Dynamic Mobile Network Resource Lending Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network slicing technologies do not allow mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to dynamically change network resources allocated from mobile network operators (MNOs).

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and method that enables MNOs to receive requests to lend mobile communication network resources to other operators, determine if the resource allocation is permitted, and transmit commands to allocate resources through a relay apparatus when permitted, allowing dynamic resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If network slicing is implemented to allocate resources according to service requirements, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but MVNOs cannot dynamically change allocated resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoiddynamic resource change capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by enabling MVNOs to request and receive real-time resource adjustments from MNOs. The system transitions from static network slicing to dynamic resource management where resource capacities can be modified based on current service requirements and network conditions, allowing MVNOs to adaptively change their allocated resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where MVNOs can monitor their resource usage and performance, then submit requests to MNOs for resource adjustments. The MNO evaluates these requests based on current network state and provides updated resource allocations, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes resource distribution based on actual service needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If MNOs lend resources to multiple operators, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but resource management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary resource management system that handles resource lending operations between MNOs and multiple MVNOs. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of multi-operator resource management, providing standardized interfaces for resource requests, allocations, and adjustments, thereby enabling efficient resource sharing without proportionally increasing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250016573A1Control apparatus, control method, computer readable medium, and mobile communication system

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 NEC CORP

AI summary

A control apparatus (10) includes: a receiving unit (11) configured to receive a request to lend a first resource of a mobile communication network (N1) to a certain operator; a control unit (12) configured to determine whether or not lending of the first resource to the certain operator should be permitted based on the request received by the receiving unit; and a transmitting unit (13) configured to transmit, to a relay apparatus (20) of the mobile communication network, a command for allocating the first resource to the certain operator when the lending is permitted by the control unit.