ML-Based Network Slice Management for Real-Time Traffic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G NR and LTE networks face inefficiencies in managing network slices, as they are typically added or deleted based on expected demand rather than real-time traffic needs, leading to additional operating expenses and potential poor user experiences.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning computing system is integrated into the base station to predict radio resource usage based on time, traffic, and quality of service data, enabling dynamic modification, addition, or deletion of network slices to meet real-time demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If network slices are added or deleted based on expected demand, then network planning is simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and operating expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork planning simplicityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the machine learning model continuously receives real-time traffic data, QoS data, and time data from the network, predicts radio resource usage, and dynamically adjusts network slice configurations. This closed-loop feedback system enables the network to adapt to actual traffic patterns rather than relying on static expected demand projections, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable network planning through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning model autonomously performs prediction and decision-making for network slice management without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts slice configurations based on its predictions of radio resource usage, enabling the network to self-optimize resource allocation in real-time. This self-service capability improves resource utilization while keeping network planning simple by automating what would otherwise require complex manual processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If network slices are added or deleted based on expected demand, then deployment process is simplified, but user experience deteriorates due to poor service level agreement fulfillment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidservice level agreement fulfillment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static network slice configurations based on expected demand to dynamic slice management driven by real-time predictions. The machine learning model continuously monitors actual traffic patterns, QoS requirements, and time-based variations, then dynamically adjusts network slice allocations to match actual user needs. This dynamic adaptation ensures service level agreements are fulfilled by aligning resource allocation with real-time demand while maintaining deployment simplicity through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback loop enables the system to continuously learn from actual network performance and user behavior patterns. By receiving real-time data on traffic volume, QoS requirements, and slice utilization, the machine learning model refines its predictions and adjusts slice configurations to ensure service level agreement fulfillment. This feedback-driven approach maintains deployment simplicity while significantly improving reliability of service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If machine learning based prediction is implemented, then resource utilization is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning computing system serves multiple functions: it collects and processes diverse input data (traffic data, QoS data, time data), performs radio resource usage prediction, generates slice modification decisions, and interfaces with the network management system. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single multi-functional ML system, the patent achieves optimized resource utilization while managing system complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate specialized systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning computing system acts as an intermediary layer between the raw network data and the network slice management decisions. Rather than directly modifying complex network configurations, the ML system predicts resource usage and provides recommendation outputs that guide slice management. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by decoupling the prediction function from the execution function, making the system more manageable despite the added intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If static network slice configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to real-time traffic needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to traffic needs
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamics into network slice configuration by using machine learning predictions to continuously adapt slice allocations based on real-time traffic patterns, QoS requirements, and time-based variations. Rather than maintaining static configurations, the system dynamically adjusts the number and characteristics of network slices to match actual user needs. This dynamic approach enhances adaptability while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning model performs preliminary prediction of radio resource usage before actual traffic demands materialize. By analyzing historical patterns, time data, and current network state, the system proactively predicts future resource needs and pre-adjusts network slice configurations. This preliminary action enables the system to adapt to traffic needs in advance, improving responsiveness while maintaining manageable complexity through predictive rather than reactive management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250097732A1Systems and methods for machine learning based slice modification, addition, and deletion
Publication Date: 2025.03.20 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
  • US20250097732A1 patent drawing
  • US20250097732A1 patent drawing
  • US20250097732A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for machine learning based network slice modification, addition, and deletion are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving time data, traffic data, and QoS data and determining a predicted radio resource usage of a base station based on the time data, traffic data, and QoS data. The base station includes at least one BBU, radio unit(s) communicatively coupled to the at least one BBU, and antenna(s) communicatively coupled to the radio unit(s). Each respective radio unit is communicatively coupled to a respective subset of the antenna(s). The at least one BBU, the radio unit(s), and the antenna(s) are configured to implement a base station for wirelessly communicating with user equipment. The method further includes dynamically modifying, adding, or deleting one or more network slices based on the predicted radio resource usage of the base station.