Background
Since RAN#105, 3GPP has advanced 5G with AI/ML integration. The NR_AIML_air work item now focuses on applications like beam management, positioning, and CSI feedback to enhance network reliability and intelligence. This phase establishes protocols for seamless UE-to-network interactions, creating an adaptive 5G ecosystem.
Tracking Progress: Agenda Item 8.1.2.2
Significant contributions were made under Agenda Item 8.1.2.2 – LCM for UE-sided model for Beam Management use case at RAN2#127 and RAN2#127b. RAN2#128 promises further advancements with over 210 proposals from 25 sources.
Key Contributions
- Contributors: 25+ sources, 200+ proposals per meeting.
- Technical Issues: Discussions include Definitions, Procedures, Applicability Reporting, Activation/Deactivation, Data Collection and Training, and Performance Monitoring.
Summarized Agreements from RAN2#127-bis
- UAI Reporting: Supported using RRCReconfigurationComplete message. Alignment on signaling applicable functionalities. FFS on applicability reporting content.
- Inference Configuration: FFS if it can be signaled in step 3.
- AI Functionality Status: UE can report when functionality becomes non-applicable. FFS on signaling method (explicit/implicit), considering different scenarios.
- Data Collection Control: Initiation and configuration are network-controlled. FFS on network criteria for initiation (e.g., UE requests).
- AI/ML BM LCM Operations: Use existing CSI Framework procedures and terminologies (aperiodic, semi-persistent on PUCCH/PUSCH, periodic reporting).
- AI/ML Model Terminology: No specific definitions for activation/deactivation at this time. To be revisited later.
- For earlier agreements, check out the previous article: “Shaping the Future of AI/ML in 5G Standards at RAN2#127-bis for 3GPP RAN2 Delegates” (published Oct. 10, 2024).
Anticipation for RAN2#128
Agenda item 8.1.2.2 has received 210 proposals. Intense discussions and advancements are expected.
Spotlight on Contributors
- Ericsson: 16 proposals, leading contributions.
- Google, Nokia, OPPO: 12+ each.
- Remaining Contributors: Averaging 7.5 proposals each. These numbers underscore the role of significant contributors in shaping standards.
Technical Insights
- Focus on Baseline and Conditional Applicability: A large portion of proposals under “Applicability and Functionality” reflects foundational signaling requirements and specific applicability conditions, which define standards for interoperability and clarifies applicability boundaries.
- Lower Representation of Advanced Functionality Proposals: Fewer submissions on “Advanced Beam Management” and “Functional State Initialization” suggest these areas might need more research before standardization. As foundational standards are established, these may become priorities in near future.
Influencing Future Standards
- Ericsson’s Contributions: Emphasis on Baseline Signaling and Network-Side Reporting.
- Nokia’s Range: Involvement across Functional Activation/Deactivation, Baseline Signaling, and Advanced Beam Management.
This mix of specialization and diversity reflects strategic approaches within the standardization process.
Differing Opinions
Seven proposals from OPPO, Apple, Ericsson, LG, and TCL reflect differing opinions on certain features, contributing to a balanced, rigorous standardization discussion.
Workload Challenge for RAN2 Delegates
Evaluating 210 proposals before the meeting is a significant task requiring efficient solutions.
Introducing Proposal Zone
Proposal Zone, part of the Standard Impact Extractor (SIE), – is an intuitive tool designed to simplify proposal analysis and enhance decision-making efficiency. Proposal Zone helps delegates:
- Access relevant proposals by agenda item.
- Analyze summaries, trends, and sentiment.
- Evaluate allies and competitors more effectively.
Proposal Zone can significantly reduce the manual effort required for evaluation, allowing you to focus on strategic discussions. Visit https://ixi.wispro.com to learn more.
