Patent Description:
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system or to a telecommunications network for operating the telecommunications network comprising a radio access network, wherein the radio access network comprises a plurality of radio access network nodes that are able to interact in order to provide communication services to user equipments being connected to or served by the telecommunications network, wherein the radio access network nodes realize, at least partly, radio access coordinator unit functionalities and/or base station functionalities.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a program and to a computer-readable medium for operating a telecommunications network comprising a radio access network according to the inventive method.

The present invention relates to the area of telecommunications networks, especially wireless telecommunications networks or mobile communication networks. Such conventionally known telecommunications networks or mobile communication networks typically predominantly are or comprise monolithic blocks from a single vendor - especially regarding network infrastructure, and particularly with regard to the radio access network and base station entities.

In conventionally known telecommunications networks or mobile communication networks, the classical approach is that each (monolithic) vendor of the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) supplies their own proprietary operation and maintenance system (O&M system).

A consistent configuration between the different neighboring nodes of the next-generation radio access network is prerequisite for error-free interworking and consistent behavior across vendor boundaries in real network deployments. This consistency is typically ensured by the respective mobile operators (of the considered telecommunications networks) who request certain functionality of the next-generation radio access network from multiple vendors, integrate and test the functionalities and perform a consistent configuration in the different (typically vendor-specific) O&M systems.

Likewise, in the context of the open network automation platform (ONAP) that is proposing automation, orchestration and management systems, the responsibility for ensuring consistency (regarding the interworking of different network nodes, especially of or associated with the radio access network, provided by different vendors) lies with the mobile network operators.

However, ensuring such consistency becomes more and more complicated in case of more diverse multi-vendor radio access network implementations, especially next-generation radio access networks.

Document <CIT> describes a method for configuring a radio transceiver comprising a CU (centralized unit) coupled to a DU (distributed unit). The distributed unit receives a connection request from a user equipment, which is forwarded to the CU. Further, the CU is provided with information so that the CU can determine whether the DU will support the request and the CU can determine if it will support the request. If both are prepared to support the request, the user equipment can couple with the DU and the CU. More particularly, the DU can decide whether it will support the request and communicate it to the CU and if not, can transmit the request to another DU and so advise the CU. Alternatively, the DU can expose its capabilities to the CU and allow the CU to decide whether the DU will support the request and communicate it to the DU.

Further, document <CIT> discloses a UE access method, document <CIT> discloses an apparatus for non-real-time (Non-RT) radio access network intelligence controller (RIC) services for machine learning (ML) in an open radio access network (O-RAN) and <CIT> discloses methods to realize an inter Near-RT RIC communication to enable the near real-time control and optimization of E2 Nodes across an entire Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets) irrespective of number of Near-RT RICs deployed.

An object of the present invention is to provide an effective and simple approach for operating a telecommunications network comprising a radio access network such that a plurality of radio access network nodes - that are able to interact in order to provide communication services to user equipments being connected to or served by the telecommunications network - are enabled to implement such interaction, despite being provided by different vendors, in a more efficient, less error-prone as well as more automatic manner. A further object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding system or telecommunications network, and a corresponding program and computer-readable medium.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a method, a system / telecommunications network, a program and computer-readable medium according to the features of independent claims <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

It is thereby advantageously possible, according to the present invention, that a dynamic capability exchange is possible over different interfaces (between radio access network nodes realizing, at least partly, radio access coordinator unit functionalities and/or base station functionalities), and this especially in a disaggregated radio access network. Only exemplarily, in the following especially the specific first radio access network node and the specific second radio access network node, or their interaction, is specifically considered in order to explain, in a detailed manner, how such interaction or communication, between such radio access network nodes, is able to be performed according to different embodiments of the present invention in order to operate the telecommunications network and/or the radio access network in view of serving the user equipment with communication services and especially in order to exchange, or to transmit, capability information from one radio access network node to another (especially neighbouring) radio access network node, as well as vice versa in a rather automatic manner and especially without the need for a manual interaction or configuration of proprietary operation and maintenance systems related only to network nodes provided by one single supplier of network infrastructure equipment, e.g. base station entities or components thereof.

