COVERAGE AND LOAD BASED SMART MOBILITY

Disclosed is a method of operating a fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) cellular telecommunication network radio access network (RAN). The method includes: receiving, by an intelligent sensor device, configuration information that identifies carrier frequencies; receiving, by the intelligent sensor device, a radio frequency signal at each of the carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information; generating, by the intelligent sensor device, digital signal information corresponding to the radio frequency signal received at each of the carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information; and transmitting, by the intelligent sensor device, the digital signal information to a sensor processing unit device. The sensor processing unit device determines a network load on each of the carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information based on the digital signal information. The sensor processing unit device transmits corresponding network load information to a processing device that makes user mobility determinations based on the network load information.

BACKGROUND

Description of the Related Art

Conventional wireless network may be designed to broadcast information using multiple carrier frequencies. Such wireless networks may also have overlapping coverage areas from multiple Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), which may have mutual agreements to allow users to roam across home and partner networks. Currently, Radio Access Network (RAN) systems do not share any loading information across different operator networks. Additionally, loading information may not be shared among different vendors within the same operator network. Thus, mobility within and across operator networks may be performed blind, which may not provide optimal user experiences.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, sensor processing unit devices can configure intelligent sensor devices to monitor one or more specified frequencies, which may be used by base station devices and user equipment devices in a vicinity of the sensor devices. Additionally, the sensor processing unit devices can configure the intelligent sensor devices to monitor one or more specified wireless communication technologies, such as, Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), and Wi-Fi communication technologies, for example. The sensor processing unit devices may be configured to connect to external entities, such as RAN, RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), and Orchestrator entities, for example. Based on signal data received from the intelligent sensor devices, the corresponding sensor processing unit devices can detect loading on the one or more specified frequencies, and provide real-time updates to one or more external entities. External entities, such as RAN, MC, Orchestrator, entities, for example, may provide information that specifies particular frequencies and other parameters required for detection of various wireless communication technologies, which is used to configure the sensor processing unit devices and the intelligent sensor devices. The RAN and/or other network components can configure mobility of a User Equipment (UE) device (e.g., laptop computer, mobile telephone) based on the loading on the specified frequencies. In addition, the RAN and/or other network components can configure the sensor processing unit devices and the intelligent sensor devices to be slice aware, wherein each “slice” or portion of the network is allocated based on specific needs of applications, use cases, and/or customers.

A method of operating a fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) cellular telecommunication network radio access network (RAN) according to the present disclosure may be summarized as including: receiving, by an intelligent sensor device, configuration information that identifies one or more carrier frequencies; receiving, by the intelligent sensor device, a radio frequency signal at each of the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information; generating, by the intelligent sensor device, digital signal information corresponding to the radio frequency signal received at each of the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information; and transmitting, by the intelligent sensor device, the digital signal information.

The receiving configuration information may include receiving the configuration information from a sensor processing unit device, and the transmitting the digital signal information may include transmitting the digital signal information to the sensor processing unit device.

The configuration information may identify a bandwidth associated with each of the one or more carrier frequencies, and the radio frequency signal received at each of the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information may have the bandwidth associated with each of the one or more carrier frequencies.

The intelligent sensor device may be operated by a first mobile network operator (MNO), and the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information may include at least one carrier frequency used by a second MNO that is different from the first MNO.

The intelligent sensor device may be operated by a first mobile network operator (MNO), and the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information may not be used by the first MNO.

A method of operating a fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) cellular telecommunication network radio access network (RAN) according to the present disclosure may be summarized as including: receiving, by a sensor processing unit device, configuration information that identifies one or more carrier frequencies; transmitting, by the sensor processing unit device, the configuration information to an intelligent sensor device; receiving, by the sensor processing unit device, signal information transmitted by the intelligent sensor device, the signal information corresponding to one or more radio frequency signals received at the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information; determining, by the sensor processing unit device, a network load on each of the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information based on the signal information transmitted by the intelligent sensor device; and transmitting, by the sensor processing unit device, information indicating the network load on each of the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information.

The receiving configuration information may include receiving the configuration information from a RAN Intelligent Controller (MC) device, and the transmitting information indicating the network load may include transmitting the information indicating the network load to the MC device.

The receiving configuration information may include receiving the configuration information from a Centralized Unit (CU) device, and the transmitting information indicating the network load may include transmitting the information indicating the network load to the CU device.

The method may further include decoding, by the sensor processing unit device, at least one signal using the signal information transmitted by the intelligent sensor device.

