RAN DU Failover Using Dynamic Standby Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless cellular networks experience significant service interruptions when a Distributed Unit (DU) device in the Radio Access Network (RAN) experiences an outage, as conventional methods rely on manual intervention and require downtime for recovery.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic standby DU device that can be rapidly reconfigured to take over the functions of a malfunctioning DU, using a network management system to manage DU devices and establish NETCONF protocol sessions for seamless transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standby DU device is implemented for automatic failover, then service availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standby DU device is pre-configured with the same functional parameters and address information as the active DU device before an outage occurs. This preliminary configuration allows the standby device to immediately assume the active role without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration, thereby improving service availability while managing system complexity through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management device acts as an intermediary that coordinates the failover process. It receives outage detection information, identifies the standby DU device, and manages the transition by updating the RU device's configuration parameter. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the failover coordination function.
2Loss of time
If manual intervention is used for DU device recovery, then device complexity is reduced, but service downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service failover where the standby DU device automatically takes over the active DU's functions when an outage is detected. The RU device automatically detects the outage by monitoring the configuration parameter, and the standby device automatically assumes the active role without requiring manual intervention. This automation significantly reduces service downtime while the complexity is managed through standardized protocols.
3Reliability
If rapid reconfiguration of standby DU is implemented, then service availability is improved, but reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standby DU device is pre-configured with identical functional parameters, address information, and operational settings as the active DU device. This preliminary configuration ensures that when failover is needed, the standby device can immediately assume the active role without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration operations, thereby achieving rapid service restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary mechanism for rapid failover is changing the configuration parameter (address) at the RU device from pointing to the inactive DU to pointing to the standby DU. This single parameter change enables immediate traffic redirection to the standby device, achieving rapid reconfiguration and minimizing service disruption time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of operating a Radio Access Network (RAN) including a Radio Unit (RU), a first Distributed Unit (DU), a second DU that functions as a dynamic standby DU, and a network management device. After the RU transmits data to the first DU using a configuration parameter set to an address of the first DU, the RU detects an outage of the first DU. In response to detecting the outage, the RU transmits to the network management device a message indicating detection of the outage. In response, the network management device configures the second DU to perform the functions of the first DU, and causes the second DU to request the RU to set the configuration parameter to an address of the second DU. The RU then uses the configuration parameter set to the address of the second DU to transmit data to the second DU.