Communication network with subnets and adjustable network function based on the geographic position of a mobile device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a communications network having a plurality of subnetworks, in particular a 5G communications network with multiple slices, and a subnetwork manager for setting a network function of a first communications entity based on the geographical positions of the first communications entity and a mobile communications terminal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for setting the first network function.

[0002] The fifth generation of mobile technology (5G) addresses the requirements and technical challenges of future communication networks from around 2020 and beyond. It addresses a fully mobile and networked society characterized by enormous growth in data traffic and interconnectedness at multiple levels.

[0003] 5G will require new radio interfaces to meet the demands of using higher frequencies, for example, for new applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), and to provide specialized capabilities such as shorter latency that go beyond what 4G communication networks are capable of. 5G is viewed as an end-to-end system that encompasses all network aspects, with a design that enables a high degree of convergence. 5G will fully utilize today's access mechanisms and their potential evolutions, including today's fixed-line access technologies and many other access technologies yet to be developed.

[0004] 5G will operate in a highly heterogeneous environment, i.e., with multiple types of access technologies, multi-layered networks, diverse types of communication devices and user interactions, etc. A wide variety of applications with diametrically opposed requirements must be optimally supported, e.g., fail-safe, robust communication, low-data-rate communication, or broadband communication in densely populated areas. In such an environment, there is a fundamental demand for 5G to provide a seamless and consistent user experience across time and space. The operator of a 5G communication network must optimally and dynamically adapt the resources deployed to the respective requirements in order to be able to support the multitude of applications simultaneously.

[0005] Therefore, 5G requires, on the one hand, increasing communication performance, particularly providing higher data throughput, lower latency, particularly high reliability, significantly higher connection density, and a wider mobility range, but, on the other hand, increasing operational flexibility and providing tailored functions with the least possible use of resources. This increased performance is expected to be combined with the ability to manage highly heterogeneous environments and the ability to ensure user trust, identity, and privacy.

[0006] The paper, "The 56 Network Slice Broker," teaches the analysis and design of signaling-based, on-demand, multi-tenant network architectures based on the 3GPP Network Sharing Management Architecture (NSM). At the core of this network architecture is a logically centralized monitoring and control entity, referred to as the 5G Network Slice Broker, which enables access control for incoming requests and provides resources via interfaces to the 3GPP Network Sharing Management Architecture. These interfaces are extended to implement on-demand network slice requests. For example, the set of cells to which the network slice request refers is introduced as an additional parameter.Such an additional parameter can be determined by the Infrastructure Provider (InP) taking into account the location of the corresponding devices / users in combination with corresponding service information provided by the 5G Network Slice Broker.

[0007] "SM Reddy et al: Reshaping the Mobile core network via function decomposition and network slicing for the 5G era, 2016 IEEE Wireless communications and networking conference workshops, IEEE, April 3, 2016, pages 90-96" refers to the fifth generation (5G) NGMN (Next Generation Mobile Network) and presents various concepts for the design of a flexible and adaptive mobile core network based on functional decomposition and network slicing.

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to create a concept to increase the flexibility and performance of communication, especially in 5G with regard to the above-mentioned requirements.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous forms of further training are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] A basic idea of ​​the invention is to ensure that required functions are provided at the required geographical location at the required time within the slice. This enables stable and predictable latency (e.g., for tactile or distributed applications). To achieve this, functions and functional resources are reliably provided locally or migrated to the location of need.

[0011] The methods and systems presented below can be of various types. The individual elements described can be implemented by hardware or software components, for example, electronic components that can be manufactured using various technologies and include, for example, semiconductor chips, ASICs, microprocessors, digital signal processors, integrated electrical circuits, electro-optical circuits, and / or passive components.

[0012] The devices, systems, and methods presented below are suitable for transmitting information over a communications network. The term "communications network" refers to the technical infrastructure over which signals are transmitted. The communications network essentially comprises the switching network, in which signals are transmitted and switched between the fixed-location devices and platforms of the mobile or fixed network, as well as the access network, in which signals are transmitted between a network access device and the communications terminal. The communications network can comprise components of both a mobile network and a fixed network.In the mobile network, the access network is also referred to as the air interface and includes, for example, a base station (NodeB, eNodeB, radio cell) with a mobile antenna to establish communication with a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or smartphone, or a mobile device with a mobile adapter. In the fixed network, the access network includes, for example, a DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer) to connect the communication terminals of multiple subscribers via a wired or cable connection. Communication can be forwarded to other networks, such as those of other network operators, or to international networks, via the switching network.

[0013] The devices, systems and methods presented below are intended to enhance communication in communication networks, in particular in communication networks according to the 5G system architecture presented below. Fig. 1shows a schematic representation of such a 5G system architecture 100. The 5G system architecture 100 comprises an area with 5G communication terminals 101, which are connected via various access technologies 102 to a multi-layered communication structure, which comprises an infrastructure & resource layer 105, an activation layer 104 and an application layer 103, which are managed via a management & instrumentation layer 106.

[0014] The Infrastructure & Resources layer 105 comprises the physical resources of a converged network structure consisting of fixed-network and mobile network components ("Fixed-Mobile Convergence") with access nodes, cloud nodes (consisting of processing and storage nodes), 5G devices such as mobile phones, wearable devices, CPEs, machine communication modules, and others, network nodes, and associated links. 5G devices can comprise diverse and configurable capabilities, for example, acting as a relay or hub, or operating as a computing / storage resource depending on the respective context. These resources are made available to the higher layers 104, 103, and the Management & Instrumentation layer 106 via corresponding APIs (Application Program Interfaces). Monitoring performance and configurations are an inherent part of such APIs.

