OpenRAN Controller Architecture for Multi-Vendor 5G Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radio access network (RAN) equipment modernization to enable 5G technology faces challenges in interoperability among different technology vendors, leading to high total cost of ownership (TCO) and complexity in network maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The Parallel Wireless OpenRAN Controller disaggregates hardware and software components, providing a virtualized RAN infrastructure with a unified real-time and non-real-time controller suite that manages radio connection, mobility, QoS, and interference, while supporting multiple vendors and technologies, enabling a flexible, cost-effective migration to 5G.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate technology vendors provide RAN hardware and software for 5G modernization, then technology diversity and vendor choice are improved, but interoperability issues and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAN controller into separate hardware and software components, allowing independent procurement and deployment. The hardware platform provides computing resources while the software suite delivers RAN control functions, enabling customers to select different vendors for each component based on specific needs without integrating multiple complete RAN solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware platform is designed with universal, general-purpose computing resources that can run multiple RAN software suites simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single hardware infrastructure to support diverse RAN vendors and technologies, reducing overall network complexity while maintaining vendor diversity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RAN vendors are integrated into a unified network, then technology options increase, but total cost of ownership increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RAN software suites and vendor technologies onto a single shared hardware platform. By consolidating the infrastructure layer while maintaining software-level diversity, the system reduces duplicate hardware costs, licensing fees, and maintenance expenses associated with running separate RAN systems for each vendor.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtualized software architecture allows RAN control functions to be copied and deployed as software instances across the hardware platform. This enables multiple vendor technologies to coexist without requiring separate physical infrastructure, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership compared to traditional multi-vendor deployments.
3Ease of operation
If RAN hardware and software are provided as integrated solutions, then deployment is simplified, but flexibility and cost-efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic architecture where software RAN suites can be independently deployed, updated, and scaled on the hardware platform. This dynamic separation allows the system to adapt to changing requirements by adding or removing software components without replacing entire integrated RAN systems, providing both operational simplicity and deployment flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer software are disclosed for providing an Open Radio Access Network (RAN) networking infrastructure. In one embodiment a method is disclosed, comprising: providing real-time OpenRAN controller responsible for radio connection management, mobility management, QoS management, edge services, and interference management for the quality of end user experience; and providing a non-real-time controller in communication with the real-time OpenRAN controller, the non-real-time controller providing functionality such as configuration management, device management, fault management, performance management, and lifecycle management for all network elements in a network.