Apparatus and method for implementing the R1-O1 application protocol within a telecommunications network - Patent Application 20070122637

Abstract

An apparatus and method for a Non-Real-Time Radio Access Network Intelligence Controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), comprising: a memory that stores instructions; and at least one processor; wherein the processor is configured to implement the NRT-RIC framework to receive at least one request for at least one R1-O1 related service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC over an R1 interface within an O-RAN architecture; and to send at least one response for the at least one R1-O1 related service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp over the R1 interface, wherein the at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as a data type including a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enables the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and / or consume data for the at least one R1-O1 related service within the NRT-RIC.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 413,274, filed October 5, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Apparatus and methods consistent with example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to application protocol procedures for an R1 interface in a non-real-time radio access network intelligence controller (NRT-RIC), and more particularly, to application protocol procedures for accessing various services provided by the NRT-RIC platform to rApps over the R1 interface. [Background technology]

[0003] The radio access network (RAN) is a critical component in telecommunications systems because it connects end-user devices (or user equipment) to the rest of the network. The RAN includes a combination of various network elements (NEs) that connect end-user devices to the core network. Traditionally, the hardware and / or software of a particular RAN is vendor-specific.

[0004] Open RAN (O-RAN) technology has emerged to enable multiple vendors to provide hardware and / or software for telecommunication systems. To this end, O-RAN divides RAN functions into a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a distributed unit (RU). The CU is a logical node for hosting the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and / or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) sublayers of the RAN. The DU is a logical node for hosting the Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) sublayers of the RAN. The RU is a physical node that converts radio signals from the antenna into digital signals that can be transmitted to the DU via the fronthaul. These entities have open protocols and interfaces between them so that they can be developed by different vendors.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art O-RAN architecture. Referring to Figure 1, RAN functions in the O-RAN architecture are controlled and optimized by RICs. RICs are software-defined components that implement modular applications to facilitate multi-vendor operability required in O-RAN systems and to automate and optimize RAN operations. RICs are divided into two types: non-real-time RICs (NRT-RICs) and near-real-time RICs (nRT-RICs).

[0006] The NRT-RIC is the control point for non-real-time control loops and operates on sub-second timescales within a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework. Its functions are implemented via modular applications called rApps (rApp1, ..., rAppN) and include providing policy-based guidance and refinement across the A1 interface, which is an interface enabling communication between nRT-RICs and nRT RICs; performing data analysis; Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) training and inference for RAN optimization; and / or recommending configuration management actions via the O1 interface, which is an interface connecting the SMO to RAN management elements (e.g., nRT-RIC, O-RAN Centralized Unit (O-CU), O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU), etc.).

[0007] The nRT-RIC operates on a timescale of 10 milliseconds to 1 second and connects to the O-DU, O-CU (split into the O-CU control plane (O-CU-CP) and O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP)), and open evolved NodeB (O-eNB) via the E2 interface. The nRT-RIC uses the E2 interface to control the underlying RAN elements (E2 nodes / network functions (NFs)) via near-real-time control loops. The nRT-RIC monitors, suspends / stops, overrides, and controls E2 nodes (O-CU, O-DU, O-eNB) via policies. For example, the nRT-RIC sets policy parameters for activated functions in the E2 nodes. Additionally, the nRT-RIC hosts xApps to implement functions such as quality of service (QoS), mobility optimization, slice optimization, interference mitigation, load balancing, and security. The two types of RICs work together to optimize the O-RAN. For example, through the A1 interface, the NRT-RIC provides policies, data, and AI / ML models that are implemented and used by the nRT-RIC for RAN optimization, and the nRT-RIC returns policy feedback (i.e., how the policies set by the NRT-RIC are performing).

[0008] The SMO framework, in which the NRT-RIC resides, manages and coordinates RAN elements. Specifically, the SMO manages and coordinates what is called the O-Ran Cloud (O-Cloud). The O-Cloud is a collection of physical RAN nodes that host the RIC, O-CU, and O-DU, supporting software components (e.g., operating systems and runtime environments), and the SMO itself. In other words, the SMO manages the O-Cloud from within. The O2 interface is the interface between the SMO and the O-Cloud in which it resides. Through the O2 interface, the SMO provides infrastructure management services (IMS) and deployment management services (DMS).

[0009] On the other hand, the O-Cloud is a cloud computing platform that comprises a collection of physical infrastructure nodes that meet the O-RAN requirements for hosting relevant O-RAN functions (e.g., nRT-RIC, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, etc.), supporting software components (e.g., operating systems, virtual machine monitors, container runtimes, etc.), and appropriate management and orchestration functions.

[0010] The SMO framework, where the NRT-RIC is located, manages and coordinates RAN elements. The SMO performs the management and orchestration of RAN elements through the following services (i.e., four key interfaces to O-RAN elements: A1 interface between the NRT-RIC of the SMO and the nRT-RIC for RAN optimization, O1 interface between the SMO and O-RAN network functions for FCAPS support, open fronthaul M-plane interface between the SMO and O-RU for FCAPS support in the hybrid model, and O2 interface between the SMO and O-Cloud for platform resource and workload management). Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment, an apparatus and method are provided for implementing a non-real-time radio access network intelligent controller (NRT-RIC) framework of an NRT-RIC, in the role of an R1 service producer, communicating with at least one R1 service consumer rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC based on an R1-O1 application protocol including multiple R1 services and R1 service procedures, wherein the R1-O1 application protocol enables network operators to effectively manage (standardize) rApp applications from multiple vendors to define requirements for the NRT-RIC platform.

