Radio access network provisioning

Abstract

To provide a technique relating to provisioning radio access networks.SOLUTION: A method may include a radio access network device accessing a first network address stored on the radio access network device in response to the radio access network device powering on. The method may include directing an identifier of the radio access network device to the first network address. The method may also include the radio access network device obtaining configuration data for provisioning the radio access network device in response to the identifier having been directed to the first network address. The method may additionally include provisioning the radio access network device according to the configuration data to establish a radio access network implemented by the radio access network device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the provisioning of a radio access network (RAN).

Background Art

[0002] A radio access network (RAN) may be used to provide secure, reliable, and high-performance wireless communication. For example, the RAN may facilitate the transmission of data between user equipment devices and a core network. The RAN may be deployed in a plurality of different situations to help provide wireless communication. For example, the RAN may be deployed in a city to assist with the coverage of a wireless communication carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the RAN may be deployed in a factory to provide a wireless network to devices, or may be deployed in an apartment to provide a wireless network to residents.

[0003] The subject matter of the claims in the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or operate only in the environments as described above. Rather, this background art is provided only to illustrate one exemplary technique in which some of the embodiments described herein may be implemented.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of an embodiment, the method may include a wireless access network device accessing a first network address stored in the wireless access network device in response to the power of the wireless access network device being turned on. The method directs an identifier of the wireless access network device to the first network address. The method may also include the wireless access network device obtaining configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device in response to the identifier being directed to the first network address. The method may additionally include provisioning the wireless access network device according to the configuration data to establish a wireless access network implemented by the wireless access network device.

[0005] The objectives and advantages of the present embodiment are realized and achieved by at least the elements, features, and combinations specifically pointed out in the claims. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention are illustrative and not restrictive of the invention claimed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated with additional specificity and detail via the accompanying drawings.

[0007]

Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 3

[0010]

Figure 4

[0011]

Figure 5

[0012] A radio access network (RAN) may be used to help provide wireless communication to devices. In some situations, a RAN may be deployed to use a radio frequency different from the radio frequencies used by many other types of wireless devices, such as 802.11 devices. Since the RAN may utilize a unique radio frequency that may not interfere with other wireless devices, the RAN may facilitate data transmission between user equipment devices and a core network in a less noisy state than other types of wireless networks. As a result, the RAN may be used for wireless communication in various technical fields, such as technical fields involved in emergency response systems, Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, personal networks, transportation, etc. For example, the RAN may be used in a railway transportation network to provide wireless communication for train control, passenger information systems, and other applications. The types of RAN may include any other RAN, such as cloud RAN (CRAN), virtual RAN (vRAN), and / or any type of extensible RAN (xRAN). The RAN may include a small cell network and a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0013] To establish the RAN, the RAN may be provisioned. RAN provisioning may include steps such as initializing and setting the RAN device with specified performance settings, establishing connectivity between the RAN device and the core network, testing and validating that the RAN is functioning properly, and / or activating and commissioning the RAN to make it operational for user equipment devices connected to the RAN. Manual provisioning of the RAN may involve a user, such as an expert in the field, spending an entire day, multiple days, or even multiple weeks to complete. Further, manual RAN provisioning may be prone to human error due to the large number of RAN devices and other network elements that may be involved. For example, the RAN may include 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1000, or thousands of RAN devices. As the RAN is increasingly being used by non-experts and includes more RAN devices, network elements, and advanced protocols, automated RAN provisioning may be desirable.

[0014] The present disclosure may relate, among other things, to a RAN provisioning method and system that utilize RAN devices that are automatically provisioned according to configuration data obtained in response to a RAN device automatically directing an identifier of the RAN device to a network address after the RAN is powered on. Accordingly, the RAN provisioning process may be improved by creating methods and systems for automating RAN provisioning according to the present disclosure. In these and other embodiments, the RAN device may be provisioned such that the RAN is established without any further provisioning of the RAN device. In some situations, the RAN may include a plurality of RAN devices. By including a plurality of RAN devices, for example, utilization of additional radio frequency bands may be enabled, capacity for user equipment devices and data traffic may be increased, effective load balancing may be increased, and system fault tolerance and redundancy may be increased.

[0015] A method of automatically provisioning a RAN device according to configuration data such that the RAN is established without further provisioning of the RAN device helps ensure that all RAN devices are properly configured and minimizes latency and user monitoring. Further, in some embodiments, the system and method may include the RAN device permanently remembering the network address used in the initial provisioning such that the RAN device may be automatically reprovisioned (i.e., upgraded or updated) over time.

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary operating environment 100 for provisioning a RAN device 102 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment 100 may include a RAN device 102, a network 104, a first system 106, and a second system 110.

[0018] In some embodiments, network 104 may be configured to communicatively couple RAN device 102 with a first system 106 and a second system 110. In some embodiments, network 104 may be any network or network configuration configured to transmit and receive communications between systems and devices. In some embodiments, network 104 may include a wired network, an optical network, and / or a wireless network, and may have a number of different configurations including multiple different types of networks, network connections, and protocols for communicatively coupling devices and systems within environment 100.

