Automated Slice Configuration Service for 5G Network Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of 5G networks with multiple network function types and instances poses challenges in efficiently automating slice configuration and provisioning, particularly in dynamic SDN environments, where traditional methods lack flexibility and automation in design and deployment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated slice configuration service within a 5G slice orchestration platform that offers Instance-Specific Configuration Design and Deployment-Agnostic Slice Design options, utilizing a generalized configuration database for on-demand configuration resolution during network function instantiation, enabling dynamic slice instantiation and zero-touch provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual configuration methods are used for network slice provisioning, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but provisioning time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated configuration generation that uses templates and parameters to automatically create network slice configurations without manual intervention. The automated slice configuration service generates configurations based on service requirements and deployment parameters, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through standardized templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration templates and parameters before actual slice provisioning. These templates contain pre-configured network function settings, slice characteristics, and deployment parameters that are prepared in advance and automatically instantiated when a new slice is requested, significantly reducing provisioning time while maintaining configuration accuracy.
2Productivity
If automated configuration generation is implemented, then provisioning efficiency improves, but configuration flexibility and customization capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the configuration system adaptable to different scenarios through parameterized templates. The template system allows dynamic configuration where parameters can be adjusted based on specific service requirements, deployment environments, and slice characteristics. This enables the automated system to handle diverse configuration needs while maintaining provisioning efficiency through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by using configurable parameters within templates that can be modified to suit different network slice requirements. The template system supports parameter customization for network function settings, slice characteristics, and deployment options, allowing the automated configuration generation to adapt to various scenarios while maintaining efficiency through structured parameter management.
3Manufacturing precision
If instance-specific configuration design is used, then deployment precision improves, but system complexity and configuration management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality through a unified template system that handles both instance-specific and generic configuration scenarios. The same template infrastructure supports different configuration types (instance-specific, generic, hybrid) through parameter selection, eliminating the need for separate configuration systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining deployment precision through appropriate template instantiation.
4Speed
If on-demand configuration resolution is implemented during NF instantiation, then service responsiveness improves, but processing overhead and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-preparing configuration templates and parameters before NF instantiation. The templates contain all necessary configuration structures and defaults, allowing rapid on-demand resolution during NF instantiation without extensive computational processing. This reduces processing overhead while maintaining service responsiveness through efficient template-based configuration generation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein enable a slice orchestration platform to provide flexibility for network function (NF)-type specific configuration generation workflow without sacrificing automation of design and deployment. According to one implementation, a network device stores workflows for Configuration Information Questionnaire (CIQ) automation; receives a vendor network function (NF) package; obtains site information for an instance of the vendor NF; generates site-specific artifacts for the NF package based on the workflows and the site information; and associates the site-specific artifacts with a configuration design for the NF package.