E2 Session Reset Control for Near-RT RIC Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Open RAN systems lack clear criteria for initiating E2 interface resets, leading to potential synchronization issues and high failure rates between E2 nodes and Near-RT-RIC due to resource conflicts and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
Implement an operator-policy based approach for triggering E2 RESET procedures, utilizing an OAM server to assess E2 node performance and initiate resets through a non-RT RIC, with AI/ML support for intelligent decision-making and xApp subscription management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If E2 interface reset procedures are initiated without clear criteria, then resource conflicts may be resolved, but network stability deteriorates and failure rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements operator-policy based parameters that define specific conditions for triggering E2 reset procedures. These parameters include resource utilization thresholds, failure rate limits, and synchronization status criteria that dynamically control when resets should be initiated, transforming the reset management from ad-hoc to parameter-driven
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors E2 interface status, resource utilization, and synchronization metrics, then feeds this information back to the reset management mechanism. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically initiate resets only when predefined criteria are met, preventing both unnecessary resets and failure-to-reset scenarios
2Productivity
If multiple xApps are deployed on Near RT RIC for optimization, then RAN performance improves, but resource conflicts increase and E2 nodes may go out of sync
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reset management mechanism that mediates between multiple xApps and E2 nodes. This intermediary monitors the collective resource usage and synchronization status, and when conflicts or desynchronization are detected, it coordinates reset procedures to restore E2 node synchronization without disrupting the multi-xApp optimization framework
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic assessment of E2 node status and synchronization metrics. This periodic monitoring enables the detection of resource conflicts and synchronization issues before they critically impact performance, allowing for proactive reset management that maintains both multi-xApp productivity and E2 reliability
3Ease of operation
If manual E2 reset procedures are used, then resource conflicts can be resolved, but operational efficiency decreases and failure rates remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system autonomously monitors E2 interface health, detects resource conflicts and synchronization issues, and automatically initiates reset procedures without manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the time loss associated with manual detection and initiation while maintaining operational simplicity through operator-defined policies
Data Source
AI summary
There is a need for a non-RT RIC to cause E2 sessions to be reset at a node. Accordingly, a system is described comprising a non-Real Time (RT) Radio Area Network (RAN) Intelligent controller (RIC), wherein the non-RT RIC further comprises an operations administration maintenance (OAM) server; a near-Real Time (RT) Radio Area Network (RAN) Intelligent controller (RIC) in communication with the non-RT RIC; and an E2 node in communication with the near-RT RIC providing connectivity to one or more User Equipments (UEs). The OAM server may be configured to periodically perform assessment of the E2 node. The near-RT RIC may be configured with an application programming interface (API) to enable the non-RT RIC, based on an assessment by the OAM server, to perform an E2 reset of E2 sessions at the E2 node.