X2 Interface Gateway for Scalable E2 Signaling in Open RAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Open RAN architecture requires each eNB/gNB to maintain individual E2 connections with a near-RT RIC, leading to increased processing load and complexity due to duplicated 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 efficient information sharing through the near-RT RIC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If each eNB/gNB maintains individual E2 connections with near-RT RIC, then information exchange capability is improved, but processing load and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation exchange capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an X2 interface gateway as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple eNBs/gNBs and the near-RT RIC. This gateway consolidates information collection functions, allowing the RIC to interact with a single gateway instead of multiple individual eNBs, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If individual E2 connections are established between each eNB/gNB and near-RT RIC, then real-time control capability is improved, but processing load on eNBs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time control capabilityVSAvoidprocessing load on eNBs

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the information collection and processing functions from the eNBs/gNBs and concentrates them in the X2 interface gateway. This extraction relieves the processing load from eNBs while maintaining real-time control capability, as the gateway handles the complex information aggregation and the RIC maintains real-time decision-making abilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subscriptions are used for information collection via E2 interface, then optimization capability is improved, but infrastructure changes required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure changes required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The X2 interface gateway is designed as a universal platform that can collect and manage information from multiple eNBs/gNBs through a single interface. This multi-functional gateway provides the same optimization capabilities that would require multiple individual subscriptions, but with reduced infrastructure changes and simplified deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260095378A1Optimization of E2 Signaling and Reducing Load and Complexity on eNodeBs/gNodeBs

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 PARALLEL WIRELESS INC

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.