Unified E2 Messages for NR and E-UTRA Cell Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G, face challenges in supporting operator-specific services and efficiently managing cell information in radio access networks, especially with the introduction of advanced technologies like O-RAN, where standardization of cell site information and interface protocols are lacking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus and method for generating and interpreting messages related to a service model in a radio access network (RAN) through an E2 interface, which includes transmitting and receiving configuration information of serviced cells between nodes, such as NR and E-UTRA cells, using a radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) to support operator-specific services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardization of cell site information and interface protocols is implemented in O-RAN, then network intelligence and resource optimization are improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The E2 interface is designed as a universal communication standard that enables multiple functions including cell information management, network intelligence, resource optimization, and call processing across different RAN elements (gNB, ng-eNodeB, RIC). This multi-functional interface reduces implementation difficulty by providing a single standardized protocol rather than multiple specialized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture segments network functions into modular RAN elements (gNB, ng-eNodeB, RIC) connected through the standardized E2 interface. This segmentation allows each element to be implemented and managed independently while maintaining overall network intelligence through standardized communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration information of multiple cell types (NR and E-UTRA) is transmitted through E2 interface, then operator-specific service support is improved, but message complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The E2 interface messages are designed to carry configuration information for multiple cell types (NR gNB cells and E-UTRA ng-eNodeB cells) within a unified message structure. This universal message format supports operator-specific services across different radio access technologies without requiring separate message protocols for each cell type.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIC acts as an intermediary that receives, processes, and manages configuration information for both NR and E-UTRA cells through the E2 interface. This intermediary role simplifies message complexity by centralizing the interpretation and management of multi-type cell configuration data in a single entity rather than requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between diverse cell types.
3Productivity
If E2 interface is used for cell information management between RAN elements and RIC, then network control efficiency is improved, but interface standardization challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The E2 interface serves as a universal communication channel between multiple RAN elements (gNB, ng-eNodeB) and the RIC, handling various functions including cell information management, configuration updates, and control signaling. This multi-functional interface improves network control efficiency by consolidating multiple control functions into a single standardized protocol rather than requiring separate interfaces for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by an E2 node is provided. The method includes transmitting a first message to a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) through an E2 interface to the RIC, and receiving a second message from the RIC in response to the first message, wherein the first message is an E2 setup request message or a configuration update message, and wherein the first message comprises at least one of first configuration information of one or more serviced new radio (NR) cells or second configuration information of one or more serviced evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) cells.