RAN UE Identifier Mapping for Dynamic Per-User Policy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current management systems in the radio access network (RAN) lack the capability to dynamically manage individual user equipment (UE) due to limitations in subscriber profile identity (SPID) and quality of service (QoS) channel indicator (QCI) configurations, making it impractical to address individual UEs effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a new interface between the RAN and a network management system, utilizing the Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) and Open RAN (ORAN) architecture, to facilitate dynamic control of individual UEs through service management and orchestration (SMO) and Non-RT RAN intelligent controller (RIC) functionality, which includes identifying, observing, and issuing policies for individual UEs using subscription permanent identifiers (SUPI) and global unique temporary identifiers (GUTI).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SPID and QCI configuration is used for UE management, then network resource model can be conveyed through standardized interfaces, but individual UE dynamic control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UE management approach by introducing a separate per-UE identifier (PEU-I) that operates independently from the existing SPID and QCI framework. This segmentation allows individual UE identification and control without modifying the core NRM interface, thus maintaining backward compatibility while enabling new capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new interface between the RAN and the management system that acts as an intermediary. This interface receives PEU-I from the management system and forwards it to the RAN for individual UE control, avoiding direct modification of existing standardized interfaces and reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If legacy SPID and QCI concepts are used, then standardized control plane interfaces can be maintained, but per-UE observability and policy control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the existing identification framework by introducing PEU-I as a separate identifier dimension. Instead of relying solely on SPID and QCI combinations, the system now operates in a multi-dimensional identification space where PEU-I provides the additional dimension needed for reliable per-UE policy control and observability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the new interface as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the management system's per-UE control needs and the RAN's execution capabilities. This intermediary receives PEU-I, correlates it with existing UE contexts, and enables reliable per-UE policy enforcement without disrupting existing standardized interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new interface with ONAP/ORAN architecture is implemented, then individual UE dynamic control is enabled, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by introducing a dedicated new interface specifically for PEU-I communication, separate from existing management interfaces. This segmentation isolates the complexity of individual UE control to a dedicated interface layer, keeping the core NRM interface simple and unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a partial solution by introducing only the necessary PEU-I identification and communication functions through the new interface, without implementing the full ONAP/ORAN automation platform. This partial action enables individual UE control capability while minimizing the added complexity of the interface structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method performed by a network management system for managing one or more radio access networks (RANs) comprises receiving an indication from a RAN that a RAN identifier has been assigned for a wireless device, associating a management system identifier for the wireless device with the RAN identifier for the wireless device; and storing the association in a wireless device registry.