[0012] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for a Non-Real-Time Radio Access Network Intelligence Controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), the apparatus comprising: a memory that stores instructions; and at least one processor; the processor is configured to implement an NRT-RIC framework of the NRT-RIC to receive at least one request for at least one R1-O1 related service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture between the rApp and the NRT-RIC framework; and to send at least one response for the at least one R1-O1 related service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface, wherein the at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as a data type including a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enables the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and / or consume data for the at least one R1-O1 related service in the NRT-RIC.

[0013] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 network information (NI) service for providing NI data, and the at least one processor may be further configured to implement an NRT-RIC framework to receive an NI data request for the O1-NI service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and to send an NI data response for the O1-NI service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, wherein the NI data may include at least one of network configuration information, network topology information, network element status information, geolocation information, and network inventory information.

[0014] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 configuration management (CM) service for accessing configurations of network elements in the O-RAN, and the at least one processor is further configured to implement an NRT-RIC framework to receive requests for O1-CM services from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and to send responses for O1-CM services from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture.

[0015] The request for the O1-CM service may be a request to retrieve a configuration schema of at least one network element, and the response of the O1-CM service may include the configuration schema.

[0016] The request for the O1-CM service may be a request to read CM data of the network element, and the response may include the CM data, or the request for the O1-CM service may include a request to write CM data of the network element.

[0017] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 performance management (PM) service for accessing performance information collected from the at least one network element, and the at least one processor may be further configured to implement an NRT-RIC framework to receive a request for an O1-PM service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture and to send a response for the O1-PM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and the request for the O1-PM service may be a request to receive the performance information.

[0018] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1-Fault management (FM) service for obtaining information regarding the alarm, and the at least one processor may be further configured to implement an NRT-RIC framework to receive, from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC, a request for the O1-FM service for obtaining information regarding the at least one alarm, and to send, from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp, a response of the O1-FM service.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a method implemented by a Non-Real-Time Radio Access Network Intelligence Controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) to provide an R1-O1 related service includes receiving at least one request for at least one R1-O1 related service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture between the rApp and the NRT-RIC framework, and sending at least one response for the at least one R1-O1 related service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface, wherein the at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as a data type including a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enables the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and / or consume data for the at least one R1-O1 related service in the NRT-RIC.

[0020] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 Network Information (NI) service for providing NI data, wherein receiving includes receiving an NI data request for the O1-NI service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and sending includes sending an NI data response for the O1-NI service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and the NI data may include at least one of network configuration information, network topology information, network element status information, geolocation information, and network inventory information.

[0021] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 configuration management (CM) service for accessing a configuration of a network element within the O-RAN, wherein receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-CM service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture, and sending includes sending a response for the O1-CM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture.

[0022] The request for the O1-CM service may be a request to retrieve a configuration schema of at least one network element, and the response of the O1-CM service may include the configuration schema.

[0023] The request for the O1-CM service may be a request to read CM data of the network element, and the response may include the CM data, or the request for the O1-CM service may be a request to write CM data of the network element.

[0024] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 performance management (PM) service for accessing performance information collected from at least one network element, wherein receiving includes receiving a request for an O1-PM service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and sending includes sending an O1-PM service response from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, the request for the O1-PM service being a request to receive the performance information.

[0025] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1-Fault Management (FM) service for obtaining information regarding the alarm, wherein receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-FM service for obtaining information regarding the at least one alarm from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC, and sending includes sending a response of the O1-FM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp.

[0026] According to an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions executable by at least one processor implementing a Non-Real-Time Radio Access Network Intelligence Controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) to perform a method for providing R1-O1 related services, the method including receiving at least one request for at least one R1-O1 related service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture between the rApp and the NRT-RIC framework, and sending at least one response for the at least one R1-O1 related service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface, wherein the at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as data types including a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enables the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and / or consume data for the at least one R1-O1 related service in the NRT-RIC.

[0027] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 Network Information (NI) service for providing NI data, wherein receiving includes receiving an NI data request for the O1-NI service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and sending includes sending an NI data response for the O1-NI service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and the NI data may include at least one of network configuration information, network topology information, network element status information, geolocation information, and network inventory information.

[0028] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 configuration management (CM) service for accessing a configuration of a network element within the O-RAN, wherein receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-CM service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture, and sending includes sending a response for the O1-CM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture.

[0029] The request for the O1-CM service may be a request to retrieve a configuration schema of at least one network element, and the response of the O1-CM service may include the configuration schema; the request for the O1-CM service may be a request to read CM data of a network element, and the response may include the CM data; or the request for the O1-CM service may be a request to write CM data of a network element.

[0030] The at least one R1-O1 related service may include an O1 performance management (PM) service for accessing performance information collected from at least one network element, wherein receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-PM service from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, and sending includes sending a response for the O1-PM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture, wherein the request for the O1-PM service may be a request to receive the performance information.

