Abstract: Technologies for network drive test prioritization based on machine learning are disclosed. An example method includes feeding a representation of routes of a target candidate drive test to a trained machine learning model to obtain a drive test prediction, wherein the trained machine learning model is trained based on integrating radio frequency (RF) estimations or predictions with past drive test data. The method also includes sorting a set of candidate drive tests for the communications network including the target candidate drive test, based on drive test predictions associated with each candidate drive test, to determine priorities for executing drive tests; and determining expectation of network usability in accordance with network availability and performance metrics.

Abstract: A radio access network (“RAN”) includes a transceiver for receiving a request from user equipment (“UE”) to join the RAN. The RAN also includes a processor that is configured for: responding to the UE request by sending a message directly from the RAN to the UE to offer a set of first terms for the UE to use a cellular network of the RAN; receiving a response from the UE agreeing to the set of first terms; and in response to the UE agreeing to the set of first terms, connecting the UE to use a cellular network of the RAN.

Abstract: A radio access network (“RAN”) includes a transceiver for receiving a request from user equipment (“UE”) to join the RAN. The RAN also includes a processor that is configured for: responding to the UE request by sending a message directly from the RAN to the UE to offer a set of first terms for the UE to use a cellular network of the RAN; receiving a response from the UE agreeing to the set of first terms; and in response to the UE agreeing to the set of first terms, connecting the UE to use a cellular network of the RAN.

Abstract: Edge blockchain authentication for communications networks is disclosed. By using a blockchain approach instead of a conventional network function (NF) authentication approach, authentication for applications and services can be performed at an authenticating data center (ADC) without the need to involve the regional data center (RDC) and/or the national data center (NDC). Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for individual NFs may not be needed. Once authenticated via the blockchain, legitimate transactions can interact with NFs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a distributed ledger to maintain a blockchain are provided. An example method includes receiving transaction information associated with a transaction involving a service provider and a consumer, the transaction information including transaction terms and conditions, receiving an indication, the indication indicating that the consumer assented to the terms and conditions, creating a transaction record, the transaction record including a transaction identifier, a consumer identifier of the consumer, the transaction terms and conditions, and the indication, creating a block in a blockchain managed by a blockchain as a service (BaaS) system, and storing the transaction record in the block.

Abstract: Embodiments provide tower-mountable base station antenna enclosure systems to reduce effective wind loads of housed antenna components. The enclosure systems can include wind deflection radomes sized to house antenna components and mountable to tower structures by rotatable couplings. For example, embodiments can have a rotational axis that is substantially transverse to primary wind directions, and the wind deflection structures can be mounted in a manner that permits substantially free rotation around the axis. Such enclosure systems can reduce the wind load of the antenna as deployed on a tower, such that a smaller marginal structural impact can be attributed to deployed antenna components, and the antenna components can be considered as smaller structural loads on the tower.

Abstract: A radio access network (“RAN”) includes a transceiver for receiving a request from user equipment (“UE”) to join the RAN. The RAN also includes a processor that is configured for: responding to the UE request by sending a message directly from the RAN to the UE to offer a set of first terms for the UE to use a cellular network of the RAN; receiving a response from the UE agreeing to the set of first terms; and in response to the UE agreeing to the set of first terms, connecting the UE to use a cellular network of the RAN.

Abstract: Embodiments provide tower-mountable base station antenna enclosure systems to reduce effective wind loads of housed antenna components. The enclosure systems can include wind deflection radomes sized to house antenna components and mountable to tower structures by rotatable couplings. For example, embodiments can have a rotational axis that is substantially transverse to primary wind directions, and the wind deflection structures can be mounted in a manner that permits substantially free rotation around the axis. Such enclosure systems can reduce the wind load of the antenna as deployed on a tower, such that a smaller marginal structural impact can be attributed to deployed antenna components, and the antenna components can be considered as smaller structural loads on the tower.