, the invention considers a network-triggered Quality of Service (QoS).: QoS) and application adaptation, which is unavoidable due to the current network quality or is initiated for optimization reasons.

[0028] In Fig. 1, a method 100, a network function 10, a storage medium 15 and a computer program 20 according to embodiments of the invention are schematically shown. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates, according to embodiments of the invention, a method 100 for initiating an adaptation of an access network. The method 100 comprises the following steps: In step 101, an assignment of an application mode of an application and a service profile of an access network of a communications network is determined based on received information, for example quality parameters, relating to the access network and / or relating to the application. In step 102, a current network status of the access network and / or a current application mode is retrieved. In step 103, the current network status is checked based on an assessment of whether the service profile of the access network RAN ​​fulfills a requirement of the application for a current quality of service for the associated specific application mode. If the result of the check is positive, the method continues with the next step. In step 104, the current application mode is checked based on an assessment of whether the application mode of the application has changed. If the result is positive, the method continues with the next step.In step 105, an adaptation of the access network is initiated based on the current application mode and the determined 101 assignment. Optionally, the initiation 105 of the adaptation of the access network can occur via an exposure interface of the O-RAN system, in particular via an E2 interface. Furthermore, it is optionally conceivable for the adaptation of the access network to occur in real time.

[0029] Furthermore, Fig. 1 a network function 10 or a broker 10, which comprises a computer-readable storage medium 15. The storage medium 15 comprises a computer program 20.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation according to embodiments of the invention. In Fig. 2 shows in particular a broker function 10 or a broker 10 in an O-RAN system. Furthermore, Fig. 2 a radio unit 1 or radio unit (RU), a distribution unit 2 or distributed unit 2 (DU), and a central unit 3 or centralized unit 3 (CU) as components of an O-RAN system. The radio unit 1 or (English) radio unit 1 (RU) is the hardware component responsible for signal transmission. It contains transmitter and receiver antennas as well as the processing units for signal processing. The processing unit 2 or (English) distributed unit 2 (DU) is a component located near the radio unit 1. This component 2 performs signal processing tasks to minimize latency and optimize performance. The central unit 3 or (English) centralized unit 3 (CU) is an element of the OPEN RAN system and can perform various central control and management functions. The central unit 3 coordinates and controls all RU and DU units 1, 2 in the network and communicates 210, among others.also for this purpose, for example, with the 5G core network 50. Furthermore, in . Fig. 2 shows that information relating to policies and / or service profiles of the access network can be transmitted 214 between the central unit 3 and the broker 10. The central unit 3 (CU) and the processing unit 2 (DU) can be responsible for signal processing tasks within the OPEN RAN system.

[0031] In addition, Fig. 2 depicts an intelligent RAN controller for near-real-time applications 4 (Near-RT RIC), also called RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), which enables control and optimization of O-RAN nodes or E2 nodes 1, 2, 3 (e.g., CU, DU, eNB, gNB) and resources in near real-time. Fig. 2 also depicts an intelligent non-real-time RAN controller 5 (Non-RT RIC), which is tasked with supporting intelligent RAN optimization by providing policy-based guidance, ML model management, and enrichment information for the Near-RT RIC function. The broker 10 can be configured as a so-called xApp or an rApp. The xApp and the rApp are applications that are hosted on the Near-RT RIC 4 and Non-RT RIC 5, respectively, and can provide value-added services there. xApp stands for xApplication and refers to applications that run in the Open RAN architecture in the Near-RT RIC 4. These applications can perform various functions within RAN operations, such as network optimization, resource management, or improving the user experience.rApp stands for rApplication and refers specifically to applications running in the Non-RT RIC 5, which execute less time-critical applications that interact with the management layer of the radio access network components in an Open RAN environment. The respective RIC controller 4, 5 is a core element of the O-RAN architecture, enabling greater programmability and optimization of the RAN via a Non-RT RIC 5 and a Near-RT RIC 4.

[0032] In Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the broker 10 can be implemented as an xApp and / or rApp in the corresponding RIC controller 4, 5. The respective selection of xApp or rApp for the broker 10 can depend on the desired QoS update interval.

