RAN Analytics Exposure Through Centralized SMO Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RAN analytics exposure mechanisms face security issues, authentication challenges, and mobility-related interruptions due to direct access by external servers to Near-RT RICs, lacking complete system knowledge, and increased latency in data processing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control mechanism where RAN analytics information exposure is managed by the SMO/Non-RT RIC, allowing flexible exposure from either the SMO/Non-RT RIC or Near-RT RIC to external servers based on use cases, with security tokens and centralized authentication to enhance security and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If external servers directly access Near-RT RICs to obtain RAN analytics information, then data access speed is improved, but security issues and authentication challenges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized authentication and authorization system as an intermediary between external servers and Near-RT RICs. This mediator handles security token validation and access control, allowing fast data access while maintaining strong security through centralized authentication mechanisms.
2Productivity
If RAN analytics information is exposed from Near-RT RICs, then real-time processing is improved, but mobility-related interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors UE mobility events and adjusts analytics exposure accordingly. When mobility is detected, the system receives feedback about the change and modifies data delivery to maintain continuity, ensuring real-time processing continues without interruptions during user movement.
3Reliability
If centralized control from SMO/Non-RT RIC is implemented, then security and authentication are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the centralized authentication system to serve multiple functions: it authenticates external servers, authorizes data access, manages security tokens, and coordinates analytics exposure. By making this single component multi-functional, the system achieves strong authentication without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If RAN analytics data is collected and processed centrally, then data accuracy is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing function into two parts: centralized collection and validation at SMO/Non-RT RIC for accuracy, and distributed real-time processing at Near-RT RICs for low latency. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific requirement without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method performed by a service gateway comprises receiving a request for RAN analytics information from a consumer application and providing the RAN analytics information to the consumer application. Providing the RAN analytics information to the consumer application comprises: obtaining data for determining the RAN analytics information from the RAN radio manager; in response to receiving the request for RAN analytics information from the consumer application, determining the RAN analytics information based on the data received from the RAN radio manager; and sending the RAN analytics information to the consumer application.