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Addressing Conflicts in Open RAN: A white paper
i14y Lab Whitepaper

Addressing Conflicts in Open RAN

An overview of the core points of the i14y Lab white paper “RIC-Apps Conflict Management”.

The i14y Lab white paper “RIC-Apps Conflict Management” addresses conflict management in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN). It discusses the challenges associated with managing conflicts among multiple xApps in the Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC). This paper also summarizes the perspectives of network operators and xApp developers regarding a robust framework for conflict management. It also highlights a simulator developed at the i14y Lab as a tool for conflict analysis and testing mitigation approaches.

Addressing Conflicts in Open RAN

The white paper was authored in the i14y Lab working group by Hammad Zafar, Ehsan Tohidi, Martin Kasparick (Fraunhofer HHI), Boris Lorbeer (Technische Universität Berlin), Heiko Lehmann, Matthias Weh (Deutsche Telekom), Gunja Rastogi, Jonas Charaf, Monika Tarwala (Capgemini), Adrian Kliks (Rimedo Labs), Daniyal Amir Awan (NOKIA), and Kaim Munshi (Vodafone).

Types of conflicts in O-RAN

RIC-App conflicts can significantly impact network performance, stability, and efficiency. The authors emphasize the importance of developing robust conflict detection and mitigation strategies to ensure smooth network operations in the multivendor O-RAN environment.

 

This paper examines the different types of conflicts that can arise within the O-RAN architecture, exploring them from various angles to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they present. It highlights vertical conflicts (between xApps and rApps), horizontal conflicts (between rApps or xApps), and conflicts categorized by the O-RAN alliance in Near-RT RIC, including direct, indirect, and implicit conflicts.

 

To deal with conflicts, they have first to be detected – for example by:

  • Implementing a dedicated conflict detector within the Near-RT RIC
  • Utilizing machine learning algorithms to anticipate potential conflicts
  • Applying principles of causality theory for more sophisticated conflict analysis

Strategies to deal with conflicts

To develop conflict mitigation strategies, one must first consider that the conflicting xApps may come from different vendors, and each xApp will have its very own and potentially conflicting objectives.

 

The paper proposes strategies to balance autonomy with coordinated action based on this consideration:

  • Centralized coordination through the Conflict Manager (CM) within the Near-RT RIC
  • Enhancing information sharing between xApps while respecting vendor autonomy
  • Standardizing interfaces and procedures for conflict management

 

Standardization is critical in addressing the challenges and the success of any strategy dealing with them. So, the authors of the white paper call for clear guidelines and procedures to ensure all stakeholders work within a common framework, reducing the potential for conflicts and enhancing overall network performance.

i14y Lab simulator – a digital twin for conflict analysis.

Using a simulator as a digital twin offers a transformative approach to conflict analysis and detection within dynamic systems. The i14y Lab simulator highlighted in the paper is a digital twin for O-RAN systems developed as part of the project. It offers several advantages for conflict analysis:

 

  1. It can generate large amounts of data, including rare corner cases that are difficult to observe in practice.
  2. It allows for the analysis of causal effects through A/B testing, providing ground truth for counterfactuals.
  3. It enables interventions in the simulated network, which is often impossible in real-world scenarios.
  4. The simulator supports the ns3-ai library, facilitating the application of data analytics and machine learning algorithms for enhanced conflict detection.

 

The i14y Lab simulator proves to be a valuable tool for researchers and developers in the O-RAN ecosystem, allowing them to test and evaluate various conflict detection and mitigation approaches in a controlled environment.

A comprehensive overview of challenges and potential solutions

The white paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions for conflict management in O-RAN. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between network operators, xApp developers, and standardization bodies to create a more robust and efficient O-RAN ecosystem.

 

The i14y Lab simulator stands out as a significant contribution, offering a powerful platform for advancing research and development in this critical area of next-generation cellular networks.

 

If you want to read the white paper in full, it is available for download: RIC-Apps Conflict Management

Unplugged 02

Webinar with Ehsan Tohidi

This i14y Lab webinar, based on the white paper “RIC-Apps Conflict Management,” addresses conflict management in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN).

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