Network Slice Usage Service for Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configurations face challenges in managing network slices effectively, impacting performance metrics such as accessibility, congestion, latency, and throughput, as existing technologies lack efficient mechanisms for monitoring and optimizing network slice usage across different applications and services.
Innovation Solution
A network slice usage service is introduced, where a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) device subscribes to network slice usage notifications from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, calculating network slice load values and providing them to other network devices like the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) and Policy Control Function (PCF) when thresholds are exceeded, to manage congestion, load balancing, and optimize resource distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slice configurations are implemented to support multiple applications and services, then network versatility and service capability are improved, but network complexity and difficulty in managing performance metrics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple independent network slices, each configured for specific applications and services. This segmentation allows versatile service support while managing complexity by isolating configurations into discrete, manageable slices rather than managing one complex monolithic network configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network slice usage service as an intermediary layer between the network core and access functions. This service collects, stores, and provides network slice usage information to various network functions, simplifying their access to usage data and reducing the complexity of direct interactions between multiple network functions
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive network slice usage monitoring is implemented, then network performance measurement precision is improved, but system complexity and information loss worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network slice usage service proactively collect and store network slice usage information before it is needed by other network functions. This advance collection ensures comprehensive monitoring data is available when needed, improving measurement precision while preventing information loss through centralized storage
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice usage service provides universal access to usage information for multiple network functions including AMF, PCF, and NSSF. This multi-functional approach allows different network functions to obtain the same usage information through a single service interface, improving measurement consistency while preventing information loss that would occur with separate monitoring mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are described in which a network slice usage service is provided. The network slice usage service may allow a network device to obtain a network slice usage value of a network slice. The network device may calculate a network slice load value based on the network slice usage value. The network device may also provide the network slice load value to other network devices of a core network.