[0015] The activation layer 104 comprises a library of functions required within a converged network in the form of building blocks of a modular architecture. These include functions implemented by software modules that can be retrieved from a repository at the desired location, and a set of configuration parameters for specific parts of the network, e.g., radio access. These functions and capabilities can be invoked on demand by the management and instrumentation layer 106 using the dedicated APIs. Multiple variants may exist for certain functions, e.g., different implementations of the same functionality with different performance or characteristics.The different levels of performance and capabilities offered can be used to differentiate network functionalities much further than is possible in today's networks, e.g. to offer nomadic mobility, vehicle mobility or air mobility as a mobility function depending on specific needs.

[0016] The application layer 103 includes specific applications and services of the network operator, the enterprise, the vertical operator, or third parties using the 5G network. The interface to the management and instrumentation layer 106 allows, for example, the creation of specific, i.e., dedicated network slices for an application or the assignment of an application to an existing network slice.

[0017] The Management & Instrumentation Layer 106 is the contact point for translating the required use cases (including business models) into actual network functions and slices. It defines the network slices for a given application scenario, concatenates the relevant modular network functions, assigns the relevant performance configurations, and maps everything to the resources of the Infrastructure & Resource Layer 105. The Management & Instrumentation Layer 106 also manages the scaling of the capacity of these functions as well as their geographical distribution. In certain use cases, it may also include capabilities that allow third parties to create and manage their own network slices by leveraging the APIs.Due to the numerous tasks of the Management & Instrumentation Layer 106, it is not a monolithic block of functionality, but rather a collection of modular functions that integrate advances made in various network domains, such as NFV ("network function virtualization"), SDN ("software-defined networking"), or SON ("self-organizing networks"). The Management & Instrumentation Layer 106 uses data-driven intelligence to optimize all aspects of service arrangement and provisioning.

[0018] The devices, systems and methods presented here are intended to improve the performance of communication in communication networks, in particular in 5G communication networks with multiple network slices, as described below. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication network 200 with multiple network slices. The 5G communication network 200 comprises an infrastructure and resource layer 105, an activation layer 104, and an application layer 103.

[0019] The Infrastructure & Resource Layer 105 includes all physical assets assigned to a network operator, i.e. locations, cables, network nodes, etc. This layer 105 forms the basis for all network slices. It is structured to be as generic as possible, without too many specialized physical units. The Infrastructure & Resource Layer 105 conceals any type of user-specific implementation from the upper layers so that the remaining systems can be used in the best possible way for different slices. Components of the Infrastructure & Resource Layer 105 are based on hardware and software or firmware that is required for the respective operation and is made available to the layers above as resource objects in the Infrastructure & Resource Layer 105. For example, objects of the Infrastructure & Resource Layer 105 include virtual machines, virtual links, orConnections and virtual networks, e.g., virtual access nodes 231, 232, 233, virtual network nodes 234, 235, 236, 237, and virtual computer nodes 238, 239, 240. As the term "virtual" suggests, the infrastructure & resource layer 105 provides the objects in the form of an "infrastructure as a service" 251, ie, in an abstracted, virtualized form to the next higher layer 104.

[0020] The activation layer 104 is located above the infrastructure and resource layer 105. It uses the objects of the infrastructure and resource layer 105 and adds additional functionality in the form of (e.g., non-physical) software objects / VNFs to enable the creation of any type of network slices and thus provide a platform as a service to the next higher layer 103.

[0021] Software objects can exist at any granularity and comprise a tiny or a very large fragment of a network slice. To allow the creation of network slices at an appropriate level of abstraction, various abstracted objects 221 can be combined with other abstracted objects and with virtual network functions 222 in the activation layer 104 to form combined objects 223, which can be converted into aggregated objects 224 and made available in an object library 225 of the next higher level. This allows the complexity behind the network slices to be hidden. For example, a user can create a mobile broadband slice and only define KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) without having to specify specific features such as individual local antenna coverage, backhaul connections, and specific parameterization levels.To support an open environment and allow network functions to be added or deleted on demand, an important capability of the activation layer 104 is that it supports the dynamic reordering of functions and connectivities in a network slice, e.g., by using SFC ("Service Function Chaining") or modifying software, so that the functionality of a slice can be fully predefined and can include both approximately static software modules and dynamically addable software modules.

[0022] A network slice can be viewed as a software-defined entity based on a set of objects that define a complete network. The activation layer 104 plays a key role in the success of this concept, as it can encompass all software objects necessary to provide the network slices and the corresponding capabilities for handling the objects. The activation layer 104 can be viewed as a type of network operating system complemented by a network creation environment. A key task of the activation layer 104 is to define the appropriate abstraction levels. This gives network operators sufficient freedom to design their network slices while the platform operator can still maintain and optimize the physical nodes. For example, the execution of day-to-day tasks such as adding or replacing NodeBs, etc.without the intervention of the network customers. The definition of suitable objects that model a complete telecommunications network is one of the essential tasks of the activation layer 104 in developing the network slices environment.

[0023] A network slice, also known as a 5G slice, supports the communication services of a specific connection type with a specific way of handling the C (Control) and U (User Data) layers. A 5G slice consists of a collection of different 5G network functions and specific radio access technology (RAT) settings that are combined to benefit the specific use case. Therefore, a 5G slice can span all domains of the network, e.g., software modules running on cloud nodes, specific transport network configurations that support flexible function location, a specific radio configuration, or even a specific access technology as well as a configuration of 5G devices.Not all slices contain the same features; some features that are considered essential for a mobile network today may even be missing from some slices. The intention of the 5G Slice is to provide only the features necessary for the specific use case and avoid all other unnecessary functionality. The flexibility behind the slice concept is key for both extending existing use cases and creating new ones. Third-party devices can thus be granted permission to control certain aspects of slicing via appropriate APIs, enabling the provision of tailored services.

