RAN Resource Manager for Virtual Network Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of managing virtual radio access networks (RANs) arises from the dynamic allocation and scaling of virtual network functions across multiple physical resources, requiring sophisticated resource management to ensure efficient operation and load balancing across cells.
Innovation Solution
A network mapping database and resource controller interface are configured to manage the allocation of resources to virtual cells, allowing for dynamic scaling and migration of instances, with a RAN resource manager providing APIs for operators to manage cell resources and instances, facilitating load balancing and optimal resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated physical resources are allocated to each cell, then service reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pool of physical resources that can be dynamically allocated to multiple virtual cells. The resource controller allows the same physical resources to serve different cells at different times, making the resources universal and multi-functional. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high resource utilization while maintaining service reliability through on-demand allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of cell resources through virtualization. Instead of dedicating physical resources to each cell, virtual resource instances are created that can be dynamically mapped to physical resources. This allows multiple virtual cells to share physical resources while maintaining the illusion of dedicated resources, thus improving utilization without sacrificing reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization of resources is implemented, then resource flexibility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resource controller as an intermediary layer between physical resources and virtual cells. This mediator manages the complexity of resource virtualization by handling resource allocation, mapping, and coordination tasks centrally. The resource controller abstracts the complexity from individual cells while enabling flexible resource allocation across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the resource management functionality into distinct components: a resource controller for centralized management, a database for mapping information, and individual cell entities. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility through modular architecture.
3Productivity
If dynamic allocation of resources is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but management complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resource controller serves as an intermediary that automates dynamic resource allocation. It receives resource requests from cells, queries the database for available resources, and performs allocation without manual intervention. This automation improves resource utilization efficiency while containing management complexity within the resource controller rather than distributing it across all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where cells can autonomously request and receive resources from the pool through standardized interfaces. The resource controller automatically matches requests with available resources using database mappings, enabling dynamic allocation without complex manual management. This self-service approach improves utilization while simplifying management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for managing interaction between a network operator and entities managing resources and instances in a virtual radio access network. A radio access network resource manager comprises a database mapping cells to resources and instances associated with the cells, and one or more interfaces between the network operator and the entities managing resources and instances. The radio access network manager mediates commands and information received from the network manager and from the entities managing resources and instances, translating cell-level commands and information from the network manager to commands and information relating to associated resources and entities, and translating resource and instance-level information and requests from the entities managing resources and instances to cell-level information and requests to the network operator.