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The Impact of 5G NR Technology on OAM and Automation

The introduction of 5G NR (New Radio) technology is poised to significantly influence the existing Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) and automation activities of 5G service providers. Unlike previous generations, 5G NR will initially be deployed as a new RAN (Radio Access Network) node, where the control plane is managed through the existing 4G infrastructure. This early-stage deployment strategy creates a complex interplay between LTE and NR technologies, potentially disrupting the single-RAN (SRAN) concept and its operational benefits. As a result, service providers may face increased operational efforts to maintain SRAN operations in early 5G systems.

One of the critical challenges in this transition is integrating 5G NR as a new base station type into an SRAN multi-RAT (Radio Access Technology) network. This raises several questions about supporting common node functions, transport, and OAM activities across GUL (GSM, UMTS, LTE) networks. Essential functionalities, such as local maintenance terminal (LMT) operations, device panel management, software management, and northbound interfaces (NBIs), must be re-evaluated to ensure seamless integration. So, now let us see How Will 5G OAM and Automation Transform Network Management along with Smart LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom and Smart 5g tester, 5G test equipment, 5g network tester tools in detail.

The Role of SON in 5G NR

However, integrating SON into 5G NR poses a significant challenge due to its absence in early 5G standards. Early deployment options, like Option 3x, do not include essential SON functionalities such as 5G Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR), dynamic configuration of interfaces, and mobility robustness optimization (MRO). These gaps necessitatehigher operational efforts and manual interventions, which can hinder the efficiency and reliability of 5G networks.

Key SON functionalities that need integration include dynamic configuration of the NG-C and Xn interfaces, removal of unused neighbor cell relations, load balancing optimization, and minimizing drive tests through mobile drive test (MDT) data. Additionally, self-healing mechanisms and the exchange of load information via the Xn interface are crucial for maintaining network performance and reliability.

OAM and Automation Requirements for Future 5G Operations

To meet the demands of future 5G operations, comprehensive OAM and automation solutions are necessary. These solutions should leverage big data interfaces for RAN information and provide APIs for external control. Automation toolkits and trace applications will enhance operators’ capabilities, enabling them to fully benefit from cloud deployments and ensure zero-outage software upgrades.

The independent management of the 5G NR layer will require significant daily engineering and operational efforts, depending on the deployment size and network functions. This includes supporting operational workflows through Element Manager Options 2, integrating northbound interfaces into OSS IT systems, and reusing existing processes for contracts, release management, spare parts, documentation, training, and operations team impact.

Advanced feature sets, such as power-saving techniques and distributed SON (d-SON) functions, will be essential. These features must be implemented within the eNodeB and utilize the X2 interface for communication between eNodeBs.

Current OAM Challenges in 5G NR Deployments

Deploying 5G NR with options like Option 3x necessitates using an LTE anchor gNodeB, where the control plane remains on the LTE anchor. This configuration raises concerns about performance, fault management, and load functions, as surveillance of the gNB layer is conducted via the LTE anchor. Additionally, questions arise regarding the mobility concept, handover procedures, and the extension of auto neighbor relationships to 5G.

Uplink and downlink decoupling, along with tracing, performance monitoring, and fault detection for connections across multiple nodes, are crucial for ensuring seamless handover procedures and maintaining network stability.

The Automation Potential of 5G Networks

The automation capabilities of 5G are highly anticipated. 5G networks are expected to support fully automatic installation, configuration, and integration of new small cell and macro cell nodes. This includes automatic radio optimization through closed-loop processes, automatic detection and mitigation of failures, and compensation for outages and performance degradations.

Furthermore, 5G networks will enable fully automatic end-to-end orchestration of resources, network functions, and services through autonomic OSS (Operations Support Systems) software management platforms. This includes automatic software provisioning, implementation, activation, verification, and fallback options within a virtualized network environment.

Operators will benefit from flexible system introductions and the activation of new features during stable software releases without customer impact. Online service upgrades, bi-directional connectivity to third-party OSS systems, and zero-outage software upgrades will enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The Shift to a Virtualized Environment

The expectations for 5G automation largely depend on the implementation of network function virtualization (NFV), which is not yet prevalent in most existing RAN deployments. New 5G implementations will involve a higher number of cells in new frequency layers and the massive introduction of small cells within a Cloud RAN virtualized deployment.

The close integration of 5G NR with LTE will facilitate continuous deployment of new services across a Cloud RAN architecture, comprising Centralized Units (CU) and Distributed Units (DU). This integration will require management platforms that offer dynamic scalability, high capacity, and stable northbound interfaces with forward compatibility.

The Future of 5G Operations

The future of 5G operations hinges on the seamless migration of RAN elements, emphasizing zero-outage software upgrades and self-configuration for most network element parameters. Automated functionalities such as predictive maintenance, alarming, and failure prevention concepts (e.g., redundancy, over-dimensioning) will become crucial.

Extending 4G SON functionalities to 5G will be essential, where applicable, to maintain network efficiency and reliability. This extension will include advanced features like load balancing optimization, automatic offset/timer optimization, and.

Conclusion

Service providers must adapt to the complexities of integrating 5G NR with existing LTE infrastructure while leveraging automation to enhance network performance and reliability. The successful deployment and management of 5G networks will depend on the ability to implement advanced OAM solutions, integrate SON functionalities, and utilizevirtualization technologies to create a scalable, efficient, and resilient network environment. Failure to address these challenges could lead to significant operational inefficiencies, loss of reputation, and decreased subscriber trust, ultimately impacting the business success of network operators. Also read similar articles form here.