Cloud-Native O-RAN Data Delivery Automation Without Vendor Lock-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G wireless telecommunication networks face challenges in scalability, innovation, and cost-effectiveness due to vendor lock-in, limiting the deployment of best-in-class technologies and increasing the cost-per-bit.
Innovation Solution
A disaggregated data construct is implemented in a cloud-native, Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) using open APIs to map network components, enabling flexible and virtualized RAN architectures that allow multiple vendors to contribute best-in-class technologies, reducing hardware dependency and accelerating service deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vendor lock-in is maintained in traditional 5G networks, then network stability and ease of operation are improved, but scalability, innovation capability, and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional monolithic 5G network architecture into disaggregated functional units including RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), Open Network Environment (ONE), and cloud-native network functions. This segmentation enables independent deployment and management of different network components from multiple vendors, resolving the contradiction between operational stability and scalability by allowing controlled integration of new technologies without disrupting the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the RIC platform and open APIs that act as mediators between different vendor technologies and the core network. These intermediaries provide standardized interfaces and abstraction layers, enabling multi-vendor integration while maintaining network stability through controlled interaction protocols.
2Ease of operation
If single-vendor proprietary architecture is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost-per-bit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal, vendor-agnostic interfaces and standardized protocols across different network components. The RIC platform provides multi-functional capabilities that can manage diverse RAN equipment from different vendors through common APIs, reducing hardware dependency while maintaining operational simplicity through unified management interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the architectural parameters from proprietary closed systems to open standardized interfaces. By adopting cloud-native principles, containerization, and open APIs, the system transforms the management model while reducing hardware lock-in, allowing software-defined networking to simplify operations despite increased architectural flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If centralized cloud architecture is used, then ease of operation is improved, but latency and network path length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where cloud-native network functions are deployed at multiple hierarchical levels - from centralized core network functions to edge-based RAN Intelligent Controllers and even to distributed RIC instances at network edges. This nested structure allows centralized management capabilities to coexist with distributed execution, reducing latency for edge applications while maintaining centralized orchestration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial distribution as a new dimension to the traditional centralized cloud architecture. By deploying RIC instances and network functions across multiple locations including edge data centers and even on-premises, the system creates a multi-dimensional architecture that provides both centralized control and distributed execution, thereby reducing network path length and latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments are directed towards data delivery automation of a cloud-managed wireless telecommunication network. A disaggregated data construct is provided in a cloud-native, Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) cellular telecommunication network. MNO cloud-native, O-RAN, 5G cellular telecommunication network engines are electronically mapped to components or services of a disaggregated network orchestrator. In an example embodiment, providing the disaggregated data construct may include electronically generating a mapping, via an open application programming interface (API), between a mobile network operator (MNO) cloud-native, O-RAN, 5G NR cellular telecommunication network service disaggregated slice design engine and a disaggregated intent engine of a disaggregated cellular telecommunication network orchestrator. The system operates the cloud-native, O-RAN, 5G NR cellular telecommunication network using the disaggregated data construct.