[0019] In some embodiments, first system 106 may include any hardware configuration such as processors, servers, and database servers that are networked together and configured to perform tasks. For example, first system 106 may include one or more computing systems such as multiple servers each including a memory and at least one processor.

[0020] In some embodiments, second system 110 may include any hardware configuration such as processors, servers, and database servers that are networked together and configured to perform tasks. For example, second system 110 may include one or more computing systems such as multiple servers each including a memory and at least one processor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the RAN device 102 may include any one of a variety of devices on which a wireless broadcast operation may be performed. For example, the RAN device 102 may be any device that includes hardware for generating a RAN using radio frequency signals. For example, the RAN device 102 may include one or more antennas, transceivers, radio frequency circuitry, and other hardware / software configured to implement one or more protocols for implementing the RAN. As an example, the RAN device 102 may include a base transceiver station (BTS), a remote radio head (RRH), a small cell, a distributed antenna system (DAS), a baseband unit (BBU), or components thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, the RAN device 102 may be configured to implement a RAN. In these and other embodiments, implementing a RAN may include the RAN device 102 being configured to wirelessly interface with other devices and connect the devices to one or more other networks, such as a public network or a private network. In these and other embodiments, the RAN may have one or more characteristics that may vary based on, among other factors, the location of the RAN, the type of the RAN, the types, locations, and numbers of devices connected to the RAN, the network connected to the RAN, and the frequencies used by the RAN.

[0023] In some embodiments, the RAN device 102 may be automatically provisioned. Provisioning the RAN device 102 may include providing parameters for one or more characteristics of the RAN device 102. In some embodiments, the RAN device 102 may be automatically provisioned when the power of the RAN device 102 is first turned on after being provided or sold to a user. In these and other embodiments, the RAN device 102 may perform automatic provisioning without directly obtaining an input at the RAN device 102. For example, a user may turn on the power of the RAN device 102. In these and other embodiments, after the power is turned on, the RAN device 102 may be automatically provisioned without further input from the user at the RAN device 102. In these and other embodiments, the RAN device 102 may be automatically provisioned without additional user input for provisioning the RAN device 102 to implement the RAN. In short, automatic provisioning may be sufficient without additional input to enable the RAN device 102 to implement the RAN.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, in addition to being automatically provisioned after the first power-on, the RAN device 102 may be automatically provisioned in response to an update being implemented for the RAN device 102. For example, after being moved to another location or in response to input from a user, the RAN device 102 may be automatically provisioned. As another example, the RAN device 102 may be automatically provisioned in response to a user requesting automatic provisioning of the RAN device 102.

[0025] In some embodiments, to automatically provision the RAN device 102, the RAN device 102 may obtain an identifier. For example, the identifier may be a serial number from the manufacturer and / or a certificate from the manufacturer that verifies the owner of the RAN device 102. In some embodiments, the identifier of the RAN device 102 may be registered with the manufacturer of the RAN device 102, the host of the first system 110, and / or the host of the second system 102 at the time the RAN device 102 is ordered, manufactured, and shipped, and / or at any time before the RAN device 106 directs the identifier to the first network address.

[0026] In some embodiments, to automatically provision the RAN device 102, the RAN device 102 may access a first network address stored in the RAN device 102. In some embodiments, the first network address may be an Internet Protocol (IP) network address of the first system 106. For example, the first network address may be any Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address or Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) address. The first network address may be a public IP address or a private IP address. In these and other embodiments, the first network address may be stored in the memory of the RAN device 102 and accessed when the RAN device 103 is first powered on.

[0027] In some embodiments, to automatically provision the RAN device 102, the RAN device 102 may connect to the network 104. For example, in response to powering on, the RAN device 102 may scan for available networks such as wired, optical, or wireless networks. After identifying a network, the RAN device 102 may connect to the network 104. In these and other embodiments, the network 104 may be coupled to the Internet and may be configured to provide the RAN device 102 with access to the Internet.

[0028] In some embodiments, the RAN device 102 may direct an identifier to the first network address of the first system 106 via the network 104. In some embodiments, directing the identifier may include transmitting from the RAN device 102 one or more IP packets that include the identifier of the RAN device 102 as data within the IP packet to the first network address. In some embodiments, the RAN device 102 may direct the identifier to the first network address by sending a request to an application programming interface (API) at the first network address. Alternatively or additionally, the RAN device 102 may be configured to provide one or more security identifiers to the first network address of the first system 106 via the network 104.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first system 106 may obtain an identifier of the RAN device 102. For example, the first system 106 may obtain an identifier at the first network address of the first system 106. In some embodiments, the first system 106 may authenticate the identity of the RAN device 102 based on the obtained identifier of the RAN device 102. In some embodiments, the first system 106 may select the configuration data 108 based on the obtained identifier of the RAN device 102. For example, the RAN device 102 may provide a security certificate to the first system 106. The first system 106 may verify the identity of the RAN device 102 by collating the security certificate and identifier of the RAN device 102. As another example, the first system 106 may issue a security challenge to the RAN device 102 using the identifier. In these and other embodiments, the RAN device 102 and the first system 106 may exchange information to complete the security challenge.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first system 106 may include a plurality of different configuration data sets 108 for the RAN device. A single configuration data set 108 may be used by the RAN device 102 to provision the RAN device 102 for implementation. In these and other embodiments, the set of configuration data may include different parameters for different RAN implementations. In these and other embodiments, the configuration data set may be associated with an identifier of the RAN device 102. In these and other embodiments, the first system 106 may select a set of configuration data for the RAN device using the identifier of the RAN device 102. The selected configuration data set may be referred to as the configuration data 108. The first system 106 may provide the configuration data 108 to the RAN device 102.

