Open RAN Virtual Capacity Forecasting for vDU and vCU Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud-based data and telephone networks face challenges in efficiently managing resources and detecting congestion due to rapidly increasing subscriber numbers, leading to poor network performance and user experiences, as existing congestion detection mechanisms are inadequate for cloud-based infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates subscriber growth models, collects network data, and forecasts capacity breaches at various infrastructure levels, including vDUs, CUs, and fronthaul, mid-haul, and mid-haul capacities, allowing proactive resource allocation and expansion to prevent congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing congestion detection mechanisms are used in cloud-based networks, then network resources can be monitored, but the detection is insufficient to respond to evolving network conditions and predict future congestion points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using subscriber growth models to forecast future network capacity requirements before actual congestion occurs. The system proactively identifies potential congestion points and capacity breaches in advance, allowing network operators to prepare and respond to evolving conditions rather than reacting after congestion has occurred. This is achieved by analyzing historical data and projecting future trends to predict capacity needs ahead of time.
2Productivity
If network capacity is increased to accommodate growing subscribers, then service coverage expands, but network resources reach capacity and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capacity planning by generating subscriber growth models that forecast future capacity requirements. This allows the network to proactively expand capacity in areas where subscriber growth is anticipated, rather than reacting after capacity is exhausted. The forecasted capacity needs guide strategic infrastructure deployment to maintain performance as the network grows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring actual network performance data and comparing it against forecasted capacity requirements. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust capacity planning and resource allocation strategies based on actual subscriber behavior and network conditions, ensuring reliable performance while accommodating growth.
3Measurement precision
If detailed capacity forecasting at multiple infrastructure levels is performed, then capacity breaches can be identified, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into multiple hierarchical levels (e.g., subscriber level, cell level, sector level, vDU level, vCU level) and performing capacity forecasting at each level independently. This modular approach allows detailed capacity breach detection across the entire network while managing complexity through structured decomposition. Each level can be analyzed using the same forecasting methodology, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems, processes, and articles of manufacture tend to detect capacity breaches in an area of interest (AOI) of an open radio access network (RAN). An example process includes generating a subscriber growth model in the AOI of the RAN, querying data for cells in the AOI of the RAN over a sampling period, and of extrapolating the data using the subscriber growth model to generate forecast indicators for the cells and for sectors associated with the cells. The forecast indicators are compared to capacity thresholds to forecast sector capacity breaches at the sectors. The process may also include forecasting a virtual distributed unit (vDU) capacity breach in response to forecasting the sector capacity breaches, forecasting a virtual central unit (vCU) capacity breach in response to forecasting the sector capacity breaches, and identifying a capacity expansion in response to the vDU capacity breach or the vCU capacity breach.