NRT-RIC R1-O1 Protocol for Multivendor rApp Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing O-RAN architectures lack a standardized R1 application protocol for non-real-time radio access network intelligence controllers (NRT-RIC) to manage and optimize RAN operations across multiple vendor environments, hindering effective communication and interoperability between rApps and the NRT-RIC platform.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an R1-O1 application protocol within the NRT-RIC framework that enables standardized communication and data exchange between rApps and the NRT-RIC, allowing network operators to manage and standardize rApp applications from multiple vendors, facilitating the production and consumption of R1-O1 related services such as network information, configuration management, performance management, and fault management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If O-RAN disaggregates RAN functions into centralized unit, distributed unit, and radio unit with open protocols, then multivendor operability is enabled, but standardized application protocol for NRT-RIC management is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a universal R1 application protocol that serves multiple functions: managing network information, configuration management, performance management, and fault management across different vendor environments. This standardized protocol enables any rApp from any vendor to communicate with the NRT-RIC platform without requiring vendor-specific custom protocols, thus achieving multivendor operability while maintaining protocol standardization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NRT-RIC implements modular applications for policy guidance and data analytics, then RAN optimization capability is enhanced, but effective communication between rApps and NRT-RIC platform is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the R1 application protocol as an intermediary layer between rApps and the NRT-RIC platform. This protocol acts as a standardized mediator that translates various rApp requirements into统一的 communication patterns, ensuring reliable and effective communication. The protocol defines standard procedures for service discovery, authentication, authorization, and data exchange, eliminating communication barriers while preserving the full optimization capabilities of modular applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network operators need to manage rApp applications from multiple vendors, then service diversity is increased, but management and standardization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management of diverse rApp applications into standardized functional categories: network information services, configuration management services, performance management services, and fault management services. Each category follows defined procedures and data formats in the R1 protocol, allowing operators to manage applications from multiple vendors through a consistent, segmented approach rather than dealing with heterogeneous management interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for a non-real-time radio access network intelligence controller (NRT-RIC) framework in an open radio access network (O-RAN). The apparatus includes: a memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to implement the NRT-RIC framework to: receive, from an rApp hosted by an NRT-RIC, at least one request of at least one R1-O1 related service via an R1 interface within the O-RAN architecture; and send, from the NRT-RIC framework to the rApp, at least one response of the at least one R1-O1 related service via the R1 interface; wherein the at least one request and the at least one response are implemented as data types comprising a plurality of R1 data models of an R1 application protocol that enable the NRT-RIC framework and the rApp to produce and/or consume data of the at least one R1-O1 related service in the NRT-RIC.