[0031] In some embodiments, the RAN device 102 may obtain configuration data 108 for provisioning the RAN device 102 from the first system 106. In some embodiments, the configuration data 108 may include information for one or more settings of the RAN device 102. For example, the configuration data 108 may include information regarding settings of the RAN device that are antenna gain, cell index, physical cell identification, tracking area code, time division duplex subframe allocation, time division duplex special subframe pattern, Internet protocol subnet, Internet protocol gateway, Internet protocol domain name system address, public land mobile network, Internet protocol address of the mobility management entity, spectrum access system authentication credentials, and spectrum access system network address.

[0032] In some embodiments, after obtaining the configuration data, the RAN device 102 may be provisioned according to the configuration data 108. Provisioning the RAN device 102 may include configuring one or more settings of the RAN device 102 according to the configuration data 108. The settings of the RAN device 102 may affect the configuration of the RAN implemented by the RAN device 102. In some embodiments, provisioning the RAN device 102 may further include performing one or more other operations including configuring a security protocol, downloading and installing software and / or firmware, establishing connectivity between the RAN device 102 and the core network, and / or any other actions that may be specified by the configuration data 108 loaded on the RAN device 102 and thus establishing the RAN implemented by the RAN device 102. For example, configuring a security protocol may include setting up a firewall, encryption, and access control to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and / or other security threats. In some embodiments, provisioning the RAN device 102 according to the configuration data 108 may further include activating the RAN device 102 within the RAN by registering the RAN device 102 with a spectrum access system (SAS).

[0033] In some embodiments, after the provisioning of the RAN device 102, further provisioning of the RAN device 102 may occur in the future. For example, a user of the RAN device 102 may decide to adjust one or more settings of the RAN device 102. In these and other embodiments, the first system 106 may send a reprovisioning request to the RAN device 102. In response to the reprovisioning request, the RAN device 102 may send an identifier to the first system 106 to obtain second configuration data for reprovisioning the RAN device 102.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first system 106 may not include the configuration data 108. For example, the configuration data 108 may be hosted by another system such as the second system 110. In these and other embodiments, the first system 106 may be configured to authenticate or verify the identity of the RAN device 102 using the identifier of the RAN device 102 and / or other information from the RAN device 102. In these and other embodiments, after verifying the identity of the RAN device 102, the first system 106 may provide the second network address of the second system 110 to the RAN device 102. The RAN device 102 may obtain the second network address from the first system 106.

[0035] In some embodiments, in response to obtaining a second network address from the first system 106, the RAN device 102 may direct an identifier of the RAN device 102 to the second network address of the second system 110. The second system 110 may obtain the identifier of the RAN device 102. In some embodiments, the second system 110 may use the identifier to select a set of configuration data for the RAN device 102 from a plurality of sets of configuration data. The second system 110 may provide the selected set of configuration data to the RAN device 102. The RAN device 102 may use the selected set of configuration data from the second system 110 to provision the RAN device 102. In some embodiments, the second system 110 may authenticate the RAN device 102 in the same manner as the first system 106 authenticated the RAN device 102.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second system 110 may be a user-host type system independent of the first system 106. For example, the second system 110 may be established and accessed using a private network to assist with user confidentiality and security.

[0037] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the environment 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the designation of different elements in the described methods is intended to assist in the description of the concepts described herein and is not limiting. For example, in some embodiments, the RAN device 102 and the first system 106 are depicted in a particular way to assist in the description of the concepts described herein, but such a depiction is not meant to be limiting. Further, the environment 100 may include any number of other elements or may be implemented within other systems or contexts than those described.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary environment for RAN220 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Environment 200 includes a RAN device 206 configured to implement RAN220, a network 208, a SAS 210, and a user equipment 212. Generally, environment 200 shows an example of the operation of RAN220 and some of the elements that may be used during the operation of RAN220. Generally, RAN220 may be configured to facilitate communication within a wireless network infrastructure. For example, RAN220 may be configured to provide wireless communication to user equipment 212. In these and other embodiments, RAN220 may provide user equipment 212 with access to network 208.