[0024] The application layer 103 comprises all generated network slices 210b, 211b, 212b and offers them as a "network as a service" to various network users, e.g., different customers. This concept allows the reuse of defined network slices 210b, 211b, 212b for different users, e.g., customers, for example, as a new network slice instance 210a, 211a, 212a. This means that a network slice 210b, 211b, 212b that is assigned to an automotive application, for example, can also be used for applications of various other industrial applications. The slice instances 210a, 211a, 212a generated by a first user can, for example, be independent of the slice instances generated by a second user, even though the overall network slice functionality may be the same.

[0025] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a communication network comprising: a position monitor configured to monitor a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal; and a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographical area and comprises: a first communication entity arranged at a first geographical position within the geographical area of ​​the subnetwork and configured to execute a first network function of the subnetwork, wherein the first network function determines an allocation of communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity;and a subnetwork manager for controlling the first communication entity, wherein the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function of the first communication entity based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographical position of the first communication entity;

[0026] The subnetwork structure of the communication network enables increased communication performance. In particular, this allows for higher data throughput, lower latency, exceptionally high reliability, a much higher connection density, and a wider mobility range.

[0027] By controlling the first communication entity based on the geographical position of the first communication entity and the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal, it can be ensured that the mobile communication terminal always has access to the communication resources required at the respective geographical location. This increases communication flexibility and conserves communication resources by eliminating the need to reserve them unnecessarily and allowing them to be used for their intended purpose.

[0028] With these geographically variable network functions, a wide variety of network entities, such as fixed and mobile network components with access nodes, cloud nodes, processing nodes, storage nodes, 5G devices such as mobile phones, wearable devices, CPEs, machine communication modules, and other network nodes and associated links, can be targeted and operated depending on the geographical location of the mobile device. The network functions can provide 5G devices with diverse and configurable capabilities, allowing them to operate as computing / storage resources, for example, depending on the respective context. The network functions can provide corresponding APIs (application program interfaces) to make these resources available. This enables a highly flexible, particularly geographically flexible, network design.

[0029] By geographically interconnecting the individual network functions, the subnetwork manager can increase the complexity and performance of the entire communications network while simultaneously concealing this complexity behind the network slices. For example, a user can create a mobile broadband slice using only a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) without having to specify specific features such as individual local antenna coverage, backhaul connections, and specific parameterization levels. Through interconnection, the subnetwork manager can support a geographically open environment and enable the addition or deletion of network functions on demand, depending on the user's wishes and geographical location. This increases the functionality of the entire communications network.

[0030] In one embodiment, the communications network is a fifth generation (5G) or subsequent generation network, and the subnetwork is a slice of the communications network.

[0031] This will enable the full benefits of the 5G network architecture to be realized, such as higher radio frequencies with higher data throughput, new applications such as the Internet of Things, and special capabilities such as reduced latency that go beyond what 4G communication networks are capable of. The communication network can offer an end-to-end system that encompasses all network aspects with a high degree of convergence. Furthermore, existing access mechanisms and their potential further developments can be fully utilized.

[0032] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function based on a resource requirement profile of the at least one mobile communication terminal and an availability of communication resources of the first communication entity.

[0033] This offers the advantage of allowing the communication network's communication resources to be deployed in a targeted and needs-based manner, depending on the user's requirements profile at the respective geographical location. This translates into efficient use of resources.

[0034] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to receive an identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal and to set the first network function of the first communication entity based on the identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal.

[0035] This offers the advantage of being able to provide communication resources based on the communication terminal's identification. The identification can, for example, specify which services the respective UE is permitted to use and thus allocate the necessary resources to the UE based on its geographical location.

[0036] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork comprises a second communication entity arranged at a second geographical position within the geographical area of ​​the subnetwork and configured to perform a second network function of the subnetwork, wherein the second network function defines an allocation of communication resources of the subnetwork to the second communication entity.

[0037] This can provide the advantage that the first and second communication entities can perform different network functions, allowing a geographically dependent allocation of network resources to the UE. For example, at a UE location in the network center with good radio coverage, fewer resources can be allocated to the UE than at a UE location at the network edge, where radio coverage is poorer. At the network edge, for example, the UE can be allocated more processor power to achieve better channel estimation or interference detection.

[0038] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to set the second network function of the second communication entity based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the second geographical position of the second communication entity.

[0039] By controlling the second communication entity depending on the geographical position of the second communication entity and the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal, it can be ensured that the mobile communication terminal always has access to the communication resources required at the respective geographical location. Furthermore, switching from the first network function to the second network function can be implemented if the second communication entity is closer to the UE than the first communication entity. This increases the flexibility of communication, and communication resources of the first communication entity can be released again when the UE moves out of the geographical sphere of influence of the first communication entity and into the geographical sphere of influence of the second communication entity.

[0040] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to determine a communication entity closest to the mobile communication terminal based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal, the first geographical position of the first communication entity, and the second geographical position of the second communication entity, wherein the nearest communication entity is the first or the second communication entity.

[0041] This provides the advantage that the communication entity closest to the UE is always responsible for resource allocation, thus avoiding resource allocation over long distances within the geographical area of ​​the subnet. This allows communication to be established or restructured efficiently and with minimal resource consumption.