The configuration information may identify one or more wireless communication technologies, and the method may further include: decoding, by the sensor processing unit device, at least one signal using the signal information transmitted by the intelligent sensor device; converting, by the sensor processing unit device, a result of the decoding into a waveform corresponding to one of the one or more wireless communication technologies; and decoding, by the sensor processing unit device, the waveform corresponding to one of the one or more wireless communication technologies, and the determining the network load may include determining the network load based on a result of the decoding the waveform corresponding to one of the one or more wireless communication technologies.

The one of the one or more wireless communication technologies may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless communication technology, a 5G NR wireless communication technology, or a Wi-Fi wireless communication technology.

The sensor processing unit device may be operated by a first mobile network operator (MNO), and the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information may include at least one carrier frequency used by a second MNO that is different from the first MNO.

The sensor processing unit device may be operated by a first mobile network operator (MNO), and the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information may not be used by the first MNO.

A method of operating a fifth-generation New Radio (5G NR) cellular telecommunication network radio access network (RAN) according to the present disclosure may be summarized as including: transmitting, by a processing device, configuration information that identifies one or more carrier frequencies to a sensor processing unit device; receiving, by the processing device, information indicating a network load on each of the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information from the sensor processing unit device; determining, by the processing device, at least one user experience parameter based on the information indicating the network load on each of the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information; selecting, by the processing device, a radio unit device based on the at least one user experience parameter; and transmitting, by the sensor processing unit device, a message including information that may identify the radio unit device.

The processing device may be a RAN Intelligent Controller (MC) device.

The processing device may be a Centralized Unit (CU) device.

The method message may be configured to cause a handover of a User Equipment (EU) device to the radio unit device.

The configuration information may include information that identifies one or more wireless communication technologies. The one or more wireless communication technologies may include a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless communication technology, a 5G NR wireless communication technology, or a Wi-Fi wireless communication technology.

The processing device may be operated by a first mobile network operator (MNO), and the one or more carrier frequencies identified by the configuration information may include at least one carrier frequency used by a second MNO that is different from the first MNO.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

5G Networks typically include a Core Network (Core) and a Radio Access Network (RAN), which provides network services to end user devices such as smartphones and sensors. Also, 5G Networks typically include a Centralized Unit (CU) device that may be implemented in a cloud computing environment by virtual servers that communicate with computing devices located at a local data center (LDC) that are configured as Distributed Unit (DU) devices, each of which provides network services to a group of associated Radio Unit (RU) devices located at a cell site.

In general, while a User Equipment (UE) device is stationary, the UE device is associated with and has network services provided by a first RU device of a first base station in a vicinity of the current location of the UE device. If the UE device moves from its current location to a new location, a handover is performed which results in the UE device becoming associated with and having network services provided by a second RU device of a second base station in a vicinity of the new location of the UE device. Messages and procedures for performing such a handover are described in 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol specification (Release 15) (“3GPP TS 38.331 V15.4.0”), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating a system100in accordance with embodiments described herein. The system100includes a plurality of Radio Unit (RU) devices102-1,102-2,102-3, and102-4. In one or more implementations, each of the Radio Unit (RU) devices102-1,102-2,102-3, and102-4is located at a different cell site and is part of a 5G base station that uses New Radio (NR) wireless communication technology, which is referred to as a gNodeB (gNb).

The system100also includes a plurality of intelligent sensor devices104-1,104-2,104-3, and104-4. In one or more implementations, each of the intelligent sensor devices104-1,104-2,104-3, and104-4is collocated with a corresponding one of the Radio Unit (RU) devices102-1,102-2,102-3, and102-4. In one or more implementations, each of the intelligent sensor devices104-1,104-2,104-3, and104-4is not collocated with a corresponding one of the RU devices102-1,102-2,102-3, and102-4.

Additionally, the system100includes a plurality of Distributed Unit (DU) devices106-1,106-2,106-3, and106-4. Each of the Distributed Unit (DU) devices106-1,106-2,106-3, and106-4communicates with and controls operation of a corresponding one of the Radio Unit (RU) devices102-1,102-2,102-3, and102-4.

Also, the system100includes a plurality of sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4. Each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4controls operation of a corresponding one of the intelligent sensor devices104-1,104-2,104-3, and104-4. In one or more implementations, each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4is collocated with a corresponding one of the Distributed Unit (DU) devices106-1,106-2,106-3, and106-4. In one or more implementations, each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4is integrated within the corresponding one of the Distributed Unit (DU) devices106-1,106-2,106-3, and106-4.

The sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4perform a variety of functions. For example, each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4performs a sensor connection endpoint function, which causes the sensor processing unit device to manage communications between the sensor processing unit device and the corresponding intelligent sensor device in order to configure frequencies, bands, and/or wireless communication technologies that are to be scanned by the intelligent sensor device. Each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4may also perform a received signal to wireless communication technology convertor function, which causes the sensor processing unit device to decode received signals and convert the received signals to a desired wireless communication technology format or waveform. Examples of such wireless communication technologies include Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, 5G New Radio (NR) technology, and Wi-Fi technology, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4may perform a received signal to wireless communication technology processor function, which causes the sensor processing unit device to decode a desired wireless communication technology from a received signal. In addition, each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4may perform a per wireless communication technology load determination function, which causes the sensor processing unit device to determine or estimate a load on each configured carrier frequency per configured wireless communication technology. Further, each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4may perform an external end-point manager function, which causes the sensor processing unit device to communicate with an external system, such as a RAN device, a RIC device, or an orchestrator device, for example.

The system100also includes a Centralized Unit (CU) device110that communicates with and controls operation of each of the Distributed Unit (DU) devices106-1,106-2,106-3, and106-4. In one or more implementations, the Centralized Unit (CU) device110is implemented in a cloud computing environment. Each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4obtains (e.g., calculates) load information based on the signals received by the corresponding on of the intelligent sensor devices104-1,104-2,104-3, and104-4. The sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4provide the load information to the Centralized Unit (CU) device110, which makes mobility determinations for User Equipment (UE) devices based on the load information.

In general, the CU device110can be connected to one or more Distributed Unit (DU) devices, which provide load information to the CU device110. Distributed Unit (DU) devices that are associated with a signal processing unit device are also connected to the CU device110. The signal processing unit devices also provide load information to the CU device110. In one or more embodiments, the CU device110configures one or more target frequencies, bands, and/or wireless communication technologies for each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4to use for measuring and reporting load information. The CU device110is configured to convert the load information received from each of the Distributed Unit (DU) devices106-1,106-2,106-3, and106-4and the load information received from each of the sensor processing unit devices108-1,108-2,108-3, and108-4info into perceived user experience parameters. In one or more implementations, the user experience parameter indicates an expected bandwidth value and/or a latency value.

Based on a user experience parameter that is indicative of a perceived user experience, the CU device110moves a User Equipment (UE) device to a candidate network device that provides the best user experience, which may be a network device operated by a different MNO that operates the CU device110. The CU device110can also have the capability to incorporate network slice specific functionalities to determine the mobility of users. In one or more implementations, a first network slice having relatively high bandwidth is used for wireless broadband traffic, a second network slice having relatively low latency is used for real-time control traffic, a third network slice having relatively low bandwidth and relatively low latency is used for sensor and Internet of Things (IoT) traffic, and a fourth network slice having relatively extremely high bandwidth is used for video streaming traffic. The CU device110can cause the UE device to be connected to a RU device that best supports a particular class of traffic corresponding to a particular network slice.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating another system100in accordance with embodiments described herein. The system100shown inFIG.2is similar in many relevant respects the system100shown inFIG.1, except that the system100shown inFIG.2also includes a Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller (MC) device112. In one or more implementations, the MC device112is implemented in a cloud computing environment.

In general, the MC device112can be connected to one or more Distributed Unit (DU) devices and/or Centralized Unit (CU) devices. The MC device112can also be connected to sensor processing unit devices, or the MC device112can communicate with sensor processing unit devices via corresponding Distributed Unit (DU) devices. The MC device112can use historic data, artificial intelligence models, and/or machine learning models for predicting perceived user experiences. Also, the MC device112can use historic data, artificial intelligence models, and/or machine learning models for prediction at a per UE level. The MC device112is also network slice aware, which enables specific mobility determinations based on Service Level Agreements (SLA) that are associated with each defined network slice.

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating an example of a Radio Unit (RU) device102in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement the RU device102. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. The RU device102may include one or more memory devices304, one or more central processing units (CPUs)310, I/O interfaces312, other computer-readable media314, and network connections316.

The one or more memory devices304may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies. Examples of the one or more memory devices304may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types of random access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more memory devices304may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by the one or more CPUs310to perform actions, including those of embodiments described herein.

The one or more memory devices304may have stored thereon a Radio Unit (RU) module306. The Radio Unit (RU) module306is configured to implement and/or perform some or all of the functions of the RU device102described herein and interface with radio transceiver318. The one or more memory devices304may also store other programs and data308, which may include RU digital certificates, connection recovery algorithms, connection recovery rules, network protocols, O-RAN operating rules, user interfaces, operating systems, etc.

