Blog
Why RAN Expertise is Crucial for Effective and Successful RIC Solutions
Aug 29. 2024-
Ji-Yun Seol
Vice President and Head of Product Strategy, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics
Jaijin Lim
Director of Product Strategy, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics
The automation of Radio Access Network (RAN) is becoming increasingly crucial for mobile network operators in the fast-evolving world of 5G and beyond. A recent white paper from Samsung Networks makes a compelling case for why RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) from a RAN vendor is the right choice for operators.
At the heart of the argument is the deep expertise in RAN systems possessed by RAN vendors, such as Samsung, who has brought years of experiences in deploying and optimizing LTE and 5G networks globally. This intimate knowledge of RAN complexities gives them a significant edge in developing effective RIC solutions.
The white paper highlights several key advantages of this approach:
Tightly Coupled RIC Applications
Samsung's RIC applications are closely integrated with its RAN products and features. This tight coupling allows for more intelligent orchestration of network resources and performance optimization. For example, its Energy Saving Manager (ESM) application considers multi-carrier network configurations, Radio Unit (RU) as well as Baseband Unit (BBU) capabilities, and topological relationships to maximize energy savings while maintaining optimal performance.
Effective Feature Coordination
Samsung's deep understanding of RAN features enables the company to design applications that effectively coordinate multiple features while avoiding conflicts. For instance, Load Balancing Manager (LBM) application orchestrates various load-balancing features adaptively, considering factors such as UE state, radio conditions, and carrier properties.
Cohesive SMO/RIC Platform
Samsung offers a comprehensive Service Management and Orchestration (SMO)/RIC platform in Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS) that leverages its RAN expertise. This platform provides essential services including topology management, data collection, and conflict resolution. The cohesive nature of the platform ensures efficient interaction between higher-layer SMO automation applications and rApps, streamlining network management processes. Additionally, Samsung SMO/RIC platform can seamlessly support various SMO functions and rApps, including those from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and 3rd party partners, as well as the underlying multi-vendor RAN integration.
Integration of Field-Proven Workflows
Samsung integrates workflows and best practices developed from real-world deployments into its SMO/RIC platform to address common network management challenges in network provisioning, fault supervision, and performance assurance. This integration benefits all applications running on the platform, enabling rApps to use the platform-provided APIs for these tasks. For example, when rApps are required to execute numerous configurations across multiple sites, the SMO/RIC platform offers network provisioning workflows APIs for them. This allows rApps to delegate such tasks to the platform and concentrate on their algorithm and business logic.
Long-Term Commitment
As a committed RAN vendor, Samsung has invested in continuously improving its RIC solutions. This ongoing advancement gives operators confidence in long-term support and ensures that the platform evolves to satisfy future network requirements and industry standards.
The white paper also points out key criteria operators must consider while selecting RIC solutions. These include:
- Level of RAN expertise to ensure optimal design
- Understanding of the challenges regarding the integration of the existing RAN systems
- Initial and ongoing integration and maintenance costs
- Long-term viability of the vendor in the RAN automation market
Samsung's suite of RIC applications covers a wide range of use cases, from basic network automation to AI-driven optimization. Its portfolio includes:
- Basic network automation applications for monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting, such as Network Monitoring and Analysis, Voice KPI Monitoring and Analysis, and Invalid Parameter Detection
- Closed-loop automation rApps like Cell Topology Manager (CTM) and Service-aware Mobility Managers (SMM)
- AI-powered automation rApps, such as Energy Saving Manager (ESM), Load Balancing Manager (LBM), Coverage Optimization Manager (COM), and Parameter Recommender (PR)
These applications demonstrate how deep RAN knowledge translates into more effective network optimization and management solutions.
For mobile network operators looking to maximize the benefits of RAN automation, Samsung makes a strong case that its RIC solution, built on extensive RAN expertise, offers significant advantages over alternatives from non-RAN vendors. Pre-integration with Samsung RAN systems, support for O-RAN interfaces, and continuous improvements based on field-proven automation procedures propose a compelling value.
As 5G networks continue to evolve and automation becomes increasingly critical, choosing the right RIC solution will be crucial for operators. This white paper suggests that Samsung’s RAN-centric approaches are the key to unlocking the full potential of intelligent, automated networks. By leveraging its deep understanding of RAN systems and commitment to ongoing development, Samsung positions itself as a leading provider of RIC solutions in the competitive telecommunications market.
For further information on Samsung’s comprehensive SMO/RIC solution, please refer to the following white paper: Why does Samsung’s RIC outperform?