[0039] In some embodiments, network 208 may be similar to network 104 of FIG. 1, may be any private or public network, and may include the Internet. In these and other embodiments, user equipment 212 may be any electronic device configured for wireless communication. For example, user equipment 212 may be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a vehicle, and / or any other device configured to communicate with RAN220.

[0040] RAN220 may be implemented by RAN device 206. RAN device 206 may perform operations for RAN220. For example, RAN device 206 may allocate wireless resources, use radio frequency processing techniques, implement control plane (CP) and / or user plane (UP) functions, interface with a core network, and / or perform other functions of a wireless network.

[0041] In some embodiments, the RAN device 206 may include a RAN radio unit 202 and a RAN core 204. The RAN radio unit 202 may be one or more physical devices configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. For example, the RAN radio unit 202 may include a remote radio head (RRH) (also referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU)), a radio gateway unit (RGU), an antenna, and / or a wireless transceiver. The RAN radio unit 202 may have an interface such as a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI), an enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI), a Next-Generation Fronthaul Interface (NGFI), and / or any other communication interface used in a wireless network. In these and other embodiments, the RAN radio 202 may be a wireless device configured for use in a small, large-scale multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) system such as a microcell, a picocell, and / or a femtocell, and / or any other type of cell. In some embodiments, the RAN radio unit 202 may be a Citizens Broadband Radio Spectrum (CBRS) device (CBSD) or a CBRS-compliant device (e.g., any device operating within the 3550 MHz - 3700 MHz spectrum band).

[0042] In some embodiments, RAN core 204 may include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and / or a BBU that may include the functionality of both the CU and the DU. In some embodiments, RAN core 204 may include software such as software that enables virtualization of network functions (i.e., network functions virtualization (NFV)). In some embodiments, RAN core 204 may monitor the CP and / or UP operating within RAN 220. For example, RAN core 204 may be responsible for the conveyance of signaling traffic including baseband processing such as signal modulation and data encoding, establishment of connectivity between user equipment 212 and RAN 220, radio resource management (RRM), and / or other configuration and implementation commands for RAN 220. In some embodiments, RAN core 204 may be located at or near the location of RAN radio unit 202. In some embodiments, RAN core 204 may be virtualized via NFV or the like (e.g., the functions of RAN core 204 may be implemented as software and may run on cloud infrastructure).

[0043] In some embodiments, RAN core 204 may exist independently of a particular RAN device 206, such as when RAN core 204 is virtualized. In some embodiments, RAN device 206 may be configured for deployment in an outdoor environment and / or an indoor environment. For example, RAN device 206 may be implemented on an outdoor rooftop or inside a building.

[0044] In some embodiments, the RAN device 206 may be connected to the network 208 via a wireless network such as an 802.11 network, a mobile broadband network, an optical network, or a wired network. In some embodiments, the RAN device 206 may communicate with the SAS to connect to the network 208, exchange data between the user equipment device and the Internet, update firmware, receive provisioning-related data, and / or obtain a spectrum allocation (e.g., by registering the RAN device with the SAS administrator).

[0045] In some embodiments, the RAN device 206 may send a request to the SAS 210 using the network 208. In some embodiments, the RAN device 206 sending a request to the SAS 210 may be part of registering the RAN device 206 to operate at a specific radio frequency assigned by the SAS 210. In some embodiments, the SAS 210 may be a system for managing shared spectrum access. For example, the SAS 210 may be a system that determines which frequencies the RAN 220 may use for operation. As an example, the SAS 210 may be a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) SAS. In these and other embodiments, the RAN device 206 may send a request to the SAS 210 after provisioning. Sending a request to the SAS 210 may include directing information from the RAN device 206, including information about the physical parameters of the RAN device 206 such as longitude, latitude, RRH height, radio frequency parameters of the RAN device 206 such as bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), propagation delay, effective isotropic radiated power, and / or any other information associated with the RAN device 206. The SAS 210 may use the information from the RAN device 206 and requests from other RAN devices to determine the frequencies that the RAN device 206 may use for the RAN 220. The SAS 210 may assign a frequency to the RAN device 206 for operation. In these and other embodiments, the RAN device 206 may not have to operate permanently at the assigned frequency. Rather, the RAN device 206 may continue to communicate with the SAS 210 to determine the continued availability of the frequency and / or to determine whether other frequencies are available for transmission.

[0046] In response to being registered with the SAS 210, the RAN 220 may be established as a wireless network so that the user equipment 212 can communicate using the RAN 220. In some embodiments, the RAN 220 may enable the user equipment 212 to communicate with the RAN device 206, the network 208, and / or other user equipment 212.

[0047] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the environment 200 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the designation of different elements in the described methods is intended to assist in the description of the concepts described herein and is not limiting. For example, in some embodiments, the RAN radio unit 202 and the RAN device 206 are depicted in a particular manner described to assist in explaining the concepts described herein, but such a depiction is not meant to be limiting. Further, the RAN 220 may include any number of other elements and may be implemented within other systems or contexts than those described.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for provisioning a RAN according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 may be performed by any suitable system, apparatus, or device. For example, the RAN device 102 of FIG. 1 and / or the RAN device 206 of FIG. 2 may perform one or more operations associated with the method 300. Although shown as discrete blocks, the steps and operations associated with one or more of the blocks of the method 300 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or removed depending on a particular implementation. In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media are configured to store instructions that, when executed, result in the execution of the method 300.

