O-RAN Control for Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks are typically managed separately, lacking integration and collaboration, which hinders efficient network management and resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an open radio access network (O-RAN) platform with rApps and xApps to integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, utilizing non-real-time and near-real-time radio access network intelligent controllers (non-RT RIC and near-RT RIC) for network management, including automatic neighbor relation table management and service-aware traffic management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks are managed separately, then each network can be independently controlled and maintained, but network integration and collaboration are hindered, reducing overall resource utilization efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork integration capabilityVSAvoidnetwork management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks into a unified integrated network system, enabling seamless interconnection and collaboration between the two previously separate networks through standardized interfaces and protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal network management platform that can manage both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks with diverse functions, allowing a single system to handle multiple network types and operations through standardized management interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate network management is maintained, then operational simplicity is preserved, but resource utilization efficiency and network performance optimization are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms including automatic neighbor relation table management and service-aware traffic management that enable the integrated network to autonomously optimize resource allocation and performance without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is implemented, then network capacity and reliability are enhanced, but system complexity and management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary management functions and standardized interfaces that mediate between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, enabling reliable integration while abstracting away the underlying complexity through unified management protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260032569A1Systems and methods for implementing service aware integrated terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial network systems

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, connecting a user equipment (UE) to integrated networks including one or more terrestrial networks and one or more non-terrestrial networks, running a non-real time radio access network intelligent controller (non-RT RIC) at a service management and orchestration platform (SMO) of the O-RAN by running a plurality of rApps to manage traffic from the one or more terrestrial networks and the one or more non-terrestrial networks, and running a near-real time radio access network intelligent controller (near-RT RIC), where the running the near-RT RIC further comprises running an xApp to receive a UE measurement report and manage an automatic neighbor relation table in response to a command from one or more of the plurality of rApps. Other embodiments are disclosed.