Network Slice Management Isolating Shared Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing network slices in 5G systems is challenging due to the difficulty in extending conventional cellular network architectures to meet diverse and changing user needs, requiring flexible resource allocation and isolation to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met.

Innovation Solution

A network slice management method involving a first management unit that obtains isolation-sharing requirement information and sends a network slice management request message to a second management unit to select, create, or configure network slices based on isolation-sharing requirements, allowing for shared or exclusive network slices to be provided.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional cellular network architecture with dedicated support system is used, then the network can be used to predict traffic and traffic growth, but the operator has difficulty in extending the telecommunication network and performing adjustment based on continuously changing user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic prediction capabilityVSAvoidnetwork extension capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network architecture into multiple network slices, each independently managed according to specific service requirements. This allows the network to maintain stable core functions while enabling flexible creation of specialized slices for different use cases, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic network slice management capabilities that allow the network to be reconfigured and adjusted based on changing user needs. Network slices can be created, modified, or terminated dynamically without affecting the overall network stability, enabling continuous adaptation to new requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If network slices are created to meet diverse service requirements, then flexible resource allocation can be achieved, but the complexity of managing multiple network slices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork slice management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network slice management system that acts as an intermediary between service requirements and network resources. This management system abstracts the complexity of managing multiple network slices by providing standardized interfaces and automated management functions, reducing the operational burden while maintaining resource allocation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If network sharing is implemented to optimize shared network resources, then better quality of service can be provided, but isolation between different network slices becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidnetwork slice isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different isolation levels to different network slices based on their specific requirements. Some slices may share resources extensively while maintaining logical isolation, while others require stricter physical isolation. This localized approach to quality control allows optimal resource sharing while meeting diverse isolation requirements of different services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3512233B1Method for managing network slice and management unit
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3512233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3512233B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3512233B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a network slice management method and a management network element. The method includes: obtaining, by a first management unit, isolation-sharing requirement information of a network slice or first indication information, where the first indication information is used to obtain the isolation-sharing requirement information of the network slice; and sending, by the first management unit, a network slice management request message to a second management unit, where the network slice management request message carries the isolation-sharing requirement information of the network slice or the first indication information, and the network slice management request message is used to instruct the second management unit to select, create, configure, or request to configure the network slice. It can be learned from the foregoing descriptions that a specific solution of choosing to provide a shared network slice or an exclusive network slice for a tenant is provided in the embodiments of the present invention.