In such a manner, it is advantageously possible, according to the present invention, the configuration information or capability information is transmitted and/or exchanged between radio access network nodes (i.e. capability information regarding the capabilities (or regarding the current or future state thereof) of the respective network node transmitting (or sending) such capability information) that are required to interact in view of serving the user equipment with communication services - such requirement for interaction of such radio access network nodes, e.g., resulting from their geographical vicinity and/or from their functional relationship.

According to the present invention, it is, hence, advantageously possible to provide for a consistent - and, especially, up-to-date - configuration between the different (especially neighboring) radio access network nodes of the next-generation radio access network, and this especially across vendor boundaries in real network deployments, i.e. regarding radio access network nodes being provided by different - if not even a multitude - of suppliers; furthermore, such a consistent configuration among such - potentially heterogeneous (i.e. of different suppliers or vendors, and providing different functionalities at potentially different layers) - radio access network nodes is able to be obtained, according to the present invention, in an automatic (or rather automatic or automated) manner, i.e. either completely automatically or, at least, in a manner such that no profound or detailed configuration skills are required in order to trigger such exchange of capability information, e.g., in view of adding or removing or modifying a radio access network node as part of the telecommunications network or radio access network. For example, it might be required - in order to start a network node or in order to add a network node - to somehow activate an autoconfiguration or startup procedure, e.g. by means of pushing a button or the like, but not an in-depth review or consideration of the network node's configuration.

According to the present invention, a multitude of different mechanisms or manners to transmit or send - by a specific first radio access network node - such capability information (relating to the specific first radio access network node) to a specific second radio access network node (and, of course, also vice versa in order to assure the mentioned consistent configuration) is contemplated and suggested, including (but not limited to) a flexible direct (capability) information exchange or via a repository or inventory network function or service (e.g. a radio access network inventory and capability network function RANICNF).

Especially according to the present invention, this exchange (or transmission) of capability information is structured according to different interfaces or reference points (i.e. capabilities or capability information relating to (capabilities on or using) specific interfaces or reference points are preferably grouped (or transmitted in a structured or coordinated manner), e.g. regarding interfaces such as the Uu interface towards the user equipments, the NG interface towards (network functions or services of) the core network and the Xn interface between radio access network nodes of the NG-RAN.

According to the present invention, it is advantageously possible and preferred that, as part of the second step, the specific second radio access network node receives the capability indication message sent by the specific first radio access network node, wherein, especially, the specific second radio access network node sends, prior to the first step, a capability indication request message to the specific first radio access network node, wherein, especially, the specific first radio access network node sends the capability indication message upon detecting the presence of the specific second radio access network node or as a generic multicast message or as a broadcast message, especially periodically.

By means of the specific second radio access network node receiving the capability indication message (sent by the specific first radio access network node), it is advantageously possible to provide for a rather direct communication (and exchange of capability information) from the specific first radio access network node to the specific second radio access network node.

By means of a capability indication request message (sent by the specific second radio access network node) and/or by means of presence detection and/or broadcasting (or multicasting), advantageous variations of such a direct communication lead to the possibility to advantageously perform the inventive method in a flexible and efficient manner.

According to the present invention, it is furthermore advantageously possible and preferred that, as part of the first step, a central database entity or functionality receives the capability indication message sent by the specific first radio access network node, wherein, as part of the second step, the capability information related to the specific first radio access network node is received, by the specific second radio access network node, from the central database entity or functionality,
wherein especially the central database entity or functionality is or corresponds to a radio access network inventory and/or capability network function.

By means of using a rather centralized database entity or functionality for transmitting the capability information (from one radio access network node to another radio access network node), it is advantageously possible to provide for an indirect transmission of such capability information, especially by means of using a radio access network inventory and capability network function RANICNF.

As a further alternative realization (between, on the one hand, a strictly direct communication or transmission of such capability information - directly from one radio access network node to another radio access network node -, and, on the other hand, a strictly centralized or service-based indirect communication or transmission of such capability information - e.g. via a single centralized database or network function or service for providing a repository functionality regarding such capability information), a central database entity or functionality might also be central to only a group of radio access network nodes, e.g. a group of radio access network nodes corresponding to one base station entity or to one gNB.

