Compute-Aware RAN Resource Allocation via Machine Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Allocating resources in a radio access network (RAN) to maintain service-level guarantees across multiple slices is challenging, especially with the increasing demand for dynamic resource management and changing network conditions.

Innovation Solution

A network slice controller generates optimal RAN resource configurations using a machine learning model trained on data mapping compute resources needed at different stages of the physical layer software processing pipeline, allowing for dynamic allocation of resources among RAN slices based on service-level agreements and channel state information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional specialized hardware with fixed capacity is used to accommodate peak load, then service-level guarantees can be maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates during low-demand periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice-level guaranteeVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation in RAN by allowing resource configurations to change in real-time based on network conditions and service requirements. The system transitions from static hardware capacity to dynamic resource provisioning, where compute resources are allocated flexibly across different slices according to actual demand, thereby maintaining service-level guarantees while improving resource utilization efficiency during varying load conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key operational parameters including compute resource allocation, resource block allocation, and configuration parameters dynamically. By adjusting these parameters based on network conditions and service-level requirements, the system can optimize resource usage while maintaining reliability, moving away from fixed hardware capacity to adaptable parameter-based resource management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If virtualization technologies are used to enable dynamic resource allocation, then resource flexibility improves, but difficulty in allocating resources to maintain service-level guarantees increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource flexibilityVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors network conditions, service-level agreement compliance, and resource usage. This feedback is used to adjust resource allocations dynamically, providing the intelligence needed to manage complex virtualized environments effectively. The feedback loop enables automated decision-making that reduces the perceived complexity of resource allocation while maintaining service-level guarantees

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary components including a resource configuration manager and machine learning models that act as mediators between virtualization infrastructure and service requirements. These intermediaries simplify the complex task of resource allocation by translating service-level requirements into appropriate resource configurations, thereby reducing allocation complexity while maintaining flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If more compute resources are allocated to meet service-level agreements across multiple slices, then reliability improves, but computational power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice-level agreement complianceVSAvoidcomputational power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allocating compute resources differently to different slices based on their specific service-level requirements. Instead of uniformly allocating resources across all slices, the system tailors resource allocation to each slice's needs, providing higher compute power to latency-sensitive slices and lower allocation to throughput-oriented slices, thereby meeting service-level agreements while minimizing total computational power requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements partial resource allocation where compute resources are allocated only to the extent necessary to meet service-level guarantees for each slice. Rather than over-provisioning all slices with maximum resources, the system applies partial action by allocating just enough compute power to satisfy each slice's requirements, thereby reducing total computational power consumption while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11665589B2Compute-aware resource configurations for a radio access network
Publication Date: 2023.05.30 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US11665589B2 patent drawing
  • US11665589B2 patent drawing
  • US11665589B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to allocating RAN resources among RAN slices using a machine learning model. In examples, the machine learning model may determine an optimal RAN resource configuration based on compute power needs. As a result, RAN resource allocation generation and compute power requirements may improve, even in instances with changing or unknown network conditions. In examples, a prediction engine may receive communication parameters and/or requirements associated with service-level agreements (SLAs) for applications executing at least partially at a device in communication with the RAN. The RAN may generate one or more RAN resource configuration for implementation among RAN slices. Upon a change in network conditions or SLA requirements, an optimal RAN configuration may be determined in terms of required compute power.