Network Slice Artifact Dynamic Instantiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of network slices lack control over the timing of instantiation and deactivation, are limited to pre-prepared and instantiated slices by network providers, and face inefficiencies in resource allocation due to unused resources being tied up.
Innovation Solution
A network slice artifact executed by users can instantiate and deactivate network slices dynamically, allowing users to define QoS parameters and virtual network functions, and interact with network functions to transform user equipment into endpoint nodes, enabling flexible and efficient resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network providers pre-prepare and instantiate network slices, then network slice availability is improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to unused resources being tied up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network slice instantiation by enabling users to trigger slice creation on-demand through user equipment. The network slice is instantiated only when needed by the user, transforming the static pre-instantiation model into a dynamic on-demand model. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining slice availability through user-initiated creation while improving resource efficiency by not pre-allocating resources for potentially unused slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to self-service the instantiation and management of their own network slices through user equipment. The user equipment communicates with the network to trigger slice instantiation, manage slice lifecycle, and control resource allocation. This self-service approach improves resource efficiency by allowing users to create and manage slices only when they need them, eliminating the waste associated with provider-prepared but unused slices.
2Ease of manufacture
If users are limited to pre-prepared network slices, then network slice delivery is simplified, but user control and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to self-service the creation and management of customized network slices through their user equipment. Users can define their own network slice parameters, trigger instantiation on-demand, and manage slice lifecycle independently. This maintains simplified delivery through automated user-initiated processes while dramatically improving user control and flexibility by allowing customization and on-demand creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hybrid approach where the network provider pre-configures the capability framework and validation rules, but users perform the actual slice instantiation action when needed. The user equipment is pre-enabled with the functionality to request slice creation, and the network is pre-configured with the mechanisms to validate and instantiate slices. This combines the simplicity of pre-preparation with the flexibility of user control.
3Loss of energy
If network slices are instantiated on-demand by users, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to user equipment transformation into endpoint nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal communication capabilities of user equipment to perform multiple functions: acting as a remote endpoint node, triggering slice instantiation, and managing slice lifecycle. The user equipment's existing communication infrastructure is extended to handle these additional functions without requiring completely new system components. This reduces the net increase in system complexity while achieving on-demand resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the user equipment as an intermediary between the end user and the network core. The user equipment mediates the on-demand slice instantiation process by communicating with the network, receiving validation responses, and managing the local endpoint functionality. This intermediary role distributes system complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in the network core, making the overall system more manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering a network slice to a user is disclosed. The method includes receiving communication from a network slice artifact comprising a multi-segment filename that includes a first segment comprising instructions for executing the network slice artifact, and a second segment comprising an identity of a network slice instantiable by the network slice artifact. The method also includes retrieving a set of executable instructions associated with the network slice from a data store of the network in response to receiving the communication from the network slice artifact, and communicating the set of executable instructions to the network slice artifact whereby the network slice artifact instantiates the network slice transforming the computer system into an endpoint node of the network slice. The method further includes completing the instantiation of the network slice in response to receiving the communication from the network slice artifact.