[0033] In a further embodiment (not shown), the broker 10 can be provided independently in an O-RAN system, for example as a network function 10, in particular as a management function 10.

[0034] Alternatively, the broker 10 can be implemented as part of a third-party application that may be located outside the network. For example, as part of an edge app 41 or a device application 31 on a user equipment 30 or device 30. Depending on the aforementioned implementation variant of the broker 10, the application 41 would use corresponding interfaces to the near-field and / or non-real-time RIC 4, 5 or to an xApp / rApp for controlling the RAN functions in order to exchange information about the network status 211 or the application status 212.

[0035] Furthermore, in Fig. 2 shows an example of how information can be communicated between the components according to the method according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows that the broker 10 can send 213 a notification to the applications 31, 41.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, Fig. 3 is an exemplary sequence diagram illustrating a process flow for a broker 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] In an initialization phase, an application sends its possible operating modes to the broker 10 in step 301. The operating or application modes may include associated quality parameters (QoS parameters) such as a 5G QoS identifier, an allocation and storage priority, a reflective QoS attribute, a guaranteed flow bit rate, a maximum data flow bit rate, a maximum packet loss rate, or a packet error rate. This information may be provided in the O-RAN context as part of external enrichment information.

[0038] In step 302, the communication network sends at least one message to the broker 10 indicating which quality of service (QoS) or service modes the communication network can support. This at least one message may include, for example, information about the available bandwidth, available RAN functions, priority levels, or scheduling mechanisms.

[0039] Based on this information, the (QoS) broker 10 determines a mapping between the respective application operating modes and the respective RAN service profiles in step 303. This mapping may be, for example, a service profile, a special RAN function, a scheduling configuration, or a reservation mechanism that triggers a specific RAN behavior that meets the application's requirements for each operating mode. After mapping, during an operational phase, the broker 10 can query the network status via an E2 interface in step 304 to determine whether the network can support the current quality of service (QoS) and the associated application mode.

[0040] In step 305, the broker 10 retrieves the current operating and / or application mode of the application. This information can be provided in the O-RAN context, for example, as part of external enrichment information.

[0041] In step 306, broker 10 checks whether the communications network meets the quality requirements for service quality. If the communications network does not support the current quality requirements or a service quality agreement, the application is notified accordingly in step 307. Broker 10 itself has no direct influence on the application. Only the application can take or not take the necessary actions based on the information received from broker 10 in step 307.

[0042] However, if a change in the application mode is detected by broker 10 in step 308, broker 10 initiates a corresponding action in step 309 based on the mapping determined in step 303. Broker 10 can then initiate or initiate such an adaptation in the RAN via the E2 interface in step 310. The application would then receive a corresponding notification in step 311.

[0043] This notification can, for example, be used as a confirmation or as a trigger for starting the application if it is crucial that the RAN is adjusted accordingly before the application is to go into operation. In another example, the broker 10 can know in advance when the operating mode of the application will change. This can be either learned information and / or external information, such as from a factory management system, which knows the future state of the equipment and thus its operating mode. The broker 10 can prepare a corresponding configuration and communicate it to the RAN components via the appropriate interfaces. When a corresponding event occurs, the broker 10 can send a trigger so that the prepared configuration is executed with minimal delay.

[0044] The described process sequence can be repeated as often as required depending on various triggers in the communication network or in the application.

[0045] An application can comprise different application or operating modes, each of which may have different traffic characteristics. For example, in an industrial environment, a so-called automated guided vehicle (AGV) may have different quality requirements depending on its current operating state. Different tasks such as picking up goods, driving, or parking may have different traffic characteristics for the AGV, especially if many control elements are outsourced to a cloud server. Another example is a video camera whose video images are only required at specific times. Another example is a wirelessly controlled robotic arm that only operates when it receives a new task. Otherwise, it would remain in an idle state.In these examples, various parameters such as latency and bandwidth can vary greatly between different operating states.

