Network Slice Instance Activation in Geographic Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently activating or deactivating network slices within selected geographical coverage areas, which is necessary for managing network resources effectively and responding to service demands or maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allow a first network entity to receive requests to activate or deactivate network slice instances (NSIs) in specific geographical areas, search for supporting network slice subnet instances (NSSIs) and management entities, and send requests to activate or deactivate these NSSIs, thereby managing network slices efficiently across different geographic areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slice activation or deactivation is performed across entire network coverage, then network resource management is simplified, but service flexibility for specific geographical areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network coverage area is segmented into multiple geographical regions, allowing network slices to be activated or deactivated in specific areas rather than across the entire network. This enables service flexibility for different geographical zones while maintaining manageable complexity through localized control
Solution Approach 2:
Different network slice configurations are applied to different geographical areas based on local service demands. Each geographical region can have customized network slice activation states, allowing local optimization without affecting the entire network
2Speed
If network slice configuration is performed manually for each geographical area, then precise geographical control is achieved, but activation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network management system automatically performs network slice activation and deactivation operations based on received requests, eliminating the need for manual configuration in each geographical area. The system self-manages the complex tasks of identifying affected network elements and executing configuration changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies and stores information about network elements associated with different geographical areas, allowing rapid activation or deactivation when requests are received. This preliminary preparation enables fast response without complex real-time analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A first network entity performing communication in a wireless communication system supporting a network slice, includes: memory storing instructions; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the first network entity to: receive, from a second network entity, a request to activate or deactivate a network slice instance (NSI) for a geographical coverage area; search for a list comprising at least one of: at least one network slice subnet instance (NSSI), or at least one network slice subnet management entity function (NSSMF); and send a request to a third network entity to activate or deactivate an NSSI, and wherein the at least one NSSI and the at least one NSSMF each support at least one of: the geographical coverage area, or an area code list mapped to the geographical coverage area.