Network Exposure Function Mediating RAN Instructions for External Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication networks face challenges in effective interaction between Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controllers (RICs) and Network Exposure Functions (NEFs), which hinders efficient control of wireless data services for user equipment (UE) by external Application Servers (AS).

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a wireless communication network architecture where a Network Exposure Function (NEF) receives RAN instructions from an external Application Server (AS) and transfers them to the RAN, enabling the RAN to deliver wireless communication services to User Equipment (UE). The NEF also exposes RAN information back to the AS, facilitating efficient control and management of wireless data services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RICs and NEFs operate independently without effective interaction mechanisms, then each component can function autonomously, but the control of wireless data services by external Application Servers is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiency of wireless data servicesVSAvoidinteraction complexity between RICs and NEFs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the NEF as an intermediary component that mediates between external AS and internal RAN elements. The NEF receives service control information from AS, translates it into RAN-compatible instructions, and forwards them to RICs or CUs. This intermediary role enables efficient external control while managing internal complexity through standardized interfaces and translation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the network architecture includes multiple interaction points between RICs, NEFs, and AS, then control functionality is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionality for wireless data servicesVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NEF is designed as a universal multi-functional component that handles multiple control scenarios through a unified interface. It can translate different types of service control information (QoS parameters, mobility policies, data routing instructions) into appropriate RAN commands. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability while reducing architecture complexity by consolidating diverse control functions into a single versatile element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12328797B2Radio access network (RAN) data exposure in a wireless communication network

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A wireless communication network provides a wireless communication service to a User Equipment (UE) responsive to an Application Server (AS) that is external to the wireless communication network. A Network Exposure Function (NEF) receives a Radio Access Network (RAN) instruction from the AS. The RAN instruction controls the wireless communication service for the UE. The NEF transfers the RAN instruction to the RAN. The RAN receives the RAN instruction and delivers the wireless communication service to the UE based on the RAN instruction from the AS. The RAN transfers RAN information that characterizes the RAN delivery of the wireless communication service to the UE based on the RAN instruction from the AS. The NEF receives the RAN information and transfers the RAN information to the AS that is external to the wireless communication network.