Dynamic O-RU Sharing via nRT-RIC for Multi-Tenant RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) mechanisms lack the capability for dynamic resource sharing between tenants in a disaggregated Radio Area Network (RAN) architecture, leading to over-provisioning of resources and inefficient management in 5G mobile communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Near Real Time Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller (nRT-RIC) that receives tenant policies, determines initial and altered resource allocations based on operating metrics, and dynamically adjusts resource sharing between multiple tenant Open Radio Access Network Distributed Units (O-DUs) using an inter-tenant arbiter function and multi-vendor scheduling, enabling dynamic allocation of Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) without direct interaction between tenants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static resource allocation is used between tenants in disaggregated RAN architecture, then resource provisioning is simplified and device complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and over-provisioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the nRT-RIC continuously monitors operating metrics (traffic load, QoS parameters, resource utilization) and adjusts PRB allocation between tenants in real-time based on current network conditions, transforming the static allocation model into a dynamic one that adapts to changing demands
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the nRT-RIC receives operating metrics from O-DUs, processes this information through the inter-tenant arbiter function, and sends updated resource allocation decisions back to the O-DUs, enabling continuous optimization of resource utilization based on actual performance data
2Productivity
If dynamic resource sharing is implemented between multiple tenants, then resource utilization efficiency is improved and over-provisioning is reduced, but system complexity increases and management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the nRT-RIC with an inter-tenant arbiter function as an intermediary layer between multiple tenants and the physical resources. This mediator handles all resource allocation decisions, metric collection, and coordination, shielding tenants from the complexity of direct resource management while enabling efficient dynamic sharing
Solution Approach 2:
The nRT-RIC is designed as a universal resource management platform that can handle multiple tenants, different resource types (PRBs, carriers, O-RUs), and various QoS requirements through a single multi-functional system, reducing the need for separate management mechanisms for each tenant or resource type
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct interaction between tenant O-DUs is allowed for resource allocation, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but system stability deteriorates and management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nRT-RIC acts as a centralized mediator that receives resource allocation requests and operating metrics from all tenant O-DUs, processes them through standardized procedures, and returns coordinated decisions. This intermediary approach maintains system stability by preventing direct O-DU interactions while preserving allocation flexibility through the mediator's adaptive decision-making capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic Open Radio Access Network Radio Unit (O-RU) sharing between multiple tenant Open RAN Distributed Units (O-DU) may be provided. A Near Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller (nRT-RIC) may receive tenant policies for a first tenant and a second tenant. The nRT-RIC may then determine initial sharing templates for the first tenant and the second tenant based on the tenant policies. The nRT-RIC may send the initial sharing templates to a first tenant Distributed Unit (DU) and a second tenant DU. The nRT-RIC may receive operating metrics from the first tenant DU and the second tenant DU. The nRT-RIC may then determine operational factors based on the operating metrics. The nRT-RIC may alter an allocation of resources between the first tenant and the second tenant based on the operational factors. Finally, the nRT-RIC may send the altered allocation of resources to the first tenant DU and the second tenant DU.