According to the present invention, it is furthermore advantageously possible and preferred that in case of a change of the capability of the specific first radio access network node, a modified capability information is sent by the specific first radio access network node, especially by means of a further capability indication message, wherein especially the capability indication message and/or the further capability indication message comprises different sets of capability information, wherein each different set of capability information represent a different capability state of the specific first radio access network node, wherein especially different capability states of the specific first radio access network node are dependent on at least one of the following:.

According to the present invention, it is thereby advantageously possible that the inventive method is able to be performed in a flexible and efficient manner.

According to the present invention, it is furthermore advantageously possible and preferred that the capability indication message is sent using at least one out of the following interfaces or reference points:.

thereby especially realizing a direct and/or automatic exchange of capability information between involved radio access network nodes and especially between the specific first and second radio access network node.

According to the present invention, it is furthermore advantageously possible and preferred that the capability information is sent and related to or indicating the capability of the specific first radio access network node relates to the communication and feature capabilities.

According to the present invention, it is furthermore advantageously possible and preferred that the form or the data format of the capability information corresponds to at least one of the following forms or data formats:.

According to the present invention, it is furthermore advantageously possible and preferred that radio access network nodes of the plurality of radio access network nodes, and especially the specific first and second radio access network nodes, correspond to or realize one functionality or a plurality of functionalities of the following:.

wherein especially such functionality or such functionalities are able to be related to or processing one out of the following:.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system or to a telecommunications network as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a program comprising a computer readable program code which, when executed on a computer or on a specific first radio access network node or on a specific second radio access network node or on a central database entity or functionality, especially a radio access network inventory and/or capability network function, or in part on the specific first radio access network node and/or in part on the specific second radio access network node and/or in part on the central database entity or functionality, especially the radio access network inventory and/or capability network function, causes the computer or the specific first radio access network node or the specific second radio access network node or the central database entity or functionality, especially the radio access network inventory and capability network function, to perform the inventive method.

Still additionally, the present invention relates to a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer or on a specific first radio access network node or on a specific second radio access network node or on a central database entity or functionality, especially a radio access network inventory and/or capability network function, or in part on the specific first radio access network node and/or in part on the specific second radio access network node and/or in part on the central database entity or functionality, especially the radio access network inventory and/or capability network function, causes the computer or the specific first radio access network node or the specific second radio access network node or the central database entity or functionality, especially the radio access network inventory and capability network function, to perform the inventive method.

In <FIG>, a telecommunications network <NUM> comprising an access network <NUM>, and a core network <NUM> is schematically shown. The telecommunications network <NUM> or also mobile communication network <NUM> is typically realized as a cellular network or cellular mobile communication network <NUM>. The telecommunications network <NUM>, especially the core network <NUM>, typically comprises a number of network functions or services <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Examples of such network functions or services <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include, e.g., an access and mobility management function, AMF, and/or a user plane function, UPF - especially in case of a <NUM> telecommunications network, in which case the core network <NUM> might also be called a <NUM> core (system) and the access network <NUM> or radio access network <NUM> a next-generation radio access network, NG-RAN. The access network <NUM> comprises a plurality of radio cells <NUM>, <NUM>, i.e. geographical areas served, respectively, by base station entities. In the exemplary situation or scenario shown in <FIG>, a first base station entity <NUM> generates or is associated with or spans the first radio cell <NUM>, and a second base station entity <NUM> generates or is associated with or spans the second radio cell <NUM>. The base station entities <NUM>, <NUM> typically realize gNB functionality or next-generation gNB functionality. The telecommunications network <NUM> is typically connected to a plurality of user equipments <NUM> (or, rather, the user equipments <NUM> are connected to the telecommunications network <NUM>), one of which is schematically shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> primarily shows the simple situation that the user equipment <NUM> is connected to its home network <NUM>, especially its home public land mobile network, i.e. the telecommunications network <NUM> represented in <FIG> corresponds to the home network of the user equipment <NUM>. However, the telecommunications network <NUM> (to which the user equipment <NUM> is connected, or, rather, to whose radio access network <NUM> the user equipment <NUM> is connected) might also correspond to a visited network or visited public land mobile network, and the home network or home public land mobile network of the user equipment <NUM> would, in this case, correspond to another telecommunications network connected to the telecommunications network <NUM>, however, such other telecommunications network is not shown in <FIG>.