[0042] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to allocate communication resources of the subnetwork to the nearest communication entity according to the network function of the nearest communication entity.

[0043] This offers the advantage of avoiding long routes for resource provisioning. The network function of the nearest communication entity allows for the rapid and reliable provisioning of a wide variety of communication resources, such as fixed and mobile network components with access nodes, cloud nodes, processing nodes, storage nodes, 5G devices such as mobile phones, wearable devices, CPEs, machine communication modules, and other network nodes and associated links, depending on the geographical location of the mobile device. This enables a highly flexible, particularly geographically flexible, network design.

[0044] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to release communication resources assigned to the mobile communication terminal of the communication entity that is not closest from the two communication entities.

[0045] Releasing communication resources from the non-nearest communication entity enables highly efficient use and management of network resources. The communication resources of the non-nearest communication entity can then be made available to another UE that enters the geographical area of ​​the non-nearest communication entity.

[0046] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to control the network function of the non-nearest communication entity and the network function of the nearest communication entity for dynamically switching communication resources of the subnetwork from the non-nearest communication entity to the nearest communication entity.

[0047] This allows the advantage of dynamic resource provisioning to be achieved, so that communication resources are sufficient for a far larger number of mobile communication devices than would be the case with static resource provisioning. The overload behavior of the communication network thus becomes less critical.

[0048] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to assign a first instance of the first network function to the non-nearest communication entity and to assign a second instance of the first network function to the nearest communication entity.

[0049] By instantiating the first network function, the advantage is realized that the same communication resources are provided by the first network function as well as by the first or each subsequent instance of the first network function. This simplifies the provision of communication resources in the communication network, which is particularly advantageous when establishing communication between many mobile communication devices.

[0050] In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function to assign idle communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity or to assign idle communication resources of another subnetwork to the first communication entity.

[0051] This has the advantage of allowing idle communication resources in the subnetwork to continue to be used, which increases the efficiency of the communication network and reduces costs.

[0052] In one embodiment, the communication network comprises a central communication resource, and the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function of the first communication entity to associate the central communication resource with the first communication entity.

[0053] This has the advantage that the central communication resource can be used by many mobile communication devices, so that the effort required to provide communication resources can be reduced because the central communication resource rarely runs idle.

[0054] In one embodiment, the communication network comprises a central pool of communication resources, and the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function of the first communication entity to allocate communication resources of the central pool of communication resources to the first communication entity.

[0055] This provides the advantage that the communication resources from the central pool can be used for each communication task, so that the pool allows efficient management of the communication resources.

[0056] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographical area and comprises a first communication entity arranged at a first geographical position within the geographical area of ​​the subnetwork, the method comprising the following steps: monitoring a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal; setting a first network function for allocating communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographical position of the first communication entity; and executing the first network function of the subnetwork by the first communication entity.

[0057] Due to the subnetwork structure of the communication network, the method can increase communication performance. In particular, the method can achieve higher data throughput, lower latency, particularly high reliability, a much higher connection density, and a wider communication mobility range.

[0058] By configuring the first network function of the first communication entity depending on the geographical position of the first communication entity and the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal, it can be ensured that the mobile communication terminal always has access to the communication resources required at the respective geographical location. This increases communication flexibility and conserves communication resources by eliminating the need to reserve them unnecessarily, but rather allowing them to be used for their intended purpose.

[0059] Further embodiments are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a 5G system architecture 100; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a 5G communication network with multiple slices (network slices) 200; Fig. 3a schematic representation of a communication network 300 according to an exemplary embodiment with several subnetworks 301, 302, 303, a position monitor 340 and a subnetwork manager 350; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a communication network 400 according to an exemplary embodiment with a subnetwork 301 with central and decentralized network functions, a position monitor 340 and a subnetwork manager 350, which is an example of a realization of the communication network 300 according to Figure 3 represents; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a communication network 500 according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the network functions are instantiated at the user location according to geographical demand; Fig. 6a schematic representation of a communication network 600 according to an exemplary embodiment in which idle instances of network functions are accessed; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a communication network 700 according to an exemplary embodiment in which existing network functions are migrated from a central location to the respective mobile location; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a communication network 800 according to an exemplary embodiment, in which existing network functions are transferred from a central resource pool to the respective mobile location; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of the dynamic implementation of a communication network 900 using switches according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 10a schematic representation of a method 900 for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0060] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Further, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0061] The aspects and embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals generally refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. However, it may be apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more aspects or embodiments may be practiced with a lesser level of specific detail. In other instances, well-known structures and elements are shown in schematic form to facilitate describing one or more aspects or embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0062] Furthermore, although a particular feature or aspect of an embodiment may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature or aspect may be combined with one or more other features or aspects of the other implementations, as may be desired and advantageous for a given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "include," "having," "with," or other variations thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising." The terms "coupled" and "connected" may have been used together with derivatives thereof.It is understood that such terms are used to indicate that two elements cooperate or interact with each other regardless of whether they are in direct physical or electrical contact or not. Furthermore, the term "exemplary" is to be construed merely as an example rather than as a designation of the best or optimal. The following description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0063] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 300 according to an exemplary embodiment with several subnetworks 301, 302, 303, a position monitor 340 and a subnetwork manager 350.

[0064] The position monitor 340 monitors a geographical position 341 of one or more mobile communication terminals, of which Figure 3shows, by way of example, a mobile communication terminal 330. For example, the position monitor 340 can access localization services of the communication network 300, or the mobile communication terminals can determine their geographical positions using satellite positioning and transmit this data to the position monitor 340.

