Network Function Orchestration via Sharing Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing network functions across multiple network slices is inconvenient due to the lack of efficient sharing and orchestration mechanisms, leading to difficulties in maintenance and management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a second management unit provides sharing information about network functions to a first management unit, enabling the orchestration of network functions based on whether they can be shared across multiple slices, facilitating the selection between shared and exclusive functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one network function supports only one network slice, then the network function can be managed independently, but the number of network functions becomes excessive and maintenance becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single network function to serve multiple network slices through the sharing mechanism. The network function is designed with multi-functionality to support different slices simultaneously, reducing the total number of network functions needed while maintaining independent management capabilities through the management unit's orchestration
2Quantity of substance
If network functions are shared across multiple network slices, then the number of network functions is reduced, but the complexity of managing shared resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management unit as an intermediary between network functions and network slices. This mediator handles the complexity of resource sharing, allocation, and orchestration, thereby reducing the apparent complexity for individual slice management while enabling efficient multi-slice support through centralized control
3Productivity
If network functions are shared across multiple network slices, then resource utilization improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring resource allocation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the management unit continuously monitors resource allocation status across network slices and adjusts sharing decisions based on measured performance metrics. This feedback loop enables accurate detection and measurement of resource allocation while maintaining high utilization efficiency through dynamic optimization
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a network function management method, a management device, and a system. The method includes: obtaining, by a second management device, sharing information of a network function, where the sharing information of the network function is used to indicate whether the network function can be shared by at least two network slices; sending, by the second management device, the sharing information of the network function to a first management device; and orchestrating, by the first management device, the network function based on the sharing information of the network function. It can be learned from the above that the embodiments of the present invention provide a specific solution to choosing to provide a network slice with a shared network function or an exclusive network function, thereby facilitating network function maintenance and management.