5G Virtualized Core Disaster Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in dynamically reconfiguring to meet the unique demands and potential degradation caused by disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis, which can impact network infrastructure and communication services, necessitating a method to prioritize emergency services and maintain optimal network performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a 5G virtualized mobile network core to dynamically reconfigure the network by identifying the nature and scope of a disaster, prioritizing emergency services, and autonomously reallocating resources, including instantiating new virtual network functions and radio access networks, to ensure continued service and enhanced quality of service for emergency responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network infrastructure is manually monitored and reconfigured during disasters, then service providers can respond to emergencies, but the response time is delayed and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures disaster response policies and parameters before disasters occur. When a disaster is detected, the system automatically retrieves and applies these pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for manual configuration during the emergency response phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The network system automatically detects disaster conditions through monitoring indicators and self-reconfigures by applying predefined policies without human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting network parameters, allocating resources, and managing traffic prioritization during disasters.
2Reliability
If the network dynamically reconfigures to prioritize emergency services during disasters, then quality of service for first responders is enhanced, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network reconfiguration is segmented into distinct functional modules: disaster detection module, policy selection module, and resource allocation module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the reconfiguration process, making the overall complex system manageable through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing network parameters according to predefined disaster templates. Instead of requiring complex real-time optimization, the system selects from pre-defined parameter sets (QoS profiles, resource allocation schemes, routing policies) that are optimized for different disaster scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual disaster recovery protocols are used across different areas, then emergency communications can be coordinated, but communication efficiency decreases due to manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal disaster response policies that can be applied across different geographic areas and network configurations. The standardized policy framework enables consistent interoperability between different service providers and regions while automatically adapting to local network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network conditions and disaster impact indicators, using this feedback to automatically adjust resource allocation and prioritize traffic. This closed-loop control enables efficient automated coordination across multiple areas without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided to preemptively reconfigure a mobile network to respond to external emergencies. The method is performed at a network device of a service provider which provides access to a mobile network for wireless device. The method includes obtaining a message indicating an occurrence of a disaster. The message includes at least an emergency type and location information. The method further includes determining, based on the emergency type, a reconfiguration policy for reconfiguring the mobile network in an area indicated by the location information and reconfiguring the mobile network based on the reconfiguration policy. The method further includes authenticating a disaster application function and a notification message informing about an occurrence of a disaster.