According to the present invention, the network nodes of the radio access network <NUM> (or the functionality of the radio access network <NUM>) might be realized in a rather disaggregated manner (or disaggregated radio access network architecture), by means of a plurality of radio access network nodes that are able to interact in order to provide communication services to the user equipment <NUM> (or, rather, also to other user equipments not explicitly shown in <FIG>) being connected to or served by the telecommunications network <NUM>.

An example of such a disaggregated realization of the radio access network <NUM> is schematically shown in <FIG>, which especially illustrates different interfaces or reference points between network nodes or parts of the core network <NUM> of the telecommunications network <NUM> as well as network nodes or parts of the radio access network <NUM> (radio access network nodes) of the telecommunications network <NUM>: <FIG> exemplarily and schematically shows a first network function or service <NUM> of the core network <NUM> and a second network function or service <NUM> of the core network <NUM>. The first and second network function or service <NUM>, <NUM> might, e.g., correspond to an access and mobility management function, AMF, and/or to a user plane function, UPF. Furthermore, <FIG> exemplarily and schematically shows the first base station entity <NUM>, the second base station entity <NUM>, and a third base station entity <NUM>. The base station entities <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are connected:.

When a disaggregated realization of the radio access network <NUM> is used, the base station entities <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> might be furthermore split, as schematically shown, in <FIG>, for the example of the third base station entity <NUM>: According to one separation, the gNB (or base station entity) functionality might be split into a central (or centralized) unit (gNB-CU) functionality and a distributed unit (gNB-DU) functionality, with an F1 interface or reference point between the gNB centralized unit (CU) and the gNB distributed unit (DU). Of course, the other base station entities <NUM>, <NUM> might also be split analogously. Additionally, a further split, or according to a further separation, the gNB centralized unit (CU) (and/or the gNB distributed unit, DU) might be split up as shown in <FIG> which shows an example of the first base station entity <NUM>, being split up and representing different functional entities or functionalities (or radio access network nodes) of the base station entity <NUM> in order to provide communication services to user equipments <NUM> connected to or served by the telecommunications network <NUM>: Especially, the gNB centralized unit (CU) might be split up in a gNB centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) and a gNB centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) - with an E1 interface or reference point in between. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the base station entity <NUM> or gNB comprises two gNB distributed units (DU), wherein each of these gNB distributed units (DU) is, respectively, connected to the gNB centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) by means of an F1-C (F1 control plane) interface or reference point, and to the gNB centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) by means of an F1-U (F1 user plane) interface or reference point. Likewise (but not shown in <FIG>), the gNB distributed unit (DU) might also be split up into a control plane entity (or radio access network node) and a user plane entity (or radio access network node). Further elements of a disaggregated radio access network <NUM> might comprise at least one of the following local or physical nodes: A Radio Unit (RU), a none Realtime Radio Intelligent Controller (non-RT RIC) or a Near Realtime Radio Intelligent Controller (NearRT-RIC) - especially such nodes or entities according to the respective O-RAN specification.

Hence, by means of such disaggregation - within the radio access network architecture and especially within <NUM>, i.e. the disaggregation of radio access network nodes (especially the base station entity functionality), and specifically the gNB -, a more flexible mix and match of different components (radio access network nodes) is possible; however, as a consequence of such disaggregation or split of or into radio access network nodes, a higher number of different kinds of interfaces or reference points results in such a next-generation radio access network, NG-RAN, implementation.

In the context of the open radio access network, O-RAN alliance, further functional disaggregation (with the introduction of further related interfaces or reference points) is proposed.

However, with more interfaces or reference points (i.e. a higher number of different kinds of interfaces or reference points) more network coordination between radio access network nodes is required, which is not the case with a single vendor monolithic radio access network implementation.

As already mentioned, in conventionally known telecommunications networks <NUM> or mobile communication networks, the classical approach is that each (monolithic) vendor of the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) supplies their own proprietary operation and maintenance system (O&M system). As a consistent configuration between the different neighboring nodes of the next-generation radio access network is prerequisite for error-free interworking and consistent behavior across vendor boundaries in real network deployments, there is the requirement, typically upon the respective mobile network operator, to assure such consistency among the different radio access network nodes of the considered telecommunications network; this typically involves the need to integrate and test the functionalities of radio access network nodes of different vendors and to perform a consistent configuration in the different (typically vendor-specific) O&M systems.

