Flexible RAN Node Identifier for 5G Network Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in new radio (NR) and 5G networks, face limitations due to fixed-length radio access network (RAN) node identifiers, which restrict the flexible deployment of cells and nodes in the network.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of variable and reconfigurable RAN node identifier lengths allows for flexible deployment of cells and nodes in a network. This is achieved by determining a RAN node ID from a cell ID associated with another base station, using a partitioning of the identifier space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length RAN node identifiers are used, then the system maintains simplicity in identifier management, but the network deployment flexibility and scalability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RAN node identifier length adjustment, allowing the identifier length to be configured based on network deployment requirements. The system can adaptively select between different identifier lengths (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit) to match the scale and complexity of the network, thereby resolving the contradiction between deployment flexibility and management simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of identifier length from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be configured according to network needs. By allowing the identifier length parameter to be adjusted, the system achieves both deployment flexibility and manageable complexity through parameter optimization.
2Quantity of substance
If variable-length RAN node identifiers are implemented, then the network can support larger numbers of nodes and cells, but the complexity of identifier space partitioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identifier space into multiple zones based on network hierarchy and functional requirements. Different portions of the identifier space are allocated to different network levels (e.g., core network, access network, cell level), enabling the system to support a large number of nodes while maintaining organized and manageable identifier allocation through structured segmentation.
3Quantity of substance
If longer RAN node identifiers are used, then more RAN nodes can be uniquely identified, but the overhead in signaling and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different identifier lengths in different network contexts and locations. Shorter identifiers are used where sufficient uniqueness can be achieved with less bits (reducing overhead), while longer identifiers are used only where the network scale requires greater unique identification capacity. This contextual adaptation minimizes overall signaling overhead while maintaining adequate identification capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques and apparatus for supporting flexible radio access network (RAN) node identifiers in a network are provided. In one technique, a cell identity of a cell associated with a base station in a network is determined. An identifier of the base station is determined from the cell identity based on a partitioning of an identifier space used for identifying cells in the network. A message that includes at least one of the identifier of the base station or the cell identity associated with the base station is transmitted. In another technique, a user equipment may determine whether to take one or more actions while transitioning from operating in an inactive mode to operating in a connected mode based on the identifier of the base station.