Network Slice Association via Management Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing variable and competing demands in large-scale communication networks with network slices is complex, requiring effective architecture and management, especially in next-generation mobile networks like 5G, where existing solutions lack efficient methods for associating mobile devices with appropriate network slices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for network slice association in communication networks using a connection manager to determine and manage the association of mobile devices with network slices, leveraging Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) to dynamically allocate resources and configure network functions, allowing for seamless integration with multiple network operators and infrastructure providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing is implemented to segment underlying resources into private networks, then traffic and resource isolation between networks is achieved, but device complexity and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A management plane is introduced as an intermediary layer between the data plane network slices and the control functions. This management plane includes a slice management function that centrally manages multiple network slices, handling device associations and resource allocations across slices, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual slice components while maintaining isolation benefits
2Adaptability or versatility
If network functions are virtualized and placed throughout the network, then flexibility and dynamic topology are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional planes: a management plane for centralized slice management and device association, and data plane functions distributed throughout the network for actual data processing. This segmentation allows dynamic topology in the data plane while keeping management complexity centralized and controlled in the management plane
Solution Approach 2:
The management plane acts as an intermediary that virtualizes and abstracts the complexity of distributed network functions. It provides a centralized interface for managing virtualized functions across the network, enabling dynamic topology changes without directly increasing the complexity burden on individual network elements
3Productivity
If connection manager determines device-to-slice association dynamically, then optimal resource utilization is achieved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management plane pre-establishes association rules and device-to-slice mapping relationships before actual data traffic arrives. By determining optimal associations in advance based on device characteristics and slice requirements, the system reduces real-time processing time while maintaining optimal resource utilization
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for management of network slices in a communication network such as a 5th generation wireless communication network are provided. Management planes may be provided which are separate from the plurality of network slices. A connection manager residing in a management plane receives an indication that a mobile device is to be associated with the communication network. The connection manager may reside at an access node or in the core network. A network slice is determined, and the connection manager transmits instructions, to one or more network nodes, to associate the mobile device with the network slice. The instructions may be provided to a local connection manager. The slice may be requested explicitly by the mobile device, or determined based on device and/or network requirements