Near-RT RIC Subscription Auditing for E2 Node Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronization failure between the Near-RT RIC and the E2 Node in the O-RAN architecture leads to outdated information about active RIC subscriptions, lacking a mechanism for the Near-RT RIC to verify the status of active subscriptions, resulting in potential misalignment and incorrect subscription management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for detecting events requiring subscription auditing, transmitting an audit request to the access node, receiving a response, and ensuring the Near-RT RIC's subscription configuration aligns with the access node's information, including procedures for correcting or adding missing subscriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the Near-RT RIC stores subscription information locally without verification mechanisms, then the subscription management process is simple and fast, but the synchronization reliability between Near-RT RIC and E2 Node deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the E2 Node sends subscription status information to the Near-RT RIC, and the Near-RT RIC sends audit requests to verify subscription status. This bidirectional feedback ensures synchronization while maintaining operational efficiency, resolving the contradiction between simple management and reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the E2 Node proactively send subscription status updates to the Near-RT RIC before discrepancies occur. Additionally, the Near-RT RIC initiates audit requests to pre-verify subscription status, preventing synchronization issues before they affect system operation.
2Device complexity
If no subscription auditing mechanism is implemented, then the system complexity remains low, but the information accuracy about active subscriptions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The auditing mechanism implements feedback loops where the Near-RT RIC sends audit requests and receives responses containing accurate subscription status information. This feedback process ensures information accuracy without requiring complex continuous monitoring, as audits are triggered by specific events or time intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing time-based audit triggers that periodically verify subscription status. This approach maintains information accuracy through regular checks while avoiding excessive complexity by using simple time-based triggers rather than continuous monitoring mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If continuous subscription verification is performed, then the subscription information accuracy is maintained, but the network signaling overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing time-based triggers that initiate audits only at scheduled intervals or after specific events, rather than continuously verifying subscription status. This maintains information accuracy while minimizing unnecessary verification operations and associated time overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The E2 Node performs preliminary actions by proactively sending subscription status updates to the Near-RT RIC before the Near-RT RIC would need to audit. This preliminary information provision reduces the need for frequent verification audits, maintaining accuracy while reducing verification time and signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising means for implementing a near-real-time radio access network intelligent controller; means for detecting an event triggering a need for an auditing of active service subscriptions at an associated access node; means for transmitting a service subscription audit request to said access node; means for receiving a service subscription audit response comprising information about at least one active any existing service subscription for said near-real-time radio access network intelligent controller from said access node; and means for carrying out a procedure to ensure that a configuration of said at least one active service subscription at the near-real-time radio access network intelligent controller corresponds to the information received from the access node.