Containerized Network Functions Across Data Centers for Low-Latency 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in balancing latency, coverage, and spectral efficiency due to the tradeoff between lower and higher frequency bands, and there is a need for improved management of virtualized network functions to enhance telecommunications services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtualized network functions across data centers based on latency, power, and quality of service requirements, using containerized environments and dynamic assignment to computing resources, allows for reduced latency, increased data rates, and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mmWave spectrum is used to increase throughput and reduce latency, then data rates are improved, but coverage and range deteriorate due to limited penetration and shorter range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network infrastructure into multiple distributed data centers positioned at different geographic locations and electrical distances from user equipment. This segmentation allows the system to serve different user groups with appropriate frequency bands and network functions based on their specific location and service requirements, thereby achieving both high data rates for nearby users and broad coverage for distant users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of spatial distribution by deploying data centers across multiple geographic locations rather than concentrating them in a single centralized location. This multi-dimensional deployment strategy enables the network to simultaneously provide mmWave high-speed service to users near certain data centers while maintaining broader coverage through other data centers using different frequency bands.
2Loss of time
If virtualized network functions are deployed across multiple data centers, then latency is reduced and real-time interactivity is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal containerized environments that can host multiple different network functions across distributed data centers. These standardized containerized platforms provide multi-functionality, allowing the same infrastructure to deliver various network services (including low-latency virtualized network functions) without requiring separate specialized systems for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses containerization to create portable, copyable instances of network functions that can be rapidly deployed across multiple data centers. These containerized network functions can be copied and instantiated wherever needed, enabling low-latency deployment without manually configuring complex systems at each location, thus reducing the operational complexity of managing distributed virtualized network functions.
3Loss of time
If network functions are deployed closer to user equipment at edge data centers, then latency is reduced, but energy consumption of computing resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic assignment of virtualized network functions to different data centers based on real-time requirements. Rather than statically deploying all network functions at edge data centers, the system dynamically determines the optimal deployment location considering factors such as latency requirements and energy consumption, allowing flexible optimization of the trade-off between reduced latency and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deployment parameter of network functions from fixed edge locations to dynamically selectable locations across the data center hierarchy. By adjusting deployment parameters based on specific service requirements, the system can optimize for low latency when needed (deploying at edge) or reduce energy consumption when possible (consolidating at centralized data centers), rather than being constrained to a single deployment strategy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for improving telecommunications services using virtualized network functions are described. The virtualized network functions may be deployed across different data centers of a data center hierarchy that electrically connect one or more user devices with one or more data networks. A set of virtualized network functions may be assigned to computing resources within a particular data center based on latency requirements, power requirements, and/or quality of service requirements for one or more network slices supported by the set of virtualized network functions. The set of virtualized networks functions may include a set of shared core network functions that are shared by two or more network slices.