RIC Access Control for Scalable E2 Node Traffic in RANs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In RANs, as the number of E2 nodes connected to a RIC increases, a single instance of a RAN application may not be able to handle all traffic, leading to conflicts due to uncontrolled access by multiple applications, and increasing deployment instances exacerbates these issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed RIC with multiple datapath pods to manage traffic between RAN applications and E2 nodes, using access control lists to limit access, and employing vertical and horizontal scaling to optimize resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of E2 nodes connected to a RIC increases, then the system capacity and coverage are improved, but a single RAN application instance cannot handle all traffic and conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single RAN application instance into multiple deployment instances, where each instance can independently handle traffic from a subset of E2 nodes. This segmentation allows the system to scale horizontally to accommodate increasing numbers of E2 nodes while maintaining manageable traffic loads per instance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of access control by implementing access control lists (ACLs) that regulate which deployment instances can access which E2 nodes and RAN functions. This adds a organizational layer that enables efficient traffic distribution across multiple instances.
2Productivity
If the number of deployment instances and RAN applications is increased to handle more traffic, then the system capacity is improved, but conflicts increase as multiple applications attempt to access the same E2 nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces access control lists as an intermediary mechanism that mediates access between multiple deployment instances and E2 nodes. The ACLs act as a regulatory layer that prevents conflicts by controlling which instances can access which resources, enabling multiple instances to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements differentiated access rights for different deployment instances through ACLs, where each instance is granted specific access permissions to particular E2 nodes and RAN functions. This local quality approach ensures that each instance operates with appropriate privileges, reducing conflicts while maintaining system capacity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If access control lists are implemented to limit access to E2 nodes, then conflicts are reduced and system organization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal access control lists that can be applied across multiple deployment instances and E2 nodes with a single configuration framework. The ACL mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: conflict prevention, traffic management, and access control, reducing the overall complexity despite the added organizational layer.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for implementing access controls in a RAN (radio access network) to limit access to base station components of the RAN by RAN applications. The method is performed at a RIC (RAN intelligent controller) that connects the RAN applications to the base station components. The method receives a set of access control data that specifies which RAN applications are allowed to access which base station components. From a particular RAN application, the method receives a data message destined for a particular base station component. Based on the set of access control data, the method determines that the particular RAN application is allowed to access the particular base station component. The method forwards the data message to the particular base station component.