Dynamic Network Slice Allocation for Service Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slice allocation methods fail to dynamically adjust services and slices in response to changing service requirements and resource status, leading to inefficient resource utilization and potential service mismatches.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves a first apparatus storing correspondence information associating services with slices and determining suitable slices based on service requirements, allowing for reallocation of services to slices that meet changing requirements, and notifying users of connection destination changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If services are uniquely allocated to slices in advance, then service allocation is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to dynamically changed service requirements or resource status

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing service requirementsVSAvoidcomplexity of slice allocation management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic slice allocation by enabling services to be reallocated to different slices based on changing service requirements and resource status. The system transitions from static pre-allocation to dynamic reallocation, where the network manager continuously monitors and adjusts slice assignments to match current service needs and available resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network manager receives information about service requirements and resource status, processes this information, and makes reallocation decisions. The system continuously monitors the state of services and slices, and adjusts allocations based on this feedback to maintain optimal matching between service needs and slice capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If services are dynamically reallocated to slices, then resource utilization is optimized and service requirements are better met, but the allocation management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of allocation management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal network manager that handles multiple functions including monitoring service requirements, assessing resource status, determining allocation decisions, and managing slice assignments. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex allocation management into a single system that can adapt to various service types and resource conditions using the same framework.

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

3Reliability

If fixed slice allocation is used, then system stability is maintained, but resource optimization and adaptability to changing conditions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice allocation reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to resource status changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the slice allocation system to self-adjust by automatically monitoring service requirements and resource status, and making reallocation decisions without external intervention. The network manager autonomously determines when reallocation is needed and executes the reallocation, allowing the system to maintain reliability while adapting to changing conditions through self-service mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3429137B1Slice allocating method
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3429137B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3429137B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3429137B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a service mapping apparatus (10), an allocation service table, which associates a service to which a slice is allocated in advance, the slice, and an address representing an apparatus executing the service with each other, is stored. In addition, a request accepting unit (11) of the service mapping apparatus (10) receives an SLA-SL that is a requirement of a function. A determination unit (15) determines a slice including an SLA-SL corresponding to the received service requirement (SLA-SL) of the service (satisfying the service requirement). In a case in which a service that is the allocation target is associated with a slice in advance, an allocation unit (16) changes allocation of the service to the determined slice.