Cloud-Native Network Slicing with Reprogrammable TaaS Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network testing methods face challenges in scalability, cost, and efficiency due to separate processes for network topology design and Test-as-a-Service (TaaS), leading to difficulties in deploying test agents, implementing continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and network slicing, especially in hybrid cloud environments like 5G New Radio (NR) networks.
Innovation Solution
A topology-reprogrammable test environment with a 3D IP address scheme and a TaaS orchestrator to manage network slicing and CI/CD, allowing flexible network testing by cloning NCs with CDTs that emulate CNFs, reducing engineering costs and improving scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate processes are used for network topology design and TaaS, then existing network IP address schemes can be maintained, but scalability and deployment efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges network topology design and TaaS into a unified integrated process. The TaaS orchestrator is embedded within the network topology design process, allowing test agents to be automatically deployed as part of network setup. This integration eliminates the need for separate processes and resolves the scalability issue by enabling automated, large-scale deployment of test cases across multiple network slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal TaaS orchestrator that serves multiple functions: it manages network topology design, deploys test agents, executes test cases, and handles CI/CD processes. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle diverse testing scenarios across different network slices, improving scalability while reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If test agents are deployed throughout the network in traditional setups, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but deployment difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically deploying test agents as part of the network topology design process itself. Before the network is fully operational, test agents are pre-deployed to appropriate network nodes based on the designed topology. This eliminates the need for manual post-deployment testing setup and reduces overall deployment difficulty while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The TaaS orchestrator performs self-service by automatically managing its own deployment across different network slices. The system autonomously determines where to place test agents, configures them, and coordinates testing without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability significantly improves deployment ease while ensuring reliable testing coverage across the entire network.
3Manufacturing precision
If network testing is done in lab under fixed topology, then functional and performance testing can be performed, but adaptability to field conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the test topology programmable and adaptable. Instead of fixed lab topologies, the system can dynamically reconfigure test networks to match various field deployment scenarios. The TaaS orchestrator receives topology descriptions and automatically configures test agents and network slices accordingly, enabling precise testing accuracy while maintaining high adaptability to different field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing flexible modification of network topology parameters such as IP address schemes, node configurations, and connection topologies. The system can change these parameters to match different field deployment scenarios while maintaining consistent testing methodologies. This enables accurate testing results that are adaptable to various real-world conditions.
4Productivity
If CI/CD and slicing orchestration are implemented traditionally, then network can be deployed, but implementation efficiency and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing automated CI/CD pipelines that continuously integrate and deploy network slices. The TaaS orchestrator continuously monitors, tests, and deploys changes without interruption. This continuous automation eliminates manual intervention steps, significantly improving CI/CD efficiency while reducing the time required for network slice implementation and deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A topology-reprogrammable test environment is provided that can support the needs of CI/CD/CV in the field. The system disclosed provides a highly scalable network architecture to simplify the implementation of network slicing, TaaS and network CI/CD, and solves problems related to the complexity of cloud-native network (CNN) deployments. A Network Cell (NC), comprises or consists of a Containerized Network Function (CNF), a Containerized Digital Twin (CDT), and a Containerized Test Agent (CTA). The CDT has at least two personalities, e.g., an emulator of the CNF in the same NC or a nodal of the CNF. The choice of personality of the CDT is controlled by the CTA of the NC. A number of NCs use a 3D IP address to interconnect and form a new kind of CNN over the infrastructure of VRs.