[0065] The subnetworks 301, 302, 303 extend over a respective geographical area, wherein the geographical areas of the individual subnetworks may overlap or be adjacent to one another or even be arranged at a distance from one another.

[0066] The first subnetwork, hereinafter referred to as subnetwork for the sake of simplicity, comprises a first communication entity 311, which is arranged at a first geographical position within the geographical area of ​​the subnetwork 301, for example at a border, in a center or at another geographical position within the geographical area of ​​the subnetwork 301. The first communication entity 311 performs a first network function of the subnetwork 301. The first network function defines an allocation of communication resources of the subnetwork 301 to the first communication entity 311, for example communication resources 312, 313, 314 such as network nodes, processors, memory, etc., e.g. resources as above under Fig. 2 described.

[0067] The subnetwork manager 350 serves to control 351 the first communication entity 311. The subnetwork manager 350 controls or sets the first network function of the first communication entity 311 based on the geographical position 341 of the one or more mobile communication terminals 330 and the first geographical position of the first communication entity 311.

[0068] The communication network 300 is, for example, a fifth generation 5G network or a further generation, e.g. a network 100, 200 as described above for the Figures 1 and 2 The subnetwork 301 is, for example, a slice of such a communication network 100, 200, 300.

[0069] The subnetwork manager 350 sets the first network function based, for example, on a resource requirement profile of the mobile communication terminal 330 and an availability of communication resources 312, 313, 314 of the first communication entity 311.

[0070] The subnetwork manager 350 can receive an identification (e.g., an IMSI, International Mobile Subscriber Identification) of the mobile communication terminal 330, for example, via a RAN (Radio Network Access) transmission 332, e.g., via an access network in which one or more base stations or radio cells provide access of the mobile communication terminal 330 to the communication network 300. Using the identification, the subnetwork manager 350 can establish a communication connection of the mobile communication terminal 330 to the communication network 300. The subnetwork manager 350 can set the first network function of the first communication entity 311 based on the identification of the mobile communication terminal or UE 330, and thus ensure suitable resource provision for the mobile communication terminal 330.For example, services requiring specific resources can be assigned via the identification of the UE 330. The assignment of identification to resources or of services to resources can be mapped by the first network function.

[0071] The subnetwork may comprise a plurality of communication entities with corresponding network functions, each of which may be located at different or identical geographical positions within the geographical area covered by the subnetwork. Fig. 3As an example of a further communication entity of the subnetwork 301, a second communication entity 321 with a second network function is shown, which is arranged at a second geographical position within the geographical area of ​​the subnetwork 301. The second communication entity executes a second network function of the subnetwork 301, which determines an assignment of communication resources 322, 323, 324 of the subnetwork 301 to the second communication entity 321. The communication resources 322, 323, 324 can be different from the communication resources 312, 313, 314, which are assigned to the first communication entity 311, as in Fig. 3 shown. Certain or even all of the communication resources can also be assigned to both the first 311 and the second 321 communication entity.

[0072] The subnetwork manager 350 may set the second network function of the second communication entity 321 based on the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330 and the second geographical position of the second communication entity 321.

[0073] The subnetwork manager 350 can determine a communication entity 311 closest to the mobile communication terminal 330 based on the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330, the first geographical position of the first communication entity 311, and the second geographical position of the second communication entity 321. The nearest communication entity is determined from the first 311 and the second 321 communication entities.For example, the subnetwork manager 350 can determine a first distance between the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330 and the first geographical position of the first communication entity 311; determine a second distance between the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330 and the second geographical position of the second communication entity 321; and determine the nearest communication entity as the first communication entity 311 if the first distance is smaller than the second distance; or as the second communication entity 321 if the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

[0074] The subnetwork manager 350 can then assign the nearest communication entity, e.g., according to Figure 3the first communication entity 311 can allocate communication resources 312, 313, 314 of the subnetwork 301 according to the network function of the nearest communication entity 311. Furthermore, the subnetwork manager 350 can allocate communication resources 312, 313, 314 of the subnetwork 301 assigned to the mobile communication terminal 330 to the non-nearest communication entity, for example, the second communication entity 321 as shown in Fig. 3 , release. The subnetwork manager 350 may further control the network function of the non-nearest communication entity 321 and the network function of the nearest communication entity 311 to dynamically switch communication resources of the subnetwork 301 from the non-nearest communication entity 321 to the nearest communication entity 311, for example as described below for the Figures 4 to 8 described in more detail.

[0075] The subnetwork manager 350 may assign a first instance of the first network function to the non-nearest communication entity 321 and assign a second instance of the first network function to the nearest communication entity 311, for example as described below for the Figures 4 to 8 described in more detail. The subnetwork manager 350 can set the first network function for allocating idle communication resources of the subnetwork 301 to the first communication entity 311 or for allocating idle communication resources of another subnetwork, e.g. one of the subnetworks 302, 303, to the first communication entity 311, for example as described below for the Figures 4 to 8 described in more detail.

[0076] The communication network 300 may further comprise one or more central communication resources, for example central communication resources 441 as described below. Figure 4described. The subnetwork manager 350 can set the first network function of the first communication entity 311 to assign the central communication resource to the first communication entity 311.

[0077] The communication network 300 may further comprise a central pool of communication resources, for example a central pool 860 of communication resources 861, as described below. Figure 8 described. The subnetwork manager 350 can set the first network function of the first communication entity 311 to allocate communication resources from the central pool of communication resources to the first communication entity 311.