Network connections316are configured to communicate with other computing devices including a Distributed Unit (DU) device. In various embodiments, the network connections316include transmitters and receivers, a layer 2 (L2) switch and physical network ports (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein, and to send and receive instructions, commands and data to implement the processes described herein. The L2 switch plays a role as Ethernet forwarding/transparent bridge in order to support Radio Unit (RU) copy and combine function for O-RAN cascade mode. I/O interfaces312may include enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) ports, Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) interfaces, other data input or output interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media314may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating an example of an intelligent sensor device104in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement the intelligent sensor device104. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. The intelligent sensor device104may include one or more memory devices404, one or more central processing units (CPUs)410, I/O interfaces412, other computer-readable media414, and network connections416.

The one or more memory devices404may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies. Examples of the one or more memory devices404may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types of random access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more memory devices404may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by the one or more CPUs410to perform actions, including those of embodiments described herein.

The one or more memory devices404may have stored thereon an intelligent sensor module406. The intelligent sensor module406is configured to implement and/or perform some or all of the functions of the intelligent sensor device104described herein and interface with radio transceiver418. The one or more memory devices404may also store other programs and data408, which may include algorithms for converting a received Radio Frequency (RF) signal to corresponding data in a digital format.

Network connections416are configured to communicate a corresponding sensor processing unit device. In various embodiments, the network connections416include transmitters and receivers, and physical network ports (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein, and to send and receive instructions, commands and data to implement the processes described herein. I/O interfaces412may include enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) ports, Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) interfaces, other data input or output interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media414may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like.

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating an example of a Distributed Unit (DU) device106in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement the Distributed Unit (DU) device106. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. The DU device106may include one or more memory devices504, one or more central processing units (CPUs)510, I/O interfaces512, other computer-readable media514, and network connections516.

The one or more memory devices504may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies. Examples of the one or more memory devices504may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types of random access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more memory devices504may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by the one or more CPUs510to perform actions, including those of embodiments described herein.

The one or more memory devices504may have stored thereon a Distributed Unit (DU) module506. The Distributed Unit (DU) module506is configured to implement and/or perform some or all of the functions of the Distributed Unit (DU)502described herein. The one or more memory devices504may also store other programs and data508, which may include Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, Security (FCAPS) functions, connection recovery algorithms, connection recovery rules, network protocols, O-RAN operating rules, user interfaces, operating systems, etc. For example, the FCAPS functions include Performance Management (PM), Fault Management (FM), Configuration Management, Certificate Manager (certmgr), and security functions.

Network connections516are configured to communicate with other computing devices including one or more Radio Unit (RU) devices, a sensor processing unit device, a Centralized Unit (CU) device, and a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) device. In various embodiments, the network connections516include transmitters and receivers, a layer 3 (L2) switch and physical network ports (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein, and to send and receive instructions, commands and data to implement the processes described herein. The L2 switch plays a role as Ethernet forwarding/transparent bridge in order to support Radio Unit (RU) copy and combine function for O-RAN cascade mode. I/O interfaces512may include PCI interfaces, PCI-Express interfaces, other data input or output interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media514may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like.

FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating an example of a sensor processing unit device108in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement the sensor processing unit device108. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. The sensor processing unit device108may include one or more memory devices604, one or more central processing units (CPUs)610, I/O interfaces612, other computer-readable media614, and network connections616.

The one or more memory devices604may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies. Examples of the one or more memory devices604may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types of random access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more memory devices604may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by the one or more CPUs610to perform actions, including those of embodiments described herein.

The one or more memory devices604may have stored thereon a sensor processing unit module606. The sensor processing unit module606is configured to implement and/or perform some or all of the functions of sensor processing unit device108described herein. The one or more memory devices604may also store other programs and data608, which may include algorithms for processing digital signals received from an intelligent sensor device. For example, the other programs and data608may store an algorithm for performing a fast Fourier transform (FFT) that computes a Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and an Inverse Discrete Fourier transform (IDFT).

Network connections616are configured to communicate with other computing devices including a Distributed Unit (DU) device, a Centralized Unit (CU) device, and a RAN Intelligent Controller (MC) device. In various embodiments, the network connections616include transmitters and receivers, physical network ports (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein, and to send and receive instructions, commands and data to implement the processes described herein. I/O interfaces612may include PCI interfaces, PCI-Express interfaces, other data input or output interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media614may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like.

FIG.7is a block diagram illustrating an example of a Centralized Unit (CU) device110in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement a Centralized Unit (CU) device110. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. The CU device110may include one or more memory devices704, one or more central processing units (CPUs)710, I/O interfaces712, other computer-readable media714, and network connections716.

The one or more memory devices704may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies. Examples of the one or more memory devices704may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types of random access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more memory devices704may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by the one or more CPUs710to perform actions, including those of embodiments described herein.

