Dynamic Network Slice Allocation for 5G Service Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In virtual network function (VNF) environments, especially in 5G networks, existing solutions struggle to dynamically manage and allocate resources effectively to handle exceptional service demands beyond the capabilities of dedicated network slices, leading to inefficiencies and potential service disruptions during peak or emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of 'super slices' – specialized groups of VNFs that can be dynamically assigned to handle exceptional service demands, providing additional capabilities on demand by accessing and chaining resources with dedicated slices, allowing for flexible scaling and resource allocation based on network conditions and service requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated network slices are used for specific services, then service quality and reliability are improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates during peak or emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic slice allocation where network slices can be temporarily reassigned from lower-priority services to higher-priority services during peak or emergency situations. The system monitors service demands and automatically adjusts slice assignments, allowing dedicated slices to be dynamically repurposed when exceptional service demands occur, thus maintaining reliability while improving resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dedicated VNFs are instantiated for each service, then service delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and capital expenditures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice delivery reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables network slices to serve multiple purposes across different services. A single dedicated slice can be assigned to different services at different times based on demand, allowing the same physical infrastructure to provide reliable service delivery for multiple services without requiring separate dedicated VNFs for each service, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If network capacity is increased to handle peak demands, then service availability is improved, but capital and operational expenditures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidnetwork resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where network capacity is adjusted based on real-time service demands. During normal operations, dedicated slices maintain service availability with standard capacity. When peak or emergency demands are detected, the system dynamically allocates additional capacity by reassigning slices and scaling VNFs, ensuring service availability without permanently increasing network resources, thus avoiding unnecessary capital and operational expenditures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If existing dedicated slices are used under normal conditions, then operational efficiency is maintained, but adaptability to exceptional service demands deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidservice demand flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic slice management system that monitors service demands and automatically reassigns network slices when exceptional conditions are detected. During normal operations, dedicated slices maintain high operational efficiency for their assigned services. When peak or emergency demands occur, the system dynamically detects the condition, selects appropriate target slices from lower-priority services, and reassigns them to handle the exceptional demand, thus maintaining operational efficiency while providing adaptability to changing service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11115867B2Method and system for managing utilization of slices in a virtual network function environment
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US11115867B2 patent drawing
  • US11115867B2 patent drawing
  • US11115867B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first group of virtual network functions of a first network slice instantiated within a software defined network and adapted to perform a first activity that facilitates delivery of a service to wireless equipment of a first user. Access is facilitated to a second group of virtual network functions of a second network slice responsive to a determination of an occurrence of a condition. The second group of virtual network functions, when instantiated within the software defined, network are configured to deliver the service to the wireless equipment of the first user. The second network slice is further adapted to perform another activity that facilitates delivery of another service. Other embodiments are disclosed.