Network Slicing Identity for Core Network Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing the growing capacity and traffic diversity, particularly with the increasing demand for mobile broadband data and new services like video applications and IoT, which stress existing network architectures and operational paradigms, necessitating new approaches for flexible and scalable solutions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of network slicing allows for the creation of virtualized network slices with unique characteristics, enabling efficient communication between wireless devices by identifying and mapping communication to the appropriate network slice using a network slice identity, thereby improving performance and resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network slicing is implemented to manage traffic diversity and service isolation, then network flexibility and service performance are improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements network slicing by segmenting the core network into multiple virtualized network slices, each dedicated to specific services or traffic types. This segmentation allows different services to have isolated resource pools and customized configurations, improving network flexibility and service performance while managing traffic diversity through structured division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal network slicing framework that can accommodate multiple service types (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) within a single core network infrastructure. The virtualized network slice selection function and unified resource management mechanisms enable one system to serve multiple diverse services, reducing the need for separate dedicated networks for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If network slicing is implemented to isolate services and improve resource allocation, then service performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the core network into isolated virtual network slices, where each slice has dedicated resource pools and independent management. This isolation ensures that service performance in one slice is not affected by other slices, improving reliability through structural separation and preventing service degradation from cross-service interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtualized network slice selection function as an intermediary component that manages network slice identification and routing. This mediator handles the complexity of service isolation and resource allocation, shielding individual services from the underlying complexity while maintaining performance guarantees through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If network slicing is implemented to support diverse performance requirements, then network adaptability is improved, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal network slicing architecture that can accommodate diverse service requirements (enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, massive machine-type communication) within a single framework. The virtualized network slice selection function provides multi-functional capabilities to identify, route, and manage different service types through unified mechanisms, reducing implementation complexity compared to separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in network slice identities and resource allocation configurations to adapt the network to diverse service requirements. By dynamically adjusting slice parameters (bandwidth, latency thresholds, priority levels) rather than restructuring the entire network architecture, the system achieves high adaptability with reduced implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3378269B1First network node, receiving network node and methods performed therein
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3378269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3378269B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to a method performed by a first network node (13) for enabling communication between a first wireless device (10) of a first core network in a communication network with a second wireless device (11) of a second core network in the communication network (1). The first network node (13) supports a first set of functionalities out of a total set of functionalities in the first core network of the communication network, which first set of functionalities belongs to a first network slice of the first core network, and is separated from another set of functionalities out of the total set of functionalities in the first core network. The first network node (13) initiates a request transmission, to a receiving network node (17), for communicating with the second wireless device, which request transmission comprises a first network slice identity, first network slice ID, of the first network slice identifying the supported first set of functionalities.