Network Slice Adaptation for Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, devices may move between service areas where supported slices are not available, leading to service continuity issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adapting service continuity by determining a slice-related adaptation, such as application mapping, slice modification, or dynamic slice instantiation, based on service continuity requirements and slice parameters, and translating this adaptation into a trigger action for network entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices move between service areas, then coverage and mobility are improved, but service continuity deteriorates when slices are not available in the new service area
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining slice-related adaptations (application mapping, slice modification, or dynamic slice instantiation) before the device completes its movement to the target service area. The control entity proactively queries slice availability status and prepares adaptation strategies in advance, so that when the device arrives at the new service area, the slice is already configured or mapped to ensure continuous service without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control entity acts as an intermediary between the device and the network slices. It receives service continuity requirements from devices, determines appropriate slice adaptations, and translates these into trigger actions for network entities. This intermediary function enables seamless service continuity by coordinating slice modifications, extensions, or instantiations across different service areas without requiring direct device-network slice interaction.
2Reliability
If slice availability is extended to target service areas, then service continuity is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the slice management functionality into distinct components: the control entity that receives service continuity requirements and determines adaptations, the query mechanism that checks slice availability status, and the trigger action translator that converts adaptations into network entity commands. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, reducing overall network complexity while ensuring service continuity through coordinated slice extensions and modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for adaptations based on a service continuity requirement. One method (700) includes receiving (702) a service continuity requirement for an application of a user equipment. The method (700) includes determining (704) a query corresponding to a slice availability and/or a status at a target service area based on the service continuity requirement. The method (700) includes determining (706) a slice related adaptation for the application to maintain application service continuity based on the service continuity requirement and a slice parameter. The method (700) includes translating (708) the slice related adaptation to a trigger action for transmission to a network entity and/or a management entity. The method (700) includes transmitting (710) the trigger action to the network entity and/or the management entity.