Real-Time RIC Platform for Sub-10 ms RAN Node Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current O-RAN standards provide non-real-time and near-real-time RICs that are not suitable for controlling events occurring at RAN nodes with time scales below 10 ms, such as user scheduling, resource allocation, and beam management, which are required for 5G and expected for 6G wireless communication standards.
Innovation Solution
A real-time RIC platform for RAN nodes that operates with a time scale of less than 10 ms, supporting low-latency operations and dynamic lifecycle management, enabling control, telemetry, and external interface-related operations, with a control loop execution time of 1 ms or less, and allowing for in-place feature upgrades without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-RT or near-RT RICs are used for RAN control, then standardization and interoperability are improved, but real-time control capability for events below 10 ms is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the RAN control function into two distinct components: a non-RT RIC for standardized, long-term control policies and a RT RIC for time-critical, real-time control operations. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal time scale while maintaining overall system interoperability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The RT RIC acts as an intermediary between the non-RT RIC and the RAN node, receiving control policies from the non-RT RIC and translating them into real-time control actions. This intermediary enables the system to maintain standardized policy management while achieving sub-10ms real-time control responsiveness.
2Speed
If RT RIC platform is implemented for sub-10 ms control, then real-time control capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RT RIC platform is designed as a universal, multi-functional system that can handle various real-time control tasks (scheduling, resource allocation, beam management) through a common architecture. This universality reduces the need for separate specialized systems for each control function, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive real-time control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The RT RIC implements dynamic control loops that adapt to changing RAN conditions in real-time. The system dynamically adjusts control parameters and decision-making processes based on current network state, enabling efficient sub-10ms response without requiring overly complex static control mechanisms for all possible scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic lifecycle management is implemented, then application update capability is improved, but control stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation and preparation of application updates before they take effect. Control parameters and configurations are pre-checked for stability and compatibility, and updates are staged rather than applied all at once. This preliminary action ensures that dynamic updates do not compromise the stability of ongoing control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The RT RIC implements continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor the impact of application updates on control stability. If an update begins to destabilize control loops, the system detects this through feedback from performance metrics and can roll back or adjust the update. This feedback-driven approach enables dynamic lifecycle management while preserving control stability.
Data Source
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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.