Radio Access Network Node Capability Exchange

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ensuring consistent configuration and automatic interaction between radio access network nodes from different vendors in next-generation telecommunications networks is challenging, especially in multi-vendor deployments where manual configuration of proprietary operation and maintenance systems is required.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamic capability exchange over different interfaces between radio access network nodes, allowing for automatic and efficient configuration and interaction, even across vendor boundaries, by transmitting and receiving capability information between nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of proprietary operation and maintenance systems is used for multi-vendor radio access network nodes, then configuration consistency can be achieved, but the complexity and time required for deployment increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration consistencyVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables radio access network nodes to automatically exchange capability information with neighboring nodes without manual configuration. Each node autonomously determines its supported capabilities and communicates them to adjacent nodes, which then automatically configure themselves to ensure consistent interworking across vendor boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where radio access network nodes continuously exchange capability information with neighboring nodes. This feedback loop ensures that each node is aware of its neighbors' capabilities, enabling automatic adaptation and consistent configuration without manual intervention throughout the network deployment lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual configuration is performed by mobile operators for each vendor-specific operation and maintenance system, then consistent configuration between neighboring nodes is ensured, but the time and resources required for integration and testing increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterworking consistencyVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary capability exchange between radio access network nodes during network setup or before interworking is required. Each node proactively communicates its capabilities to neighboring nodes in advance, enabling automatic configuration preparation and eliminating the need for time-consuming manual integration and testing phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary operation and maintenance systems from different vendors are used, then each vendor can optimize their own nodes, but the ability to ensure consistent configuration across vendor boundaries deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevendor independenceVSAvoidconfiguration consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal capability exchange mechanism that works across different vendor-specific operation and maintenance systems. The capability information exchange protocol is vendor-agnostic, allowing nodes from different vendors to communicate their capabilities and achieve consistent configuration while maintaining their proprietary system optimizations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If dynamic capability exchange is implemented between radio access network nodes, then automatic configuration and operation is enabled, but the complexity of the interaction protocols increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic operationVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent standardizes the capability information exchange format and protocol between radio access network nodes from different vendors. By homogenizing the interaction interface and data structures, the system enables automatic operation while minimizing protocol complexity and making implementation more manageable across different vendor ecosystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentEP4460087B1Exchanging capabilities among radio access network nodes
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP4460087B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4460087B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Method for operating a telecommunications network comprising a radio access network, wherein the radio access network comprises a plurality of radio access network nodes that are able to interact in order to provide communication services to user equipments being connected to or served by the telecommunications network, wherein the radio access network nodes realize, at least partly, radio access coordinator unit functionalities and/or base station functionalities, wherein, in order to operate the telecommunications network and/or the radio access network and in order for a specific first radio access network node and a specific second radio access network node interacting with each other, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, the specific first radio access network node transmits a capability indication message, the capability indication message comprises capability information related to or indicating the capability of the specific first radio access network node, -- in a second step, the specific second radio access network node receives capability information related to the specific first radio access network node.