RIC Message Tracing for Persistent RAN Session State Queries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RAN intelligent controller platforms face challenges in maintaining accurate state information due to the loss of log files during rotations, making it difficult to track the current state of long-lived sessions between xApps and E2 nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method for packet tracing in a RAN that includes receiving a trace request with a tracing specification to collect state data from messages exchanged between a base station component and a RAN application via a RIC, processing the trace information to generate multiple sets of state data, and providing a trace report through a RIC management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If log files are used to track state information, then current state data can be obtained, but log files are lost during log rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the state information from message traces into a persistent data structure (hash table) that is independently stored and can be queried later. This copy mechanism ensures that even if original log files are rotated or lost, the state information remains accessible through the traced message data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary tracing of messages before log rotation occurs, capturing and storing state information in advance. By proactively collecting and preserving message trace data before the log files are rotated, the system ensures state information is retained and can be retrieved after rotation.
2Measurement precision
If message tracing is performed for all messages, then complete state data is collected, but system overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively tracing only specific message types and parameters that are relevant to state information, rather than uniformly tracing all messages. The system identifies and traces only the messages and data elements that contribute to state changes, reducing unnecessary tracing overhead while maintaining state data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential state-relevant information from messages during tracing, rather than capturing and processing entire message streams. By extracting and storing only the critical state data elements in the hash table, the system reduces processing complexity and storage requirements while maintaining the ability to reconstruct complete state information.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for performing packet tracing in a RAN. The method receives a trace request that includes a tracing specification for performing a trace operation for a subset of messages exchanged between a base station component and a RAN application via a RIC that operates as an interface between the base station component and the RAN application, the trace operation for collecting state data associated with the RIC. Based on the tracing specification, the method performs the trace operation for the subset of messages. The method receives a set of trace information that was collected during the trace operation and that includes state data associated with the RIC. The method processes the set of trace information to generate multiple sets of state data associated with the RIC for use in responding to queries for state data associated with the RIC.