O-RAN-CBRS Interworking via Standardized Interface Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) radio units with Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) systems is hindered by proprietary interfaces, limiting interoperability and efficient spectrum utilization, which affects network performance and vendor compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for O-RAN-CBRS interworking that enables CBRS radio units to communicate with distributed units using standardized models and interfaces, allowing for multi-vendor solutions and dynamic spectrum allocation, thereby improving network performance and vendor interoperability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If CBRS RUs use proprietary interfaces to communicate with RAN elements, then product coupling is tight and implementation is simplified, but interoperability with O-RAN compliant networks is inhibited and vendor compatibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A translation layer or adapter is introduced between the CBRS RU proprietary interface and the O-RAN standardized interface. This intermediary component translates proprietary CBRS commands and data structures into O-RAN compliant formats, enabling CBRS RUs to interwork with O-RAN distributed units without requiring changes to the core CBRS RU implementation, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving vendor interoperability
Solution Approach 2:
The CBRS RU is designed with dual interface capability, supporting both proprietary CBRS interfaces and standardized O-RAN interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the same CBRS RU to operate in both proprietary CBRS networks and open O-RAN environments, resolving the contradiction between tight product coupling and vendor interoperability by making the interface adaptable to different network architectures
2Adaptability or versatility
If CBRS RUs are integrated into O-RAN architecture with standardized interfaces, then vendor interoperability and multi-vendor solutions are enabled, but system complexity increases due to interface standardization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the CBRS RU layer maintaining proprietary implementations, the translation/adaptation layer handling interface standardization, and the O-RAN core layer using standardized protocols. This segmentation isolates the complexity of interface standardization to a specific layer, allowing CBRS RUs to achieve multi-vendor compatibility through the adaptation layer without increasing complexity in the core O-RAN architecture
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adaptation layer is introduced that absorbs the complexity of interface standardization. This layer handles the translation between proprietary CBRS interfaces and O-RAN standardized interfaces, shielding the core O-RAN system from implementation-specific complexities while enabling multi-vendor CBRS RU compatibility
3Productivity
If dynamic spectrum sharing is implemented in CBRS, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but interference management complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the CBRS RU continuously monitors spectrum usage, interference levels, and channel conditions, and reports this information to the O-RAN controller. The controller processes this feedback and dynamically adjusts spectrum allocation and power levels to optimize utilization while managing interference, thereby achieving high spectrum efficiency without requiring complex local interference management at the RU level
Solution Approach 2:
The O-RAN controller acts as an intermediary that centralizes interference management functions. It coordinates spectrum sharing among multiple CBRS RUs and other network elements, handling the complexity of interference management centrally while allowing individual RUs to focus on efficient spectrum utilization through standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein provide a system for Open Radio access network (RAN)-Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) interworking in a wireless network. The system includes a RAN including at least one Radio Unit (RU) and a RAN intelligence Controller (RIC), at least one Distributed Unit (DU) in communication with the at least one RU, and at least one CBRS-RU provided within the RAN and in communication with the at least one DU. The at least one CBRS-RU communicates with the at least one DU using a standard model to standardise structure of data shared between the at least one CBRS-RU and the at least one DU.