Shared RAN Resource Arbitration for Multi-Core Network Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared Radio Access Network (RAN) deployments with multiple core networks, there is no defined method to arbitrate the usage of RAN resources between different core networks, leading to potential resource allocation imbalances, especially during high usage periods when higher priority networks may dominate resource allocation, leaving lower priority networks without guaranteed access to necessary resources.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method and apparatus for managing RAN resources across multiple core networks, which involves receiving resource allocation control indicators and values, determining allotment parameters, and transmitting these to a traffic controller to allocate RAN resources based on guaranteed minimum, absolute, or percentage-based allocations, ensuring each core network receives its allocated share, even during peak usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple core networks share a common RAN without defined arbitration methods, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but resource allocation fairness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple allocation mode parameters (guaranteed minimum mode, absolute allocation mode, percentage-based mode) that can be configured for different core networks. These parameter changes enable flexible resource arbitration where each CN can be assigned appropriate allocation modes based on service requirements, resolving the contradiction between efficient resource utilization and fair allocation by allowing high-priority CNs to guarantee minimum resources while low-priority CNs utilize remaining resources dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation among multiple CNs based on real-time RAN resource availability and configured allocation modes. The traffic controller continuously monitors resource usage and reallocates resources dynamically, ensuring that guaranteed minimum allocations are maintained while allowing flexible utilization of remaining resources, thus achieving both fairness and efficiency
2Reliability
If higher priority core networks are allocated more RAN resources, then service quality for high-priority devices is improved, but resource access for lower priority networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments RAN resources into different allocation categories: guaranteed minimum resources for each CN, and remaining resources for dynamic allocation. This segmentation ensures that high-priority CNs receive their required resources for maintaining service quality, while low-priority CNs can access remaining resources without being completely excluded, thus resolving the contradiction between service quality and resource accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic controller acts as an intermediary between multiple CNs and the shared RAN resources. It implements the arbitration logic that balances resource distribution according to configured allocation modes, ensuring high-priority CNs get necessary resources while preventing complete resource starvation of low-priority CNs, thus mediating the contradiction between service quality and resource access
3Device complexity
If a single core network handles all subscriber devices, then network architecture complexity is reduced, but adaptability to diverse device requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single RAN to serve multiple CNs with different functional requirements through multi-functionality. The shared RAN infrastructure can simultaneously support various device types (smartphones, sensors, MTC devices) by routing them to appropriate CNs based on service requirements. This achieves adaptability to diverse devices while maintaining relatively simple network architecture through resource sharing rather than physical duplication
4Ease of operation
If existing QoS methods are used for resource allocation in shared RAN, then ease of operation is maintained, but resource allocation reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends existing 3GPP QoS concepts and allocation modes to the multi-CN shared RAN scenario by copying and adapting proven mechanisms. It reuses familiar QoS parameters and allocation logic that operators already understand from single-CN deployments, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing reliability through explicit guaranteed minimum allocations and configured arbitration modes that ensure predictable resource distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
Example implementations are directed to a method and an apparatus for managing one of a plurality of core networks (CNs) sharing a radio access network (RAN), which may receive a RAN resource allocation control type indicator associated with at least one CN of the plurality of CNs. The RAN resource allocation control type indicator be at least one of: a guaranteed minimum allocation of RAN resources, an absolute allocation of RAN resources, and a percentage-based allocation of RAN resources. The method and apparatus may further include determining a RAN resource allotment parameter for the at least one CN of the plurality of CNs. The RAN resource allotment parameter and an identification of the associated at least one CN may be transmitted to a traffic controller such that the at least one CN is allocated an amount of RAN resources based on the resource allotment value may.