Distributed RAN Analytics Nodes for Real-Time Data Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems lack the ability to efficiently collect and analyze fine-grained data in real-time, particularly in mobile networks, due to volume of data, tight timing constraints, and the complexity of data elements, leading to limited visibility and flexibility in managing network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that correlates control plane, user plane, and management plane data in real-time across distributed network devices, using Analysis and Reporting Nodes (ARNs) to collect and reduce data at the point of collection, and dynamically define schema fields and relationships, enabling descriptive and predictive analytics for proactive network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data is collected from multiple distributed network elements, then visibility into network performance is improved, but data volume and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary performance data from distributed network elements rather than collecting all available data. Analysis and Reporting Nodes selectively collect performance information based on predefined schemas and analytics requirements, filtering out redundant data at the source to reduce overall data volume while maintaining essential network visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data collection and processing function by distributing Analysis and Reporting Nodes across the network infrastructure. Each node independently collects and processes data from local network elements, dividing the overwhelming global data collection task into manageable local segments that can be processed in parallel.
2Speed
If real-time data collection is implemented across distributed network elements, then network monitoring capability is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining data collection schemas, performance thresholds, and analytics rules before data generation occurs. Analysis and Reporting Nodes are pre-configured with the exact data formats and processing logic needed, allowing them to immediately begin real-time data collection and processing without requiring complex runtime decision-making or data transformation.
3Measurement precision
If fine-grained performance data is collected, then measurement precision is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing dynamic modification of data collection schemas and performance thresholds without requiring changes to the underlying collection infrastructure. Analysis and Reporting Nodes can adjust what fine-grained parameters are collected and how they are processed based on changing network conditions and analytics requirements, maintaining measurement precision while adapting to different operational contexts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If distributed data collection is implemented, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing Analysis and Reporting Nodes with multi-functional capabilities that can handle multiple types of network elements, data formats, and analytics requirements through a single standardized platform. These nodes universally collect performance data from various network elements using common schemas and can perform multiple analytics functions, reducing the need for specialized devices for each network element type.
Data Source
AI summary
Control Plane and User plane packet data are collected within the Radio Access Network using a plurality of network devices. Consolidation and summarization of this information is then performed to present a unified picture of RAN through abstract APIs to management and analytics applications. The invention identifies methods of retaining the collected network data, such as control and application protocol headers at the collection points, and consolidation and exporting this network data to management/reporting/analytics application using application driven rules for consolidation and summarization. Real-time statistical analysis tools, which may be used to predict failure and degradation trends and proactively control the underlying causes, are also disclosed.