Traditional 3GPP RAN Traffic Steering vs O-RAN RIC-Based Traffic Steering

Traffic steering addresses the challenges of efficiently managing traffic in increasingly complex and capacity rich mobile networks. O-RAN ALLIANCE RIC based traffic steering represents a significant evolution from traditional 3GPP RAN traffic steering mechanisms.

Traditional 3GPP RAN Traffic Steering:

1. Cell-Centric Approach: Traditional 3GPP RAN traffic steering is typically cell-centric, focusing on the average performance of a cell rather than individual user experiences.
2. Static Policies: The mechanisms are largely static, with pre-defined rules and parameters that do not adapt in real-time to changing network conditions or user demands.
3. Limited Flexibility: These systems are limited in their ability to handle complex scenarios, such as traffic distribution across multiple access technologies or varying user requirements.
4. Reactive Management: Traffic management strategies in traditional systems are usually passive, reacting to conditions rather than proactively managing them.
5. Delayed Response: There is often a slower response to changing network conditions due to the static nature of the traffic steering policies and lack of real-time data analysis.

O-RAN RIC-Based Traffic Steering:

1. User-Centric Approach: O-RAN’s RIC-based traffic steering focuses on optimizing user experience by considering individual user needs and conditions.
2. Dynamic and Adaptive Policies: RIC enables dynamic policy management, where rules can be updated in real-time based on continuous monitoring and analysis of network conditions.
3. Increased Flexibility: O-RAN’s approach allows for more flexible management of traffic across different network layers and access technologies, adapting to various scenarios and service requirements.
4. Proactive Management: RIC-based systems leverage advanced data analytics and machine learning to predict network performance and user behavior, enabling proactive traffic management.
5. Real-Time Decision Making: Near-RT RIC can make decisions in near-real-time, allowing for quick adaptations to changing network environments and user demands.
6. Enhanced Data Analytics: RIC systems use sophisticated data analytics, including AI and ML algorithms, for more accurate and efficient traffic steering decisions.
7. Open and Interoperable: O-RAN’s architecture promotes open interfaces and interoperability, facilitating integration with various vendors and technologies, unlike the more closed and proprietary nature of traditional 3GPP systems.