[0078] Fig. 4shows a schematic representation of a communication network 400 according to an exemplary embodiment with a subnetwork 301, also referred to as a slice, or slice I 301 to indicate that it is one of several slices, with communication entities with central network functions 441, 451 and communication entities with decentralized network functions 401, 411, 421, 431, a position monitor 340, also referred to as a "topology agent", and a subnetwork manager 350, also referred to as "slice management". The communication network 400 represents an example of an implementation of the communication network 300 according to Figure 3 The UE, ie the mobile communication terminal 330, moves on a movement profile 331a, 331b, which represents the geographical course of the usage demand.

[0079] Slice I 301 shows, as an example, the four communication entities with decentralized network functions 401, 411, 421, 431 and the two communication entities with centralized network functions 441, 451, which are interconnected. Figure 4the UE 330 is currently located on its movement profile 331a at a geographical position that is closest to the geographical position of the second decentralized communication entity 411, so that the slice management 350 accordingly controls 351 the network function B of the second decentralized communication entity 411 to provide communication resources of slice I at the function location B for the UE 330. In addition, the slice management 350 can also provide central resources of slice I 301, for example by controlling the network function Iz of the first central communication entity 441, or even central resources of another subnetwork, for example the second subnetwork 302, by controlling the network function II of the second central communication entity 451.

[0080] If the UE 330 moves further along its movement profile 331a, 331b, it reaches a geographical position that is closer to the geographical position of the third decentralized communication entity 421 than to that of the second decentralized communication entity 411. The slice management 350 detects this change from the continuous evaluation of the location data 341 that it receives from the topology agent 340 and then changes the network functions B of the second decentralized communication entity 411 and C of the third decentralized communication entity 421 accordingly. Communication resources are deducted from the second decentralized communication entity 411 and made available to the third decentralized communication entity 421 by controlling the respective network functions, for example, according to the above illustration. Figure 3 .

[0081] Slice Management 350 thus ensures appropriate slice resource optimization with the goal of ensuring that required functions are provided at the required geographical location at the required time within the slice. In particular, this enables stable and predictable latency (e.g., for tactile or distributed applications). To this end, functions and function resources are reliably provided locally or migrated to the location of need, as described below.

[0082] The topology agent 340 analyzes and controls, for example, the geographical functional resource distribution based on the functional resource requirement profile and the runtime status. Basic tasks can include the following: continuous monitoring of the correspondence between resource requirements and local resource availability (in terms of resource requirements and geographical coverage), continuous optimization and adaptation to runtime requirements, and proactive resource management to increase utilization efficiency. For this purpose, the topology agent 340 can, for example, use the location data 341 from the location determination of the user equipment (UE) 330 and manage it, e.g., as a slice mobility data profile.

[0083] The slice management 350 can, for example, in the context of the NGMN architecture as in the Figures 1 and 2As shown, it can be located in the resource control above the infrastructure layer 105 and assume slice or resource control, including the installation and configuration of all functions in the slice. Based on the instructions of the topology management or the topology agent 340, the dynamic assignment of functions to function locations can be performed, e.g., according to user / application requirements.

[0084] The use of a resource pool enables the quick and easy (re-)use and allocation of functional resources. Slice resource optimization enables adaptation of the geographical and functional coverage of Slice 301 to support applications with increased mobility and QoS (Quality of Service) requirements, such as tactile applications with real-time requirements. This enables demand-based and dynamic up- and down-regulation of functions at the point of need, ensuring that the right functional resource is available at the right location at the right time, thus achieving high utilization efficiency.

[0085] The following variants of resource provision can be used, as described in the Figures 5 to 8 described in more detail: 1) Instantiation of required functions at the user location, according to geographical demand, according to Figure 5.2) Instantiation of required functions at the user location, by accessing idle standard instances or idle instances of the same function from other slices according to Figure 6 3) Migration of existing functionality to the user location, by transferring from the central location to the respective mobile location, according to Figure 7 . 4) Migration of existing functionality to the user location, by transferring between a central function resource pool and the respective mobile location, according to Figure 8 . A dynamic implementation can be done using switches, according to Figure 9 .

[0086] Fig. 5shows a schematic representation of a communication network 500 according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the network functions are instantiated at the user location according to a geographical demand pattern, for example, according to the invocation of an instance 210a, 211a, 212a of the network function, as described above. Figure 2 shown.

[0087] The communication network 500 is an exemplary implementation of the above Figure 4 described communication network 400, wherein required functions can be instantiated at the user location according to the geographical demand profile represented by the location line 331a, 331b of the UE 330.

[0088] As opposed to Figure 4 , in which the four communication entities with decentralized network functions 401, 411, 421, 431 are still marked as unoccupied, is in Figure 5The first communication entity with decentralized network functions 501 has just ended, the second communication entity with decentralized network functions 511 is currently active, the third communication entity with decentralized network functions 521 is just starting, and the fourth communication entity with decentralized network functions 531 is currently on standby. This corresponds to the geographical progression of the usage requirement 331a, 331b, which is provided to the slice management 350 via the topology agent 340, so that the slice management 350 can adapt the corresponding network functions 501, 511, 521, 531 according to the movement profile. The UE 330 has moved from the first to the second communication entity, where it is currently staying, and is moving on to the third and fourth communication entity, where it is expected. This means that for the current state, which is Figure 5As outlined, the first network function 501 has already finished, the second 511 is currently active, the third 521 is just starting while the fourth 531 is still on standby.

[0089] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 600 according to an exemplary embodiment in which idle instances of network functions are accessed.

[0090] The communication network 600 is an exemplary implementation of the above Figure 5 described communication network 500, wherein required functions can be instantiated at the user location by accessing idle standard instances or idle instances of the same function from other slices, for example, corresponding to calling an instance 210a, 211a, 212a of the network function, as described above. Figure 2 shown.

