Open RAN Network Slicing With Near-RT RIC Orchestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing and orchestrating network slicing in 5G Open RAN systems lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in handling diverse service requirements and real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a near-real-time RIC that determines and deploys network slice instances (NSIs) across RAN and core network, utilizing slice management functions to create optimized NSSIs, and dynamically manages these slices through real-time monitoring and adjustments based on periodic reports from VNF instances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented in traditional RAN systems, then service-specific optimization is improved, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAN system into multiple independent network slice instances, each optimized for specific service requirements. The RAN is divided into separate control plane and user plane functions, allowing independent management and optimization of different service slices without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal RAN architecture that can simultaneously support multiple network slices with different service requirements. The disaggregated RAN components can be dynamically allocated and configured to serve different services (eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) through a common infrastructure, reducing integration complexity while maintaining service-specific optimization.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment of network slices is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the RAN Intelligent Controller continuously monitors network slice performance through periodic reports from VNF instances. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts resource allocation and slice configuration in real-time, improving resource efficiency while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic configuration and adjustment of network slice parameters in real-time based on changing service requirements and network conditions. The RAN Intelligent Controller can modify slice resource allocation, bandwidth, and other parameters dynamically without manual intervention, improving productivity while the automation reduces the need for complex manual control procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-vendor interoperability is implemented in Open RAN, then supply chain resilience is improved, but integration and orchestration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the RAN Intelligent Controller as an intermediary layer that manages interactions between multi-vendor RAN components. This controller provides standardized interfaces and orchestration functions that simplify integration of equipment from different vendors, enabling supply chain diversity while reducing integration complexity through unified control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes configurable parameters and standardized interface definitions that allow different vendor implementations to interoperate through common protocols and data structures. By defining parameter standards for slice management, resource allocation, and performance reporting, the system enables multi-vendor environments to work together seamlessly without complex custom integration for each vendor pair.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a method for creating a slice in a communication network. The communication network comprises a radio access network, RAN, a core network, and a RAN Intelligent Controller, RIC, with a near-real-time RIC. The method comprises determining a network slice instance, NSI, the NSI comprising at least one network slice subnet instance, NSSI, in the RAN and at least one NSSIs in the core network, communicating the at least one NSSI in the RAN to the near-RT-RIC and communicating the at least one NSSI in the core network to the core network.