[0049] Method 300 can start at block 302, where the RAN device may be powered on. In some embodiments, the RAN device may include one or more RAN radios and / or one or more RAN cores. Powering on the RAN device may include enabling a wireless interface for a defined period of time. In these and other embodiments, the wireless interface may include transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and may enable selection of a frequency, channel bandwidth, and / or modulation scheme. In some embodiments, powering on may include the RAN device transitioning from an off state to a power supply state such as a low power state or a high power state. In some embodiments, the RAN device may be powered on in response to being powered, such as by being plugged in by a user. In some embodiments, powering on may include the RAN device being powered on for the first time after being provided or sold to a user. After the RAN device is powered on, method 300 may proceed to block 304.

[0050] At block 304, the RAN device may connect to a network. In some embodiments, the network may be a wireless network such as an 802.11 network, an optical network, or a wired network. In some embodiments, the network may be configured to provide the RAN device with access to the Internet. In some embodiments, the RAN device may connect to the Internet to communicate with a core network, exchange data between a user equipment (UE) device and the Internet, update firmware, receive provisioning-related data, and / or communicate with a SAS to obtain a spectrum allocation.

[0051] At block 306, the RAN device may direct an identifier to a first network address. In some embodiments, the identifier may include a device identifier such as a serial number of the device assigned by the device manufacturer. Alternatively or additionally, the RAN device may direct other information to the network address. For example, the other information may include network access credentials such as a security certificate, an IP address, a username, a password, and / or other access tokens, a public key and private key pair, timestamp information, geolocation information, and / or any combination thereof. The other information may be used to verify the identity of the RAN device.

[0052] At block 308, the RAN device may be authenticated by a first system associated with the first network address. In some embodiments, being authenticated may include the first system verifying the identity of the RAN device. For example, the first system may include a database / registry of serial numbers and / or security certificates associated with RAN devices manufactured for a user such that the first system can determine that the RAN device directing the identifier is a RAN device owned by the user.

[0053] In block 310, it may be determined whether the RAN device obtains configuration data from the first system. In some embodiments, the first system associated with the first network address may provide configuration data to the RAN device based on user selection. For example, the user may not have a user-host type system (e.g., a system associated with a second network address) for use. Thus, the user may optionally select to have the RAN device obtain configuration data from the system associated with the first network address. Alternatively or additionally, the system associated with the first network address may not be configured to send configuration data to any type of RAN device, and thus, in some embodiments, a system associated with a second network address may be utilized.

[0054] In response to the RAN device obtaining configuration data from the first system, method 300 may proceed to block 312. In response to the RAN device not obtaining configuration data from the first system, method 300 may proceed to block 314.

[0055] In block 312, the RAN device may obtain configuration data from a first system associated with a first network address. In some embodiments, the configuration data may be a set of configuration data selected from among several configuration data sets based on an identifier of the RAN device. In some embodiments, the configuration data may include information for one or more settings of the RAN device. For example, the configuration data may include information about antenna gain, cell index, physical cell identity, tracking area code, time division duplex subframe allocation, time division duplex special subframe pattern, Internet protocol subnet, Internet protocol gateway, Internet protocol domain name system address, public land mobile network, Internet protocol address of a mobility management entity, spectrum access system authentication credentials, and spectrum access system network address. In some embodiments, the information included in the configuration data may be selected by a user.

[0056] In block 314, the RAN device may obtain configuration data from a second system associated with a second network address. In some embodiments, the second system associated with the second network address may be a server hosted by a user. In some embodiments, in response to directing an identifier, the RAN device may obtain the second network address associated with the configuration data. In response to obtaining the second network address, the RAN device may send a request for the configuration data to the second network address. In response to a request to the second network address, the RAN device may obtain configuration data from a second system associated with the second network address. In these and other embodiments, the RAN device obtaining the second network address may result in the RAN device permanently remembering the second network address so that the RAN device may automatically communicate with the second system over time to obtain new and / or updated configuration data (i.e., the RAN device need not be revalidated by the first system and may directly direct the identifier to the second system). In some embodiments, the RAN device may no longer direct the identifier to the first system unless the RAN device is reset to default settings.

[0057] In block 316, method 300 may include the RAN device applying configuration data obtained from either the first system or the second system. In some embodiments, applying the configuration data may include configuring network settings, authentication settings, quality of service (QoS) settings, firmware and / or software, radio resource management (RRM) settings, security settings, power-related settings, and / or any other specified settings of the RAN device according to the configuration data.