Also in the context of the open network automation platform (ONAP), the responsibility for ensuring consistency (regarding the interworking of different network nodes, especially of or associated with the radio access network, provided by different vendors) lies with the mobile network operators.

This represents a considerable burden on the mobile network operators.

According to the present invention, a radio access network node capability coordination is provided such that feature/functionality support information of the NG-RAN on a per interface basis is possible (either on a per interface node pair or centrally available), so that the communicating radio access network nodes or NG-RAN nodes are aware of each (other) node's capabilities related to the communication via the respective interface, especially in a dynamically changing network topology.

Hence, according to the present invention, a flexible direct information exchange between involved NG-RAN nodes - about the features the different nodes support - is provided. The evolution of 3GPP radio technologies adds hundreds of new user equipment features and/or network features release by release, whose manual configuration represents an always higher burden. Also, new concepts such as small cells, moving nodes (relays, IABs) and non-public-networks (NPN), including dynamic non-stationary topologies (e.g. NTN) require continuous changes to the network topology compared to the quasi stationary network setups known in rather conventionally known telecommunications networks.

Therefore, the present invention provides a dynamic capability exchange over different interfaces (between radio access network nodes realizing, at least partly, radio access coordinator unit functionalities and/or base station functionalities) in a disaggregated radio access network.

According to the present invention, in order to operate the telecommunications network <NUM> and/or the radio access network <NUM> and in order for a specific first radio access network node and a specific second radio access network node interacting with each other, the method comprises the steps of:.

This is exemplarily shown in <FIG> which schematically illustrate different communication situations between two considered radio access network nodes of the radio access network <NUM> of the telecommunications network <NUM>: A first radio access network node <NUM> and a second radio access network node <NUM> communicate with each other (indirectly) the reference point, and exchange capability information. These first and second radio access network nodes <NUM>, <NUM> are hereinafter also called specific first radio access network node <NUM> and specific second radio access network node <NUM>, respectively. In the situation or scenario represented in <FIG>, capability information (regarding the specific first radio access network node <NUM>) is to be transmitted to the specific second radio access network node <NUM>: the specific first radio access network node <NUM> sends a capability indication message, the capability indication message comprises capability information related to or indicating the capability of the specific first radio access network node <NUM>, hereafter, the specific second radio access network node <NUM> receives the capability information related to the specific first radio access network node <NUM>. In <FIG>, both the specific first and second radio access network nodes <NUM>, <NUM> are shown to comprise (or to be associated or assigned to) databases or database entities DB in order to store capability information (of the respective other, or neighbouring network nodes); especially, such capability information are stored, or organized, - especially as part of such databases or data base entities DB - according to or relating to different interfaces or reference points, used by such radio access network nodes; <FIG> schematically and exemplarily shows such capability information regarding the Uu, Xn, and NG interfaces or reference points.

Especially, in case of a direct communication (or exchange of capability information) between the specific first and second radio access network nodes <NUM>, <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), the capability indication message sent by the specific first radio access network node <NUM> (in the first step) might be directly received (in the second step) by the specific second radio access network node <NUM>, i.e. as part of the second step, the specific second radio access network node <NUM> receives the capability indication message sent by the specific first radio access network node <NUM> (in the first step).

Especially, the capability indication message is able to be sent, by the specific first radio access network node <NUM>, upon detecting the presence of the specific second radio access network node <NUM> or as a generic multicast message or as a broadcast message, especially periodically.

Hence, <FIG> represents a possible realization of the required database and the information exchange (between radio access network nodes) according to the present invention; especially, decentralized databases DB are used in either each involved node or in areas or for each involved NG-RAN vendor. It is proposed to structure the databases on a per interface relation, i.e. Uu features | Xn features | NG features.

