Conflict Mitigation Framework and Conflict Detection in O-RAN Near-RT RIC

The steady evolution of the Open RAN concept sheds light on xApps and their potential use cases in O-RANcompliant deployments. There are several areas where can be used that being widely investigated, but issue mitigating conflicts between xApp decisions requires further in-depth investigation. This article defines a conflict mitigation framework (CMF) built into existing O-RAN architecture; it enables Conflict Mitigation component O-RAN's Near- Real-Time Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) to detect resolve all types defined Alliance's technical specifications. Methods for detecting each type defined, including message flows Near-RT RIC components. suitability proposed CMF is proven with simulation an network. Results show enabling allows balancing network control capabilities conflicting significantly improve performance, small negative impact its reliability. It concluded defining unified first step towards providing standardized method detection resolution environments.