Flexible Network Function Assignment in Radio Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Radio Access Network (RAN) architectures are inflexible and not suited to address the scalability and integration challenges of 5G requirements, which include supporting a wide range of services, diverse terminal types, and multiple air interfaces, due to their fixed functional designs and lack of integration with legacy systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves differentiating between synchronous and asynchronous network functions based on their timing requirements, allowing for flexible resource allocation and instantiation of network functions, enabling flexible functional deployments and tight integration of multiple air interfaces and legacy systems by allocating resources accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed functional designs are used in RAN architectures, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to diverse 5G services and terminal types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into synchronous and asynchronous categories, allowing independent deployment and management of each type. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to diverse 5G services by selectively instantiating appropriate network functions without requiring complete architectural redesign, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where network functions can be instantiated, scaled, and migrated based on real-time service requirements and terminal types. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying 5G service demands and diverse terminal configurations while maintaining system stability through controlled evolution of the functional architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible resource allocation is implemented, then adaptability to multiple air interfaces improves, but processing timing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different resource allocation strategies to different network function types. Synchronous network functions receive dedicated resources with guaranteed timing precision for legacy systems, while asynchronous network functions utilize flexible resource allocation for multiple air interfaces. This localized differentiation allows the system to achieve both flexibility for 5G services and timing precision for legacy connections simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation flexibility based on the network function type. For synchronous functions, resource allocation parameters are constrained to maintain timing precision, while for asynchronous functions, parameters are optimized for adaptability to multiple air interfaces. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing flexible allocation where needed while preserving timing precision where required.
3Reliability
If synchronous network functions are allocated separate resources, then processing timing requirements are met, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges resource management for synchronous and asynchronous network functions under a unified framework that allows dynamic sharing. Resources can be allocated to synchronous functions when timing requirements demand dedicated capacity, while excess resources are automatically made available for asynchronous functions. This merging approach maintains timing reliability for synchronous operations while improving overall resource utilization efficiency through coordinated sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service resource allocation where the resource management system automatically adjusts allocation based on real-time requirements. When synchronous network functions require timing-critical resources, the system self-adjusts to provide dedicated allocation. When timing demands are satisfied, resources self-transition to available pools for asynchronous functions, eliminating the need for manual configuration and improving efficiency while maintaining reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous network functions are allocated flexibly, then scalability is improved, but timing synchronization with radio link deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts timing synchronization requirements from asynchronous network function allocation. By separating the timing synchronization mechanism from the flexible resource allocation process, the system can scale asynchronous functions freely without compromising timing stability. The extracted synchronization layer ensures that even flexibly allocated asynchronous functions maintain appropriate timing relationships with the radio link, resolving the contradiction between scalability and synchronization stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method of resource allocation for supporting communications with a wireless device is provided. The method is performed in a network element of a wireless communication network. The method comprises differentiating (2710) between synchronous network functions and asynchronous network functions. The synchronous and asynchronous network functions are associated with the provision of communication services to the wireless device. The synchronous network functions have requirements on processing timing which are strictly dependent on timing of a radio link used for communicating with the wireless device. The asynchronous network functions have requirements on processing timing not strictly dependent on the timing of the radio link. The method also comprises allocating (2720) resources of the wireless communication network for the instantiation of a first network function based on whether the first network function is synchronous or asynchronous.