X2 Gateway Aggregation for Lower-Load E2 Signaling in Open RAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Open RAN architecture requires each eNodeB/gNodeB to maintain individual E2 connections with a near-RT RIC, leading to increased load and complexity on E2 nodes due to duplicate information exchange via X2 and E2 interfaces, which can cause instability and require significant infrastructure changes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an X2 interface gateway that provides E2 interface gatewaying for multiple RAN nodes, reducing the number of active E2 connections and load on the near-RT RIC, while maintaining X2 gateway functionality and enabling near-RT RIC to avoid individual E2 protocol connections with each node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If each eNodeB/gNodeB maintains individual E2 connections with near-RT RIC, then information exchange capability is improved, but load and complexity on E2 nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an X2 interface gateway as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple eNodeBs/gNodeBs and the near-RT RIC. Instead of each RAN node directly connecting to the RIC via individual E2 connections, the gateway aggregates these connections and provides a single E2 interface to the RIC, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining information exchange capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple individual E2 connections from different RAN nodes into a single aggregated E2 connection through the X2 interface gateway. This merging of connections reduces the total number of active E2 connections to the near-RT RIC while preserving the ability to exchange information with all RAN nodes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple E2 connections are established for comprehensive information collection, then RRM optimization capability is improved, but processing complexity and instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The X2 interface gateway acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of multiple E2 connections, subscriptions, and information exchanges. By placing this intermediary between the RAN nodes and near-RT RIC, the system achieves comprehensive RRM optimization capability while the gateway absorbs the processing complexity and potential instability of managing numerous concurrent connections
3Measurement precision
If individual E2 protocol connections are established with each RAN node, then control precision is improved, but infrastructure complexity and changes required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the X2 interface gateway as an intermediary that maintains precise control capabilities while reducing infrastructure complexity. The gateway preserves the E2 protocol interface for precise control messaging to the near-RT RIC, but eliminates the need for individual direct connections from each RAN node, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity and required changes
Solution Approach 2:
The X2 interface gateway provides universal functionality by serving as a single point of contact for multiple RAN nodes. It handles multiple subscriptions, information exchanges, and control commands through a unified interface, making the system more versatile while reducing the number of individual connections required
Data Source
AI summary
In a first embodiment, a system may be disclosed, comprising: a plurality of RAN nodes, each with X2 and E2 interface capability; an X2 interface gateway in X2 communication with each of the plurality of RAN nodes; and a near Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (near-RT RIC) in communication with the gateway via an E2 interface, The X2 interface gateway provides E2 interface gatewaying for the plurality of RAN nodes with the near-RT RIC, thereby enabling the near-RT RIC to avoid an individual E2 protocol connection with each of the plurality of RAN nodes.