E2 Interface Subscription for Differentiated RAN Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 4G/5G communication systems face challenges in providing differentiated service support and efficient resource optimization due to limited cell coverage and restricted monitoring of radio resources, particularly in virtualized networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an E2 subscription message system that allows for near-real-time communication between RIC and O-DU, O-CU-CP, and O-CU-UP nodes, enabling efficient resource optimization and user-specific service delivery through network slicing and machine learning-based analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 4G/5G communication systems are used with existing network architecture, then system stability is maintained, but differentiated service support and resource optimization capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAN into multiple independent units (O-RU, O-DU, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP) that can be independently managed and controlled. This segmentation allows differentiated service support by enabling specific units to be optimized for different service types while maintaining overall system stability through standardized interfaces and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) acts as an intermediary between the O-RAN units and the core network, providing intelligence and control functions. The RIC enables differentiated service support through machine learning-based resource optimization while maintaining system stability by managing interactions between various network elements through standardized protocols.
2Productivity
If network resources are monitored in traditional manner, then implementation complexity is low, but monitoring coverage and resource optimization efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The E2 interface and subscription message mechanism provide universal monitoring capabilities across all O-RAN units (O-RU, O-DU, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP). A single standardized interface enables multi-functional monitoring of radio resources, user equipment, and network conditions, improving resource optimization efficiency without requiring separate monitoring systems for each unit type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RIC subscribes to events at O-RAN units and receives real-time notifications about network conditions and resource status. This feedback loop enables dynamic resource optimization through machine learning algorithms that continuously adjust resource allocation based on current network state, improving productivity while managing complexity through automated decision-making.
3Area of stationary object
If cell coverage is expanded to serve more users, then service area increases, but resource management complexity and monitoring difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimensional layer of management by separating the control plane (O-CU-CP) from user plane functions and introducing the RIC as an intelligent control layer. This dimensional change enables centralized resource monitoring and management across expanded coverage areas, reducing monitoring difficulty by providing a unified view of network resources across multiple cells and units through the E2 interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A method performed by an E2 node is provided. The method includes receiving a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) subscription request message from an RIC via an E2 interface, and the RIC subscription request message may include information indicating a network interface type.