RIC-Based DCI and MAC CE Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current O-RAN standard for cellular communication networks relies on slow-paced RRC messages with high signaling overhead and service interruptions, limiting the optimization gains of the Radio Intelligent Controller (RIC) in open radio access networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a RIC that adjusts downlink control information (DCI) and medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) parameters more quickly and with lower overhead, using a set of actions that can be applied faster than traditional RRC parameter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If RRC messages are used for parameter adjustment, then parameter control is achieved, but the adjustment speed is slow and signaling overhead is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustment speedVSAvoidservice interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the parameter control function from the traditional RRC message layer and implements it at the MAC layer instead. This allows parameter adjustments to be made independently without requiring full RRC message exchanges, thereby speeding up the adjustment process and reducing service interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new interface between the RIC and the MAC layer that acts as an intermediary for parameter control. This intermediary mechanism enables direct parameter adjustments without going through the traditional RRC message path, achieving faster control while reducing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If RRC parameters are used for optimization, then control functionality is provided, but signaling overhead increases and service interruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment at the MAC layer, allowing parameters to be changed in real-time based on network conditions without the rigid structure of RRC messages. This dynamic approach improves optimization efficiency while minimizing the signaling overhead associated with traditional RRC-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If faster parameter adjustment is implemented, then optimization gains improve, but new control mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization gainVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the parameter control functionality at the MAC layer, mirroring the essential control capabilities needed for optimization without requiring the full complexity of RRC message processing. This approach delivers optimization gains while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12273293B2Fast radio access network parameter control

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

The described technology is generally directed towards fast radio access network (RAN) parameter control for cellular communication networks. Example methods can use a radio intelligent controller (RIC) in a core network to adjust parameters used for cellular communications between a RAN and user devices. The RIC and RAN components can apply a set of actions to adjust the parameters more quickly and with less overhead than, e.g., adjustment of radio resource control (RRC) parameters. Parameters adjusted according to the techniques herein can include downlink control information (DCI) parameters and medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) parameters.