Fronthaul Network Route Tracing for RAN Node Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

In packet-based fronthaul networks, the dynamic adaptation to traffic load variations and node congestion makes it difficult to plan and control the network statically, leading to single points of failure where multiple RAN nodes share common links, resulting in vulnerability to outages if those links fail.

Innovation Solution

The method involves recovering and adding fronthaul network tracing information to frames, which includes node identifier information, to determine traffic routes and identify potential protection risks, allowing for rerouting or reallocating resources to mitigate these risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If packet-based fronthaul network dynamically adapts to traffic load variations, then transport efficiency and flexibility are improved, but network visibility and control over traffic routing deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic adaptation to traffic load variationsVSAvoidnetwork visibility and control over traffic routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having RAN nodes add fronthaul network tracing information to frames as they traverse the network. This tracing information flows back through the network, providing visibility into traffic routing paths. The feedback mechanism enables nodes to understand how their traffic is routed without compromising the dynamic adaptation capabilities of the packet-based network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fronthaul network tracing information as an intermediary element within the existing frame structure. This intermediary carries routing and topology information without disrupting the primary packet-based traffic flow. The tracing information acts as a mediator between the dynamic packet switching layer and the need for network visibility and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If multiple RAN nodes share common links to reduce network complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to single points of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology complexityVSAvoidvulnerability to outages

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively identifying shared risk groups and potential single points of failure before they cause outages. The fronthaul network tracing information is collected and analyzed in advance to determine which RAN nodes share common links and intermediate nodes. This preliminary identification enables preventive measures to be taken to mitigate reliability risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from fronthaul network tracing information to continuously monitor and update knowledge about network topology and traffic routing. This feedback enables the system to identify when multiple RAN nodes share common links and to take corrective actions to reduce complexity or improve reliability as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If static planning and control is used for fronthaul network, then ease of operation and control is improved, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic planning and controlVSAvoidadaptability to changing network conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the network to transition between static planning and dynamic adaptation. The fronthaul network tracing information collection mechanism operates continuously, allowing the system to maintain static planning capabilities while dynamically responding to changing conditions. The system can update its understanding of network topology and traffic patterns in real-time without abandoning the benefits of structured planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240040407A1Fronthaul network route tracing

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for carrying and using fronthaul network tracing information. In an example a method in a first RAN node includes recovering fronthaul network tracing information from a predetermined field of the frames in response to receiving frames of a predetermined type. The fronthaul network tracing information includes node identifier information for at least one other node of the fronthaul network through which the frame has traversed. The fronthaul network tracing information is associated with fronthaul routes of frames from other nodes through the fronthaul network to the first RAN node.