RAN Model Switching for Concept Drift Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine Learning models deployed on Radio Access Networks do not adapt continuously to network changes, leading to concept drift, which causes decreased network capacity, quality of service, and service delays due to inaccurate predictions and decision-making.

Innovation Solution

Implement a system that detects concept drift, deploys a robust model temporarily, and incrementally transitions to a retrained or existing model, allowing continuous network operation during retraining, thereby minimizing harmful decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a Machine Learning model is deployed statically on a Radio Access Network, then the model can make decisions based on initial training data, but the model cannot adapt to changes in network conditions leading to concept drift and decreased performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel reliabilityVSAvoidmodel adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic model management system that continuously monitors model performance metrics and automatically triggers retraining when concept drift is detected. The system transitions from a static deployed model to a dynamic system where models can be retrained and replaced based on real-time performance evaluation, resolving the contradiction between initial reliability and ongoing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where model performance is monitored against predefined thresholds. When performance degradation indicates concept drift, the feedback triggers automated retraining processes. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the model maintains reliability by adapting to changing network conditions through continuous performance monitoring and iterative improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the Machine Learning model is retrained continuously to adapt to network changes, then the model can maintain accuracy, but the retraining process causes service delays and network disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel adaptabilityVSAvoidservice delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the model lifecycle into distinct phases: active deployment phase and retraining phase. During retraining, the system creates multiple model versions and uses A/B testing to evaluate performance before full deployment. This segmentation allows retraining to occur without completely disrupting service, as traffic can be gradually shifted between model versions during the transition period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by training candidate models in advance and evaluating them through A/B testing before full deployment. This preliminary evaluation ensures that only models meeting performance thresholds are deployed, preventing service disruptions caused by ineffective model updates. The gradual traffic migration during A/B testing also prepares the system for seamless transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the model is replaced immediately when concept drift is detected, then the network can avoid harmful decisions, but there is no time to retrain a new model and the replacement model may not be optimized for current conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork decision accuracyVSAvoidmodel deployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary model training and validation in advance of full deployment. When concept drift is detected, pre-trained candidate models are already available for immediate deployment through controlled rollouts. This preliminary preparation ensures rapid response to concept drift while maintaining optimization through pre-validation of candidate models against current network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation phase using A/B testing as a mediator between model development and full deployment. Candidate models undergo controlled evaluation with a portion of traffic before full replacement, allowing the system to verify model effectiveness without immediate full-scale deployment. This intermediary step reduces deployment complexity by providing a safety buffer and validation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If A/B testing is conducted to evaluate new models before full deployment, then model reliability is improved, but the complexity of the model management system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments traffic routing into distinct pathways: primary model handling normal traffic and candidate models handling test traffic through A/B testing. This segmentation isolates the complexity of model evaluation to specific test pathways while maintaining simple primary operation. The system manages multiple model versions independently, reducing overall system complexity through modular organization of model deployment workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12542707B2Facilitating intelligent concept drift mitigation in advanced communication networks
Publication Date: 2026.02.03 DELL PROD LP
  • US12542707B2 patent drawing
  • US12542707B2 patent drawing
  • US12542707B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Facilitating intelligent concept drift mitigation in advanced communication networks is provided herein. A method includes utilizing, by a system comprising a processor, a first model that facilitates management of resources within a communications network. A reliability level of the first model is determined to satisfy a defined reliability level. The method also includes based on a first determination that the reliability level of the first model no longer satisfies the defined reliability level, replacing, by the system, the first model with a second model that temporarily facilitates management of the resources within the communications network. Further, the method includes, based on a second determination that a third model satisfies the defined reliability level, deploying, by the system, the third model within the communications network. The deploying can include incrementally transitioning facilitation of the management of resources from the second model to the third model.