Network Slice Configuration from Functional Service Descriptions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing and configuring network slices are often ineffective and difficult to implement, particularly when network services require varying conditions such as data encryption and latency, leading to computational overhead and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for defining network slices based on functional descriptions of computing functions, using resources associated with these descriptions to configure network slices autonomously or dynamically, allowing abstraction between slice definition and resource implementation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual systems are used to manage and configure network slices, then flexibility in handling varied conditions may be maintained, but effectiveness and ease of implementation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidease of implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where computing devices automatically determine service conditions, select computing function definitions, and configure network slices without manual intervention. The automated system determines configuration data and applies it to computing function resources, making the system both effective and easy to implement while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automated systems are used to manage and configure network slices, then ease of implementation improves, but computational overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoidcomputational overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining computing function definitions that describe required functions without yet allocating specific resources. The network slice definition is created in advance with abstracted computing function definitions, and only when resources are needed are they selected and configured, reducing unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining automated ease of implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed manual configuration is performed for each network slice condition, then configuration precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the network slice configuration process into distinct components: service condition determination, computing function definition selection, network slice definition creation, resource selection, and configuration data determination. Each component handles a specific aspect independently, maintaining configuration precision while reducing overall system complexity through modularization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces computing function definitions as an intermediary layer between service conditions and actual resource configuration. This abstraction layer describes required functions without directly tying to specific resources, enabling precise configuration while simplifying the system by decoupling the configuration logic from resource management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If abstract computing function definitions are used, then adaptability improves, but measurement precision of specific resource requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidresource requirement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions from abstract computing function definitions to specific resource configurations based on actual needs. The network slice definition initially uses abstract definitions for adaptability, then dynamically selects and configures specific computing function resources when deployment is required, achieving both adaptability and precise resource specification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12438937B2Configuring network slices

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

Aspects described herein relate to various methods, systems and apparatuses that can be used to define a network slice based on descriptions of the computing functions involved in a network service, and to configure the network slice using resources that are associated with the descriptions. For example, a network slice may be defined based on whether the network service requires tunneling or data encryption. The network slice may be configured using resources that perform those tunneling and data encryption functions.