Composite Network Function Assembly for 5G Service Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks, particularly 4G LTE systems, require significant resource and time investments to create or modify network functions for new services, limiting flexibility and efficiency in supporting diverse 5G use cases with varying performance attributes.
Innovation Solution
A network entity that selects and generates composite network functions on the fly by processing service requests, utilizing a set of basic network functions and dependency rules, and routing data traffic between them, allowing for on-demand service provisioning in 5G mobile communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new network function is created or significant changes are made to an existing network function to provide a new service, then the service can be provided in the mobile communication network, but resource costs and time investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into basic network functions (B-NFs) that can be independently selected and combined. Instead of creating entirely new network functions for each service, the system divides network functionality into modular basic units that can be reused across different services, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal framework where a single set of basic network functions can serve multiple different services through different combinations. The service-specific network function is constructed by composing multiple B-NFs, allowing the same basic functions to be universally applied across diverse service requirements without creating service-dedicated complex functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new network function is created or significant changes are made to an existing network function to provide a new service, then the service can be provided in the mobile communication network, but time investment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining a standardized set of basic network functions that can be immediately reused. When a new service is requested, the system quickly composes the required network function by selecting and combining pre-existing B-NFs according to service requirements, avoiding time-consuming creation of new functions from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic service function composition where the network function structure can be flexibly assembled and reconfigured based on real-time service requirements. This dynamic approach allows rapid adaptation to new services by changing the composition of B-NFs rather than undergoing lengthy deployment processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional core network architecture with fixed network elements is used, then network stability is maintained, but flexibility and dynamicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional fixed core network architecture into modular basic network functions. This segmentation allows the network to maintain stable, well-defined functional units while enabling flexible recombination of these units to create different service-specific network functions, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service-specific network function as an intermediary layer between the fixed basic network functions and the service requirements. This intermediary composition layer provides flexibility in adapting to different services while the underlying B-NFs remain stable and unchanged, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a network entity (160) for providing a service in a mobile communication network (100), wherein the mobile communication network (100) comprises a plurality of basic network functions (130, 130'). The network entity (160) is configured to: receive a service request, wherein the service request identifies a service requested by a further network entity (110, 120) of the mobile communication network (100); select on the basis of the service request one or more basic network functions from the plurality of basic network functions (130; 130'); and generate a composite network function on the basis of the selected basic network functions (130) for providing the service requested by the service request. Moreover, the invention relates to a mobile communication network (100) comprising the network entity (160) as well as a corresponding method for providing a service in the mobile communication network (100).