Dynamic Service Allocation in Virtual Network Slices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems using virtualization technology face challenges in dynamically allocating services to slices when service requirements change or resource availability fluctuates, leading to inefficient resource utilization and inappropriate service allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically reallocating services to slices based on changing service requirements and resource status, where a device determines the most suitable slice by associating service requirements with available resources, ensuring efficient resource utilization and appropriate service provision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a service is uniquely allocated to a slice in advance, then the service can be provided using independent slice networks, but the service cannot be reallocated when service requirements change or resource status changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice allocation reliabilityVSAvoidservice allocation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic service allocation by establishing a determination unit that continuously evaluates service requirements and resource status to identify suitable slices. The allocation unit then dynamically adjusts service-to-slice mappings based on current conditions, transforming the static allocation model into a dynamic one that adapts to changing requirements and resource availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by having the determination unit assess both service requirements and resource status, then feed this information back to the allocation unit. This closed-loop feedback system enables the network to respond to changing conditions by reallocated services to appropriate slices, ensuring both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If slices are fixed for services, then signaling processing is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency decreases when requirements change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling processing efficiencyVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If services are dynamically reallocated to slices, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice allocation adaptabilityVSAvoidallocation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the allocation system into distinct functional units: a determination unit that evaluates service requirements and resource status to identify suitable slices, and an allocation unit that executes the reallocation. This segmentation of responsibilities manages complexity by creating modular, specialized components rather than a monolithic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The determination unit acts as an intermediary between service requirements/resource status and the allocation decision. It processes information about service needs and resource availability, then provides recommendations to the allocation unit, which executes the actual reallocation. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the communication control device is switched to reallocate services, then appropriate services can be provided to users, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provision appropriatenessVSAvoidcommunication control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10356663B2Service allocation determining methid

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 NTT DOCOMO INC

AI summary

A slice allocating method capable of dynamically changing a service and a slice to be allocated to the service is provided. An OSS/BSS holds allocation service information in which a service to which a slice has been allocated is associated with the slice. Further, a request reception unit of the OSS/BSS receives an SLA-SL which is a requirement of a function. An allocation determination unit determines a slice having an SLA-SL corresponding to a service requirement of the received service. When the service of the slice determined by the allocation determination unit is the same as the service associated with the slice in advance, an allocation request unit reallocates the service to the determined slice.