O-RAN Zero-Touch Provisioning Orchestration for Consistent Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of network devices in Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) is time-consuming and prone to errors, lacking consistency and automation, which is critical for scalable and efficient network deployment.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a processor engine is used to automate the zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) of O-RAN components, orchestrating workflows such as computer host provisioning, virtual server management, node-pool creation, and distributed unit instantiation, enabling automated configuration and deployment across heterogeneous vendor environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of network devices is used, then flexibility and control are maintained, but deployment time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring provisioning workflows, validation rules, and automation scripts before deployment. The ZTP orchestrator pre-establishes configuration templates and validation criteria that are automatically applied during device provisioning, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps and ensuring consistency from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ZTP orchestrator as an intermediary system that mediates between deployment requests and network devices. This orchestrator automates the configuration process by generating, validating, and applying configurations consistently across multiple devices, thereby reducing both deployment time and configuration errors while maintaining control through centralized management.
2Productivity
If automated provisioning is implemented, then deployment speed and consistency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ZTP orchestrator is designed as a universal system that can provision multiple types of network devices through standardized workflows. It performs multiple functions including configuration generation, validation, deployment, and monitoring within a single platform, thereby improving deployment efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity through modular architecture and reusable templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by parameterizing configuration templates and workflows, allowing the same orchestration framework to handle different device types and scenarios by changing parameters rather than restructuring the entire system. This enables scalable automation where productivity increases without linear growth in system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is performed, then adaptability to specific device requirements is maintained, but human error increases and scalability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service provisioning where devices automatically receive validated configurations through the ZTP orchestrator. The orchestrator adapts configurations to specific device requirements using pre-defined templates and validation rules, eliminating manual intervention that causes errors while maintaining customization capability through parameterized workflows that automatically adjust to device-specific needs.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, orchestration of zero touch provisioning (ZTP) in a cloud based 5G system in provided. In some embodiments, a ZTP orchestrator (ZTPO) receives a request to perform zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) associated with deployment/configuration of a cell site. One or more ZTP pipelines that perform ZTP operations associated with the deployment/configuration of the cell site are executed. The execution of the one or more ZTP pipelines are monitored and one or more results associated with the execution of the one or more ZTP pipelines determined. Feedback information based on the one or more results of the ZTP operations is determined.