Hierarchical Network Slicing Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies face challenges in providing consistent and reliable network slicing services, particularly in managing interactions and network management functions across different service types, which are essential for efficient resource allocation and service delivery in virtualized network environments.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical system of management functions is introduced, with a service catalogue for each management function that stores information on services that can be provided to higher-level management functions, enabling efficient service provisioning and management across the operator domain. This system includes Customer Service Negotiation Function, Customer Service Management Function, Network Slice Management Function, and Element Manager, facilitating interactions between customers and network management functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hierarchical system of management functions with service catalogues is implemented, then service provisioning efficiency and resource allocation are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management system is divided into hierarchical levels (Customer Service Negotiation Function, Customer Service Management Function, Network Slice Management Function, Network Slice Subnet Management Function) with each level responsible for specific service types. This segmentation allows complex service provisioning to be broken down into manageable steps, improving efficiency while maintaining organization through structured complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each management function in the hierarchy maintains a service catalogue that can provide services to multiple higher-level management functions. This multi-functionality allows a single lower-level function to support various service types across different hierarchical levels, improving resource utilization and provisioning efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing services are provided across different service types, then service versatility is improved, but management interaction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different service types are managed through separate management functions in the hierarchy (e.g., Network Slice Management Function for one service type, Network Slice Subnet Management Function for another). Each function maintains its own service catalogue and manages interactions for its specific service type, reducing the complexity of managing diverse service types through standardized, isolated interaction patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical structure acts as an intermediary between different service types and management functions. Lower-level functions provide services to higher-level functions through standardized interfaces defined in service catalogues, mediating interactions and abstracting the complexity of managing multiple service types.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing a network comprising an Operator Domain. The system comprises a hierarchical system of management functions; and a respective service catalogue associated with each management function. The service catalogue storing information of services that can be provided by the management function to at least one higher level management function.