Radio Unit Automation for Zero-Touch Cell Site Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying cellular network components in a seamless manner within 5G networks is challenging due to the need for significant time and resources, especially as networks scale, and there is a desire for improved integration, interoperability, performance, and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that automates radio unit (RU) tasks using bots (BOTS) to remotely perform operations such as retrieving data, performing health checks, and upgrading software, facilitated by Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) in Open RAN environments, allowing for agile and efficient network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual deployment methods are used for cellular network components, then deployment can be performed with simple processes, but deployment time and resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring deployment workflows, templates, and automation scripts before actual deployment occurs. The automation component retrieves pre-defined deployment procedures and configurations, allowing rapid execution without manual intervention during deployment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical deployment processes with automated software-based systems. The automation component uses software workflows, API calls, and programmable logic to substitute human operators performing physical and administrative deployment tasks, thereby reducing deployment time and resource consumption.
2Productivity
If automation components are implemented to reduce deployment time, then productivity improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is segmented into distinct functional modules including the automation component, workflow engine, communication interface, and configuration management subsystem. Each module handles specific deployment tasks independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular architecture while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary workflow engine and configuration layer that mediates between the automation component and the actual deployment operations. This intermediary layer abstracts complexity by providing standardized interfaces and pre-defined workflows, allowing the automation system to achieve productivity gains without exposing unnecessary system complexity.
3Productivity
If remote automation is implemented to manage multiple RUs, then deployment time is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation component incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor RU status, deployment progress, and system health. By retrieving and analyzing feedback data from deployed RUs, the system can automatically adjust workflows, detect issues early, and measure deployment effectiveness without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal monitoring and measurement framework that serves multiple functions including deployment tracking, health checking, performance measurement, and fault detection. This multi-functional approach consolidates monitoring capabilities into a single system that handles various measurement tasks without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automating radio unit tasks is provided. An example method includes establishing, by one or more processors, a connection between an RU automation component and an RU at a cell site; obtaining, by the one or more processors, RU data associated with the RU; wherein the RU data includes data that identifies one or more RU configuration settings; determining, by the one or more processors, to perform one or more RU operations associated with the RU; and causing, by the one or more processors, the one or more operations to execute.