[0058] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method 300. For example, the designation of different elements in the described method is intended to assist in, and not limit, the description of the concepts described herein. Further, method 300 may include any number of other elements and may be implemented within other systems or contexts other than those described.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 for provisioning a RAN according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Method 400 may be executed by any suitable system, apparatus, or device. For example, RAN device 102, first system 106, and / or second system 110 may perform one or more operations associated with method 400. Although shown as discrete blocks, the steps and operations associated with one or more of the blocks of method 400 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or removed depending on a particular implementation.

[0061] Method 400 can begin at block 402, where, in response to the RAN device being powered on, access by the RAN device to a first network address stored in the RAN device may occur.

[0062] Method 400 may include, at block 404, directing an identifier of the RAN device to the first network address.

[0063] Method 400 may include, at block 406, in response to directing an identifier, obtaining, at a RAN device, configuration data for provisioning the RAN device. In some embodiments, the configuration data may be a set of configuration data selected from a set of configuration data sets and provided to the RAN device based on an identifier of the RAN device. In some embodiments, the RAN device may obtain the configuration data from a system associated with a first network address. In these and other embodiments, method 400 may further include directing a security certificate associated with the RAN device to the first network address, and the RAN device may obtain the configuration data in response to verification of the security certificate regarding the identifier by the system. In some embodiments, the configuration data may include information for one or more of the settings of the RAN device that are antenna gain, cell index, physical cell identification, tracking area code, time division duplex subframe allocation, time division duplex special subframe pattern, IP subnet, IP gateway, IP domain name system address, public land mobile network, IP address of a mobility management entity, SAS authentication credentials, and SAS network address.

[0064] Method 400 may include, at block 408, provisioning the RAN device according to the configuration data to establish a RAN implemented by the RAN device. In some embodiments, the RAN device may be provisioned according to the configuration data such that the RAN is established without any further provisioning of the RAN device.

[0065] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method 400 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the designation of different elements in the described method is intended to assist in the description of the concepts described herein and is not limiting. Further, method 400 may include any number of other elements and may be implemented within other systems or contexts other than those described.

[0066] For example, method 400 may further include obtaining a second network address associated with the configuration data in response to directing an identifier. Method 400 is to send a request for the configuration data to the second network address, and the radio access network device obtains the configuration data from a system associated with the second network address.

[0067] As another example, after obtaining the second network address and in response to a trigger to re-obtain the configuration data, method 400 may further include accessing, by the RAN device, the second network address, directing the identifier of the RAN device to the second network address, and obtaining, in the RAN device, configuration data for provisioning the RAN device from the system in response to directing the identifier.

[0068] Furthermore, method 400 may include sending a request to the SAS to obtain one or more frequencies for wireless transmission in the RAN after provisioning. Alternatively or additionally, method 400 may further include sending a request to determine whether one or more frequencies are still available for use by the wireless network after using the one or more frequencies.

[0069] Additionally, method 400 may include, after provisioning, the RAN device providing a walled garden interface to the user. The walled garden interface may include a closed or restricted environment in which the user's ability to access external and / or third-party content and functionality is limited. For example, the walled garden interface may restrict applications and / or content that may be accessed and / or downloaded using the RAN device.

[0070] FIG. 5 is an exemplary computing system 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. System 500 may include a processor 502, a memory 504, a data storage 506, and / or a communication unit 508, all of which may be communicatively coupled. For example, the RAN device 102, the first system 106, and / or the second system 110 within the environment 100 of FIG. 1 may be implemented as a computing system that is compatible with the computing system 500, or may be configured to utilize a computing system that is compatible with the computing system 500.

[0071] Generally, the processor 502 may include any suitable special-purpose or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device, including various computer hardware or software modules, and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any applicable computer-readable storage medium. For example, the processor 502 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuit configuration configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data.

[0072] Although illustrated as a single processor in FIG. 5, it is understood that the processor 502 may include any number of processors distributed across any number of networks or physical locations configured to individually or collectively perform any number of operations described in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the processor 502 may interpret and / or execute program instructions stored in the memory 504, the data storage 506, or both the memory 504 and the data storage 506, and / or process data. In some embodiments, the processor 502 may fetch program instructions from the data storage 506 and load the program instructions into the memory 504.

[0073] After the program instructions are loaded into the memory 504, the processor 502 may execute program instructions such as instructions that cause the computing system 500 to perform some of the operations of the method 300 of FIG. 3 and / or the method 400 of FIG. 4. For example, the computing system 500 may obtain configuration data from the first system of the method 300 of FIG. 3 or obtain configuration data from the second system.

[0074] The memory 504 and the data storage 506 may include a computer-readable storage medium or one or more computer-readable storage media in which computer-executable instructions or data structures are stored. Such computer-readable storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer such as the processor 502. In some embodiments, the computing system 500 may or may not include either the memory 504 or the data storage 506.

[0075] By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage, flash memory devices (e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other non-transitory computer-readable storage media that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data configured to cause the processor 502 to perform a particular operation or group of operations.