The one or more memory devices704may have stored thereon a Centralized Unit (CU) module706. The Centralized Unit (CU) module706is configured to implement and/or perform some or all of the functions of the Centralized Unit (CU) device110described herein. The one or more memory devices704may also store other programs and data708, which may include programs for database and network communication functions, for example.

In one or more implementations, the CU module706includes a plurality of submodules, including a per user experience submodule, a Radio Resource Management (RRM) submodule, a data packet processing submodule, a user mobility submodule, and a slice aware submodule. The per user experience submodule is configured to receive load information from Distributed Unit (DU) devices, receive load information from sensor processing unit devices, determine (e.g., calculate) user experience parameters for each UE being managed by the CU based on the load information, and control DU devices to cause the UE devices to communicate with particular Radio Unit (RU) devices based on the determined user experience parameters. The RRM submodule is configured to manage co-channel interference, radio resources, and radio transmission characteristics, for example, by implementing algorithms for controlling parameters such as transmit power, user allocation, beamforming, data rates, handover criteria, modulation scheme, and error coding scheme, among others. The data packet processing submodule is configured to generate data packets to be transmitted and process received data packets in various formats, such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol (UPD/IP) packets, for example. The user mobility submodule is configured to perform 5G Mobility Management functions, for example, used to support handover procedures. The slice aware submodule maintains information about each network slice that is configured, including information identifies each network slice and associated information that identifies carrier frequencies and/or network resources (e.g., Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs)) and that describes a service level agreement in terms of a specified network throughput and/or network latency, for example.

Network connections716are configured to communicate with other computing devices including sensor processing unit devices, Distributed Unit (DU) devices, RAN Intelligent Controller devices, and a core network. In various embodiments, the network connections716include transmitters and receivers, physical network ports (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein, and to send and receive instructions, commands and data to implement the processes described herein. I/O interfaces712may include PCI interfaces, PCI-Express interfaces, other data input or output interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media714may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like.

FIG.8is a block diagram illustrating an example of a RAN Intelligent Controller (MC) device112in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement the MC device112. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. The CU device110may include one or more memory devices804, one or more central processing units (CPUs)810, I/O interfaces812, other computer-readable media814, and network connections816.

The one or more memory devices804may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile storage technologies. Examples of the one or more memory devices804may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types of random access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more memory devices804may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by the one or more CPUs810to perform actions, including those of embodiments described herein.

The one or more memory devices804may have stored thereon a RAN Intelligent Controller (MC) module806. The MC806is configured to implement and/or perform some or all of the functions of the MC device112described herein, and as described in technical specification from Working Groups 2 and 3 of the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Alliance. The one or more memory devices804may also store other programs and data808, which may include programs for database and network communication functions, for example.

In one or more implementations, the RIC module806includes a plurality of submodules, including a per user experience submodule, a user mobility submodule, a slice aware submodule, and an Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) submodule. The per user experience submodule is configured to receive load information from DU devices, receive load information from sensor processing unit devices, determine (e.g., calculate) user experience parameters for each UE being managed by the MC based on the load information, and control DU devices to cause the UE devices to communicate with particular RU devices based on the determined user experience parameters. The user mobility submodule is configured to perform 5G Mobility Management functions, for example, used to support handover procedures. The slice aware submodule maintains information about each network slice that is configured, including information identifies each network slice and associated information that identifies carrier frequencies and/or network resources (e.g., Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs)) and that describes a service level agreement in terms of a specified network throughput and/or network latency, for example. The AI/ML submodule performs processing on the received load information and historical information (e.g., counter values) indicating throughput and latency achieved based on prior routing determinations (e.g. and information indicating whether those prior routing determinations were “good” or “bad”) in order to more accurately predict each user experience.

Network connections816are configured to communicate with other computing devices including sensor processing unit devices, Distributed Unit (DU) devices, and Centralized Unit (CU) devices. In various embodiments, the network connections816include transmitters and receivers, physical network ports (not illustrated) to send and receive data as described herein, and to send and receive instructions, commands and data to implement the processes described herein. I/O interfaces812may include PCI interfaces, PCI-Express interfaces, other data input or output interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media814may include other types of stationary or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like.

FIGS.9A to9Dare diagrams for explaining examples of operating a Radio Access Network (RAN) in accordance with embodiments described herein. More particularly,FIG.9Ashows in an initial network state, andFIGS.9B to9Dshow subsequent network states that result from the initial network state shown inFIG.9Ain different circumstances.

