Overload Control in Near-RT RIC for 6G E2 Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of connected devices in 6G communication systems poses challenges in managing load status and preventing overloading in wireless communication networks, particularly in the terahertz band, where signal transmission distance and coverage are critical issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling overload messages between E2 nodes and Near-RT RAN intelligent controllers (RIC) through status indication messages that convey overload information, allowing stations to identify and manage load status effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of connected devices is increased to meet the demand for wireless data traffic, then the network capacity and service coverage are improved, but the load status of network stations deteriorates leading to overloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidload status
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having network stations proactively transmit status indication messages containing load status information before overloading occurs. The base station monitors its load status and sends notifications to the RIC controller in advance, allowing the system to prepare for potential overloading conditions and take preventive measures before the station actually becomes overloaded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through bidirectional communication between base stations and the RIC controller. Status indication messages provide feedback about load status from base stations to the controller, and the controller can send back control messages to adjust network parameters. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic adaptation to changing network conditions and prevents overloading by adjusting resource allocation based on real-time status information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If resource allocation is optimized to improve network performance, then the efficiency of signal transmission is improved, but the complexity of load management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidload management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by centralizing load management functions in the RIC controller while keeping base stations relatively simple. The controller acts as an intermediary that receives status information from multiple base stations, processes the information, and coordinates resource allocation across the network. This separates the complexity of load management from individual base stations and concentrates it in a dedicated control entity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The status indication message structure implements universality by designing a standardized message format that can carry multiple types of information (load status, overload conditions, resource utilization metrics) in a unified manner. This universal message structure allows the same communication mechanism to handle various aspects of load management, reducing the need for multiple specialized protocols and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4661483A1Electronic device and method for controlling overloading
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4661483A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4661483A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4661483A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or 6th generation (6G) communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates than a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long-term evolution (LTE). Provided is a method performed by an E2 node according to embodiments. The method comprises the actions of: receiving, from a near-real time (RT) radio access network intelligent controller (RIC), a first message indicating that a radio access network (RAN) function or RIC subscription related to the RAN function is overloaded in the Near-RT RIC; stopping, on the basis of the first message, a procedure related to the loading state of the RAN function or the RIC subscription related to the RAN function until the reception of a second message indicating that the RAN function or the RIC subscription is not overloaded in the Near-RT RIC; receiving the second message from the Near-RT RIC; and restarting the procedure related to the loading state of the RAN function or the RIC subscription on the basis of the second message.