Non-RT RIC A1 Policy Functions for rApp Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing O-RAN architectures lack comprehensive A1 policy functions in the Non-RT RIC framework, which are essential for guiding Near-RT RICs to fulfill RAN intent efficiently, leading to suboptimal network performance and management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an A1 policy function in the Non-RT RIC that hosts a policy repository, tracks policy enforcement status, and resolves conflicts, while enabling rApps to create, update, and delete A1 policies, and subscribe to notifications, ensuring alignment with RAN intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If A1 policy functions are implemented in the Non-RT RIC framework, then network optimization and policy enforcement capability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The A1 policy function is segmented into distinct operational modules: policy repository for storage, policy enforcement for execution, conflict detection for validation, and notification for communication. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The A1 policy function acts as an intermediary layer between the Non-RT RIC framework and Near-RT RIC instances. It receives RAN intent from the framework, processes policies through multiple functional modules, and communicates with Near-RT RICs via the A1 interface. This intermediary role structures the system to handle complexity systematically while delivering improved network optimization.
2Productivity
If multiple rApps are deployed to create and manage A1 policies, then policy management capability is improved, but conflict detection and resolution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the A1 policy function continuously monitors policies created by multiple rApps, detects conflicts between them, and notifies relevant components for resolution. This feedback loop enables automated conflict detection and structured resolution processes, improving policy management capability while systematically handling resolution complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The A1 policy function provides self-service capabilities by automatically detecting conflicts between policies from different rApps and initiating resolution processes without external intervention. The system autonomously manages policy consistency, reducing the burden on operators while improving overall policy management capability.
3Measurement precision
If the A1 policy function tracks and notifies policy enforcement status in real-time, then network control precision is improved, but information processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The A1 policy function implements periodic tracking of policy enforcement status rather than continuous monitoring. It periodically queries Near-RT RIC instances for their A1 policy enforcement status and compares it against the intended policies in the repository. This periodic action maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing information processing load compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising: memory to store policy statement information for a plurality of radio access network (RAN) automation applications (rApps); and processing circuitry, coupled with the memory, to: retrieve the policy statement information from the memory, wherein the policy statement information includes respective policy scope identifiers for respective rApps in the plurality of rApps; identify a conflict associated with common or overlapping policy scope identifiers between two or more rApps from the plurality of rApps; modify one or more A1 policies associated with an A1 interface connecting a non-real-time (non-RT) RAN intelligence controller (RIC) and a near-real-time (near-RT) RIC to resolve the conflict; and notify the two or more rApps of the modification of the one or more A1 policies.