A1 Interface Enrichment Information for RRM
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture faces challenges in sharing information between the non-real time radio access network intelligent controller (NonRT-RIC) and the near real time radio access network intelligent controller (NearRT-RIC), limiting the data available for radio resource management (RRM) decisions to only data originating from the RAN, and preventing the exchange of data between radio and non-radio access network intelligent controller applications (rAPPs and xAPPs).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of the A1 interface is enhanced to carry enrichment information (EI) from rAPPs in the NonRT-RIC to xAPPs in the NearRT-RIC, allowing for the transmission of relevant data such as enterprise policies, device profiles, weather information, IoT data, and location information, using identifiers and streaming protocols to enable real-time data sharing and improve RRM decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the A1 interface is enhanced to carry enrichment information from NonRT-RIC to NearRT-RIC, then the data availability for RRM decisions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enrichment information is nested within existing A1 interface message structures (A1 Policy Information, A1 RAN Control Information), allowing additional data to be carried without creating entirely new interface protocols. This nesting approach adds functionality while reusing existing communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The A1 interface acts as an intermediary mechanism between NonRT-RIC and NearRT-RIC, enabling data exchange without requiring direct integration between the two components. This mediator approach maintains architectural independence while enabling information sharing.
2Measurement precision
If enrichment information including enterprise policies, device profiles, and location data is transmitted, then the RRM decision accuracy is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Enrichment information such as device profiles, enterprise policies, and location data is pre-collected and stored in the NonRT-RIC before being needed for RRM decisions. This preliminary preparation eliminates real-time data collection delays, allowing rapid retrieval and transmission when decisions are required.
Solution Approach 2:
The A1 interface establishes continuous data flow mechanisms where enrichment information is systematically transmitted from NonRT-RIC to NearRT-RIC, ensuring that RRM algorithms always have access to current data without intermittent processing gaps.
3Productivity
If streaming protocols are used for real-time data sharing, then the productivity of RRM algorithms is improved, but the use of energy for data transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Streaming protocols implement periodic data transmission at optimized intervals rather than continuous high-rate transmission. This allows RRM algorithms to receive updates at sufficient frequency for effective decision-making while reducing overall energy consumption compared to maximum-rate continuous streaming.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method performed by a non-real time radio access network intelligent controller (NonRT-RIC) network node comprises obtaining data for improving radio resource management (RRM) of a radio access network (RAN) and building an A1 interface message comprising one or more enrichment information (EI) elements based on the obtained data. Each of the one or more EI elements comprises an identifier of one or more wireless devices, a type indicator indicating a type of enrichment data included in the EI element, and the enrichment data. The method further comprises transmitting the AI interface message to a near real time radio access network intelligent controller (NearRT-RIC).