FIG.9Ashows a Radio Unit (RU) device102that provides cellular network services (e.g., 5G cellular network services) in a coverage area103. The RU device102is operated by a first Mobile Network Operator (MNO). An intelligent sensor device104is located in the coverage area103. The RU device102communicates with and is controlled by a Distributed Unit (DU) device106, which is communicatory coupled to a sensor processing unit device108. The DU device106communicates with and is controlled by a Centralized Unit (CU) device110, which communicates with a RAN Intelligent Controller (MC) device112and a core network114. The MC device112also communicates with and controls the sensor processing unit device108, which communicates with and controls the intelligent sensor device104. In the example, ofFIG.9A, the User Equipment (UE) device116communicates with and is controlled via the RU device102.

Other MNOs operate in a vicinity of the RU device102. More particularly, a RU device118that provides cellular network services in a coverage area119is located in the vicinity of the RU device102. The RU device118is operated by a second MNO, which is different from the first MNO. Also, a RU device120that provides cellular network services in a coverage area121is located in the vicinity of the RU device102. The RU device120is operated by a third MNO, which is different from the first MNO and the second MNO.

In the initial network state shown inFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108has configured the intelligent sensor104to receive a particular set of RF carrier frequencies associated with a plurality of wireless communication technologies (e.g., LTE, NR, and Wi-Fi wireless communication technologies), and to forward digital copies of the received signals to the sensor processing unit device108. The sensor processing unit device108is configured to convert each of the digital copies of the received signals into a corresponding format or waveform of one of the wireless communication technologies, decode the resulting waveform, determine a relative traffic load on each configured carrier frequency for each of the wireless communication technologies, and to transmit information indicating the relative traffic load to the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) device112.

FIG.9Bshows a network state that results from the initial network state shown inFIG.9Ain case where the sensor processing unit device108determines, based on the signals received by the intelligent sensor device104, that there is relatively light loading in the coverage area119provided by the RU device118, compared to the coverage areas103and121provided by the RU devices102and120, respectively. The sensor processing unit device108transmits corresponding load information to the RIC device112. The RIC device112processes the load information received from the sensor processing unit device108, and determines that a user of the UE device116would have a best user experience if the UE device116were to be connected to the RU device118. Accordingly, the RIC device112transmits to the CU device110a message indicating that a handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device118. In response, the CU device110transmits to the DU device106a message indicating that the handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device118. In response, the DU device106transmits to the UE device116, via the RU device102, a message that causes the handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device118.

FIG.9Cshows a network state that results from the initial network state shown inFIG.9Ain case where the sensor processing unit device108determines, based on the signals received by the intelligent sensor device104, that there is relatively light loading in the coverage area121provided by the RU device120, compared to the coverage areas103and119provided by the RU devices102and118, respectively. The sensor processing unit device108transmits corresponding load information to the RIC device112. The RIC device112processes the load information received from the sensor processing unit device108, and determines that a user of the UE device116would have a best user experience if the UE device116were to be connected to the RU device120. Accordingly, the RIC device112transmits to the CU device110a message indicating that a handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device120. In response, the CU device110transmits to the DU device106a message indicating that the handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device120. In response, the DU device106transmits to the UE device116, via the RU device102, a message that causes the handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device120.

FIG.9Dshows a network state that results from the initial network state shown inFIG.9Ain case where the sensor processing unit device108determines, based on the signals received by the intelligent sensor device104, that there is relatively light loading in a coverage area123provided by an RU device122, compared to the coverage areas103,119, and121provided by the RU devices102,118, and120, respectively. The RU device122provides non-3GPP network access (e.g., Wi-Fi network access). The sensor processing unit device108transmits corresponding load information to the RIC device112. The RIC device112processes the load information received from the sensor processing unit device108, and determines that a user of the UE device116would have a best user experience if the UE device116were to be connected to the RU device122. Accordingly, the RIC device112transmits to the CU device110a message indicating that a handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device122. In response, the CU device110transmits to the DU device106a message indicating that the handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device122. In response, the DU device106transmits to the UE device116, via the RU device102, a message that causes the handover is to be performed such that the UE device116is to be connected to the RU device122.

FIG.10illustrates a logical flow diagram showing an example of a method1000of operating an intelligent sensor device in accordance with embodiments described herein. The method begins at1002.

At1002, the intelligent sensor device receives configuration information. For example, referring toFIG.9A, intelligent sensor device104receives configuration from the sensor processing device108at1002. The configuration information may include numeric values or other identifiers of carrier frequencies to be monitored by the intelligent sensor device104, and values or other identifiers of channel sizes or bandwidths (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, etc). The method1000then proceeds to1004.

