RAN rApp Output Validation for Data Type and Value Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in managing inconsistent or invalid data types and values produced by Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller applications (rApps), which can lead to inefficiencies and resource mismanagement in wireless networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a first network apparatus to receive information about the registered data type and data output from rApps, performing determinations on data type inconsistencies and invalid values, and signaling indications to a second network apparatus for optimization, including blacklisting rApps with invalid outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If rApps are deployed without data validation, then system complexity is reduced, but data reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent or invalid data types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary validation of data types and values before they are processed by the network. The validation mechanism checks data consistency and validity in advance, preventing invalid data from propagating through the system. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining data reliability through pre-validation while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer between data producers (rApps) and data consumers (network functions). This intermediary component validates data types and values without requiring complex changes to the existing rApp architecture, thus maintaining system simplicity while ensuring data reliability through the mediating validation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If data validation is performed on all rApp outputs, then data reliability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements selective validation that focuses on critical data types and values rather than validating every single data element. By validating only the most important aspects of rApp outputs, the system maintains high data reliability for critical parameters while minimizing the time overhead associated with comprehensive validation of all data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If inconsistent data types are allowed, then system adaptability is improved, but resource optimization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidresource optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements data validation with specific schemas and value constraints tailored to each data type and context. Rather than imposing a uniform validation approach, the system applies localized validation rules that ensure data consistency for each specific data category while allowing flexibility in how different types of data are structured and interpreted, thus maintaining both adaptability and resource optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4391490B1Apparatus, method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4391490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4391490B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4391490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus, computer program, and method for causing a first network apparatus, to perform: receiving, from a data registry, information about a form of a data type registered as being output by a non-real time Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller application, rApp; receiving, from the rApp, a data output; and using said information and the data output to perform at least one of: a first determination that determines that the registered data type is inconsistent in form with the data output; and a second determination that determines that the data output comprises invalid values; and signalling an indication of the result of said first and/or second determination to a second network apparatus.