5G Network Slice Configuration with Master AMF Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configurations in 5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing network slices to prevent signaling loads and collisions, particularly when adding or updating base stations, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization and service provision.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where network slices are managed in units of sets, with a designated master AMF coordinating updates and sharing common information profiles across NF sets to optimize signaling efficiency and reduce collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are managed individually across multiple AMFs, then each AMF can independently handle its own slices, but signaling loads increase and collisions occur during configuration updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management system by introducing a master AMF that coordinates slice management across multiple AMFs. Each AMF is divided into two roles: master AMF for centralized coordination and slave AMFs for local execution, reducing signaling conflicts while maintaining independent slice management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The master AMF acts as an intermediary between the network management system and slave AMFs. It receives configuration updates, processes them centrally, and distributes synchronized updates to slave AMFs, thereby reducing direct signaling loads and preventing collisions that would occur if all AMFs communicated directly with the management system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If configuration updates are propagated to all AMFs simultaneously, then network consistency is maintained, but signaling overhead and collision risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The master AMF performs preliminary processing of configuration updates before distributing them to slave AMFs. It validates, transforms, and prepares the update data in advance, ensuring that when updates are propagated to slave AMFs, they are ready for immediate application without requiring complex real-time coordination or causing signaling collisions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support diverse services, then service versatility improves, but resource management complexity and signaling loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management functions of multiple AMFs by introducing a master AMF that consolidates slice management responsibilities. This allows diverse services to be supported through unified configuration management, reducing the overall complexity of managing network slices across multiple independent AMFs while maintaining service versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the loT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and an apparatus for network slicing are provided.