E2 Node Subscription Signaling for RIC UE Identifier Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G mobile communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for identifying and managing user equipment (UE) identifiers in a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC), limiting the ability to provide differentiated services and optimize resources across wide cell coverage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for an E2 node to transmit a UE identifier to a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) through a subscription request-response mechanism, enabling the RIC to manage UE identifiers and provide specialized services based on event occurrences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a subscription request-response mechanism is implemented for UE identifier management, then the RIC can identify and manage UE identifiers efficiently, but the device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UE identifier management function by dividing the system into RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) and E2 nodes with distinct responsibilities. The RIC handles subscription requests and receives notifications, while E2 nodes generate events and transmit UE identifiers. This segmentation allows efficient UE identifier management without requiring all nodes to have full management capabilities, thus improving productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the subscription request-response protocol between RIC and E2 nodes. The RIC acts as an intermediary that receives subscription requests, manages UE identifier information, and coordinates with E2 nodes. This intermediary approach enables efficient UE identifier management while distributing complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single node.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the RIC manages UE identifiers across wide cell coverage, then service differentiation and resource optimization improve, but the loss of information and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where E2 nodes transmit UE identifier information to the RIC through structured event notifications. The RIC processes this feedback information and uses it to provide service differentiation and resource optimization. This feedback loop ensures that UE identifier information is maintained and utilized effectively across wide cell coverage, preventing information loss while enabling adaptable service management.
3Reliability
If event-driven notification is implemented from E2 node to RIC, then real-time UE tracking is achieved, but the loss of time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having E2 nodes prepare and buffer event information before transmission to the RIC. Subscription requests are processed in advance, and event notification formats are pre-defined. This preliminary preparation reduces the processing time required when actual events occur, maintaining real-time UE tracking accuracy while minimizing time loss during event processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or 6th generation (6G) communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method performed by an E2 node is provided. The method includes receiving a subscription request message from a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC), transmitting a subscription response message to the RIC, and when an event occurs in response to the subscription response message, transmitting a RIC indication message to the RIC, and the RIC indication message may include a user equipment (UE) identifier (ID) which is managed at a higher node associated with the E2 node.