At1004, the intelligent sensor device receives radio frequency (RF) signals using the configuration information. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the intelligent sensor device104receives RF signals from the RU device102, the UE device116, and the RU devices118and120by receiving an RF signal at each carrier frequency indicated by the configuration information at1004, wherein the bandwidth of each received RF signal is also indicated by the configuration information. By way of another example, because the DU device106generates load information for the RU device102, the sensor processing unit device108does not generates load information for the RU device102and, thus, the configuration information does not indicate carrier frequencies used by the RU device102. The method1000then proceeds to1006.

At1006, the intelligent sensor device generates digital signal information corresponding to the RF signals received at1004. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the intelligent sensor device104generates digital signal information at1006by sampling and quantizing the RF signals received at1004using known analog-to-digital conversion technologies. The method1000then proceeds to1008.

At1008, the intelligent sensor device transmits the digital signal information generated at1006to the sensor processing unit device. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the intelligent sensor device104device transmits, at1008, the digital signal information generated to the sensor processing unit device108. The method1000then ends or returns to1002or1004.

FIG.11illustrates a logical flow diagram showing an example of a method1100of operating a sensor processing unit device in accordance with embodiments described herein. The method begins at1102.

At1102, the sensor processing unit device receives first configuration information. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108receives first configuration from the RIC device112. In other examples, the sensor processing unit device108receives the first configuration from the DU device106or the CU device110. In one or more embodiments, the first configuration information includes a plurality of sets of configuration information, wherein each set of configuration information is specific to one of a plurality of intelligent sensor devices and includes information that indicates specific carrier frequencies and associated bandwidths that are to be monitored by the intelligent sensor device.

In one or more embodiments, the first configuration information includes a plurality of sets of configuration information, wherein each set of configuration information is specific to one of a plurality of intelligent sensor devices and includes information that indicates specific wireless communication technologies (e.g., LTE, NR, Wi-Fi). The sensor processing unit device108stores a table or other suitable data structure for each wireless communication technology that includes information indicating specific carrier frequencies and associated bandwidths that are to be monitored by the intelligent sensor device. The method1100then proceeds to1104.

At1104, the sensor processing unit device obtains second configuration information based on the first configuration information received at1102. For example, the first configuration information includes a plurality of sets of configuration information, wherein each set is associated with a unique identifier that identifies one intelligent sensor device, and the sensor processing unit device108of obtains the second configuration information by extracting from the first configuration information the set of configuration information associated with the unique identifier that identifies the intelligent sensor device104. In one or more embodiments, the extracted set of configuration information indicates specific carrier frequencies and associated bandwidths that are to be monitored. In one or more embodiments, the extracted set of configuration information indicates specific wireless communication technologies to be monitored, which the sensor processing unit device108uses to obtain specific carrier frequencies and associated bandwidths that are to be monitored, for example, from a table or other suitable data structure for each wireless communication technology that includes information indicating specific carrier frequencies and associated bandwidths that are to be monitored. The method1100then proceeds to1106.

At1106, the sensor processing unit device transmits the second configuration information obtained at1104to an intelligent sensor device. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108transmits the second configuration information to the intelligent sensor device104at1106. The method1100then proceeds to1108.

At1108, the sensor processing unit device receives signal information from the intelligent sensor device. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108receives the digital signal information at1108from the intelligent sensor device104, which includes an analog-to-digital conversion circuit that generates the digital signal information based on RF signals received by the intelligent sensor device104. The method1100then proceeds to1110.

At1110, the sensor processing unit device decodes signals using the signal information received at1108. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108decodes signals using the signal information received at1108using a decoder circuit, which is similar to decoder circuits found in cellular telephones, and which is configured using parameters included in the first configuration information received at1102. The method1100then proceeds to1112.

At1112, the sensor processing unit device converts the signals decoded at1110into respective wireless communication technology formats or waveforms. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108converts the signals decoded at1110into respective LTE, NR, and Wi-Fi waveforms using stored information that defines those waveforms. The method1100then proceeds to1114.

At1114, the sensor processing unit device decodes the respective wireless communication technology waveforms obtained at1112. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108decodes the waveforms obtained at1112and obtains values included in various Protocol Data Units (PDUs) used in LTE, NR, and Wi-Fi technologies using stored information that defines those PDUs. The method1100then proceeds to1116.

At1116, the sensor processing unit device determines a load on each carrier frequency of each wireless communication technology. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108determines a network load on each carrier frequency used in LTE, NR, and Wi-Fi technologies by determining the number of bits per second in each signal transmitted on each carrier used in LTE, NR, and Wi-Fi technologies and comparing the determined number of bits per second with stored information indicating a maximum network throughput. For example, if the sensor processing unit device108determines that 10 Mbps are transmitted on a particular carrier frequency, and the stored information indicates that the maximum throughput on that particular carrier frequency is 100 Mbs, the sensor processing unit device108determines that the network load on that particular carrier frequency is 10 Mbps/100 Mbs or 0.1. The method1100then proceeds to1118.

