Cross-Domain Resource Chain Optimization in Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network technologies face challenges in optimizing resource allocation across different domains (Radio Access Network, Transport Network, and Packet Core) leading to sub-optimal performance and potential service disruptions due to independent optimization of RAN and EPC resources, which can result in bottlenecks and congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing resource usage across domains by receiving load status indications from the core and transport domains, normalizing resource costs, and calculating optimal resource chains to provide a service from radio access nodes to Access Point Names (APNs), involving Virtualized Network Functions and dedicated controllers to coordinate resource allocation across domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If independent optimization of RAN and EPC resources is performed, then each domain can be optimized separately, but overall network performance deteriorates due to sub-optimal resource allocation across domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optimization processes of RAN and EPC domains by introducing a cross-domain optimization function that receives load status indications from both domains, normalizes costs, and calculates optimal resource chains spanning multiple domains. This unified approach enables coordinated resource allocation that improves overall network performance while maintaining the modular architecture of separate domains.
2Productivity
If resource allocation is optimized within each domain independently, then domain-specific resource usage improves, but bottlenecks and congestion occur at domain boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where domain control functions continuously provide load status indications to the cross-domain optimization function. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring of resource usage across domains and allows dynamic adjustment of resource allocation to prevent bottlenecks and congestion at domain boundaries, ensuring service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-domain optimization function performs preliminary calculations of optimal resource chains before actual traffic flows occur. By pre-calculating optimal paths and allocating resources in advance based on predicted load patterns, the system prevents future bottlenecks and congestion issues before they impact service continuity.
3Reliability
If cross-domain resource optimization is implemented, then overall network performance improves, but system complexity increases due to coordination between multiple domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cross-domain optimization function as an intermediary component that mediates between RAN and EPC domains. This mediator receives load status indications from both domains, normalizes their respective cost metrics, and calculates optimal resource chains without requiring direct complex interactions between the domains themselves. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling cross-domain optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cross-domain optimization function into distinct operational components: receiving load status indications from RAN and EPC domains, normalizing costs across domains, calculating optimal resource chains, and providing recommendations back to domain control functions. This segmentation of the optimization process into manageable functional blocks reduces the complexity of implementing and maintaining the system.
4Measurement precision
If load status indications are continuously monitored across domains, then resource allocation accuracy improves, but information processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by monitoring and processing only the essential load status indications from domain control functions rather than continuously processing all possible network parameters. This selective monitoring approach maintains sufficient accuracy for optimal resource allocation while significantly reducing information processing overhead and time requirements compared to comprehensive continuous monitoring of all network states.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (100) for managing resource usage across domains in a communication network is disclosed. The communication network comprises a radio access domain, a core domain and a transport domain providing connectivity between the radio access domain and the core domain. The method comprises receiving from the core domain an indication of load status of gateway nodes in the core domain (110), receiving from the transport domain an indication of load status of transport resources in the transport domain (120), normalising across the core and transport domain a cost of using resources in each domain (130), calculating, on the basis of the normalised costs, optimal chains of resources in the core and transport domains for providing a service from different radio access nodes to different possible Access Point Names (APNs) (140), and sending to the core and transport domains information about the calculated optimal resource chains (150). Also disclosed are methods for managing resource usage in a core domain, a transport domain and a radio access domain of a communication network, together with cross domain, core domain, transport domain and radio access domain control elements.