Mobility Network Slice Selection Using Closed-Loop Orchestration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy LTE mobility core network functions are localized and lack flexibility, unable to meet the high-speed global mobile connectivity demands of next-generation wireless technologies, and there is a need for intelligent networking solutions to support 5G services with efficient resource utilization and dynamic scaling.
Innovation Solution
A unified management layer with integrated slice-components data analytics engine (SDAE), slice performance engine (SPE), and network slice selection function (NSSF) in a closed-loop feedback system, enabling intelligent orchestration and dynamic scaling of core network slices across multi-vendor environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy LTE mobility core network functions are localized in specific data center locations, then network architecture simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to meet high-speed global mobile connectivity demands deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The core network functions are segmented into virtualized network functions (VNFs) that can be independently deployed and managed. This segmentation allows the network to be divided into modular components that can be distributed across multiple locations, enhancing flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces and orchestration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of virtualization by transitioning from physical, location-bound network functions to virtualized instances that can be dynamically instantiated across multiple data centers and edge locations. This dimensional shift from physical to virtual space enables global mobility support without proportionally increasing architectural complexity.
2Reliability
If core network functions are virtualized and distributed across multiple locations, then flexibility and service quality improve, but network infrastructure complexity and orchestration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal orchestration framework that can manage diverse virtualized network functions across different locations and vendors through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional orchestration system handles provisioning, monitoring, and management of VNFs uniformly, improving service quality while preventing orchestration complexity from becoming unmanageable through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates closed-loop feedback mechanisms where the orchestration framework continuously monitors service quality metrics from distributed VNFs and dynamically adjusts resource allocation and configuration. This feedback-driven approach ensures high service quality while automating complex orchestration decisions, reducing the burden on network operators.
3Productivity
If network functions are instantiated on-demand at edge office locations, then service delivery speed and responsiveness improve, but resource management complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orchestration framework performs preliminary actions by pre-provisioning and pre-configuring virtualized network functions at edge locations based on predicted service demands. This advance preparation enables rapid service deployment when needed, improving service delivery speed while reducing last-minute signaling overhead through automated, batch-style provisioning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Core network slices that belong to a given operator community are efficiently tracked at the network control/user plane functions level, with rich data analytics in real-time based on their geographic instantiations. In one aspect, an enhanced vendor agnostic orchestration mechanism is utilized to connect a unified management layer with an integrated slice-components data analytics engine (SDAE), a slice performance engine (SPE), and a network slice selection function (NSSF) in a closed-loop feedback system with the serving network functions of one or more core network slices. The tight-knit orchestration mechanism provides economies of scale to mobile carriers in optimal deployment and utilization of their critical core network resources while serving their customers with superior quality.