Digital Twin Subsystem for Modular Network Service Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no clear method for building a digital twin solution corresponding to a physical communication network, which complicates network operation and maintenance as new mobile network services emerge and the network scale expands.
Innovation Solution
A digital twin subsystem is developed, comprising DT-UE, DT-AF, DT-CN, and DT-RAN functions, along with a first function (DTCF) to provide digital twin control and management, enabling the construction of a digital twin solution for physical communication networks and supporting flexible digital twin services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital twin functions are integrated into existing network architecture, then network operation and maintenance complexity increases, but digital twin service capability is enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital twin system into distinct network functions: DT-UE (Digital Twin User Equipment), DT-AF (Digital Twin Application Function), DT-CN (Digital Twin Core Network), DT-RAN (Digital Twin Radio Access Network), and DTCF (Digital Twin Control Function). Each function is independently defined with specific responsibilities, allowing the complex digital twin capability to be broken down into manageable, modular components that can be operated and maintained separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the DTCF (Digital Twin Control Function) as an intermediary component that manages and coordinates the various digital twin network functions. The DTCF acts as a mediator between the physical network and digital twin entities, handling registration, authentication, resource allocation, and lifecycle management, thereby reducing the operational complexity for network administrators.
2Productivity
If air interface and terminal are reused for digital twin, then resource utilization improves, but synchronization and isolation between digital twin and physical network becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air interface and terminal resources into separate digital twin instances (DT-UE, DT-RAN) that can be independently managed. This allows the same physical air interface and terminal to serve both physical and digital twin purposes simultaneously, with each instance having its own configuration and state management, thereby enabling resource reuse while maintaining clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital twin copies (DT-UE, DT-RAN, DT-CN, DT-AF) of physical network elements that mirror their functionality and state. These copies enable the reuse of physical air interfaces and terminals for both physical and virtual entities, while the digital twin copies maintain synchronization with their physical counterparts through controlled data exchange, achieving both resource utilization and isolation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive digital twin network functions are implemented, then digital twin service flexibility improves, but system architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides comprehensive digital twin network functions into specialized modular components: DT-UE for terminal functions, DT-RAN for radio access, DT-CN for core network, DT-AF for application functions, and DTCF for control and management. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, deployed, and configured, providing service flexibility while managing architecture complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the digital twin network functions to be universal and multi-functional, where each component (DT-UE, DT-RAN, DT-CN, DT-AF) can serve multiple purposes depending on configuration and context. The DTCF provides universal control capabilities that can manage various types of digital twin services, enabling flexibility without requiring separate specialized systems for each service type.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application belongs to the field of communications technologies, and discloses a digital twin subsystem and a service providing apparatus. A specific implementation solution is as follows: A digital twin subsystem includes: digital twin user equipment DT-UE and at least one of a digital twin application function DT-AF, a digital twin core network DT-CN function, a digital twin radio access network DT-RAN function, and a first function used to provide digital twin control and/or management. The DT-UE is configured to provide a terminal function related to a digital twin network. The DT-AF is used to provide a data network service related to the digital twin network. The DT-CN function is used to provide a core network service related to the digital twin network. The DT-RAN function is used to provide a radio access network service related to the digital twin network.