[0031] The at least one R1-O1 related service may be an O1-Fault Management (FM) service for obtaining information regarding an alarm, wherein receiving includes receiving a request for an O1-FM service for obtaining information regarding the at least one alarm from an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC, and sending includes sending a response of the O1-FM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp.

[0032] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be realized by practice of presented embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] Features, aspects, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 shows the O-RAN architecture in the related art. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example environment in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram of exemplary components of a device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an NRT-RIC framework within O-RAN according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an R1 application protocol between an R1 service consumer and an R1 service producer present in an rApp and / or NRT-RIC framework of an NRT-RIC, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6A] 10 illustrates a R1-O1 related service and a service procedure of an R1 application protocol for an R1-O1 related service according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6B]10 illustrates a R1-O1 related service and a service procedure of an R1 application protocol for an R1-O1 related service according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6C] 10 illustrates a R1-O1 related service and a service procedure of an R1 application protocol for an R1-O1 related service according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6D] 10 illustrates a R1-O1 related service and a service procedure of an R1 application protocol for an R1-O1 related service according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates the flow of the R1-O1 network information NI data service, including the request (i.e., initial message) "GET NI Data REQUEST" and the response "GET NI Data RESPONSE" (or "GET NI Data FAILURE"), according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a flow of an R1-O1 configuration management CM data service, including a first request (i.e., initial message) "CM SCHEMAS REQUEST," a first response "GET CM SCHEMAS RESPONSE" (or "GET CM SCHEMAS FAILURE"), a second request "GET (READ) CM DATA REQUEST," a second response "GET CM DATA REQUEST RESPONSE" (or "GET PM DATA REQUEST FAILURE"), a third request "WRITE CM REQUEST" and a third response "WRITE CM REQUEST RESPONSE" (or "WRITE CM REQUEST FAILURE"), according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates the flow of an R1-O1 performance management PM service including a request (i.e., initial message) "GET PM Data REQUEST" and a response "GET PM Data RESPONSE" (or "GET PM Data FAILURE") according to an example embodiment. [Figure 10]1 illustrates the flow of an R1-O1 fault management FM service including a request (i.e., initial message) "GET FM Data REQUEST" and a response "GET FM Data RESPONSE" (or "GET FM Data FAILURE") according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0036] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of implementations. Moreover, one or more features or components of one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with another embodiment (or one or more features of another embodiment). Furthermore, in the flowcharts and operational descriptions provided below, it will be understood that one or more operations may be omitted, one or more operations may be added, one or more operations may be performed (at least partially) concurrently, and the order of one or more operations may be swapped.

[0037] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting of the implementation. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code. It will be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0038] Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed herein, these combinations do not limit the disclosure of possible implementations. Indeed, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed herein. Although each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0039] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or required unless expressly stated as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, terms such as "has," "have," "having," "include," and "including" are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, phrases such as "at least one of [A] and [B]" or "at least one of [A] or [B]" should be understood to include A only, B only, or both A and B.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example environment 200 in which the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 3, environment 200 may include a user device 210, a platform 220, and a network 220. The devices in environment 200 may be interconnected via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. In an embodiment, any of the functions and operations described with reference to FIGS. 4-10 below may be performed by any combination of the elements shown in FIG. 3.

[0041] User device 210 includes one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and / or providing information related to platform 220. For example, user device 210 may include a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a smart speaker, a server, etc.), a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone, a wireless phone, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., smart glasses or a smart watch), or a similar device. In some implementations, user device 210 may receive information from and / or transmit information to platform 220.

[0042] Platform 220 includes one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, and / or providing information. In some implementations, platform 220 may include a cloud server or a collection of cloud servers. In some implementations, platform 220 may be designed to be modular, such that particular software components can be swapped in or out depending on particular needs. Thus, platform 220 may be easily and / or quickly reconfigured for different uses.

[0043] In some implementations, as shown, platform 220 may be hosted in a cloud computing environment 222. Notably, although the implementations described herein describe platform 220 as being hosted within cloud computing environment 222, in some implementations platform 220 may not be cloud-based (i.e., may be implemented outside of a cloud computing environment) or may be partially cloud-based.

[0044] Cloud computing environment 222 includes an environment that hosts platform 220. Cloud computing environment 222 can provide services such as computing, software, data access, and storage, without requiring end-user (e.g., user device 210) knowledge of the physical location and configuration of the systems and / or devices that host platform 220. As shown, cloud computing environment 222 can include a collection of computing resources 224 (collectively referred to as “computing resources 224” and individually as “computing resource 224”).

[0045] Computing resources 224 include one or more personal computers, clusters of computing devices, workstation computers, server devices, or other types of computing and / or communication devices. In some implementations, computing resources 224 can host platform 220. Cloud resources may include compute instances running within computing resources 224, storage devices provided within computing resources 224, data transfer devices provided by computing resources 224, etc. In some implementations, computing resources 224 can communicate with other computing resources 224 via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0046] As further shown in FIG. 2, computing resources 224 include a collection of cloud resources, such as one or more applications (“APP”) 224-1, one or more virtual machines (“VM”) 224-2, virtualized storage (“VS”) 224-3, and one or more hypervisors (“HYP”) 224-4.

