Dynamic Network Function Placement for Stable Radio Terminal Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fluctuating modes of use of radio terminals in mobile communication systems lead to suboptimal system architectures, resulting in degraded usability.
Innovation Solution
A deployment control system that includes a placement change determiner, a placement destination determiner, and a deployer to dynamically adjust Network Functions (NFs) based on estimated conditions and future conditions in a service area, using information such as population density, movement patterns, and RAN communication conditions to optimize NF placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the architecture of mobile communication systems is fixed, then system stability is maintained, but usability degrades when radio terminal usage patterns fluctuate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic NF placement that automatically adjusts network function locations based on real-time traffic conditions and usage patterns. The system transitions from static architecture to dynamic architecture by continuously monitoring service area conditions and repositioning NFs to optimal locations, thereby maintaining both system stability and adaptability to fluctuating radio terminal usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the placement parameters of network functions based on monitored conditions such as traffic volume, user density, and service requirements. By adjusting NF placement parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed parameters, the system resolves the contradiction between architectural stability and usability adaptability.
2Loss of time
If NF placement is optimized for current conditions, then communication latency is reduced, but system complexity increases due to dynamic adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning network functions in optimal locations based on predicted future conditions and usage patterns. By anticipating traffic fluctuations and pre-adjusting NF placements, the system reduces communication latency without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration, thereby managing system complexity while optimizing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor service area conditions and automatically trigger NF placement adjustments when thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback system reduces communication latency by responding to actual conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making rather than manual configuration.
3Speed
If more NFs are placed at the edge to reduce latency, then communication speed improves, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by placing network functions at edge locations specifically in service areas where high speed is required, rather than uniformly distributing NFs across the entire system. This targeted edge placement optimizes communication speed in high-demand areas while avoiding unnecessary resource consumption in areas where centralized placement suffices, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed improvement and resource conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An objective is to suppress degradation of the usability of radio terminals even in cases in which the modes of use of the radio terminals fluctuate.A placement change determiner (510) determines, based on information associated with conditions or future conditions estimated from the conditions in a service area to which one or more RUs (Radio Units) in a mobile communication system belong, a placement change regarding at least one NF (Network Function) among NFs in the mobile communication system. A placement destination determiner (520) determines, based on the information, an NF to be changed and a placement destination of the NF to be changed. A deployer (530) executes the placement change by instantiating the NF to be changed at the placement destination.