Propagating Network Slice Constraints via Solution Map Model

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intent-based management and network automation efforts primarily focus on the run-time phases of network slice lifecycle management, neglecting the intent-based design of the preparation phase, which results in inefficiencies due to the use of pre-defined network slice templates that may not align with varying consumer requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for propagating placement constraints and isolation requirements from user intents and operator policies to the constituents of network slices and communication services, involving the decomposition of intents and policies into functionalities stored in a solution map model, and deploying virtual and physical network functions accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pre-defined network slice templates are used for deployment, then deployment efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying consumer requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to consumer requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining network slice templates with standardized structures and configurations that can be quickly deployed. However, it enhances this by allowing customization of template parameters (such as resource allocation, slice characteristics) to adapt to different consumer requirements while maintaining the efficiency of template-based deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of template parameters and slice characteristics during the deployment process. This facilitates adaptation to varying consumer requirements while retaining the benefits of pre-defined templates, resolving the contradiction between deployment efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If intent-based design is implemented in the preparation phase, then alignment with consumer requirements is improved, but deployment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment with consumer requirementsVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that translates consumer intents into concrete deployment configurations. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by providing a structured approach to converting high-level requirements into actionable deployment parameters, maintaining alignment with consumer needs while managing deployment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network slice deployment into distinct phases (preparation, deployment, operation) and breaking down the intent-based design into manageable components. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by allowing focused handling of requirements at each stage rather than attempting to address all complexity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If placement constraints and isolation requirements are propagated to all constituents, then network slice isolation and performance are improved, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice isolationVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust placement and isolation configurations based on network conditions and requirements. This automated feedback loop reduces management complexity by eliminating manual intervention while maintaining strong isolation and performance characteristics through dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a unified framework that handles placement constraints and isolation requirements across all network slice constituents using consistent policies and procedures. This universal approach simplifies management complexity by providing a single set of rules that apply throughout the network slice lifecycle, rather than requiring separate management mechanisms for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12155533B2Propagating placement and isolation constraints to network slice constituents

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method, system, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable media for propagating placement constraints and isolation requirements, from user intents and operator policies to constituents of user requested network slices (NwSs) and communication services (CSs). The method comprises decomposing the user intents and the operator policies into functionalities corresponding to the constituents of the requested NwSs and CSs, and storing the functionalities in a solution map (SM) model. The method comprises propagating the placement constraints to the functionalities in the SM model. The method comprises propagating the isolation requirements to the functionalities in the SM model. The method comprises deploying constituent virtual network functions (VNFs) and physical network functions (PNFs) of the NwSs and CSs, according to the corresponding functionalities of the SM model.