O-RAN E2 Policy UE Nomination for Per-User Traffic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing O-RAN E2 policy mechanism in 5G networks lacks support for explicit nomination of specific user equipment (UE), which is necessary for effective traffic steering and other use cases, leading to inefficiencies in radio resource management (RRM) control plane splitting between the centralized unit (CU) and control part (CP).
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution introduces a mechanism where RAN UE Groups can include an explicit list of nominated UEs, allowing for dynamic addition or removal of UEs through E2 policy messages, thereby supporting per-UE handling and avoiding direct RRM mechanism forcing, using a combination of parametric factors and explicit UE nomination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing O-RAN E2 policy mechanism is used without explicit UE nomination, then the system maintains simpler policy structure, but it lacks the capability for effective traffic steering and per-UE handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UE group definition into two distinct parts: (1) parametric factors that define general group characteristics, and (2) an explicit list of nominated UEs using identifiers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple parametric policy structures while adding targeted UE nomination capability only where needed, rather than requiring complete redesign of the entire policy mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The E2 policy mechanism is enhanced to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it continues to support general group-based policies for bulk UE management while also enabling specific per-UE traffic steering through explicit nomination. This multi-functionality allows the same policy structure to handle both aggregate and individual UE requirements without requiring separate mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If direct RRM mechanism forcing is used for per-UE handling, then immediate control is achieved, but it increases the complexity of RRM control plane splitting between CU and CP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of explicit UE nomination within E2 policies. Instead of direct RRM mechanism forcing between CU and CP, the policy mechanism acts as an intermediary that translates high-level traffic steering requirements into specific per-UE control actions. This intermediary approach simplifies the control plane splitting by providing a standardized interface for per-UE handling without requiring complex direct coordination protocols.
3Productivity
If explicit UE nomination is added to E2 policies, then per-UE traffic steering efficiency is improved, but the E2 policy mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The UE group definition is segmented into parametric factors and explicit nomination lists, allowing efficient traffic steering for nominated UEs while maintaining simpler handling for non-nominated UEs. This segmentation enables the system to process only the necessary subset of UEs with enhanced complexity, improving overall traffic steering efficiency without applying complex mechanisms universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling explicit UE nomination only in specific contexts where per-UE traffic steering is required, rather than uniformly across all policy scenarios. This allows the E2 policy mechanism to maintain simplicity for general cases while providing enhanced capability locally where needed, optimizing the balance between efficiency and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for adding per-user equipment controls to radio intelligent controller E2 policies. A method may include receiving a subscription procedure including an event trigger. The method may also include detecting the event trigger for a user equipment (UE), and determining whether the UE is a member of a UE list. The method may further include executing an ongoing process based on the detection and whether the UE is a member of the UE list.