Unified Core Network Slicing for Multi-Operator Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks are complex, expensive, and difficult to maintain, making it challenging for non-specialist businesses with limited resources to deploy and manage their own telecommunications infrastructure, especially in providing advanced services requiring lower latency, higher bandwidth, and massive connection density.
Innovation Solution
A unified core network architecture that virtualizes key components such as the Converged Packet Gateway, Home Subscriber Server, Mobility Management Entity, Policy and Charging Rules Function, and Policy Control Enforcement Function, allowing private operators to access a slice of a unified core network, enabling them to provide LTE services without provisioning and maintaining their own core network infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unified core network is shared by multiple operators, then infrastructure cost and complexity is reduced, but network isolation and security between different operators' private networks may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The unified core network is segmented into multiple isolated network slices, each dedicated to a specific operator. Each slice contains its own set of virtualized network functions (VNFs) including MME, HSS, PCRF, and SGW/PGW components, ensuring complete network isolation while sharing the same physical infrastructure. This segmentation allows multiple operators to have their own private networks without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A network slice manager acts as an intermediary between operators and the unified core network infrastructure. This manager handles resource allocation, slice provisioning, and isolation enforcement, allowing operators to manage their private networks through a standardized interface while the underlying infrastructure maintains strict separation between different operator networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If private operators can deploy their own core networks, then network customization and control is improved, but deployment cost and maintenance burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The unified core network infrastructure provides universal support for multiple operators through virtualization. A single physical infrastructure can be dynamically configured to serve different operators with different network requirements by instantiating appropriate network slices and VNFs, eliminating the need for each operator to deploy separate physical core networks.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring operators to build and maintain their own physical core network equipment, the system creates virtual copies of core network functions (MME, HSS, PCRF, SGW/PGW) that run on shared virtualized infrastructure. These virtual network functions provide the same functionality as physical equipment but with reduced cost and complexity.
3Speed
If advanced services with lower latency and higher bandwidth are provided, then service quality is improved, but network infrastructure complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network infrastructure uses dynamic resource allocation and orchestration to adapt to different service requirements. Network slices can be dynamically configured to provide low-latency high-bandwidth paths for advanced services when needed, while returning to standard configuration for routine traffic, allowing the system to optimize performance without permanent complex infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A unified core network provides core network services to a number of telecommunications network operators. The unified core is partitioned into a number of slices with each slice being the core network for a network operator. Each network operator is then free to define services within its own partition to serve its own users. In this manner, the network operators are freed from building and maintaining a core network while simultaneously enjoying the benefit of having a core network.