Automated RAN Hardware Decommissioning and Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an automated method for decommissioning old hardware and commissioning new hardware in radio access networks (RAN), leading to inefficient use of system resources due to the lack of timely reallocation of resources.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that monitors RAN equipment, identifies malfunctioning units, initiates decommissioning of the faulty equipment, and commissions replacement equipment, ensuring timely reallocation of system resources through an integrated equipment monitoring system and operational support system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual decommissioning and commissioning processes are used, then system resource reallocation can be controlled and approved, but the process is time-consuming and leads to inefficient use of system support resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting equipment failures and initiating decommissioning/commissioning workflows before manual intervention is completed. The automated system prepares and submits decommissioning requests, obtains approvals, and coordinates resource reallocation in advance, reducing the overall time required for the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the automated monitoring system to independently detect failures, generate decommissioning requests, obtain approvals through automated workflows, and coordinate with the resource management system for reallocation. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention delays and significantly improves processing efficiency.
2Productivity
If automated decommissioning and commissioning is implemented, then resource reallocation speed is improved, but system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system that acts as a mediator between the equipment monitoring system and the resource management system. This intermediary component handles the complex integration tasks, including automated detection, workflow coordination, approval processes, and resource reallocation signaling, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If timely decommissioning is performed, then system resource utilization is optimized, but the risk of service disruption increases during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining approvals and preparing resource reallocation plans before actually decommissioning the old equipment. This ensures that all necessary preparations are completed in advance, minimizing the risk of service disruption during the actual transition period while maintaining optimized resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by implementing approval workflows and coordination mechanisms that buffer against potential service disruptions. The automated system ensures that decommissioning only proceeds after proper approvals are obtained and resource reallocation is coordinated, creating a protective layer that maintains service reliability during the transition.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system and method for managing resources of a radio access network (RAN) which includes: monitoring the RAN; identifying a piece of equipment within the RAN that is not functioning in a normal manner; based on identifying the piece of equipment that is not functioning in a normal manner, initiating an alert to a user and generating a request to decommission the identified piece of equipment; requesting approval of the request to decommission the identified piece of equipment and to commission a replacement for the identified piece of equipment; and, based on receiving approval of the request to decommission the identified piece of equipment and to commission a replacement for the identified piece of equipment, initiating decommissioning of the identified piece of equipment and commissioning of the replacement for the identified piece of equipment.