Real-Time RAN Application Platform for Sub-10ms Control Loops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio access network (RAN) standards, such as O-RAN, lack real-time (RT) intelligent controllers (RICs) capable of operating at timescales suitable for 5G/6G wireless communication requirements, particularly for ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and real-time control of events like user scheduling, resource allocation, and beam management, with current non-RT and near-RT RICs being insufficient for 1 ms control loops.
Innovation Solution
A real-time RIC platform for RAN nodes that supports RT user applications, monitors native RAN node functions, and enables low-latency control loops of less than 10 ms through a RT agent application, interface services, common services, and system services, with dynamic lifecycle management and low-overhead operations, allowing seamless deployment and upgrade of applications without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-RT and near-RT RICs are used for RAN control, then RAN control and assurance functions are provided, but control loop latency exceeds 10 ms which is insufficient for 5G/6G URLLC requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RAN control architecture into multiple hierarchical levels: non-RT RIC for strategic control, near-RT RIC for tactical control, and RT RIC for real-time control. This segmentation allows each layer to operate at appropriate time scales, with the RT RIC specifically handling sub-10ms control loops for URLLC applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RT application platform as an intermediary component between the RAN infrastructure and external applications. This platform provides standardized interfaces and abstractions that enable low-latency RT control while maintaining compatibility with existing non-RT and near-RT RIC architectures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary RAN components are used, then vendor-specific functionality is achieved, but interoperability and programmability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RT application platform that can execute multiple types of RT user applications through standardized interfaces. The platform supports various RAN control functions, telemetry applications, and third-party applications using common APIs and protocols, eliminating the need for vendor-specific implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic deployment, activation, and management of RT user applications through programmable interfaces. Applications can be loaded, configured, and activated in real-time without hardware changes, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements and enabling seamless upgrades.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio access network (RAN) node may include a real-time (RT) application platform configured to execute at least one RT user application, the at least one RT user application being a non-native RAN node application, and a RT agent application configured to, monitor events generated by at least one native RAN node function, and transmit a mailbox message to the at least one RT user application in response to the generated event.