Network Slice Configuration with Disabled State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network slices in wireless communications networks are often deployed and reserved without active services, leading to underutilization of resources and inefficiencies in resource management, particularly at high load situations, due to the lack of automated and independent management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring network slices, where resources are allocated and configured in a disabled state until needed, allowing for automated management and efficient allocation based on service provisioning, enabling state transitions from disabled to enabled and back, optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If network slices are deployed and resources are reserved in advance, then service creation speed is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates due to underuse when no subscribers are provisioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of network slice resources and adds S-NSSAI to NSSF in advance, but delays actual resource allocation and activation until service provisioning is confirmed. This allows fast service creation readiness while avoiding premature resource reservation that would cause underutilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice state is made dynamic, transitioning between disabled and enabled states based on service provisioning status. Resources are allocated and S-NSSAI is added to NSSF only when services are provisioned, and released when deprovisioned, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining quick service creation capability.
2Productivity
If automated deployment of network slices is implemented, then service fulfillment speed is improved, but deployment complexity worsens due to coordination of multiple domains and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network slice configuration and state management functions into a separate, independent process that can be automated. By separating S-NSSAI management from service provisioning workflows, the system achieves automated service fulfillment without requiring complex coordination of all network domains simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that tracks service provisioning status and automatically triggers network slice state transitions. This intermediary layer simplifies the automation process by mediating between service provisioning events and network slice configuration changes, reducing overall deployment complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slice resources are allocated in advance, then service creation flexibility is improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates when allocated resources remain unused
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares network slice configurations and maintains the capability to allocate resources quickly, but actually allocates resources only when service provisioning occurs. This preliminary preparation maintains service creation flexibility while avoiding premature resource commitment that would reduce allocation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of network slices dynamically based on service provisioning status. By transitioning slices between disabled and enabled states, the system maintains flexibility to create services quickly while ensuring resources are only allocated when actually needed, improving resource allocation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example aspect, a method performed by a network node for configuring a network slice is provided, the method comprising, in response to a request to configure a network slice, configuring network resources for providing the network slice, and configuring a state of the network slice to a first state, wherein in the first state the network slice is disabled.