Network Slice Configuration via Dual Management Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies lack a mechanism for configuring network slices supported by Radio Access Network (RAN) devices, which is essential for efficient handover management and tracking area identity configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a first network management device forms and sends network slice configuration information to a second network management device, which then delivers it to RAN devices, allowing for the configuration of network slices without directly burdening the RAN devices, thus optimizing the load distribution between management devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the first network management device directly delivers network slice configuration information to the RAN device, then the configuration process is simplified, but the load on the first network management device becomes excessively heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network management function into two separate devices: a first network management device responsible for forming network slice configuration information, and a second network management device responsible for delivering the configuration information to RAN devices. This segmentation distributes the workload and prevents any single device from becoming overloaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The second network management device acts as an intermediary between the first network management device and the RAN devices. It receives configuration information from the first device and delivers it to the appropriate RAN devices, thereby reducing the direct burden on the first network management device while maintaining configuration simplicity.
2Productivity
If network slice configuration information is delivered directly to RAN devices, then configuration efficiency is improved, but the data volume and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second network management device serves as an intermediary that consolidates and manages the delivery of network slice configuration information to multiple RAN devices. This approach optimizes data transmission by centralizing the delivery process, thereby reducing overall transmission time and improving configuration efficiency despite the additional routing step.
Data Source
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AI summary
A configuration method and a corresponding apparatus are provided, to provide a mechanism for configuring, for a RAN, a network slice supported by the RAN. The configuration method includes: sending, by a first network management device, network slice configuration information to a second network management device, where the network slice configuration information includes information that indicates a network slice supported by the access network RAN, and the second network management device has a function of configuring the RAN; and receiving, by the first network management device, a message that is returned by the second network management device and that indicates that configuration the RAN is completed.