C-RAN Zero Touch Provisioning for O-RAN Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of cellular network components in 5G networks is challenging due to the need for significant time and resources, especially as networks scale and complexity grows.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for cloud radio access network (C-RAN) zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) of open radio access network (O-RAN) components, which involves determining workflows to provision distributed units (DUs) within a DU host server system at a data center separate from radio units (RUs), and causing these workflows to execute.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual provisioning methods are used for C-RAN components, then deployment can be performed with existing processes, but significant time and resources are required for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) that performs preliminary automated configuration and setup of C-RAN components before physical deployment. The system pre-configures distributed units (DUs) with necessary software images, configuration parameters, and integration settings, so that when components are physically deployed, they automatically self-provision and integrate into the network without manual intervention, significantly reducing deployment time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables C-RAN components to perform self-service through automated self-provisioning and self-configuration mechanisms. When a DU is deployed, it automatically discovers its environment, retrieves configuration from the orchestrator, installs necessary software, and integrates with radio units (RUs) and the core network without requiring manual configuration by technicians, thereby reducing both time and resource requirements
2Reliability
If manual deployment processes are used for O-RAN components, then existing deployment procedures can be followed, but integration and interoperability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-driven provisioning system where the orchestrator continuously monitors the deployment status of C-RAN components and adjusts configuration accordingly. The system receives feedback from DUs about their operational status, hardware compatibility, and software version, and uses this information to automatically adjust provisioning parameters, ensuring reliable integration and interoperability while managing deployment complexity through adaptive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an orchestrator as an intermediary layer between the deployment infrastructure and C-RAN components. This orchestrator manages the complex provisioning tasks, coordinates software image distribution, configuration generation, and component registration, thereby simplifying the deployment process while ensuring reliable integration and interoperability of heterogeneous O-RAN components from different vendors
3Productivity
If automated workflows are implemented for C-RAN ZTP, then deployment time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automated provisioning workflow into distinct modular stages: hardware detection, software image retrieval, configuration generation, component registration, and activation. Each stage is handled by specialized automated routines that operate independently but coordinate through standardized interfaces. This segmentation enables efficient automated provisioning while managing system complexity through modular design, allowing each segment to be developed, tested, and maintained separately
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for C-RAN provisioning is provided. An example method includes determining, by one or more processors, to perform C-RAN ZTP of one or more O-RAN components associated with one or more cell sites, determining, by the one or more processors, one or more workflows to perform the C-RAN ZTP, wherein the one or more workflows include ZTP operations to provision distributed units (DUs) within a DU host server system at a data center separate from one or more associated radio units (RUs), and causing, by the one or more processors, the one or more workflows to execute, wherein the one or more workflows perform the ZTP operations.