Radio Link Management in Split RAN Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless network communications, particularly in 5G RAN architectures, there is a challenge in reliably determining whether to suspend or remove a radio link serving a user equipment (UE) due to variable radio channel quality, as existing solutions lack the ability to differentiate between single-connectivity and multi-connectivity links, leading to resource inefficiencies and potential data interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring distributed unit (DU) network nodes with criteria for reporting quality metrics and determining changes in resources based on quality reports, with central unit (CU) network nodes providing indications of link type, allowing informed decisions on resource management, such as suspending or removing radio links, to optimize resource allocation and minimize disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing solutions are used to manage radio links without differentiating between single-connectivity and multi-connectivity links, then the system is simpler to operate, but resource efficiency deteriorates and data interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where quality metric reports from DU network nodes are continuously monitored and fed back to the CU network node. This feedback loop enables dynamic differentiation between single-connectivity and multi-connectivity links based on reported quality metrics, allowing the system to optimize resource allocation without manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the radio link management by introducing distinct handling procedures for single-connectivity and multi-connectivity links. By segmenting the management logic based on connectivity type, the system can apply specialized resource allocation and suspension strategies for each link type, improving overall resource efficiency while maintaining clear operational boundaries.
2Reliability
If radio links are suspended or removed based on quality metrics without differentiating link types, then the system operates uniformly, but resource wastage increases due to temporary outages
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by implementing different suspension and removal strategies tailored to each connectivity type. For single-connectivity links, more conservative suspension thresholds are applied to prevent complete service interruption, while multi-connectivity links allow more aggressive resource release since alternative paths exist. This localized quality approach minimizes resource wastage while maintaining service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in quality metrics to dynamically adjust link management decisions. By monitoring changes in quality metric reports over time, the system can distinguish between temporary degradations and permanent failures, applying appropriate suspension or removal actions only when necessary. This parameter-based approach reduces premature link removal and associated resource wastage.
3Ease of operation
If quality metric reporting is implemented without link type differentiation, then the reporting mechanism is simpler, but informed resource management decisions cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The quality metric reporting mechanism is designed with universality to serve both single-connectivity and multi-connectivity links through a common reporting framework. The same reporting structure and criteria are used for both link types, maintaining operational simplicity. However, the CU network node enriches this universal reporting with link type information, enabling differentiated resource management decisions without complicating the underlying reporting mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary central unit (CU) network node manages resources associated with a radio link serving a UE. The CU network node can configure (1502) distributed unit (DU) network nodes, coupled to the CU network node and the UE, with one or more criteria relating to reporting quality metrics pertaining to the radio link. The CU network node can receive (1504) one or more quality metric reports, from a reporting DU network node, in accordance with the one or more criteria. The CU network node can determine (1506) a change in resources associated with the radio link based on the one or more quality metric reports and information identifying whether the radio link is a single-connectivity link or a multi-connectivity link. Other exemplary embodiments include a DU network node, methods performed by the CU network node or the DU network node, and computer program products or computer-readable media embodying instructions corresponding to these methods.