Multi-Protocol O-RAN Interfaces for IoT and 5G Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) systems are limited to communicating with 5G devices and cannot integrate or connect with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, lacking unified supervision capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-protocol open radio access network system incorporating a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) apparatus with non-real time (Non-RT) and near-real time (Near-RT) RAN intelligent controllers, equipped with multi-protocol interfaces (MPI) to support various communication protocols, enabling direct integration with user equipment and IoT devices, and allowing direct data output to these controllers without passing through base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the 5G Open Radio Access Network uses existing interfaces (A1, O1) for communication, then the network architecture remains simple and standardized, but it cannot integrate IoT devices and non-5G communication equipment, limiting device diversity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by introducing multi-protocol interfaces (MPI) that can handle multiple communication protocols (5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, IoT protocols) through a single interface structure. The SMO apparatus and RT RIC incorporate MPI modules that can process different protocol types, enabling the network to communicate with diverse devices (5G smartphones, IoT sensors, legacy devices) without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol, thus achieving device diversity while maintaining architectural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the multi-protocol interface as an intermediary layer between the standardized 5G core network and diverse external devices. The MPI acts as a protocol translator and adapter that receives data from various protocols, converts them to standardized internal formats, and processes them through the existing 5G network architecture. This intermediary approach allows integration of non-5G devices without requiring fundamental changes to the core network structure
2Productivity
If all device data passes through the base station to reach the SMO apparatus, then the network architecture remains simple, but the base station workload increases and data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing function by introducing a dedicated multi-protocol interface module within the RT RIC that handles protocol conversion and data formatting independently from the base station. This segmentation allows the RT RIC to directly process data from various protocols without requiring the base station to relay all data through complex routing, thereby reducing base station workload and improving transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the data architecture by introducing protocol-agnostic MPI interfaces at the RT RIC level. Instead of having data flow through a single linear path (device -> base station -> SMO), the system creates multiple parallel data paths where protocol conversion happens at the RT RIC dimension, allowing direct processing of diverse protocols without base station intermediation for all data types
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-protocol open radio access network (O-RAN) system includes a service management and orchestration (SMO) apparatus and a near-real time RAN intelligent controller (near-RT RIC). The SMO apparatus includes a non-real time RAN intelligent controller (non-RT RIC), the non-RT RIC includes a first multi-protocol interface configured to receive first packets corresponding to different communication protocols and format the first packets to generate first formatted data. The near-RT RIC is connected to the SMO apparatus and includes a second multi-protocol interface configured to receive second packets corresponding to different communication protocols and format the second packets to generate second formatted data.