At1118, the sensor processing unit device transmits information indicating the determined network load on each carrier frequency of each wireless communication technology determined at1116. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the sensor processing unit device108transmits, at1118, information indicating the determined network load on each carrier frequency of each wireless communication technology to the RIC device112. The method1100then ends or returns to1102or1108.

FIG.12illustrates a logical flow diagram showing an example of a method of operating a RAN Intelligent Controller (MC) device in accordance with embodiments described herein. The method begins at1202.

At1202, the MC device obtains configuration information. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the MC device112generates configuration information that is used to configure the intelligent sensor device104and the sensor processing unit device108, wherein the configuration information includes information that indicates a plurality of carrier frequencies and associated bandwidths to be monitored by the intelligent sensor device104, and one or more wireless network communication technologies for which load information is to be calculated by the sensor processing unit device108. In one or more implementations, the configuration information includes a unique identifier (e.g., network address) of each device (e.g., intelligent sensor device104and/or sensor processing unit device108) to which configuration information pertains. In one or more implementations, the MC device112receives the configuration information from an external device. The method1200then proceeds to1204.

At1204, the MC device transmits the configuration information obtained at1202to a sensor processing unit device. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the MC device112transmits the configuration information obtained at1202to the sensor processing unit device108at1204. The method1200then proceeds to1206.

At1206, the RIC device receives load information from the sensor processing unit device. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the RIC device112receives load information from the sensor processing unit device108at1204, wherein the load information includes information indicating a load on each carrier frequency identified by the configuration obtained at1202, for each wireless communication technology identified by the configuration obtained at1202. In one or more implementations, the load information includes timestamp information indicating a day and time when the load information was calculated, for example. The method1200then proceeds to1208.

At1208, the RIC device determines at least one user experience parameter for a user of a UE device based on the load information received from the sensor processing unit device108at1206. For example, referring toFIG.9A, the RIC device112determines three potential user experience parameters for a user of the UE device116based on the load information received from the at1206. More particularly, the RIC device112determines a first potential user experience parameter (e.g., expected bandwidth) that would result if the UE device116were to remain connected to the RU device102, a second potential user experience parameter (e.g., expected bandwidth) that would result if the UE device116were to be connected to the RU device118, and a third potential user experience parameter (e.g., expected bandwidth) that would result if the UE device116were to be connected to the RU device120. The RIC device112then determines which of the potential user experiences would result in a best user experience for the user of the UE device116. The RIC device112may use different criteria to determine the best user experience for the user of the UE device116, including maximum throughput and minimum latency, for example. In one or more embodiments, the RIC device112uses network slice information to determine the best user experience for the user of the UE device116, wherein the RIC device112determines that the best user experience for the user of the UE device116is one that would satisfy a particular service level agreement associated with a particular network slice used by the UE device116. Accordingly, the RIC device112may determine that the UE device116is to be connected to a first RU device, even if a second RU device is associated with a lowest network load, if the RIC device122determines that connection to the second RU device would not result in a SLA for a particular network slice being met and connection to the first RU device would result in the SLA for the particular network slice being met.

In one or more embodiments, the MC device112receives load information from a plurality of sensor processing device and stores that information for subsequent analysis. In addition, the RIC device112receives performance information that indicates an actual performance parameter (e.g., indicating bandwidth, throughput, or latency) that resulted from previous determinations of best user experiences. The RIC device112analyzes (e.g., using artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques) the load information and the performance information to improve models used by the RIC device112to determine the best user experience for users under a variety of conditions. The method1200then proceeds to1210.

At1210, the RIC device selects a radio unit device based on the at least one user experience parameter determined at1208. For example, referring toFIG.9A, if the RIC device112determines that the best user experience for the user of the UE device116would result if the UE device116were to be connected to the RU device118, the RIC device112selects the RU device118. The method1200then proceeds to1212.

At1212, the RIC device transmits a message including an identifier of the radio unit device selected at1210. For example, referring toFIG.9A, if the RIC device112selects the RU device118at1210, the RIC device112transmits a message that includes an identifier (e.g., network address) of the RU device118at1212. In one or more embodiments, the message is configured according to 3GPP TS 38.331 V15.4.0. For example, RIC device112transmits the message to the CU device110at1212, wherein the CU device110transmits a corresponding message to the DU device106that causes the DU device106to initiate a handover procedure that results in the UE device being handed over the RU device118. The method1200then ends or returns to1202or1206.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. For example, although the method1200shown inFIG.12is described as being performed by a RIC device, the method1200could be performed by a CU device or an Orchestrator device.