The example or situation of a direct communication (or exchange of capability information) is also schematically and exemplarily shown in <FIG>: In a first processing step <NUM>, the specific first radio access network node <NUM> transmits the capability indication message to the specific second radio access network node <NUM> (i.e. thereby realizing the first and second steps of the inventive method), and in a second processing step <NUM>, the specific second radio access network node <NUM> sends a response message, e.g. an acknowledgement message, back to the specific first radio access network node <NUM>. <FIG> furthermore exemplarily shows a transmission of capability information in the inverse direction, i.e. from the specific second radio access network node <NUM> towards the specific first radio access network node <NUM>: In a third processing step <NUM>, the specific second radio access network node <NUM> transmits a further capability indication message to the specific first radio access network node <NUM> (i.e. thereby also realizing the first and second steps of the inventive method, albeit with exchanged roles of the specific first and second radio access network nodes <NUM>, <NUM>), and in a fourth processing step <NUM>, the specific first radio access network node <NUM> sends a further response message, e.g. an acknowledgement message, back to the specific second radio access network node <NUM>. The exchange of capability information shown in <FIG> is, e.g., realized at node setup of either the specific first or second (or both) radio access network nodes <NUM>, <NUM>.

Hence, <FIG> shows an exemplary message exchange between two radio access network nodes, e.g. at communication path setup. In the example the specific first radio access network node <NUM> sends the NG-RAN CAPBILITY INDICATION message to the specific second radio access network node <NUM>, which stores the conveyed information in the decentralized database DB (not shown in <FIG>) for this communication relation and acknowledges the successful reception and storage of the information with a ACK message (NG-RAN CAPBILITY INDICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT).

The structure of the NG-RAN CAPBILITY INDICATION message especially comprises entries defined or structured (clustered) per interface relation; the formats of the table entries in the databases DB and/or in the capability indication messages especially follow a standardized approach; e.g. the structure can be any well-known data format from ASN. <NUM> via XML to JSON formats.

According to another scenario or possibility to transmit (or to exchange) the capability information (albeit not shown in the Figures), the specific second radio access network node <NUM> sends, prior to the first step, a capability indication request message to the specific first radio access network node <NUM>, the it is only in response to such a capability indication request message (received from the specific second radio access network node <NUM>) that the specific first radio access network node <NUM> sends (as part of the first step) the capability indication message.

According to still another scenario or possibility to transmit the capability information (albeit also not shown in the Figures), a central database entity (not represented in the Figures) is used: As part of the first step, (i.e. as a result of the specific first radio access network node <NUM> sending the capability indication message), the central database entity or functionality receives the capability indication message sent by the specific first radio access network node <NUM>; as part of the second step, the capability information related to the specific first radio access network node <NUM> is received, by the specific second radio access network node <NUM>, from the central database entity or functionality. Preferably, the central database entity or functionality is or corresponds to a radio access network inventory and/or capability network function.

Especially according to the present invention, in case of a change of the capability of the specific first radio access network node <NUM>, a modified capability information is sent by the specific first radio access network node <NUM>, especially by means of a further capability indication message.

The capability indication message and/or the further capability indication message might comprise different sets of capability information, wherein each different set of capability information represent a different capability state of the specific first radio access network node <NUM>.

Especially, different capability states of the specific first radio access network node <NUM> are dependent on at least one of the following:.

The specific first radio access network node <NUM> and the specific second radio access network node <NUM> considered in <FIG> are meant only as examples of arbitrary network nodes of the telecommunications network <NUM>, especially of the radio access network <NUM>, i.e. typically such radio access network nodes realize, at least partly, radio access coordinator unit functionalities and/or base station functionalities. This is, e.g. the case for the following radio access network nodes: gNB distributed unit (control plane and/or user plane) DU-CP/DU-UP, gNB centralized unit (control plane and/or user plane) CU-CP/CU-UP, gNB remote unit (control plane and/or user plane) RU-CP/RU-UP, near realtime radio access network intelligent controller (near-RT RAN RIC), non real-time radio access network intelligent controller (non-RT RAN RIC) - especially such nodes or entities according to the respective O-RAN specification.

According to the present invention, the specific first radio access network node <NUM> might especially correspond to such a part or component of the first base station entity <NUM>, and the specific second radio access network nodes <NUM> might especially correspond to such a part or component of the second base station entity <NUM>; however, other scenarios and situations are likewise possible according to the present invention, especially also the case that the specific first radio access network node <NUM> and the specific second radio access network node <NUM> correspond to different parts or components of one base station entity, e.g. the first base station entity <NUM>, especially in case the such different components or parts of one and the same base station entity are provided by different vendors - and then need to be coordinated, as parts of the telecommunications network <NUM>, in order to provide communication services to user equipments <NUM> being connected to or served by the telecommunications network <NUM>.

