Core Network Slice Load Management via RAN Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems lack a method for sharing congestion and slice usage information between the access network and the core network, resulting in the core network being unaware of congestion and slice usage at the access network.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable the core network device to obtain network slice load information from the Radio Access Network (RAN) for load balancing, scaling, and optimizing slice resources, thereby gaining full visibility and control over end-to-end slice management and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the core network operates independently from the access network for slice management, then the core network maintains operational autonomy and simplified control architecture, but the core network lacks visibility of congestion and slice usage at the access network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the access network (RAN) periodically reports slice load information to the core network through E2 nodes and near-RT RIC. This feedback loop enables the core network to maintain visibility of access network congestion and slice usage without requiring complex direct integration, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary architecture using E2 nodes and near-RT RIC as mediators between the access network and core network. This intermediary layer facilitates information sharing while maintaining operational independence of both networks, allowing the core network to receive slice load information without direct coupling to access network operations
2Productivity
If the core network gains full visibility of slice load information from the access network, then the core network can perform effective load balancing and resource optimization, but the system requires complex information exchange mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism enables the core network to receive periodic slice load reports from the access network, allowing it to perform load balancing decisions. The core network can identify congested slices and redirect traffic to less loaded slices based on this feedback information, improving resource management efficiency without requiring real-time complex interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring slice resources and establishing reporting mechanisms before congestion occurs. The access network proactively reports slice load information at predetermined intervals, enabling the core network to anticipate and prevent congestion through advance resource allocation and load balancing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein provide a method for managing a network slice load in a wireless network. The method includes: sending, by a CN device, a request message for network slice load information to a base station of the wireless network; determining, by the base station, the network slice load based on the parameter; sending, by the base station, the response message comprising the network slice load information to the core network device for managing the network slice load; determining, by a CN device, the network slice load at the base station based on the response message; and managing, by a CN device, the network slice load at the base station.