[0091] For example, the second and third communication entities with their corresponding network functions Ib and Ic can be initialized by calling network instances *Ib 611 and *Ic 621. The * (asterisk) symbol here indicates the call to an instance of the respective network function. For example, the network function Ib can be initialized by calling an idle standard instance *Ib of Slice I 301. Or the network function Ic can be initialized by calling an idle instance *Ic of the same function from another slice, for example, Slice II 302.

[0092] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 700 according to an exemplary embodiment in which existing network functions are migrated from a central position to the respective mobile location.

[0093] The communication network 700 is an exemplary implementation of the above Figure 4 described communication network 400, wherein existing functions are migrated by transfer from a central location to the respective mobile location of the user location.

[0094] For example, the network function of the second decentralized communication entity 711 (function I mobile) can access communication resources that are migrated via the third decentralized communication entity 721 from the second central communication entity 741 to the mobile location, i.e., to the second decentralized communication entity 711. Alternatively, communication resources can also be migrated from the first and fourth decentralized communication entities 401, 431 to the second decentralized communication entity 711.

[0095] Fig. 8shows a schematic representation of a communication network 800 according to an exemplary embodiment in which existing network functions are transferred from a central resource pool to the respective mobile location.

[0096] The communication network 800 is an exemplary implementation of the above Figure 7 described communication network 700, wherein existing network functions are transferred from a central resource pool 860 to the respective mobile location.

[0097] For example, the network function of the second decentralized communication entity 711 (function I mobile) can access communication resources that are migrated from the resource pool 860 to the second decentralized communication entity 711 via the third decentralized communication entity 721. Control 852 of the resource pool 860 can be assumed by the slice management 750, which can initiate the transfer 862. A wide variety of network functions 861 are available in the resource pool 860.

[0098] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary dynamic implementation of a communication network 900 using switches according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0099] The communication network 900 is an exemplary implementation of the above Figure 3described communication network 300, wherein the slice management 350 controls both the individual network functions 911 (function I'), 912 (function I"), 913 (function I‴), 921 (function I), 922 (function II), 923 (function III) as well as the switches 910, 920 for interconnecting the network functions. In the example of Figure 9 The UE 330 is connected via a first switch 910 to the network functions 911 (function I'), 912 (function I"), 913 (function I‴), which in turn are then connected via a second switch 920 to the network functions 921 (function I), 922 (function II), 923 (function III). The network functions 911 (function I'), 912 (function I"), 913 (function I‴) can be bridged via a bypass 930. This allows the UE 330 to be provided with the necessary communication resources that the UE 330 currently requires at the respective geographical location via control of the slice management 340.

[0100] Function I 921 should be located close to the UE 330. This can be achieved using mobile functions as described above. Dynamic switching can be performed using two switches. Switch I 910 switches the UE 330 to the respective function according to its location. Switch II 920 switches the functions of Slice 301 to the mobile function. In doing so, the inputs and outputs of the stationary functions are switched to the mobile function.

[0101] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a method 1000 for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0102] The method 1000 is used to control communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographical area and comprises a first communication entity located at a first geographical position within the geographical area of ​​the subnetwork. The method comprises a first step 1001: monitoring a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal. The method 1000 comprises a second step 1002: setting a first network function for assigning communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographical position of the first communication entity.The method 1000 comprises a third step 1003: executing the first network function of the subnetwork by the first communication entity.

[0103] The method 1000 can be implemented, for example, in a communication network as in the Figures 1 to 9 described, can be used.

[0104] The communication network 300 may, for example, be a fifth generation (5G) network or a further generation, such as in the Figures 1 and 2 described. The subnetwork 301 may be a slice of the communication network 300.

[0105] One aspect of the invention also includes a computer program product that can be loaded directly into the internal memory of a digital computer and includes software code sections that can be used to Fig. 10 described procedures 1000 or those to the Figures 1 to 9described operations when the product is running on a computer. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-suitable non-transitory medium and may comprise computer-readable program means that cause a computer to carry out the method 1000 or to use the network components of the Figures 1 to 9 to implement or control the communication networks described.

[0106] The computer may be a PC, for example a PC of a computer network. The computer may be implemented as a chip, an ASIC, a microprocessor or a signal processor and may be used in a computer network, for example in a communication network as in the Figures 1 to 9 described, arranged. List of reference symbols

