Unified E2 Message Referencing for Lower 5G RAN Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing E2 message formats in wireless communication systems have hierarchical structures that increase complexity and include redundant information, making efficient resource utilization difficult.
Innovation Solution
A unified E2 message format is proposed, incorporating an indicator to minimize redundant information and allowing E2 nodes to use messages in a unified manner, with a measurement container and reference indicator to transmit only new information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hierarchical E2 message format is used, then message structure is well-defined, but complexity increases and redundant information is included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary new information from consecutive E2 messages and transmits it separately, while the receiving end reconstructs the complete message by combining this extracted information with stored previous message data. This eliminates redundant information transmission while maintaining message completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic message formatting where the message structure adapts based on whether it's the first message or a subsequent message. Subsequent messages use a simplified format with reference indicators that dynamically reference previously transmitted full messages, reducing complexity and redundancy.
2Loss of information
If complete information is transmitted in each E2 message, then information completeness is ensured, but traffic bandwidth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the changed or new information elements from consecutive messages and transmits them separately. The receiving end uses these extracted elements along with stored previous message data to reconstruct complete information, thereby ensuring information completeness while minimizing traffic bandwidth usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference indicators that point to previously transmitted full messages. Instead of copying complete message data, the system uses compact references that consume minimal bandwidth while allowing the receiving end to retrieve complete information from stored copies of previous messages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If E2 messages are divided into DU, CU-UP, and CU-CP, then node-specific functionality is improved, but unified message usage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal E2 message format that can be used across different node types (DU, CU-UP, CU-CP) without requiring node-specific message variations. The message structure includes fields that can represent different node functions through standardized indicators, enabling a single message format to serve multiple node types while maintaining node-specific functionality through configuration rather than structural differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting a data transmission rate higher than 4th generation (4G) communication systems such as long term evolution (LTE). An apparatus of an E2 node is provided. The apparatus includes at least one transceiver and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit a first indication message to a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) through an E2 interface and transmit a second indication message to the RIC through the E2 interface, wherein the first indication message includes a measurement container, the measurement container includes measurement information and label information about a category related to measurement, the second indication message includes a reference indicator, and the reference indicator may indicate to use the measurement information or label information of the first indication message.