Challenges for Conflict Mitigation in O-RAN’s RAN Intelligent Controllers

The O-RAN architecture enables a more flexible and dynamic radio access network (RAN) control by separating hardware and software components. However, the distributed nature of the O-RAN architecture also presents several challenges for mitigating network control conflicts that can arise between different network elements. In this article, we identify key challenges for conflict mitigation in O-RAN networks, including reliable conflict detection, efficient maintenance of conflict mitigation configuration, optimal conflict resolution logic, testing and evaluation methodologies, and limited observability of O-RAN components. We propose solutions to these challenges, including pre-deployment conflict mitigation, conflict detection and resolution, and supervision and adaptation. The article concludes by highlighting the need for ongoing research to address these challenges and ensure effective conflict mitigation in O-RAN deployments.