Three-Tree RAN Configuration for 5G Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for configuring access networks, particularly in 4G RAN, are inadequate for the complex and varied requirements of 5G RAN, which involves multiple types of equipment and services that require cooperation, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in network management and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that configure an equipment tree, a bearing tree, and a service tree with reference relationships between them, allowing for flexible management and adaptation to the diverse needs of 5G RAN, enabling separate configuration of equipment and service trees and improving resource utilization and management efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing 4G RAN configuration mode is used where each base station is a managed element with independent service, then the configuration is simple and straightforward, but it cannot meet the requirements of 5G RAN where multiple types of equipment with varied functions need to cooperate to complete services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network configuration into three separate trees: equipment tree (for physical devices), bearing tree (for network functions), and service tree (for services). This segmentation allows independent management of equipment, functions, and services, enabling flexible composition of 5G RAN configurations while maintaining manageable complexity through modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension by organizing network elements across three levels (equipment, bearing, service) rather than a flat single-level structure. This dimensional change enables complex 5G RAN configurations to be managed through structured layers, where each layer has specific responsibilities and can be configured independently.
2Productivity
If the existing 4G RAN configuration mode is used with unified base station management, then the management overhead is low, but it fails to provide flexible resource allocation and management for diverse 5G RAN equipment and services
Solution Approach 1:
By separating equipment management, function management, and service management into three distinct trees, the patent enables targeted resource allocation at each level. This segmentation allows efficient resource management for diverse 5G RAN scenarios without requiring a monolithic management structure, as each tree can be optimized independently for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing tree serves as a universal intermediary that can represent multiple network functions and their relationships. This multi-functional structure enables the management system to handle various 5G RAN configurations (CU-DU separation, integrated RAN, etc.) through a unified bearing tree framework, improving productivity across different deployment scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the existing configuration mode is used where equipment and service are tightly coupled in a single base station, then the configuration process is straightforward, but it cannot support the decoupled architecture and cooperative service delivery required in 5G RAN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tight coupling of equipment and service into separate equipment tree and service tree structures, with the bearing tree mediating their relationships. This segmentation enables decoupled architecture support where equipment, functions, and services can be independently configured and dynamically associated, while the structured tree relationships maintain configuration ease through clear hierarchical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing tree acts as an intermediary between the equipment tree and service tree, establishing reference relationships that enable decoupled architecture. This intermediary structure allows equipment and services to be configured independently while maintaining their logical connections, simplifying operations by providing a clear mediation layer rather than direct complex associations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for configuring access network. which includes: configuring an equipment tree, the equipment tree including at least one equipment managed element ME (S201); configuring a bearing tree, configuring a bearing tree including configuring a reference relationship between at least one bearing ME in the bearing tree and an equipment ME in the equipment tree (S202); and configuring a service tree, configuring a service tree including configuring a reference relationship between at least one service ME in the service tree and a bearing ME in the bearing tree (S203).