Dynamic MME VNF Scaling for UE Overload Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networks operating under the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, the static number of Mobility Management Entity (MME) functions can lead to overload as the number of User Equipment (UE) increases, resulting in service degradation due to the rejection of NAS requests, which existing load balancing methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtualized network function (VNF) management system that dynamically instantiates, scales, and terminates MME VNF instances based on processor usage and data volume thresholds, using a mixed network manager and NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO) framework to allocate resources and manage load balancing across MMEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of MMEs in the MME pool is kept static, then the system structure remains simple and stable, but the MMEs can be overloaded as the number of UEs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic MME pool management by enabling the network manager to instantiate, scale, and terminate MME VNF instances based on real-time performance measurements and thresholds. This transforms the static MME pool into a dynamic system that automatically adapts to changing UE loads, preventing overload while maintaining service quality without requiring permanent infrastructure expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the MME pool by introducing performance measurement thresholds (e.g., processor usage, data volume) that trigger automatic scaling decisions. When measurements exceed thresholds, the system dynamically adjusts the number of MME instances, thereby changing the pool's capacity parameters in response to actual load conditions rather than maintaining fixed parameters.
2Productivity
If load balancing is implemented with a static number of MMEs, then the distribution mechanism is simple, but service degradation occurs when UEs exceed MME capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-driven load balancing mechanism where the network manager continuously monitors performance measurements from MMEs and uses this feedback to make scaling decisions. When performance thresholds are exceeded, the system responds by instantiating additional MME VNF instances or scaling existing ones, thereby dynamically increasing capacity to handle UE connections and prevent NAS request rejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scaling actions by instantiating MME VNF instances before complete overload occurs. By monitoring performance measurements and triggering scaling when thresholds are approached, the system proactively increases capacity in advance of critical overload conditions, preventing service degradation rather than reacting after failure.
3Reliability
If MME overload control rejects NAS requests, then the existing MME pool can be protected, but service degradation occurs for subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of MME functions through MME VNF instances that can be dynamically instantiated and terminated. Instead of rejecting NAS requests from an overloaded MME pool, the system spawns additional MME VNF copies to handle the load, thereby maintaining subscriber service quality while protecting the overall MME pool stability through distributed load handling.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, virtualized network function resources may be managed in a network. Performance measurements may be received for at least one mobility management entity (MME) in an MME pool, or for other network elements. If at least one of the performance measurements exceeds at least one predetermined threshold, instantiation of a new mobility management entity virtual network function (MME VNF) may be requested, and the MME VNF may be instantiated in response to the request. One or more user equipment (UE) devices managed by the MME pool may be connected to the added MME VNF.