Non-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC)
A Non-Realtime RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC) is a key component of the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architecture, focusing on orchestration and automation functions as described by the O-RAN Alliance. Its primary role is to support non-real-time radio resource management, higher layer procedure optimization, policy optimization in RAN, and to provide guidance, parameters, policies, and AI/ML models to support the operation of Near-Realtime RIC functions in the RAN. This enables higher-level non-real-time functions to be executed, aiming to achieve more efficient and intelligent network operations[1].
The Non-RT RIC operates with a response time greater than one second and is centrally deployed within the service provider’s network. It communicates with Near-Realtime RIC elements in the RAN via the A1 interface, facilitating the provision of policies for individual UEs or groups of UEs, monitoring and providing feedback on policy state from Near-RealTime RICs, providing enrichment information as required by Near-RealTime RICs, and facilitating ML model training, distribution, and inference in cooperation with the Near-RealTime RICs[1][2][3].
Key components of the Non-RT RIC include:
- Non-RT RIC Control Panel / Dashboard: A graphical user interface for viewing and managing A1 policies in the RAN, interacting with the Policy agent’s NBI (REST API), and managing producers and jobs for the Enrichment coordinator service[1].
- A1 Policy Management Service: Maintains a repository of all configured A1 policy instances in the network, providing a unified REST & DMAAP APIs for managing A1 Policies in all near-RT-RICs[1].
- Enrichment Information Coordinator: Coordinates/Register A1-EI Types, Producers, Consumers, and Jobs, maintaining a registry of A1-EI Data Types/schemas and facilitating the flow of enrichment information between producers and consumers[1].
The Non-RT RIC plays a crucial role in optimizing RAN functions by providing policy-based guidance, model management, and enrichment information to the near-RT RIC function. It is part of the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform and handles lifecycle management for all network elements, configuration management, and many other essential network functions. Its placement within the SMO, rather than in the RAN, allows it to access contextual data and use it to optimize aspects of the network that RAN nodes (CU, DU, and Near RT-RIC) cannot, such as the coordinated optimization of radio and transport to adjust user-level throughput based on application needs[3][4].
Citations:
[1] https://docs.o-ran-sc.org/projects/o-ran-sc-nonrtric/en/cherry/overview.html
[2] https://www.juniper.net/us/en/research-topics/what-is-ric.html
[3] https://www.rcrwireless.com/20211129/fundamentals/non-real-time-ric-vs-near-real-time-ric
[5] https://www.thenetworkmediagroup.com/blog/open-ran-the-role-of-the-ran-intelligent-controller-kjb4c
[6] https://arxiv.org/pdf/2202.01032.pdf
[7] https://docs.o-ran-sc.org/projects/o-ran-sc-nonrtric/en/e-release/overview.html