Generic E2AP Encoding for Hierarchical RAN Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encoding methods for RAN parameters in O-RAN systems require redundant re-definition and re-enumeration of control message structures, leading to inefficiencies and laborious tasks, as they rely on re-inventing wheel and remapping of already defined control message structures and IEs in 3GPP standards.
Innovation Solution
A common message structure and generic encoding mechanism for RAN parameters is introduced, allowing recursive encoding of parameters within hierarchical structures, eliminating the need to define individual structures for each functionality and reusing existing 3GPP-defined encoding spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional encoding methods are used to control RAN parameters, then individual message structures can be defined for each functionality, but the need to re-define and re-enumerate control message structures for each functionality increases complexity and workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single generic control message structure that can control multiple RAN parameters across different functionalities (mobility, scheduling, beamforming, etc.) instead of defining separate message structures for each functionality. This universal structure includes generic fields for parameter identification, current values, and target values that can accommodate any RAN parameter type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functionality-specific message structures into one unified generic control message structure. By combining the control capabilities for mobility, scheduling, beamforming, and other RAN functionalities into a single message format, the system eliminates the need to re-define message structures for each functionality, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If individual message structures are defined for each RAN functionality, then specific control parameters can be enumerated, but the laborious task of remapping control structures to RAN functionalities increases time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by referencing existing 3GPP-defined RAN parameter structures within the generic control message format. Instead of creating new enumerations for each parameter, the system copies and adapts existing standardized parameter definitions, maintaining control precision while eliminating redundant standardization work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a generic control message structure that can accommodate various RAN parameters before specific functionalities are implemented. This advance preparation allows for direct mapping of control actions to RAN parameters without requiring subsequent remapping exercises, saving time while ensuring reliable control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If encoding spaces are re-enumerated for each functionality, then complete control coverage is achieved, but the expensive and redundant task of re-enumerating encoding spaces increases cost and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single generic encoding space that can represent all RAN parameters across different functionalities. This universal encoding approach uses standardized field definitions that can accommodate mobility parameters, scheduling parameters, beamforming parameters, and other RAN parameters without requiring separate encoding spaces for each functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the redundant practice of re-enumerating encoding spaces for each functionality and recovers the efficient approach of reusing existing 3GPP parameter encodings. By eliminating duplicate encoding definitions and leveraging existing standardized encodings, the system achieves complete parameter coverage while reducing standardization effort and cost.
4Manufacturing precision
If control message structures are re-defined for each functionality, then exhaustive categorization of IEs can be achieved, but the need to alter IE choices from 3GPP specifications increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not altering 3GPP IE choices but rather adapting the control message structure to accommodate existing 3GPP IEs. Instead of re-defining IEs to fit a rigid message format, the generic control message structure is designed to flexibly incorporate standard 3GPP information elements, maintaining control accuracy while reducing encoding complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generic encoding of a radio access network (RAN) parameter exchanged over E2 application protocol (E2AP) between an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) node and a near-real time radio access network intelligent controller (near-RT RIC) includes: providing a generic encoding mechanism for a message structure containing at least one RAN parameter, wherein the generic encoding mechanism includes a first categorization of each RAN parameter exchanged between the O-RAN node and the near-RT RIC into one of ELEMENT type, STRUCTURE type or LIST type; wherein the ELEMENT type parameter is a singleton variable which does not have any other associated RAN parameter; the STRUCTURE type parameter is a sequence of RAN parameters in which each RAN parameter in the sequence can be one of the ELEMENT type parameter, another STRUCTURE type parameter, or the LIST type parameter; and the LIST type parameter is a list of STRUCTURE type parameters.