[0047] The application 224-1 includes one or more software applications that can be provided or accessed by the user device 210. The application 224-1 may eliminate the need for the software application to be installed and run on the user device 210. For example, the application 224-1 may include software associated with the platform 220 and / or any other software that can be provided via the cloud computing environment 222. In some implementations, one application 224-1 can send information to or receive information from one or more other applications 224-1 via the virtual machine 224-2.

[0048] Virtual machine 224-2 includes a software-implemented machine (e.g., a computer) that executes programs like a physical machine. Virtual machine 224-2 can be either a system virtual machine or a process virtual machine, depending on the application and the degree to which virtual machine 224-2 matches an actual machine. A system virtual machine can provide a complete system platform that supports the execution of a complete operating system (“OS”). A process virtual machine can execute a single program and support a single process. In some implementations, virtual machine 224-2 can run on behalf of a user (e.g., user device 210) and manage the infrastructure of cloud computing environment 222, such as data management, synchronization, or long-term data transfer.

[0049] Virtualized storage 224-3 includes one or more storage systems and / or one or more devices that use virtualization technology within the storage systems or devices of computing resources 224. In some implementations, in the context of storage systems, types of virtualization may include block virtualization and file virtualization. Block virtualization may refer to the abstraction (or separation) of logical storage from physical storage so that the storage system can be accessed regardless of the physical storage or heterogeneous structure. The separation provides storage system administrators with flexibility in how they manage storage for end users. File virtualization can eliminate dependencies between data accessed at the file level and where the file is physically stored. This may enable optimization of storage usage, server consolidation, and / or performance for nondisruptive file migration.

[0050] Hypervisor 224-4 may provide hardware virtualization technology that allows multiple operating systems (e.g., "guest operating systems") to run simultaneously on a host computer, such as computing resource 224. Hypervisor 224-4 may present a virtual operating platform to the guest operating systems and may manage the execution of the guest operating systems. Multiple instances of different operating systems may share virtualized hardware resources.

[0051] Network 220 may include one or more wired and / or wireless networks. For example, network 220 may include a cellular network (e.g., a fifth-generation (5G) network, a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third-generation (3G) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, an optical fiber-based network, etc., and / or combinations thereof or other types of networks.

[0052] The number and arrangement of devices and networks shown in Figure 2 are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged devices and / or networks. Furthermore, two or more devices shown in Figure 2 may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown in Figure 2 may be implemented as multiple distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of environment 200 may perform one or more functions that are described as being performed by another set of devices in environment 200.

[0053] 3 is a diagram of example components of a device 300. The device 300 may correspond to a user device 210 and / or a platform 220. As shown in FIG. 3, the device 300 may include a bus 310, a processor 320, a memory 320, a storage component 330, an input component 350, an output component 360, and a communication interface 370.

[0054] The bus 310 includes components that enable communication between the components of the device 300. The processor 320 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The processor 320 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another type of processing component. In some implementations, the processor 320 includes one or more processors that can be programmed to perform functions. Memory 320 comprises random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or another form of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and / or optical memory) that stores information and / or instructions used by processor 320.

[0055] The storage component 330 stores information and / or software related to the operation and use of the device 300. For example, the storage component 330 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and / or solid-state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or other type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive. The input component 350 includes components that enable the device 300 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, buttons, switches, and / or a microphone). Additionally or alternatively, the input component 350 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or an actuator). Output components 360 include components that provide output information from device 300 (eg, a display, a speaker, and / or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs)).

[0056] Communications interface 370 includes transceiver-like components (e.g., a transceiver and / or a separate receiver and transmitter) that enable device 300 to communicate with other devices via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections, etc. Communications interface 370 may enable device 300 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, communications interface 370 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0057] The device 300 may perform one or more processes described herein. The device 300 may perform these processes in response to the processor 320 executing software instructions stored by a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as memory 320 and / or storage component 330. A computer-readable medium is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device includes memory space within a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

[0058] The software instructions may be loaded into memory 320 and / or storage component 330 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 370. When executed, the software instructions stored in memory 320 and / or storage component 330 may cause processor 320 to perform one or more processes described herein.

[0059] Additionally, or instead, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement one or more processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0060] The number and arrangement of components shown in Figure 3 are provided as an example. In practice, device 300 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged components than those shown in Figure 3. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 300 may perform one or more functions that are described as being performed by another set of components of device 300.

[0061] In an embodiment, any one of the operations or processes of FIGS. 4-10 may be implemented by or using any one of the elements shown in FIGS.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates the NRT-RIC framework (or platform) and rApps hosted by the NRT-RIC for the R1 interface in the SMO framework system architecture and the O1, O2, A1 interfaces in the O-RAN, according to an embodiment.

[0063] 4, the NRT-RIC represents a subset of the functionality of the SMO framework. The NRT-RIC can access other SMO framework functions and thereby affect (i.e., control and / or execute) what is conveyed across the O1 and O2 interfaces (e.g., configuration management (CM) and / or performance management (PM) execution).

[0064] The NRT-RIC includes an NRT-RIC framework, which includes, among other functions, an R1 service exposure function that handles the provided R1 services according to an exemplary embodiment. In general, the NRT-RIC functions within the NRT-RIC framework support authorization, authentication, registration, discovery, communication support, etc. for rAPPs.

