Network Slice Instantiation Delay for 5G Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slice implementations in 5G networks and other environments face significant performance overhead due to complex optimizations and resource management, leading to degraded performance when resources are overwhelmed, and inefficient use of network resources, especially when the number of network slices is large.
Innovation Solution
A method that delays the instantiation of network slices until network element resource utilization demands require it, using a 'lazy evaluation' approach where only a record of the slice is created initially, and network slices are instantiated and managed as 'aggregate slices' when performance metrics exceed certain thresholds, reducing overhead and improving throughput by dynamically switching between best-effort and advanced processing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If network slices are instantiated immediately upon request, then service setup speed is improved, but processing overhead and resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-creating lightweight record structures for network slices in control path tables before actual instantiation is needed. This allows the system to have slice definitions ready immediately, enabling fast service setup while deferring the heavier instantiation process until resource utilization thresholds are met, thus reducing processing overhead.
2Reliability
If network slices are instantiated immediately upon request, then service availability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by dynamically adjusting network slice instantiation based on real-time resource utilization monitoring. The system continuously evaluates performance metrics and thresholds, instantiating slices only when needed (when utilization exceeds thresholds) and deactivating them when thresholds are no longer met. This dynamic approach maintains service availability while optimizing resource utilization efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are instantiated for all requests, then service coverage is improved, but system performance deteriorates when resources are overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the instantiation state of network slices based on resource utilization parameters and performance thresholds. The system changes the state from 'record-only' to 'instantiated' or vice versa depending on whether performance metrics exceed defined thresholds. This allows the system to maintain broad service coverage while preventing performance degradation by selectively instantiating slices only when resources can support them.
4Device complexity
If network slices are delayed until resource thresholds are met, then processing overhead is reduced, but service setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary actions of creating slice record structures in control path tables immediately upon request, while deferring actual instantiation. This two-stage approach allows the system to acknowledge and prepare slice definitions without immediate resource allocation, reducing processing overhead while maintaining the ability to quickly instantiate slices when thresholds are met.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and a computer system establish network slices within a physical network having a plurality of network elements. The method includes receiving a request to instantiate a network slice at a network element. The method also includes determining a performance metric of the network element. The method further includes delaying instantiation of the requested network slice within the network element in response to determining that the performance metric of the network element is below a threshold. The method also includes instantiating the requested network slice within the network element in response to determining that the performance metric of the network element is at or above the threshold. Finally, the method includes deactivating the requested network slice in response to determining that the performance metric of the network element is below the threshold at a time subsequent to instantiating the requested network slice.