To successfully deploy and operate Radio Access Networks in a complex, heterogeneous environment, new management tools and methodologies are needed at all phases of the network lifecycle. The O-RAN Alliance defines aspects of network control and AI in its architecture.
I’m Blake Hlavaty, here for an open dialogue about the value and impact of the RAN Intelligent Controller or “RIC,” for advanced 5G use cases.
5G RAN’s complexity, variety & scale place new demands on operators
The complexity, variety, and scale of 5G Radio Access Networks place heavy demands on operators to support ultra-reliable, ultra-low latency network slicing, and energy savings applications.
Automation and AI are key to unlocking the potential of 5G and 6G networks. The RAN Intelligent Controller is a fairly new technology that is yet to see wide deployment, but it’s a significant innovation for RAN operators.
Uncovering the key benefits of RIC
The RIC, like other components of the O-RAN Service Management and Orchestration, or SMO, architecture, is in the early stages of adoption. But its significance cannot be understated. Let’s uncover the key benefits of the RAN Intelligent Controller.
Like the previous technology, Self-Organizing Network, or SON, the RIC is responsible for controlling and optimizing the RAN. The RIC, however, is based on open architecture and implements open interfaces, which is a key element of the SMO concept.
RIC apps, AI support & open APIs: the basis of a vibrant developer ecosystem
The RIC enables the applications, or rApps and xApps, that ultimately deliver the value of 5G networks. A variety of apps is the basis for a vibrant ecosystem, offering a wide choice of customization that meet operators’ pressing need for new management and automation tools. With Open RAN architecture, App development becomes a community-wide effort.
Software Development Kits, or SDKs, and open APIs enable third-party apps to run on RICs from Fujitsu or other vendors. With the RIC powering a portfolio of Apps, Radio Access Networks become continually optimized in real time, with apps that allocate resources, monitor security, manage handovers, and balance loads. This improves coverage, increases capacity and data speed, reinforces threat protection, and reduces power consumption.
A key benefit of the RIC is integration and support for AI. Many apps utilize AI to process and gain insight from the vast amounts of data available in the RAN. And RIC applications can create new monetization opportunities and service differentiation for operators, improving competitiveness and profitability.
RIC functional elements
The RIC has two main functional elements: the Non-Real Time RIC and the Near-Real Time RIC. Both can perform closed-loop control and optimization, but each functions on a different timeframe, depending on the use case and desired level of real-time control.
For example, the Non-Real Time RIC works with rApps to perform analytics, network planning, traffic forecasting, and policy management functions that are less sensitive to latency. While the Near-Real Time RIC uses xApps to manage immediate needs like dynamic resource allocation, conflict resolution, and congestion control. Both play important roles in optimizing performance and user experience.
A complete O-RAN compliant service management & orchestration platform
Fujitsu offers the integrated Virtuora Service Management and Orchestration solution, our O-RAN compliant open automation platform. Virtuora is augmented by a catalog of applications for spectrum optimization, Quality of Experience, operations automation, and energy efficiency.
As a leader in open networking, Fujitsu offers our Virtuora Intelligent Control Non-Real Time RIC and Near-Real Time RIC as components of the Virtuora SMO architecture.
The RICs power a catalog of applications that improve user experience, optimize operations, and conserve power. The RAN Intelligent Controller is key to the future of mobile networking, improving business outcomes for operators and providing better service quality for users.
Let’s keep the open dialogue going
Talk to us about your mobile network challenges. We can help you identify the best possible solution and support you at every stage of execution.