[0107] 100:5G System Architecture 101:Access Device, Communication Terminal, UE 102:Access Technology 103:Application Layer 104:Activation Layer 105:Infrastructure & Resource Layer 106:Management & Instrumentation Layer 200:5G Communication Network with Multiple Slices 210a:First Slice Instance 210b:First Network Slice 211a:Second Slice Instance 211b:Second Network Slice 212a:Third Slice Instance 212b:Third Network Slice 213:Slice Composition 221:Abstracted Objects 222:Virtual Network Functions 223:Combined Objects 224:Aggregated Objects 225:Object Library 231:Access Node 232:Access Node 233:Access Node 234:Virtual Network Node 235:Virtual Network node 236:virtual network node 237:virtual network node 238:computer node 239:computer node 240:computer node 251:infrastructure services 300:communication network or communication system 301:first subnetwork or Slice I or simply subnetwork 302:second subnetwork orSlice II 303: third subnetwork or Slice III 311: first communication entity with first network function, also nearest communication entity 312, 313, 314: network components that are assigned to the first communication entity using the first network function 321: second communication entity with second network function, also not nearest communication entity 322, 323, 324: network components that are assigned to the second communication entity using the second network function 330: mobile communication terminal or UE 331a, 331b: geographical position history of the mobile communication terminal 332: communication access of the UE to first subnetwork 301, e.g. via RAN (Radio Access Network) 340: position monitor or topology agent 341: location data of the mobile communication terminal 342: status message of the position monitor to the subnetwork manager 350:Subnetwork manager orSlice Management 351:Control of the first communication entity by the subnetwork manager. 400: Communication network or communication system 401: Function location A (unused) or communication entity with network function A 411: Function location B (unused) or communication entity with network function B 421: Function location C (unused) or communication entity with network function C 431: Function location D (unused) or communication entity with network function D 441: Function Iz (central) or communication entity with central network function Iz 451: Function II (central) or communication entity with central network function II 500: Communication network or communication system 501: Function Ia (ended) or communication entity with network function Ia 511: Function Ib (active) or communication entity with network function Ib 521: Function Ic (starting) or communication entity with network function Ic 531: Function Id (ready) or communication entity with network function Id 600: Communication network or communication system 611: Function *Ib (active) or communication entity with network function *Ib 621: Function *Ic (starting) or communication entity with network function *Ic 700: Communication network or communication system 711: Function I (mobile) or communication entity with network function I 721: Function location C (to be assigned) or communication entity with network function C 741: Function location Z (central) or communication entity with central network function Z 800:communication network orCommunication system 852:Control of the resource pool by subnetwork manager or slice management 860:Resource pool with network functions 861:Network function from resource pool 862:Transfer of network function from resource pool to function location C 900:Communication network or communication system 910:Switch I or Switch I 911:Function I' 912:Function I" 913:Function I‴ 920:Switch II or Switch II 921:Function I 922:Function II 923:Function III 930:Bypass to original slice . 1000: Method for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks 1001: First step: Monitoring the geographical position of the UE 1002: Second step: Creating the first network function 1003: Third step: Executing the first network function

Claims

1. A communication network (300) having: a position monitor (340) that is designed to monitor a geographical position (341) of at least one mobile communication terminal (330); and a plurality of subnetworks (301, 302, 303), wherein at least one subnetwork (301) extends over a geographical region and comprises the following: a first communication entity (311) located at a first geographical position within the geographical region of the subnetwork (301) and is designed to perform a first network function of a 5G system architecture of the subnetwork (301), wherein the first network function defines an assignment of communication resources (312, 313, 314) of the subnetwork (301) to the first communication entity (311); and a subnetwork manager (350) for controlling (351) the first communication entity (311), characterized in that the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to set the first network function of the first communication entity (311) on the basis of the geographical position (341) of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330) and the first geographical position of the first communication entity (311), wherein the communication resources required at the corresponding location are made available to the mobile communication terminal in each case.

2. The communication network (300) according to Claim 1, wherein the communication network (300) is a fifth generation (5G) or later generation network, and wherein the subnetwork (301) is a slice of the communications network (300).

3. The communication network (300) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to set the first network function based on a resource requirement profile of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330) and an availability of communication resources (312, 313, 314) of the first communication entity (311).

4. The communication network (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to receive an identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330), and to set the first network function of the first communication entity (311) based on the identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330).

5. The communication network (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subnetwork (301) comprises a second communication entity (321) located at a second geographical position within the geographical region of the subnetwork (301), and is designed to execute a second network function of the subnetwork (301), wherein the second network function defines an assignment of communication resources (322, 323, 324) of the subnetwork (301) to the second communication entity (321).

6. The communication network (300) according to Claim 5, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to set the second network function of the second communication entity (321) based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330) and the second geographical position of the second communication entity (321).

7. The communication network (300) according to Claim 6, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to determine a communication entity (311) closest to the mobile communication terminal from the first and the second communication entity on the basis of the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330), the first geographical position of the first communication entity (311), and the second geographical position of the second communication entity (321).

8. The communication network (300) according to Claim 7, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to assign communication resources (312, 313, 314) of the subnetwork (301) to the closest communication entity (311) according to the network function of the closest communication entity (311).

9. The communication network (300) according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to release communication resources assigned to the communication terminal (330) to the non-nearest communication entity (321) of the two communication entities (311, 321).

10. The communication network (300) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to control the network function of the non-nearest communication entity (321) and the network function of the nearest communication entity (311) for dynamically switching communication resources of the subnetwork (301) from the non-nearest communication entity (321) to the nearest communication entity (311).

11. The communication network (300) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed assign a first instance of the first network function to the non-nearest communication entity (321) and to assign a second instance of the first network function to the nearest communication entity (311).

12. The communication network (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to set the first network function for the assignment of idling communication resources of the subnetwork (301) to the first communication entity (311) or for the assignment of idling communication resources of another subnetwork (302, 303) to the first communication entity (311).

13. The communication network (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, with: a central communication resource (441), wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to set the first network function of the first communication entity (411) to the assignment of the central communication resource (441) to the first communication entity (411).

14. The communication network (800) according to any one of the preceding claims, with a central pool (860) of communication resources (861), wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is designed to set the first network function of the first communication entity (311) for the assignment of communication resources of the central pool (860) from communication resources (861) to the first communication entity (311).

15. A method (1000) for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographical region and comprises a first communication entity that is located at a first geographic location within the geographic region of the subnetwork, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Monitoring (1001) a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal; Setting (1002) a first network function of a 5G system architecture to the assignment of communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity, Performing (1003) the first network function of the subnetwork via the first communication entity, characterized in that setting of the first network function is carried out on the basis of the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographical position of the first communication entity, wherein the communication resources required at the corresponding geographical location in each case are made available to the mobile communication terminal.