A1 Policy Capability Updates Between Near-RT and Non-RT RIC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms do not provide a way for the Near-Real Time (RT) Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller (MC) to update policy types after they have been modified during message exchanges with the Non-Real Time MC, leading to inefficiencies in policy management and enforcement.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the Near-RT RIC sends a policy update notification message to the Non-RT MC with a list of supported policy types, indicating new types to be created and obsolete types to be deleted, ensuring synchronized policy capabilities between the two entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Near-RT RIC uses existing mechanisms to exchange policy types with Non-RT RIC, then policy enforcement can be maintained, but the Near-RT RIC cannot update policy types after they have been modified, leading to outdated policy information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Near-RT RIC sends policy update notifications to the Non-RT RIC when policy types change. This feedback loop ensures that the Non-RT RIC receives real-time updates about modified policy types, maintaining synchronized policy information without requiring the Non-RT RIC to continuously query for changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes policy type lists and capability definitions in advance during system initialization. The Near-RT RIC pre-configures supported policy types and their schemas, enabling it to quickly process and communicate updates when changes occur, rather than building this information structure dynamically during operation.
2Reliability
If the Non-RT RIC continuously queries for policy type updates, then it can maintain up-to-date policy information, but this increases message exchange overhead and network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous querying, the system implements event-driven feedback where the Near-RT RIC proactively notifies the Non-RT RIC only when policy types actually change. This reduces message exchange overhead significantly while maintaining policy information accuracy, as updates are triggered by actual changes rather than periodic queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The Near-RT RIC autonomously monitors its own policy type changes and initiates update notifications when needed. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the Non-RT RIC to continuously query, as the system automatically detects and communicates changes when they occur.
3Manufacturing precision
If the Near-RT RIC sends detailed policy type schemas with each update, then the Non-RT RIC can accurately process changes, but this increases message size and processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the policy type identification (policy type ID) from the full policy type schema. When sending updates, the Near-RT RIC transmits only the essential update information (such as policy type ID and basic change indicators), while the detailed schemas are maintained separately in the Near-RT RIC. This reduces message data volume while preserving the ability to accurately process updates by retrieving full schemas when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer readable media, and system are described for providing updating policy capabilities between Near-Real Time (RT) Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (RIC) and Non-Real Time RIC. In one embodiment a method includes sending a policy update notification message from a near-RT RIC to a non-RT MC with a list of policy types that are supported whenever the node identifies that there is a change in currently exchanged policy types; and updating policy to reflect the update notification.