Enterprise 5G Network Slice Efficiency Assurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The generic network slice template defined by the GSMA may not provide sufficient utility for confidently provisioning network slices in an enterprise 5G network deployment, given the unique requirements and varying configurations of machinery and sensors, leading to inefficiencies and potential degradation in network slice quality.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that uses an enterprise slice template with advanced attributes and a pre-selected expected slice efficiency index, monitored continuously through telemetry data, to identify deviations and recommend adjustments, thereby ensuring custom network slices align with expected efficiency levels in an enterprise private 5G network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the generic network slice template (GST) defined by GSMA is used to provision network slices, then the network setup process is simplified and standardized, but the network slice efficiency and performance degradation for enterprise-specific applications cannot be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice template into two distinct layers: the generic network slice template (GST) provided by GSMA for standardized provisioning, and a custom network slice template (CNST) layer specific to enterprise requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the simplicity of GST while adding enterprise-specific optimizations through CNST, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of provisioning and network slice efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network slice efficiency assurance function as an intermediary component that continuously monitors network slice performance and compares actual efficiency against expected efficiency thresholds. This intermediary detects deviations and triggers automated adjustments to network slice configurations, ensuring that enterprise-specific performance requirements are met while maintaining the standardized GST framework.
2Reliability
If customized network slice configurations are implemented for enterprise-specific applications, then network slice efficiency and performance are improved, but the complexity of network setup and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the network slice efficiency assurance function automatically monitors performance metrics, detects deviations from expected efficiency, and triggers automated adjustments to network slice configurations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention by network administrators, thereby maintaining high network slice efficiency while reducing the perceived complexity for enterprise users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where network slice performance is continuously monitored and compared against expected efficiency thresholds. When deviations are detected, the system automatically adjusts network slice configurations and continues monitoring to verify improvement. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal network slice efficiency while automating the complexity of configuration management.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring and optimization of network slice efficiency is implemented, then network slice performance is maintained and improved, but the system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements monitoring and optimization only when necessary - specifically, when the network slice efficiency assurance function detects that actual network slice efficiency deviates from expected efficiency thresholds. This partial action approach avoids continuous full-scale optimization, thereby maintaining network slice performance while reducing unnecessary system complexity and resource consumption during normal operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach to configure enterprise wireless mobile network slices. A method includes receiving slice definition information representative of a network slice, the slice definition information including an expected slice efficiency index of the network slice, provisioning the network slice, consistent with the slice definition information, in a wireless network, receiving telemetry corresponding to operational metrics of an instance of the network slice that is used by one or more devices in the wireless network, calculating an actual slice efficiency index for the instance of the network slice based on the telemetry corresponding to the operation metrics of the instance of the network slice, determining whether the expected slice efficiency index differs from the actual slice efficiency index by a predetermined threshold, and indicating a course of action to cause the actual slice efficiency index to more closely align with the expected slice efficiency index.