RAN Node Configuration via Near-Real-Time RIC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular networking approaches lack configurability and coordination among network nodes, leading to limited flexibility, vendor lock-ins, and difficulties in optimizing radio resource management and spectrum utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) within the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) framework to configure and control RAN components using a simplified service model that decouples and optimizes CU-CP, CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU functions, enabling flexible deployment and vendor diversity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional black-box approaches are used, then network deployment is simplified, but configurability and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the RAN into disaggregated functional units (CU-CP, CU-UP, O-DU, O-RU) that can be independently configured and controlled. This allows the network to maintain deployment simplicity through standardized interfaces while achieving high configurability through individual component customization, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of deployment and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a near-real-time RIC that enables dynamic reconfiguration of network parameters and resource allocation. The system can adapt to changing traffic profiles and deployment requirements in real-time, transforming a static black-box network into a dynamic, highly configurable system that maintains operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If monolithic all-in-one solutions are used, then system complexity is reduced, but coordination and joint optimization among network nodes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAN into multiple coordinated units (CU-CP, CU-UP, O-DU, O-RU) with standardized interfaces, reducing individual node complexity while enabling sophisticated coordination through the RIC. This segmentation allows each node to remain simple yet coordinated, resolving the contradiction between architectural simplicity and coordination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the RIC as an intermediary layer that coordinates and optimizes network nodes without increasing their individual complexity. The RIC acts as a mediator that manages joint optimization across distributed units, maintaining node simplicity while achieving advanced coordination and optimization capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If black-box vendor-specific solutions are used, then implementation is easier, but vendor lock-in occurs and multi-vendor deployment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing standardized O-RAN interfaces and protocols that enable multi-vendor deployment. The disaggregated architecture with standard interfaces allows equipment from different vendors to be seamlessly integrated, eliminating vendor lock-in while maintaining implementation ease through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized interfaces as intermediaries between vendor equipment and the network controller. These standard interfaces act as mediators that enable diverse vendor equipment to operate together seamlessly, facilitating multi-vendor deployment without complicating the implementation process.
4Device complexity
If conventional OAM and FCAPS models are used, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but real-time network status awareness and fast fault diagnosis are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing continuous near-real-time monitoring and telemetry collection from all RAN nodes. This proactive data gathering enables fast detection and diagnosis of network issues before they escalate, significantly improving network status awareness speed while using efficient data structures to manage infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through near-real-time telemetry and monitoring that provide continuous network status information to the RIC. This feedback loop enables rapid fault diagnosis and adaptive response, dramatically improving detection speed while maintaining manageable infrastructure through intelligent data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Example techniques and systems are disclosed. An example controller for a radio access network (RAN) includes one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store instructions to cause the one or more processors to send, to an E2 node of the RAN, a control message comprising first object configuration data for the E2 node, wherein the first object configuration data includes a first global cell identifier that uniquely identifies a first cell or first node of the RAN to which the first object configuration data is to be applied.