Radio Access Network Element Management Through Filtered Mediator Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing management systems for Network Elements (NEs) in Radio Access Networks (RANs) lack the capability to implement complex segregation schemes, particularly in Multi-Operator Radio Access Networks (MORAN) and Private Networks, leading to security and privacy issues, and current Element Managers (EMs) only allow simple partitions based on manufacturer-specific implementations.
Innovation Solution
A mediator module is introduced to mediate communications between Operational Support Systems (OSS) and NE management functionalities, filtering data based on predetermined criteria to allow separate management of NEs by different operators, enabling customized RAN segmentation on a per network cell basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current Element Managers (EMs) are used for NE management, then simple partitions based on manufacturer implementations are allowed, but complex segregation schemes in MORAN and Private Networks cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
A mediator module is introduced between the NE management functionality and the OSS to enable complex segregation schemes. The mediator filters and routes management communications based on predetermined criteria, allowing multiple operators to access NEs through a unified management interface while maintaining separate management views. This resolves the contradiction by adding versatility without requiring complex changes to the core EM architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The management interface is segmented into multiple filtered views, where each operator or network can access only the relevant portion of NE data and management functions. The mediator module implements this segmentation by filtering communications based on operator identifiers, PLMN codes, or other criteria, enabling complex segregation without requiring separate EM instances for each operator.
2Productivity
If NEs are shared between multiple operators in MORAN, then resource utilization is improved, but security and privacy issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator module acts as a security intermediary that filters and controls access to shared NEs. It ensures that each operator can only access and manage the portions of NEs assigned to their network, preventing unauthorized access while enabling efficient resource sharing. The mediator implements access control based on operator identifiers and communication filters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different operators receive customized management interfaces tailored to their specific needs and authorized NEs. The mediator provides local quality by filtering data and commands according to each operator's authorization criteria, ensuring that each operator sees and can manage only the relevant portion of the network while sharing the same physical infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If simple partitions are used for NE management, then implementation is straightforward, but fine-grained management on per network cell basis is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator module implements dynamic filtering capabilities that can adapt to different management granularities. It can filter NEs at high levels (operator-level partitions) or at fine granular levels (per network cell, per PLMN) based on the communication filters configured. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain ease of operation while achieving fine-grained management when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the filtering parameters dynamically based on the management requirements. The mediator can adjust filter criteria such as PLMN codes, network cell identifiers, or operator identifiers to achieve different levels of granularity. This parameter flexibility allows the same mediator to support both simple partitions and fine-grained management without requiring different system architectures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing Network Elements of a system of access networks of a telecommunications network by one or more telecommunications operators through one or more Network Element management functionalities by Operational Support Systems of the telecommunications operators. The method comprises providing a mediator module configured for mediating the communications between the Operational Support Systems of the telecommunications operators and the Network Element management functionality by filtering the communications according to predetermined filtering criteria for allowing the Operational Support System of each of the one or more telecommunications operators to manage only a respective part of the Network Elements of the access network depending on the filtering criteria.