RAN Network Function Multi-Homing with Load-Adaptive Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fifth generation and sixth generation radio access networks face significant energy consumption challenges due to the high energy usage of distributed units, necessitating more efficient configurations to reduce energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multi-homing in radio access networks by assigning a primary and secondary instance of network functions, where the primary serves during high load and the secondary takes over during low load, with the secondary instance being switched to idle when load is sufficiently low, thereby reducing static energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary instance of a network function is configured to serve during high load scenarios, then service reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between primary and secondary network function instances based on real-time load conditions. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the active instance changes according to operational needs, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of network function instances based on load conditions. During low load scenarios, the primary instance is switched to a low-power state or deactivated, while the secondary instance takes over. This parameter change (active/low-power state) directly addresses the energy consumption issue while preserving service continuity.
2Reliability
If multiple instances of network functions are deployed for failover capability, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network function into multiple instances (primary and secondary), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows for distributed functionality and failover capability while managing complexity through clear role definition and standardized switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Both primary and secondary instances are designed with universal functionality to perform the same network functions. This multi-functionality ensures that either instance can independently handle service requirements, providing reliability without requiring complex specialized configurations for each instance.
3Reliability
If network functions remain in active state to handle sudden load increases, then service availability is improved, but energy waste increases during low load periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of load conditions and switches between primary and secondary instances based on detected load patterns. This periodic assessment allows the system to enter low-power states during low load periods while remaining ready to quickly transition back to active service when load increases, thereby reducing energy waste without compromising service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary network function instance is pre-configured and maintained in a standby state with necessary resources allocated. This preliminary preparation ensures that when load increases occur, the system can immediately switch to the pre-configured secondary instance without delay, maintaining service availability while avoiding the need for continuous high-power operation of the primary instance during low load periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method may include (i) configuring multi-homing by assigning a first network function in a radio access network of a mobile network operator for telecommunication service to both a primary instance of a second and distinct network function in the radio access network and a secondary instance of the second and distinct network function in the radio access network, and (ii) determining, by a component of the radio access network of the mobile network operator for telecommunication service applying a multi-homing switching policy, that a level of load is sufficiently low such that a switch should be performed to switch from the primary instance of the second and distinct network function serving the first network function to the secondary instance of the second and distinct network function serving the first network function.