Address Allocation Policy Function Dynamic IP Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP address management systems in wireless communication networks, particularly in 5G and 4G networks, face challenges in dynamically managing user equipment (UE) IP addresses across different network slices and address-allocating functions, leading to inflexible address allocation and a lack of overall UE IP address status awareness among these functions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an Address Allocation Policy Function (AAPF) that partitions UE IP addresses based on radio access types, network traffic, location, and subscription information, allowing for dynamic management of address spaces across different network slices and functions, enabling load balancing and address reallocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP addresses are statically allocated to network slices, then address management is simple, but the system lacks flexibility and adaptability to dynamic network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Address Allocation Policy Function (AAPF) as an intermediary component that sits between the address pool and network functions. The AAPF receives address allocation requests, applies policy rules based on network conditions and slice requirements, and dynamically allocates addresses accordingly. This mediator enables flexible adaptation without requiring complex changes throughout the entire address management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic address allocation where the AAPF continuously monitors network conditions, address utilization, and slice requirements to adjust address allocation in real-time. The system transitions from static pre-configured address pools to dynamic allocation that adapts to changing network conditions, traffic patterns, and slice demands, improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated policies.
2Loss of information
If a centralized address management system is implemented, then overall address status awareness is improved, but the system complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address management functionality into distinct components: the AAPF for policy decision-making, individual network functions for execution, and a centralized repository for address status information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive address status awareness by distributing information collection and processing across multiple components, reducing the complexity burden on any single element while improving overall information awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network functions report address allocation status and utilization information back to the AAPF, which maintains an updated view of overall address status. This feedback loop enables comprehensive awareness of IP address allocation across the network without requiring a single complex system to track everything, as the information is aggregated from distributed sources.
3Productivity
If address pools are pre-configured for different services, then address allocation is straightforward, but the system cannot dynamically respond to changing network conditions and traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static pre-configured address pool model into a dynamic system where the AAPF continuously adjusts address allocation based on real-time network conditions, traffic patterns, and slice requirements. The system maintains efficiency by using policy-based automated allocation while gaining adaptability through continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustment of address distribution across different services and slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic changes to address allocation parameters such as pool sizes, allocation ratios, and priority levels based on network conditions. The AAPF modifies these parameters in response to changing traffic patterns, network load, and slice requirements, allowing the system to maintain high allocation efficiency while adapting to varying network conditions without manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising means for performing: storing information of a plurality of user equipment addresses, the user equipment addresses allocated to one or more network slices; partitioning the plurality of user equipment addresses in to two or more groups; providing information of each of the two or more groups to one or more network functions in a network or network slice; and updating the stored information of a plurality of user equipment addresses based on information of utilization of addresses.