Hence, the present invention provides for a dynamic exchange of capability information over interfaces in a disaggregated radio access network.

Especially, feature/functionality support information are provided of the NG-RAN components (i.e. the plurality of radio access network nodes) on a per interface basis, either on a per interface node pair or centrally using a central database entity, so that the communicating radio access network (NG-RAN) nodes are aware of each node's capabilities (i.e. aware of the capabilities of the respective other, or neighbouring, radio access network nodes) related to the communication via the respective interface, especially in a dynamically changing network topology.

According to the present invention, this is able to be achieved by means of each related (radio access network) node can be pulled by the other related (radio access network) node about the (radio access network) node's related communication and feature capabilities in general or for the related interface, e.g. by means of an NG-RAN capability query. Especially, this is able to be realized by using 3GPP Xn or O-RAN E2- interface protocols which need to be extended in this direction.

Furthermore (alternatively or cumulatively to the capability information being pulled by other radio access network nodes), a transmission of capability information is possible using a periodic node capability broadcast or multicast via the respective interface by each involved (radio access network) node, e.g. by means of an NG-RAN capability announcement. Furthermore (alternatively or cumulatively to pulling the capability information, or to transmit, broadcast or multicast the capability information), a central database is able to be used where the (radio access network) node's capabilities are stored and made available for usage of this information by other related (radio access network) nodes for the respective interface.

This is also able to be realized by introduction of a service based architecture (SBA) in the radio access network: Especially, a radio access network inventory and capability network function" (RANICNF) is then needed to be introduced; e.g., at registration, each (radio access network) node then populates a database entity of such a RANICNF with its capability information or pieces of capability information (or sets of capability information, wherein each different set of capability information represent a different capability state of the respective (radio access network) node) per interface or in general also related to Uu relevant capabilities (i.e. relevant regarding communication with the user equipment <NUM>) and the corresponding (neighbouring) (radio access network) nodes, utilizing this interface, would query the neighbouring (radio access network) node's capability from the RANICNF on setting up the node and establishment of an interface connection between neighboring (NG-RAN) nodes.

As a baseline for the definition of the functionalities supported in the related NG-RAN node could be the information about capabilities of user equipments being defined in 3GPP TR <NUM> already for functionality which is related to the Uu interface of the NG-RAN. Based in this information exchange the source NG-RAN node could select a target NG-RAN node in case of mobility of a device or for load balancing reasons taking into account the Uu related neighboring node's capabilities. , if a user equipment <NUM> is currently involved in an optimized XR session in the source node and there is a need to perform a handover while there are two neighboring nodes which could take over this user equipment connection, but just one of the node supports the XR optimization, in conventionally known telecommunications networks, the source NG-RAN node has no possibility to select the right target node (i.e. having the required functionality or capability) as the selection principles are typically statically pre-defined and radio related measurements (e.g. signal strength) is the main decision criteria. As with more diverse services and a heterogeneous dynamic network environment such additional decision criteria become more relevant.

Claim 1:
Method for operating a telecommunications network (<NUM>) comprising a radio access network (<NUM>), wherein the radio access network (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of radio access network nodes that are able to interact in order to provide communication services to user equipments (<NUM>) being connected to or served by the telecommunications network (<NUM>),
wherein the radio access network nodes realize, at least partly, radio access coordinator unit functionalities and/or base station functionalities, the telecommunications network (<NUM>) further comprising a central database entity or functionality,
wherein, in order to operate the telecommunications network (<NUM>) and/or the radio access network (<NUM>) and in order for a specific first radio access network node (<NUM>) and a specific second radio access network node (<NUM>) interacting with each other, the method comprising:
-- in a first step, the specific first radio access network node (<NUM>) sends a capability indication message, the capability indication message comprising capability information related to or indicating the capability of the specific first radio access network node (<NUM>), and the central database entity or functionality receives the capability indication message sent by the specific first radio access network node (<NUM>),
-- in a second step, the specific second radio access network node (<NUM>) receives capability information related to the specific first radio access network node (<NUM>), wherein the capability information related to the specific first radio access network node (<NUM>) is received, by the specific second radio access network node (<NUM>), from the central database entity or functionality.