Service Based RAN Decoupling Method Based on Graph Theory

Driven by the higher demand for flexible networks, Service based Radio Access Network (RAN) has been proposed. Service based RAN offers flexible network by decoupling the control plane of monolithic RAN into Network Functions (NFs) and combining NFs flexibly. It is currently unclear how to decouple monolithic RAN. Most decoupling methods can’t avoid the influence of experience. This paper tackles that challenge by proposing a graph theory-based decoupling method. The decoupling method can generate NFs with different decoupling granularities depending on procedures and scenarios. The evaluation shows that the balance between performance and adaptability will be achieved when the decoupling granularity is 4. In the procedures of "RRC (Radio Resource Control) Inactive" and "PDU (Protocol Data Unit) Modification", decoupling result have the same latency performance as the monolithic RAN and provide more flexibility.