[0046] A user or the 5G network can define a QoS profile for each time-critical service based on standard quality parameters. Key parameters for time-critical services include a guaranteed bit rate and a packet delay budget. However, the 3GPP technical specification does not regulate how this QoS could be enforced in the RAN. The forwarding mechanisms and corresponding configurations are typically vendor-specific. Semi-persistent scheduling methods are often used in the RAN to guarantee timely delivery by blocking resources for a specific user. This has the disadvantage that radio resources can be blocked for a specific service. Furthermore, various QoS parameters can be programmed in the RAN, for example, in the form of scheduling weights, relative prioritizations, or internal reservation mechanisms.An open RAN that provides RAN functions to change such parameters offers the possibility of adapting RAN behavior beyond the coarse QoS classification of the 3GPP technical specification. The present invention makes use of this possibility by being able to analyze and adapt RAN behavior based on the application's operating modes. For example, if the application is in a non-critical state that does not require time-critical services, resources can be released for other applications. Furthermore, it is possible for each application to communicate its possible operating modes to the QoS broker before execution. Based on these operating modes, the broker determines suitable RAN configurations or QoS profiles.While the QoS framework remains unchanged, RAN method configurations are applied to account for the changing state of the application, freeing resources where possible and thus increasing network utilization. Also, from a timing perspective, changing the entire QoS flow, which impacts the network core and transport, is not feasible. Instead, only the RAN is influenced by the QoS broker. There are several ways the QoS broker can influence scheduling decisions in the RAN. For example, it can adjust the relative priority between streams depending on the operating mode. At the cost of reduced peak power, this allows for temporarily better resource fairness between users when the criticality of the application in its current mode allows it.In another example, the QoS broker can trigger a RAN function that enables and disables semi-persistent scheduling for a given stream. This would negatively impact the scheduling delay of the stream, but would prevent resources from being reserved for the stream when the current operating mode does not require hard deadlines or not as much bandwidth as originally reserved. For example, the QoS broker can trigger a RAN function that changes the guaranteed bandwidth or the maximum flow bitrate when the application temporarily does not need them. This allows the resources to be reused for other (elastic and non-critical) services in the RAN without changing the overall QoS flow for a given stream.

[0047] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively within the scope of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] A method (100) for initiating an adaptation of an access network, comprising the following steps: - determining (101) an association between an application mode of an application and a service profile of an access network of a communication network on the basis of received information relating to the access network and / or relating to the application, - retrieving (102) a current network status of the access network and / or a current application mode, - checking (103) the current network status based on an assessment of whether the service profile of the access network meets a requirement for a current quality of service for the associated specific application mode, and if the result of the check is positive, the method continues with the next step, - checking (104) the current application mode based on an assessment of whether the application mode of the application has changed, and if the result is positive, the method continues with the next step, - initiating (105) an adaptation of the access network based on the current application mode and on the basis of the determined (101) assignment. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the step of determining (101) is preceded by at least one of the following further steps: - receiving information relating to the application, wherein the information comprises at least one application mode of the application, and / or - receiving information relating to the access network, the information comprising at least one parameter relating to the quality of service and / or the service profile of the access network. [3] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the initiation (105) of the adaptation of the access network takes place via an exposure interface of the O-RAN system, in particular via an E2 interface. [4] Method (100) according to claim 3, characterized by that the access network is adapted in real time. [5] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in case of a negative result of the test (103), the method (100) comprises the following step: - sending a message to the application regarding the negative result of the check (103), the message comprising information regarding an insufficient quality of service for the associated specific application mode. [6] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in case of a negative result of the checking (104), the method (100) comprises the following step: - Retrieving another current network status of the access network in order to perform a new test (103). [7] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the initiation (105) comprises the further subsequent step: - Sending a trigger in the form of a message to the application regarding the adaptation of the access network to indicate that an adaptation of the access network based on the determined (101) assignment will take place before the application is started. [8] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a network function (10), in particular a broker function (10), is assigned to an xapplication and / or an rapplication. [9] Network function (10) for initiating an adaptation of an access network, in particular a broker function, which is configured to carry out the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Computer program (20) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (20) is executed by a network function (10), cause the network function (10) to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8. [11] Computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions which, when executed by a network function (10), in particular according to claim 9, cause it to carry out the steps of the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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