[0065] An NRT-RIC application (rApp) is an application that leverages the functionality available in the NRT-RIC framework and / or the SMO framework to provide value-added services related to RAN operation and optimization. The scope of rApps includes, but is not limited to, radio resource management, data analytics, etc., and information enrichment.

[0066] To this end, the NRT-RIC framework produces and / or consumes R1 services according to embodiments of the present invention via an R1 interface, which terminates at an R1 termination of the NRT-RIC framework. The R1 termination connects to the NRT-RIC framework and rApps via the R1 interface, allowing the NRT-RIC framework and rApps to exchange messages / data (i.e., requests and responses including data models) to access the R1 services via the R1 interface.

[0067] Additionally, the NRT-RIC framework includes A1-related functions, such as supporting A1 logical termination, A1 policy coordination and catalog, and A1-EI coordination and catalog.

[0068] The data management and exposure services within the NRT-RIC framework distribute data generated or collected by data producers to data consumers according to their needs (e.g., function management (FM) / consumption management (CM) / production management (PM) data to rApps, or CM changes from rApps to O-RAN via the O1 interface).

[0069] The NRT-RIC framework further comprises external terminations that support the exchange of data between the NRT-RIC framework and external AI / ML functions, Enrichment Information (EI) sources, or external monitoring, for example.

[0070] Within the NRT-RIC framework, the AI / ML workflow service provides access to AI / ML workflows. For example, the AI / ML workflow service can assist in training models and monitor AI / ML models deployed to the NRT-RIC.

[0071] Additionally, the NRT-RIC framework provides A2 related functions, which support, for example, A2 logical termination, A2 policy coordination and catalogs, etc.

[0072] Still referring to Figure 4, within the NRT-RIC, the R1 interface is an open logical interface within the O-RAN architecture between the rApps of the NRT-RIC and the NRT-RIC framework. The R1 interface supports the exchange of control signaling information and the collection and distribution of data between endpoints. The R1 interface allows, for example, multi-vendor rApps to consume and / or produce R1 services.

[0073] The R1 interface is independent of the specific implementation of the NRT-RIC's SMO and NRT-RIC framework. The R1 interface is defined in an extensible manner that allows new services and data types to be added without the need to change protocols or procedures.

[0074] In particular, the R1 interface facilitates interconnection between rApps supplied by different vendors and the NRT-RIC framework (i.e., facilitates interconnection in a multi-vendor environment). To this end, the R1 interface provides a level of abstraction between the rApps and the NRT-RIC and / or SMO frameworks.

[0075] In the prior art, no R1 application protocol for O1 related services is specified in the NRT-RIC framework of the NRT-RIC.

[0076] The R1 application protocol framework, according to one embodiment, specifies R1 services and associated service procedures and API definitions.

[0077] For example, R1 services and related service procedures may include R1-Service Management & Exposure (SME) services, R1-Data Management & Exposure (DME) services, R1-A1 services, R1-O1 services, R1-O2 data services, R1-AIML services, etc. R1-O1 services and service procedures according to example embodiments are described below.

[0078] Each API specification may include specifications such as the R1-SME API, the R1-DME API, the R1-A1 API, the R1-O1 API, the R1-O2 API, and the R1-AIML API.

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates an R1 application protocol between an R1 service consumer and an R1 service producer that resides in the rApp and / or NRT-RIC framework of the NRT-RIC, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0080] 5, the R1 AP framework defined by the exemplary embodiment includes R1 services and related service procedures. The R1 AP framework provides a standardized R1 AP so that an R1 service consumer rAPP that is related to (or consumes) at least one of an R1-SME service, an R1-DME service, an R1-A1 service, an R1-O1 service, an R1-O2 data service, and an R1-AIML service can connect to the NRT-RIC framework of the NRT-RIC.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, communication over the R1 interface may be via an R1-SME API, aR1-DME API, an R1-A1 API, an R1-O2 API, an R1-AIML API, an R1-O1 API, or the like.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the APIs may be configured to provide interfaces for separate R1 services. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more (or all) APIs may be configured as a single API for the R1 interface. In either case, the R1 AP protocol provides the data types and structures (i.e., data model) for implementing the exemplary embodiment.

[0083] According to the parallel communication between the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp of the NRT-RIC, the R1 AP is based on the signaling between the R1 service consumer and the R1 service producer, which reside in the rApp or the NRT-RIC framework.

[0084] For example, an rApp may be associated with an R1 service consumer (i.e., consuming O-RAN telemetry data), and an NRT-RIC framework may be associated with an R1 service producer (i.e., generating (providing) O-RAN telemetry data). Interactions between an R1 service consumer and an R1 service producer over the R1 interface are based on the service framework used for 3GPP network functions (NFs), as specified, for example, in 3GPP TS 23.501 [6] section 7.1.2. The service framework used for 3GPP NFs specifies that requests are sent from the R1 consumer side (e.g., an rApp), and responses and notifications are sent from the R1 producer side (e.g., an NRT-RIC framework).

