Virtualized Network Slice Control Plane Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing variable and competing demands in large-scale communication networks with network slices is complex, requiring an effective architecture and management system that efficiently allocates resources and ensures performance guarantees across isolated network slices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication network architecture using virtualized network elements and software-defined resource allocation, with a connection manager to associate mobile devices with appropriate network slices, ensuring efficient resource allocation and isolation through Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN), allowing dynamic topology adjustments and seamless handovers between slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are created to isolate traffic and resources for different customers, then service customization and customer isolation are improved, but device complexity and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane functions into slice-specific control plane instances, where each network slice has its own dedicated control plane functions (MME, SGW-CE, PGW-CE) that operate independently. This segmentation allows each slice to be managed separately, improving customization while the modular structure helps manage complexity through clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new architectural dimension by placing control plane functions at the network edge (access network side) rather than only in the core network. This dimensional shift creates a distributed control architecture where slice-specific control functions are closer to the users, enabling better service customization and isolation while distributing management responsibilities across multiple locations.
2Reliability
If control plane functions are distributed to network edges for each slice, then service-specific control and isolation are improved, but network complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane is segmented into independent slice-specific instances deployed at network edges. Each slice has its own MME, SGW-CE, and PGW-CE functions that operate autonomously, ensuring strong service isolation and reliability. The segmentation prevents interference between slices while maintaining individual slice performance guarantees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal interface standards and protocols (such as S1, S11, S5/S8 interfaces) that remain consistent across all slice-specific control plane functions. This universality in interfacing allows diverse slice-specific implementations to communicate through standardized mechanisms, reducing network complexity despite the distributed architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtualized network functions are deployed dynamically, then resource flexibility and scalability are improved, but resource allocation complexity and virtualization management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic deployment of slice-specific control plane functions that can be instantiated, activated, and deactivated based on real-time network conditions and service demands. Control plane functions are dynamically allocated to match slice creation and termination, providing resource flexibility while the automated orchestration manages the complexity of dynamic resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The slice-specific control plane functions are designed to self-configure and self-manage within their respective slices. Each control plane instance automatically manages its own resources, connections, and state without requiring centralized coordination for routine operations, reducing virtualization management overhead while maintaining resource flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for operating network slices in a communication network such as a 5th generation wireless communication network are provided. Mobile device attach requests can be handled in which an appropriate network slice is selected for attaching the mobile device to. Customer service requests can be handled using existing network slices or by instantiating new network slices as needed. Mobile devices can be associated to new network slices due to roaming. Network slices can be monitored and scaled as required to maintain performance. Cloud resource assignment, mobile device power management, traffic engineering and flow management operations are also disclosed.