Network Slice Management via Blockchain and Edge Computing
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G wireless communication systems face challenges in dynamically adapting to applications with high-bandwidth, low-latency, or emergency needs, and in accurately identifying anomalous usage patterns, leading to inefficient management of network slices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-access edge computing platform combined with blockchain technology and AI/ML components, such as artificial neural networks, to facilitate dynamic allocation, scheduling, and management of network slice resources, enabling applications to request specific resources based on proposed contracts and governing contracts, and detecting anomalous usage for efficient resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If provider management of network slices is implemented, then network service abstraction and resource allocation are improved, but the system cannot rapidly adapt to applications with emergency, high-bandwidth, or low-latency needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network slice management into multiple autonomous components: edge computing platforms handle local resource allocation, blockchain ledgers maintain distributed trust records, and AI/ML components perform independent anomaly detection. This segmentation enables rapid local adaptation without requiring complex centralized management for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic adaptation through AI/ML models that continuously learn from network usage patterns and automatically adjust resource allocation. The blockchain ledger dynamically records and verifies slice usage in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to emerging application requirements without manual reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If provider management of network slices is implemented, then resource allocation is improved, but rapid and accurate identification of anomalous usage is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where AI/ML models continuously monitor network slice usage patterns and provide real-time anomaly detection. The blockchain ledger provides immutable feedback records of all resource allocations and usage, enabling accurate identification of anomalous behavior while maintaining reliable resource allocation through automated policy enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual or rule-based anomaly detection with AI/ML-based intelligent detection. The blockchain ledger replaces traditional centralized logging mechanisms with a distributed, tamper-proof recording system, making anomaly detection more accurate and reliable without increasing management complexity.
3Reliability
If blockchain technology is integrated for network slice management, then transparency and security are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain ledger in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a distributed trust layer for verifying slice allocations, an immutable audit trail for anomaly detection, a smart contract execution platform for automated resource management, and a decentralized identity verification system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while enhancing security and transparency.
4Measurement precision
If AI/ML components are added for anomaly detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AI/ML models are pre-trained on historical network usage data to learn normal patterns before deployment. This preliminary training enables the models to quickly identify anomalies in real-time without requiring extensive computational resources during actual detection, reducing processing time while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The technologies described herein are generally directed to facilitating the allocation, scheduling, and management of network slice resources. According to an embodiment, a system can comprise a processor and a memory that can store executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include receiving proposed contract data representative of a proposed contract for access by an application of a user equipment device to resources of a network slice usable for the access by the application. The operations can further include, based on the proposed contract data, storing governing contract data representative of a governing contract in a storage device, with the governing contract being selected to control the access by the application to the resources of the network slice. The operations can further include scheduling use of the resources of the network slice by the application based on the governing contract data.