As a product manager leading the development of network digital transformation solutions, I’m fascinated by the potential of the Near-Real Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC), which provides near real-time control and optimization. This capability brings intelligence and unlimited possibilities to the radio access network (RAN).
But what exactly is a Near-RT RIC, and how does it work? Before describing the benefits of Near-RT RIC, it’s helpful to understand the RIC platform itself.
Getting to know RIC – A robust software platform for the RAN
The RIC is a key component of 5G Open RAN architecture. A software-defined function that provides a centralized point of control for the RAN, it enables more efficient and flexible network operation.
The RIC provides a number of important functions, including:
- Security: Protecting sensitive network data is paramount. The RIC has robust security measures like end-to-end encryption, strong authentication, and regular security audits to ensure a safe and reliable platform.
- Scalability: The RIC is built to handle millions of connected devices seamlessly. Cloud-native architecture, microservices, and distributed databases ensure smooth operation even under heavy traffic loads.
- Conflict resolution: In a multi-device environment, conflicts are inevitable. The RIC handles these conflicts effectively through mechanisms like concurrency control, conflict resolution policies, and real-time data synchronization.
- Speed and performance: Low latency is the cornerstone of a responsive network. The RIC uses efficient algorithms and caching strategies to minimize processing time and ensure a seamless user experience.
- Minimal Response Times: Fast response times are crucial. Edge computing and asynchronous processing minimize delays and ensure real-time responsiveness.
The RIC is classified into two types: non-RT RIC and near-RT RIC, that work together to optimize the network across different time scales, depending on the specific use case and desired level of real-time control. For example, the Non-RT RIC is best for longer term requirements, like network planning, traffic forecasting and policy management. The Near-RT RIC, on the other hand, manages more immediate needs like dynamic resource allocation and congestion control. Both play a crucial role in overall network performance and user experience.
At the heart of the RIC are applications – rApps, xApps, and dApps – each playing a unique role:
- rApps (non-real-time): These long-term control specialists handle strategic decision-making (over 1 second) such as policy enforcement, network optimization, and planning.
- xApps (near-real-time): Operating on the near-real-time RIC, xApps manage control loops between 10 milliseconds and one second. They enable closed-loop control for mobility management, network slicing, and load balancing, significantly improving network responsiveness.
- dApps (real-time): Distributed applications (dApps) residing directly on RAN elements (CUs/DUs), dApps tackle real-time control loops below 10 milliseconds. They focus on critical tasks like resource scheduling, beamforming, and modulation, ensuring fine-grained management and reduced latency by operating close to the data source.
The Near-RT RIC: A software expert in network performance
Imagine a software platform that analyzes network data in milliseconds, takes control actions, and fine-tunes network resources – all happening in real-time. That’s the magic of the Near-RT RIC. It sits between the Non-RT RIC and the E2 Nodes (base stations) collecting information and making adjustments on the fly. It achieves this through fine-grained data collection and actions over the E2 interface with control loops ranging from 10 milliseconds to 1 second. The Near-RT RIC hosts xApps to gather near real-time information and offer value-added services. Its control is guided by policies and enrichment data provided from the Non-RT RIC. Based on this data, the Near-RT RIC generates valuable RAN analytics for the operator.
Here’s a glimpse into the Near-RT RIC’s capabilities:
- Real-Time Decisions: With control loops ranging from 10 milliseconds to 1 second, the Near-RT RIC reacts to network changes instantly, optimizing performance for applications like autonomous driving and industrial automation.
- xApp Integration: The platform hosts xApps that leverage the Near-RT RIC’s timing capabilities for tasks like mobility management, network slicing, and load balancing. This modular approach allows for greater flexibility and customization based on the operator’s needs.
- Future-Proof Architecture: The Near-RT RIC is designed with the future in mind. It readily integrates with emerging dApps that reside directly on RAN elements. This paves the way for sub-10 millisecond control loops, pushing the boundaries of network responsiveness.
A smarter future for radio access networks
The Near-RT RIC, with its real-time control and software platform capabilities, is a true catalyst for O-RAN and 5G evolution. By enabling real-time network optimization, it enables a future filled with low latency, high efficiency, and a truly intelligent network experience. As the industry continues to innovate and develop the Near-RT RIC platform, we’re excited to realize the full potential of this revolutionary technology and deliver the next generation of mobile services. Fujitsu’s Near-RT RIC supports applications (xApps) for QoE optimization, traffic steering and energy efficiency, to name just a few.