[0085] According to the 3GPP NF framework, in one exemplary embodiment, an R1 producer (e.g., an NRT-RIC framework) handles the resources (i.e., network elements in an O-RAN) on which an R1 consumer (e.g., an rApp) performs operations. As a result, the terms R1 consumer and R1 producer do not refer to the direction of data transfer over the R1 interface. Thus, an R1 consumer and an R1 producer can send requests and responses, respectively.

[0086] 5, the O1-related services and service procedures for the R1 interface include an O1-Configuration Management (CM) service, an O1-Network Information (NI) service, an O1-Performance Management (PM) service, and an O1-Fault Management (FM) service. The O1-related services generated by the NRT-RIC framework and / or the SMO framework provide access to operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) functions.

[0087] In particular, with respect to the R1 AP, the O1-related services generated by the NRT-RIC framework and / or the SMO framework enable an R1 service consumer (e.g., an rApp) to obtain information regarding alarms related to O1 telemetry parameters, modify O1 telemetry parameters and their acknowledgment status, obtain performance information related to network elements in the O-RAN, obtain the current configuration of at least one network element in the O-RAN, provide changes to the configuration of at least one network element in the O-RAN, and obtain additional information related to at least one network element in the O-RAN.

[0088] 6A-6D illustrate R1-O1 related services and service procedures of an R1 application protocol for R1-O1 related services according to an example embodiment. The R1-O1 related services and service procedures identify at least one network element (e.g., CU, DU, etc.) in the O-RAN architecture according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 4.

[0089] 6A, the R1 AP's request and response to the O1 Network Information (NI) service procedure includes a first NI request (i.e., an initial message sent from the R1 service consumer rApp) and a first NI response. The NI data service provides NI data (e.g., consumer information) related to the O-RAN aggregated from multiple sources and available to the SMO framework via the O-RAN architecture (i.e., the NRT-RIC framework within the SMO framework) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, the NI data may include at least one of configuration, topology, network element status, geographic location, inventory, etc.

[0090] With respect to Network Information (NI) services, the term NI "service consumer" refers to the role of an rApp that consumes NI services. NI "service producer" refers to the role of a logical O1-related function in the NRT-RIC and / or SMO framework that produces NI services.

[0091] For this purpose, the NI service procedure by the R1 AP includes at least a first request "GET NI Data REQUEST" initiated by the R1 service consumer rApp and a first response "GET NI Data RESPONSE" for a successful operation (or "GET NI Data FAILURE" for a failed operation).

[0092] 6B, the R1 AP request and response to the CM service procedures enable the R1 service consumer rApp to access configuration information related to the managed entities obtained by the CM service producer. The CM service further enables the service consumer to request configuration changes related to the managed entities (e.g., network elements of the O-RAN).

[0093] With respect to configuration management (CM) services, the term CM "service consumer" refers to the role of an rApp that consumes a CM service. The term CM "service producer" refers to the role of a logical O1-related function in the NRT-RIC and / or SMO framework that produces a CM service.

[0094] In particular, the CM service producer on the R1 interface (i.e., the NRT-RIC framework with the SMO framework) allows the R1 service consumer rApp to look up the configuration schema, read configuration data, and write configuration changes.

[0095] For this purpose, the R1 AP's requests and responses to the O1 configuration management (CM) services and service procedures include a first request "GET CM SCHEMAS REQUEST" to retrieve the configuration schema, a first response "GET CM SCHEMAS REQUEST" to return the CM attributes of the configuration schema (or a first response "GET CM SCHEMAS FAILURE" if the operation fails), a second request "GET (READ) CM DATA REQUEST" to read the configuration data (e.g., the values ​​of the attributes identified in the corresponding configuration schema), a second response "GET CM DATA REQUEST RESPONSE" to provide the configuration data (or a second response "GET PM DATA REQUEST FAILURE" if the operation fails), and a third request "WRITE CM REQUEST" and third response "WRITE CM REQUEST RESPONSE" to write the CM data (or a third response "WRITE CM REQUEST FAILURE" if the operation fails), initiated by the R1 service consumer rApp.

[0096] Referring to Figure 6C, the R1 AP request and response to performance management (PM) service procedures enable an R1 service consumer rApp to access performance information collected by an R1 service producer (e.g., NRT-RIC) from at least one network element in the O-RAN. With respect to PM services, the term PM "service consumer" refers to the role of the rApp that consumes the PM service. The term PM "service producer" refers to the role of the logical O1-related function in the NRT-RIC framework and / or SMO framework that produces the PM service.

[0097] To this end, the PM service procedure includes a first request (i.e., initial message) "GET PM Data REQUEST" initiated by the R1 Consumer Service rApp to query performance information from at least one network element of the O-RAN (e.g., pull performance information from at least one network element or subscribe to an information providing service), and a first response "GET PM Data RESPONSE" (e.g., provide performance information from at least one network element if a performance-related event occurs in response to the request or push performance information based on a subscription) (or a first response "GET PM Data FAILURE" if the operation fails).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 6D, the R1 AP's requests and responses to the O1-Fault Management (FM) service procedures enable the R1 service consumer rApp to obtain information about alarms (e.g., event-triggered notifications) regarding the performance of network elements in the O-RAN generated by the R1 service producer (e.g., NRT-RIC).

