O-RAN RIC Interface Tracing via Segmented Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracing techniques do not effectively address the interfaces related to RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functions defined by the O-RAN architecture, limiting the ability to oversee and optimize O-RAN operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for tracing O-RAN operations by capturing communication with RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) components over defined interfaces, such as the A1 and E2 interfaces, and generating a report in a predefined format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3GPP tracing techniques are used, then cell level or user equipment level activity can be traced, but interfaces related to RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) functions cannot be traced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracing functionality into two distinct components: a trace collection entity that collects trace data from multiple sources including RIC components, and a trace processing entity that processes and analyzes the collected data. This segmentation allows the system to trace both traditional 3GPP interfaces and new O-RAN RIC interfaces simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trace collection entity is designed with multi-functionality to collect trace data from diverse sources including E2 nodes, A1 interface between Non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC, and other network elements. This universal tracing capability enables the system to adapt to both 3GPP and O-RAN architectures, allowing comprehensive interface coverage while maintaining precise tracing measurements.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive trace data is collected from multiple RIC components and interfaces, then holistic view of network operations is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracing functionality from the existing 3GPP trace management service and creates a separate, dedicated trace collection entity. This extracted component specifically handles O-RAN RIC interface tracing without interfering with existing 3GPP tracing operations. The separation reduces system complexity by isolating the new tracing requirements from the established tracing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trace collection entity acts as an intermediary between multiple trace sources (E2 nodes, RIC components, A1 interface) and the trace processing entity. This intermediary component standardizes the collection of trace data from heterogeneous sources, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive information collection across all RIC interfaces and components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for tracing open radio access network (O-RAN) operations. The tracing technique includes tracing O-RAN operations. based on a plurality of tracing parameters. by capturing communication with at least one of a plurality of RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) components controlling the O-RAN operations over a plurality of interfaces. Further, the tracing technique includes generating a report comprising trace data based on the tracing in a predefined format.