Network Function Configuration for Multi-Slice Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual determination of configuration parameters for network function (NF) instances supporting multiple network slices is cumbersome, time-consuming, and wasteful of resources, due to the dynamic nature of network slices and the numerous possible combinations they can form.

Innovation Solution

A network device dynamically determines and optimizes configuration parameters for NF instances to support specific combinations of active network slices, using information such as available resources, service level agreements, and priority levels, and can validate manually modified or created parameters to ensure continued support of active network slices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual determination of configuration parameters is used for NF instances supporting multiple network slices, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the process becomes cumbersome, time-consuming, and wasteful of resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the NF instance to automatically determine its own configuration parameters based on real-time network slice information and resource availability, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated decision-making algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the framework and data structures needed for automated configuration determination, including predefined parameter templates and resource allocation rules, so that when network slices are activated, the NF instance can immediately determine appropriate configuration parameters without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual configuration parameter determination is used, then detailed control over resource allocation is possible, but computing resources and network resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by determining only the specific configuration parameters that are actually needed for the active network slices at any given time, rather than manually configuring all possible parameters. This reduces computing resource consumption while maintaining sufficient control precision for operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes configuration parameters based on real-time conditions, including the specific combination of active network slices and available resources. This automated parameter adjustment maintains precise control over resource allocation while eliminating the excessive resource consumption associated with manual configuration processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated configuration parameter determination is implemented, then resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between the NF instance and the network slice management system. This intermediary automatically translates network slice requirements into appropriate configuration parameters, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high configuration efficiency through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a general-purpose automated configuration determination mechanism that can handle multiple types of network slices and various resource allocation scenarios through a single unified process, rather than requiring separate complex systems for each specific case

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12267205B2Systems and methods for automating network slice configuration

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

In some implementations, a first device may receive, from a second device, network function (NF) configuration information indicating that an NF instance is to be provisioned to support a combination of network slices. The NF configuration information may include first network slice information regarding the first network slice and second network slice information regarding the second network slice. The first device may obtain, from a data structure, first slice configuration information associated with the NF instance supporting the first network slice and second slice configuration information associated with the NF instance supporting the second network slice. The first device may generate configuration parameters to provision the NF instance to support the combination of network slices and provide the configuration parameters to cause the NF instance to be provisioned to support the combination of network slices.