RAN xApp Conflict Mitigation at the RIC Control Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The open, disaggregated nature of Radio Access Networks (RANs) can lead to conflicts between applications (xApps) deployed on the network, causing performance degradation due to overwriting of policies or actions, resulting in a 'ping pong' effect and potential adverse impacts on RAN and RIC performance.
Innovation Solution
A conflict management system (CMS) is implemented to monitor and manage xApp operations, detect performance degradation, identify conflicts, and employ preventive and reactive measures to mitigate adverse effects by terminating conflicting operations, rolling back configurations, and using machine learning (ML) to predict and prevent conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple xApps are deployed to adjust control parameters in an open disaggregated RAN, then system adaptability and innovation capability are improved, but operational conflicts arise causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conflict management system that acts as an intermediary between multiple xApps. This system monitors control parameter adjustments, detects conflicts when multiple xApps attempt to modify the same parameter, and resolves them through a coordinated approach, preventing the harmful 'ping pong' effect while maintaining the benefits of multi-app deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The conflict management system implements continuous feedback mechanisms by monitoring control parameter changes in real-time. When performance degradation is detected or conflicts are identified, the system provides feedback to terminate or rollback conflicting xApp operations, ensuring system reliability is maintained despite high adaptability
2Productivity
If xApps autonomously adjust control parameters to optimize performance, then system performance is improved, but conflicts cause deleterious operation and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The conflict management system performs preliminary anti-action by proactively detecting potential conflicts before they cause harmful effects. It monitors xApp operations and predicts when multiple apps may attempt to adjust the same control parameter, taking preventive measures to avoid the 'ping pong' effect and performance degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of conflicting xApp operations into a benefit by using the conflict detection mechanism to learn from past conflicts. It stores rollback information and uses machine learning to predict future conflicts, transforming the problem of conflicts into an opportunity for system improvement and optimization
3Stability of the object's composition
If conflicting xApp operations are terminated and configurations rolled back, then operational stability is improved, but system responsiveness and innovation deployment are slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The conflict management system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring rollback information before conflicts occur. When an xApp is deployed, the system stores its configuration and identifies potential conflicts in advance, so that when a conflict is detected, the rollback can be executed immediately without delay, maintaining both stability and responsiveness
4Reliability
If machine learning is used to predict and prevent conflicts, then conflict prevention capability is improved, but system complexity and computational overhead are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The conflict management system implements self-service by using machine learning models that automatically learn from past conflict patterns and improve their prediction capabilities over time. The system trains models using historical conflict data and deployment information, enabling autonomous conflict prediction without requiring manual configuration or external intervention, thus managing complexity through automation
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology is generally directed towards conflict management of applications implemented on a radio access network (RAN) network. Various embodiments are presented to enable identification of a potential conflict (e.g., where an application is being onboarded) as well as a present conflict (e.g., where two or more applications are already operational). Conflicts may directly affect a control target, e.g., two applications are trying to control the same target. Conflicts may indirectly affect a control target, two applications affect a first metric and a second metric, but a third metric is affected. Conflict resolution includes preventing an application onboarding, terminating operation of an application, identifying causes unrelated to the application, rolling back operation of the RAN to a prior condition (e.g., pre-conflict condition), and suchlike. Conflict resolution can be conducted at a RAN intelligent controller (RIC).