SDN Controller for Dynamic RAN Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face challenges in dynamically managing network resources to meet varying demands from different types of devices, such as mobile communication devices, vehicle-based devices, and IoT devices, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential performance degradation due to mismatched service needs and infrastructure limitations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a software-defined network (SDN) that dynamically configures and reallocates radio access network (RAN) resources based on real-time utilization thresholds, allowing for intelligent slicing and reconfiguration of RAN resources to optimize capacity utilization across different services, using a control, orchestrator, management, and policy (COMP) server to manage and prioritize resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If infrastructure expansion is implemented to meet increasing network demand, then network capacity and service quality are improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the SDN controller continuously monitors network utilization metrics and automatically adjusts RAN resource configuration in real-time based on actual demand. This replaces static infrastructure expansion with dynamic optimization, allowing the system to adapt capacity allocation without adding physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting RAN resource configuration parameters (such as bandwidth allocation, power settings, and antenna beamforming) based on real-time utilization thresholds. This allows the existing infrastructure to operate at optimal efficiency levels without requiring expansion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static resource allocation is used to simplify network management, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying service demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary between the physical RAN infrastructure and the diverse service demands. It abstracts the complexity of real-time resource optimization from individual network elements and provides centralized intelligent management, enabling adaptability without increasing distributed device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller provides universal management capabilities that handle multiple service types (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) through a single centralized platform. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to varying demands without requiring separate management systems for each service type.
3Productivity
If RAN resources are allocated to support diverse device types, then service coverage is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to mismatched allocations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the SDN controller monitors actual RAN utilization metrics for different service types and compares them against target thresholds. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts resource allocations to eliminate mismatches between allocated and actual needs, optimizing efficiency while maintaining diverse service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static resource allocation into a dynamic system that continuously adapts to actual service demands. The SDN controller adjusts RAN configuration parameters in real-time based on monitored utilization, ensuring resources are efficiently matched to current needs across different device types and service categories.
4Reliability
If network resources are over-provisioned to ensure adequate service quality, then service reliability is improved, but loss of energy and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN-controlled system enables the network to self-adjust resource allocation based on real-time demand monitoring. Instead of relying on conservative over-provisioning, the system automatically scales resource usage to match actual service needs, maintaining quality of service while eliminating waste through intelligent self-management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as transmission power, bandwidth allocation, and antenna configuration based on real-time utilization thresholds. This allows the network to maintain service quality at optimal resource levels rather than relying on fixed over-provisioning, reducing energy consumption and resource waste.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving a first target allocation of a radio access network resource of a radio access network of a communication network, transmitting first configuration information to the radio access network to configure the radio access network according to the first target allocation, receiving from the radio access network a first utilization of the first portion of the capacity of the radio access network resource, comparing the first utilization to a first utilization threshold responsive to receiving the first utilization from the radio access network, determining an adjustment of the first target allocation of the radio network resource according to the comparing of the first utilization to the first utilization threshold, and transmitting second configuration information to the radio access network to re-configure the radio access network according to the adjustment of the first target allocation of the radio network resource. Other embodiments are disclosed.