Abstract
Task diversity is one of the biggest challenges for future sixth-generation (6G) networks. Taking the task as the center and driving the dynamic 6G radio access network (RAN) with artificial intelligence (AI) are necessary to accurately meet the personalized demands of users. However, AI can only configure the parameters of a monolithic RAN and cannot schedule the functions. The development trend of 6G RANs is to enhance dynamic capability and scheduling ease. In this paper, we propose a service-based RAN architecture that can deploy decoupled RAN functions and customize networks according to tasks. Protocol analysis shows that the interactive relationship between RAN control plane (CP) functions is complex and needs to be decoupled according to the principles of high cohesion and low coupling. Based on the graph theory rather than expert experience, we design a RAN decoupling scheme. The functional connection and interaction of the CP are represented by constructing an undirected weighted graph, followed by achieving decoupling of the CP through a minimum spanning tree. Then an integration decoupling scheme of a RAN-CN (core network) is introduced considering the duplicate and redundant functions of the RAN and CN. The granularity of decoupling in a service-based RAN is determined by analyzing the flexibility of decoupling, complexity of signaling, and processing delay. We find that it is more appropriate to decouple the RAN CP into four services. The integration decoupling of the RAN-CN resolves the technical bottleneck of low serial efficiency in the Ng interface, supporting AI-based global service scheduling.
摘要
任务多样性是未来6G网络面临的最大挑战之一。以任务为中心,用人工智能(artificial intelligence,AI)驱动动态6G RAN(radio access network,无线接入网),精准满足用户的个性化需求。然而,人工智能只能配置单体式RAN的功能参数,无法对功能进行调度。因此,使RAN能力更具动态性和可调度性是6G RAN的发展趋势。本文提出一种基于服务的RAN架构,可以部署解耦的RAN功能,并根据任务进行定制。协议分析表明RAN CP (control plane)功能之间的交互关系复杂,需要按照高内聚低耦合的原则进行解耦。基于图论而非专家经验设计了一种RAN解耦方案。构建无向有权图表示功能连接和交互,通过最小生成树实现功能连接的解耦。考虑到RAN和CN功能的重复和冗余,提出一种RAN-CN集成解耦方案。分析解耦的灵活性、信令的复杂性和处理延迟,实验发现将RAN控制面解耦为4个服务更为合适。RAN-CN的集成解耦解决了Ng接口串行效率低的技术瓶颈,可实现全服务化6G,支持基于AI的全局功能调度。
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Data availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.
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Chunjing YUAN, Tong LEI, and Shuyuan ZHANG designed the research. Tong LEI and Ze XUE processed the data. Chunjing YUAN drafted the paper. Lin TIAN helped organize the paper. Lin TIAN revised and finalized the paper. Shuyuan ZHANG, Na LI, and Zhou TONG helped revise the paper.
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Project funded by Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences – China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd. Joint Institute
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Yuan, C., Lei, T., Xue, Z. et al. Service decoupling for open and intelligent service-based RAN. Front Inform Technol Electron Eng 26, 230–245 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.2400248
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.2400248
Key words
- Service decoupling
- Open and intelligent
- Service-based radio access network (RAN)
- Graph theory
- Full-service 6G network