[0076] The communication unit 508 may include any component, device, system, or combination thereof configured to transmit or receive information via a network. In some embodiments, the communication unit 508 may communicate with other locations, other devices at the same location, or even other components within the same system. For example, the communication unit 508 may include a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an optical communication device, an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device (such as an antenna), and / or a chipset (Bluetooth® device, 802.6 device (e.g., Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)), WiFi® device, WiMax device, cellular communication equipment, etc.), and / or the like. The communication unit 508 may permit data to be exchanged with the networks and / or any other device or system described in this disclosure. For example, the communication unit 508 may enable the computing system 500 to communicate with other systems such as computing devices and / or other networks.

[0077] Those skilled in the art may recognize that after considering this disclosure, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the computing system 500 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the computing system 500 may include more or fewer components than those explicitly illustrated and described.

[0078] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit this disclosure to the exact forms disclosed or to a particular field of use. Thus, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to this disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are contemplated in light of this disclosure. Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be recognized that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0079] In some embodiments, the different components, modules, engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processes running on a computing system (e.g., as separate threads). Although some of the systems and methods described in this disclosure are generally described as being implemented in software (stored in and / or executed by general-purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations or combinations of specific software and specific hardware implementations are possible and contemplated.

[0080] In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in this disclosure are not intended to be actual diagrams of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations used to describe various embodiments of this disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for clarity. Additionally, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all of the operations of a particular method.

[0081] As used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), the terms are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to," etc.).

[0082] Additionally, if a specific number of introduced claim limitations are intended, such intent shall be expressly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such a recitation, no such intent exists. For example, by way of illustration, the appended claims below may contain the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim limitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as suggesting that the introduction of a claim limitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim limitation to only one embodiment containing such limitation, which is the same even when the same claim contains an indefinite article such as "a" and / or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"), and the same applies to the use of an indefinite article used to introduce a claim limitation.

[0083] Additionally, even if a specific number of introduced claim limitations are expressly recited, it is understood that such recitation should be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a mere recitation of "the limitation of 2" without other modifiers means at least two limitations, or two or more limitations). Further, when a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally, such construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C, etc. For example, the use of the term "and / or" is intended to be construed in this manner.

[0084] Further, regardless of whether in the specification, the claims, or the drawings, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, any of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0085] Additionally, the use of terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. is not necessarily used in this specification to imply a particular order or number of elements. Generally, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are used as general identifiers to distinguish different elements. It should not be understood that these terms imply a particular order without indicating so. Further, it should not be understood that these terms imply a particular number of elements without indicating so. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side, and a second widget as having a second side. The use of the term "second side" with respect to the second widget serves to distinguish such a side of the second widget from the "first side" of the first widget and may not imply that the second widget has two sides.

