IoT Broker and Network Slice Manager for Dynamic Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G network slicing technologies face challenges in efficiently allocating and managing resources to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of IoT devices, leading to sub-optimal slicing configurations and inefficient resource utilization, which affects both infrastructure providers and tenants in terms of revenue and cost optimization.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that involves a network slice management component interacting with an IoT broker to dynamically assign and manage network resources, negotiate resource requirements, and configure IoT data traffic, ensuring efficient allocation and management of cellular resources while maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) for IoT communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network slicing is deployed to support multiple tenants and IoT devices, then flexibility and adaptability of the network are improved, but resource allocation efficiency and management complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spectrum broker as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple tenants and the physical network resources. The spectrum broker receives resource requests from tenants, performs admission control, and allocates spectrum resources accordingly. This intermediary structure simplifies the management complexity by centralizing the resource allocation function while maintaining the flexibility to support multiple tenants with different requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If network resources are dynamically allocated to meet diverse IoT requirements, then service quality and tenant satisfaction are improved, but resource utilization efficiency and revenue optimization worsen

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the spectrum broker continuously monitors network conditions, tenant requirements, and resource availability. The system dynamically adjusts spectrum allocation based on real-time demands, ensuring that service quality requirements are met while optimizing resource utilization. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to changing conditions and maximize the value extracted from available resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes allocation parameters such as spectrum bandwidth, time slots, and frequency ranges based on tenant requirements and network conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high service quality for critical IoT applications while improving overall resource utilization efficiency through optimized allocation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If infrastructure providers open their network to virtual mobile network operators and third parties, then market reach and business opportunities are improved, but control over network resources and operational management worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarket reachVSAvoidoperational control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network management functions by separating the spectrum resource management (handled by the spectrum broker) from the actual network operations (handled by individual tenants). This segmentation allows the infrastructure provider to maintain control over the physical spectrum resources while enabling tenants to independently manage their service operations. The spectrum broker enforces admission control and resource allocation policies, ensuring operational control is maintained despite multiple tenants accessing the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3533209B1Joint IoT broker and network slice management component
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 NEC CORP
  • EP3533209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method and a system for loT traffic management in a communication network supporting a plurality of network slices, in particular a 5thgeneration wireless communication network, a network slice management component (1) dynamically assigns network resources to a number of network slices, wherein one or more of said network slices are dedicated network slices (2) being adapted to enable loT-related communications between an loT platform (3) and loT devices (4) or loT gateways (5). Further, the network slice management component (1) and an loT broker (6) associated with the loT platform (5) interact with each other, and based on this interaction, the network slice management component (1) performs actions with respect to an allocation of network resources to said number of network slices and/or trigger's actions on the loT broker (6) with respect to a configuration of loT traffic. Furthermore, the invention relates to a respective loT broker and network slice manager for being deployed in such a method/system.