Network Slice Management via Capability Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies face challenges in efficiently reallocating resources and adapting to changing user requirements, leading to inefficiencies and potential over-provisioning or under-provisioning of network resources.
Innovation Solution
The system exposes capability information from lower-level network functions to higher-level functions, allowing for more precise allocation of resources based on specific service or slice requirements, enabling faster setup times and optimal resource utilization by determining which functions can satisfy the requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network resources are allocated based on initial user requirements, then the network slice can meet the specified performance requirements, but the system cannot adapt efficiently when user requirements change, leading to over-provisioning or under-provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network slicing where network slices can be automatically created, modified, or terminated based on real-time monitoring of user requirements and resource utilization. The system transitions from static resource allocation to dynamic adaptation, allowing network slices to evolve as user demands change without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network slice performance and resource utilization. This feedback loop enables the system to detect when user requirements change and automatically trigger resource reallocation or slice modification to maintain optimal performance while preventing over-provisioning or under-provisioning.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive network capability information is exposed to higher-level functions, then resource allocation precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network capability exposure into hierarchical levels, where different levels of abstraction expose different sets of capabilities. Lower-level functions expose detailed technical capabilities, while higher-level functions receive aggregated and simplified capability information. This segmentation allows precise resource allocation without overwhelming higher-level functions with excessive detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary functions that act as translators between lower-level network functions and higher-level management functions. These intermediaries aggregate, filter, and standardize capability information, providing higher-level functions with the precision needed for accurate resource allocation while shielding them from the underlying system complexity.
3Productivity
If network slices are created and managed manually, then control over resource allocation is maintained, but setup times are extended and responsiveness to changing requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the network slicing system automatically performs creation, modification, and termination of network slices based on monitored requirements. The system serves itself by detecting when slices need to be created or modified and executing these operations autonomously, dramatically reducing setup times while maintaining operational control through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network slice templates and resource pools in advance. When user requirements change, the system can rapidly instantiate or modify slices using these pre-prepared configurations, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining flexibility and control through the predefined templates.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure provides a method of network slice management performed by a Communication Service Management Function (CSMF). The method includes receiving service requirements and receiving capability exposure information. The method further includes transmitting network slice requirements in accordance with the service requirements and capability exposure information. In some embodiments the capability exposure information is received from a Network Slice Management Function (NSMF). In some embodiments the network slice requirements are transmitted to the NSMF. Other aspects are directed to methods implemented by an NSMF and a Network Sub-Slice Management Function (NSSMF). Other aspects are directed to the network functions themselves.