[0099] With respect to O1-FM services, the term FM "service consumer" refers to the role of the rApp that consumes the O1-FM service. The term FM "service producer" refers to the role of the logical O1-related function in the NRT-RIC and / or SMO framework that produces the FM service.

[0100] For this purpose, the R1-O1 FM service procedure includes a first request "GET FM Data REQUEST" to query alarm information and a first response "GET FM Data RESPONSE" (or a first response "GET FM Data FAILURE" in case of operation failure) initiated by the R1 consumer service rApp. In this case, the request may be a request to pull alarm information or a subscription request to receive push notifications of alarms (e.g., in real time or near real time).

[0101] FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of the R1-O1 NI data service, including a request (ie, initial message) "GET NI Data REQUEST" and a response "GET NI Data RESPONSE" (or "GET NI Data FAILURE"), according to an example embodiment.

[0102] 7, among multiple requests and responses, the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC sends a first request, "GET NI Data REQUEST," to the NRT-RIC framework via the R1 interface. The NRT-RIC framework (i.e., the O1-related function of the NRT-RIC framework) returns a first response, "GET NI Data RESPONSE" (or, if the operation fails, returns a first response, "GET NI Data FAILURE").

[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow of an R1-O1 configuration management CM data service, including a first request (i.e., initial message) “CM SCHEMAS REQUEST,” a first response “GET CM SCHEMAS RESPONSE” (or “GET CM SCHEMAS FAILURE”), a second request “GET (READ) CM DATA REQUEST,” a second response “GET CM DATA REQUEST RESPONSE” (or “GET CM DATA REQUEST FAILURE”), a third request “WRITE CM REQUEST” and a third response “WRITE CM REQUEST RESPONSE” (or “WRITE CM REQUEST FAILURE”), according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0104] 8, in operation 1, an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC sends a first request to the NRT-RIC framework to obtain configuration schemas "GET CM SCHEMAS REQUEST" via the R1 interface. The NRT-RIC framework (i.e., the O1-related functionality of the NRT-RIC framework) returns a first response "GET CM SCHEMAS RESPONSE" (or a first response "GET CM SCHEMAS FAILURE" if the operation fails).

[0105] In operation 2, the NRT-RIC framework of the NRT-RIC receives a second request, "GET CM DATA REQUEST," to read configuration data from the rApp and sends a second response, "GET CM DATA REQUEST RESPONSE" (or "GET CM DATA REQUEST FAILURE" if the operation fails).

[0106] In operation 3, the NRT-RIC framework of the NRT-RIC receives a third request, "WRITE CM REQUEST," to write the configuration from the rApp and sends a third response, "WRITE CM REQUEST RESPONSE" (or "WRITE CM REQUEST FAILURE" if the operation failed).

[0107] FIG. 9 illustrates the flow of an R1-O1 performance management PM service, including a request (i.e., initial message) "GET PM Data REQUEST" and a response "GET PM Data RESPONSE" (or "GET PM Data FAILURE"), according to an example embodiment. 9, an rApp hosted in the NRT-RIC sends a first request, "GET PM Data REQUEST," to the NRT-RIC framework via the R1 interface. The NRT-RIC framework (i.e., the O1-related functionality of the NRT-RIC framework) returns a first response, "GET PM Data RESPONSE" (or a first response, "GET PM Data FAILURE," if the operation fails).

[0108] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow of an R1-O1 fault management FM service, including a request (i.e., initial message) "GET FM Data REQUEST" and a response "GET FM Data RESPONSE" (or "GET FM Data FAILURE"), according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, an rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC sends a first request, "GET FM Data REQUEST," to the NRT-RIC framework via the R1 interface. The NRT-RIC framework (i.e., the O1-related functionality of the NRT-RIC framework) returns a first response, "GET FM Data RESPONSE" (or a first response, "GET FM Data FAILURE," if the operation fails).

[0109] According to embodiments, an apparatus and method are provided for implementing an R1-O1 application protocol including multiple R1 services and R1 service procedures, which enables network operators to effectively manage (standardize) rApp applications from multiple vendors to define requirements for the NRT-RIC platform.

[0110] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0111] Some embodiments may relate to systems, methods, and / or computer-readable media at any possible level of technical detail. Furthermore, one or more of the above components described above may be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by at least one processor (and / or may include at least one processor). The computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform operations.

[0112] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device capable of retaining and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory stick, floppy disk, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or ridge-in-groove structures with instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as a transitory signal itself, such as an electric wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

[0113] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical fiber transmissions, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers, or a combination thereof. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium in the respective computing / processing device.

[0114] The computer-readable program code / instructions for carrying out operations may be either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, and procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) can execute computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry to perform aspects or operations.

[0115] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, whereby the instructions, executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate means for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer-readable program instructions also include articles of manufacture where the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein contains instructions that implement aspects of the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0116] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to perform a series of operational steps to create a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executing on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0117] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer-readable media according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). The methods, computer systems, and computer-readable media may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged blocks than those shown in the figures. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed concurrently or substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations or executes a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0118] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not intended to limit the implementation. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, and it will be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a Non-Real-Time Radio Access Network Intelligence Controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), comprising: a memory for storing instructions; At least one processor, the processor implementing the NRT-RIC framework of the NRT-RIC, receiving at least one request for at least one R1-O1 related service from an rApp hosted by an NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture between the rApp and the NRT-RIC framework; and transmitting at least one response of the at least one R1-O1 related service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface; The at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as data types including a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enables the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and / or consume data for the at least one R1-O1 related service within the NRT-RIC.

2. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 Network Information (NI) service for providing NI data; The at least one processor implements the NRT-RIC framework, receiving an NI data request for the O1-NI service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface in an O-RAN architecture; further configured to send an NI data response of the O1-NI service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture; the NI data includes at least one of network configuration information, network topology information, network element status information, geolocation information, and network inventory information; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 Configuration Management (CM) service for accessing configurations of network elements in the O-RAN; The at least one processor implements the NRT-RIC framework, receiving a request for the O1-CM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; and transmitting a response of the O1-CM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the request for the O1-CM service is a request to retrieve a configuration schema of at least one network element, and the response for the O1-CM service includes the configuration schema.

5. the request for the O1-CM service is a request to read CM data of a network element, and the response includes the CM data; or The request for the O1-CM service is a request to write CM data of the network element; 4. The apparatus of claim 3.

6. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 performance management (PM) service for accessing performance information collected from at least one network element; The at least one processor implements the NRT-RIC framework, receiving a request for the O1-PM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; further configured to send a response of the O1-PM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture; the request for the O1-PM service is a request to receive the performance information; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

7. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1-Fault Management (FM) service for obtaining information about alarms; The at least one processor implements the NRT-RIC framework, receiving a request for the O1-FM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC to obtain information regarding at least one alarm; and further configured to send a response of the O1-FM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

8. 1. A method implemented by a Non-Real-Time Radio Access Network Intelligence Controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) for providing R1-O1 related services, comprising: receiving at least one request for at least one R1-O1 related service from an rApp hosted by an NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture between the rApp and the NRT-RIC framework; sending at least one response of the at least one R1-O1 related service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface; The method, wherein the at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as data types including a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enables the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and / or consume data for the at least one R1-O1 related service within the NRT-RIC.

9. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 Network Information (NI) service for providing NI data; The receiving includes receiving an NI data request for the O1-NI service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture; The sending includes sending an NI data response of the O1-NI service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture; the NI data includes at least one of network configuration information, network topology information, network element status information, geolocation information, and network inventory information; The method of claim 8.

10. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 Configuration Management (CM) service for accessing configurations of network elements in the O-RAN; receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-CM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; the transmitting step includes transmitting a response of the O1-CM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture. The method of claim 8.

11. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the request for the O1-CM service is a request to retrieve a configuration schema of at least one network element, and the response for the O1-CM service includes the configuration schema.

12. the request for the O1-CM service is a request to read CM data of a network element, and the response includes the CM data; or The request for the O1-CM service is a request to write CM data of the network element; The method of claim 8.

13. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 performance management (PM) service for accessing performance information collected from at least one network element; receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-PM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; The sending step includes sending a response of the O1-PM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; the request for the O1-PM service is a request to receive the performance information; The method of claim 8.

14. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1-Fault Management (FM) service for obtaining information about alarms; receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-FM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC to obtain information regarding at least one alarm; said transmitting includes transmitting a response of said O1-FM service from said NRT-RIC framework to said rApp; The method of claim 8.

15. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions executable by at least one processor implementing a Non-Real-Time Radio Access Network Intelligence Controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) to perform a method for providing R1-O1 related services, the method comprising: receiving at least one request for at least one R1-O1 related service from an rApp hosted by an NRT-RIC via an R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture between the rApp and the NRT-RIC framework; sending at least one response of the at least one R1-O1 related service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein the at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as data types including a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enables the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and / or consume data for the at least one R1-O1 related service within the NRT-RIC.

16. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 Network Information (NI) service for providing NI data; The receiving includes receiving an NI data request for the O1-NI service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture; The sending includes sending an NI data response of the O1-NI service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface in the O-RAN architecture; the NI data includes at least one of network configuration information, network topology information, network element status information, geolocation information, and network inventory information; 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15.

17. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 Configuration Management (CM) service for accessing configurations of network elements in the O-RAN; receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-CM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; The transmitting step includes transmitting a response of the O1-CM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15.

18. the request for the O1-CM service is a request to retrieve a configuration schema of at least one network element, and the response of the O1-CM service includes the configuration schema; The O1-CM service request is a request to read CM data of a network element, and the response includes the CM data; or The request for the O1-CM service is a request to write CM data of the network element; 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15.

19. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1 performance management (PM) service for accessing performance information collected from at least one network element; receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-PM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; The sending step includes sending a response of the O1-PM service from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp via the R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; the request for the O1-PM service is a request to receive the performance information; 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15.

20. the at least one R1-O1 related service includes an O1-Fault Management (FM) service for obtaining information about alarms; receiving includes receiving a request for the O1-FM service from the rApp hosted by the NRT-RIC to obtain information regarding at least one alarm; said transmitting includes transmitting a response of said O1-FM service from said NRT-RIC framework to said rApp; 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15.

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