Flexible Service-Based Architecture for Granular Network Resource Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation communication networks require tailored network capabilities and business models to address diverse service demands, as legacy management paradigms fail to accommodate varying industries and applications effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible service-based architecture (SBA) that abstracts network resources into granular components and sub-components, enabling intelligent selection and orchestration based on service needs, using a centralized controller for dynamic composition and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a legacy network management paradigm is used, then network structure is simple and easy to manage, but it cannot accommodate diverse service demands and tailored network capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture is segmented into multiple independent network function modules (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, AUSF, UDM, NRF, NSSF, NEF, CBS, CROS) that can be selectively instantiated and composed. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the network to be customized for different service demands by selecting and configuring appropriate modules, thereby achieving adaptability without overwhelming complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture transitions from a static legacy structure to a dynamic service-based architecture where network functions can be dynamically selected, instantiated, composed, and configured based on service requirements. The service selection module and service composition module enable runtime adaptation, allowing the network to evolve and reconfigure itself to meet changing service demands while maintaining manageable complexity through automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network resources are abstracted into granular components for tailored service delivery, then service customization capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Network resources are abstracted into fine-grained network function components that can be independently selected and composed. This segmentation enables precise service customization by combining only the necessary components for each service type, rather than deploying entire network stacks. The granular components are managed through standardized interfaces that hide complexity while enabling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A service selection module and service composition module act as intermediaries between service requirements and network resource allocation. These intermediary modules translate high-level service demands into specific component selections and configurations, shielding upper-layer applications from the complexity of underlying network architecture while enabling detailed service customization.
3Productivity
If a centralized controller is used for dynamic resource orchestration, then service delivery efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (service selection, service composition, resource orchestration, and management) are merged into a centralized controller that coordinates network function instantiation and configuration. This consolidation improves service delivery efficiency by providing unified, automated control rather than distributed manual configuration, while the standardized service-based interfaces maintain manageable complexity through systematic control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible service-based architecture (SBA) for next generation communication networks is described. In an embodiment, a method performed by a system comprising a processor comprises receiving a service request for provision of a data communication service to a communication device via a communication network comprising a plurality of different network resources defined by resource components and sub-components of the resource components. In response to receiving the service request, accessing network resource abstraction information that identifies the resource components, and the sub-components respectively associated with the resource components, and selecting a subset of the different network resources for the provision of the data communication service to the communication device based a service criterion associated with the data communication service. The method further comprises facilitating, by the system, the provision of the data communication service to the communication device via the communication network using the subset of the different network resources.