E2 Interface Connection State Updates for Accurate RIC Handover Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and beyond, there is a challenge in accurately recognizing the connection status between E2 nodes and neighboring nodes, which can lead to inappropriate control decisions due to disconnected interfaces, affecting handover processes and overall network performance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for an E2 node and Near-RT RIC to exchange configuration update messages, including information about disconnected interfaces, allowing the RIC to accurately reflect the actual connection status and enable informed control decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RIC operates without receiving connection status information from E2 nodes, then the system can operate with simpler messaging protocols, but the RIC makes inappropriate control decisions due to unawareness of disconnected interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where E2 nodes periodically send connection status information to the RIC through E2 node configuration update messages. This allows the RIC to maintain accurate awareness of interface connection states between E2 nodes and neighboring nodes, enabling reliable control decisions such as handover operations based on actual network conditions rather than assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The E2 node autonomously monitors its own interface connection status with neighboring nodes and self-initiates the transmission of connection status updates to the RIC when changes occur. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the RIC to actively query each E2 node, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining accurate connection state information.
2Measurement precision
If the E2 node continuously monitors and reports interface connection status to the RIC, then the RIC can make accurate control decisions, but the signaling overhead and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring and reporting, the E2 node employs periodic action by only transmitting E2 node configuration update messages to the RIC when actual connection status changes occur. This event-driven approach maintains precise connection status awareness at the RIC while minimizing signaling overhead, as messages are sent only when necessary rather than on a continuous basis.
3Ease of operation
If the RIC assumes all interfaces are connected, then the control logic can be simpler, but handover processes fail when interfaces are actually disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains relatively simple control logic at the RIC by implementing a feedback mechanism where E2 nodes automatically report their interface connection status. The RIC receives this feedback through E2 node configuration update messages and adjusts its control decisions accordingly, such as preventing handover attempts to neighboring nodes with disconnected interfaces. This preserves handover reliability without significantly complicating the control logic.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An apparatus for an E2 node may comprise: at least one processor; and a memory including instructions. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the E2 node to transmit an E2 node configuration update message to a near-real time (near-RT) radio access network intelligence controller (RIC). The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, may cause the E2 node to receive, from the near-RT RIC, an E2 node configuration update acknowledge message in response to the E2 node configuration update message. The E2 node configuration update message may include information indicating that an interface connection between the E2 node and a node is disconnected.