Distributed Network Slice Management via Gossip Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centralized management systems for network slices in 5G communications are inefficient and unsuitable for the large scale of devices and network elements, leading to scalability issues, vulnerability to failures, and mismanagement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed management method using a gossip protocol that allows peer-to-peer information exchange between network elements for efficient management of network slices, enabling local decision-making and adaptive resource allocation based on contextual knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If centralized management is used for network slices, then control and coordination is simplified, but scalability and system reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized management system into distributed management nodes (network elements) that independently manage network slices. Each network element segments the management function locally, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized management while reducing overall system complexity through modular distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Network elements perform self-management by autonomously creating, modifying, and deleting network slices based on local conditions and received policies. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on centralized control for routine operations, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making.
2Ease of operation
If centralized management is used for network slices, then coordination is centralized, but scalability to large numbers of devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The management function is segmented across multiple distributed network elements rather than concentrated in a single centralized controller. This segmentation enables the system to scale horizontally by adding more management nodes without increasing the burden on a single coordination point, thus improving scalability while maintaining coordinated operation through distributed protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical centralized coordination to horizontal distributed coordination across the network. By changing the management dimension from top-down hierarchical control to peer-to-peer distributed control, the system achieves scalability suitable for 5G networks with billions of devices while maintaining operational effectiveness through standardized interaction protocols.
3Device complexity
If centralized servers are used for management, then control is consolidated, but vulnerability to failures and attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management control function across multiple distributed network elements, eliminating the centralized server that would be vulnerable to failures and attacks. Each network element independently manages its local network slices, so a failure or attack at one location does not propagate system-wide, thus reducing harmful factors while maintaining consolidated control through distributed protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed management architecture provides beforehand cushioning against failures and attacks by distributing risk across multiple independent nodes. Since no single point of failure exists, the system is inherently more resilient to catastrophic events, attacks, or mismanagement, cushioning the overall system against harmful factors before they can cause widespread damage.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
A method (20) of distributed management of network slices is provided, wherein each network slice comprises one or more network elements (2a, 2b, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7) and provides one or more devices (3a, 3b) with network connectivity to services. The method (20) is performed in a network element (2a, 2b, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7) of a communications system (1) and comprises: receiving (22), by means of a gossip protocol, information from one or more neighboring network elements (2a, 2b, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7); and performing (23), based on the received information, an action relating to one or more network slices, which network slices provide a first device (3a) with wireless connectivity to a service. A network element (2a, 2b, 4, 5a, 5b, 6, 7), computer programs and computer program products are also provided.