[0086] All examples and conditional language defined in this specification are intended for educational purposes to assist the reader in understanding the present invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to advance the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to the specifically defined examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and exchanges can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] This specification also discloses the following appendices. (Appendix 1) In response to the power of the wireless access network device being turned on, the wireless access network device accesses a first network address stored in the wireless access network device, and directs an identifier of the wireless access network device to the first network address, and In response to pointing to the identifier, in the wireless access network device, obtaining configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device; provisioning the wireless access network device according to the configuration data to establish a wireless access network implemented by the wireless access network device. A method comprising: (Appendix 2) The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the wireless access network device is provisioned according to the configuration data such that the wireless access network is established without any further provisioning of the wireless access network device. (Appendix 3) The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the configuration data is selected from a plurality of configuration data sets and is provided to the wireless access network device based on the identifier of the wireless access network device. (Appendix 4) The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the wireless access network device obtains the configuration data from a system associated with the first network address. (Appendix 5) The method according to Appendix 4, further comprising pointing a security certificate associated with the wireless access network device to the first network address, and the wireless access network device obtains the configuration data in response to verification of the security certificate regarding the identifier by the system. (Appendix 6) In response to pointing to the identifier, obtaining a second network address associated with the configuration data; sending a request for the configuration data to the second network address, wherein the wireless access network device obtains the configuration data from a system associated with the second network address. The method according to Appendix 1, further comprising: (Appendix 7) After obtaining the second network address and in response to a trigger to re-acquire the configuration data, accessing the second network address by the wireless access network device; directing the identifier of the wireless access network device to the second network address; In response to directing the identifier, obtaining, from the system, configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device in the wireless access network device, the method according to appended note 6. (Appended note 8) After provisioning, sending a request to a spectrum access system to obtain one or more frequencies for wireless transmission within the wireless access network; After using the one or more frequencies, sending a request to determine whether the one or more frequencies are still available for use by the wireless access network, the method according to appended note 1. (Appended note 9) The configuration data includes information for one or more of the settings of the wireless access network device, which are antenna gain, cell index, physical cell identification, tracking area code, time division duplex subframe allocation, time division duplex special subframe pattern, Internet protocol subnet, Internet protocol gateway, Internet protocol domain name system address, public land mobile network, Internet protocol address of a mobility management entity, spectrum access system authentication credentials, and spectrum access system network address, the method according to appended note 1. (Appended note 10) One or more non-transitory computer-readable media configured to store instructions that, when executed, result in the execution of the method according to appended note 1. (Appended note 11) Including a wireless access network device, the wireless access network device In response to turning on the power, accessing a first network address stored in the wireless access network device, and directing an identifier of the wireless access network device to the first network address, and in response to directing the identifier, obtaining configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device, and provisioning the wireless access network device according to the configuration data to establish a wireless access network implemented by the wireless access network device. A system configured to perform. (Appendix 12) The system according to Appendix 11, wherein the wireless access network device is provisioned according to the configuration data such that the wireless access network is established without any further provisioning of the wireless access network device. (Appendix 13) The system according to Appendix 11, wherein the configuration data is a configuration data set selected from a plurality of configuration data sets and provided to the wireless access network device based on the identifier of the wireless access network device. (Appendix 14) The system according to Appendix 11, wherein the wireless access network device is configured to obtain the configuration data from a system associated with the first network address. (Appendix 15) The system according to Appendix 14, wherein the wireless access network device further includes directing a security certificate associated with the wireless access network device to the first network address, and the wireless access network device obtains the configuration data in response to verification of the security certificate regarding the identifier by the system. (Appendix 16) The wireless access network device In response to pointing the identifier, obtaining a second network address associated with the configuration data; Sending a request for the configuration data to the second network address, wherein the wireless access network device obtains the configuration data from a system associated with the second network address; and the system of appended claim 11 is further configured to perform the foregoing. (Appended claim 17) The wireless access network device; After obtaining the second network address and in response to a trigger to re-obtain the configuration data, accessing the second network address by the wireless access network device; Pointing the identifier of the wireless access network device to the second network address; In response to pointing the identifier, obtaining, by the wireless access network device, configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device from the system; and the system of appended claim 16 further includes the foregoing. (Appended claim 18) The wireless access network device; After provisioning, the system of appended claim 11 is further configured to provide a walled garden interface to a user. (Appended claim 19) The setting data includes information for one or more of the settings of the wireless access network device, which are antenna gain, cell index, physical cell identification, tracking area code, time division duplex subframe allocation, time division duplex special subframe pattern, Internet protocol subnet, Internet protocol gateway, Internet protocol domain name system address, public land mobile network, Internet protocol address of the mobility management entity, spectrum access system authentication credentials, and spectrum access system network address, of the system described in Appendix 11. (Appendix 20) The first network address is an Internet protocol network address, and the identifier is directed to the first network address via the Internet, of the system described in Appendix 11.

Claims

1. In response to the powering on of the wireless access network device, accessing, by the wireless access network device, a first network address stored in the wireless access network device; directing an identifier of the wireless access network device to the first network address; in response to directing the identifier, obtaining, in the wireless access network device, configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device; provisioning the wireless access network device according to the configuration data to establish a wireless access network implemented by the wireless access network device. A method comprising the above steps.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless access network device is provisioned according to the configuration data such that the wireless access network is established without any further provisioning of the wireless access network device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration data is selected from a plurality of configuration data sets and is provided to the wireless access network device based on the identifier of the wireless access network device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless access network device obtains the configuration data from a system associated with the first network address.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising directing a security certificate associated with the wireless access network device to the first network address, and the wireless access network device obtaining the configuration data in response to verification of the security certificate regarding the identifier by the system.

6. In response to directing the identifier, obtaining a second network address associated with the configuration data; sending a request for the configuration data to the second network address, wherein the wireless access network device obtains the configuration data from a system associated with the second network address. The method according to claim 1 further comprises the above steps.

7. After obtaining the second network address and in response to a trigger to re-obtain the configuration data, the wireless access network device accesses the second network address; directs the identifier of the wireless access network device to the second network address; and in response to directing the identifier, the wireless access network device obtains, from the system, configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device. The method according to claim 6 further comprises this step.

8. After provisioning, sending a request to a spectrum access system to obtain one or more frequencies for wireless transmission within the wireless access network; after using the one or more frequencies, sending a request to determine whether the one or more frequencies are still available for use by the wireless access network. The method according to claim 1 further comprises this step.

9. The configuration data includes information for one or more of the settings of the wireless access network device, which are antenna gain, cell index, physical cell identification, tracking area code, time division duplex subframe allocation, time division duplex special subframe pattern, Internet protocol subnet, Internet protocol gateway, Internet protocol domain name system address, public land mobile network, Internet protocol address of a mobility management entity, spectrum access system authentication credentials, and spectrum access system network address. The method according to claim 1 includes this information.

10. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the execution of the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Including a wireless access network device, the wireless access network device accesses a first network address stored in the wireless access network device in response to turning on the power; directs the identifier of the wireless access network device to the first network address; In response to pointing to the identifier, obtaining configuration data for provisioning the wireless access network device; Provisioning the wireless access network device according to the configuration data to establish a wireless access network implemented by the wireless access network device. A system configured to perform the above.

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