Network Slice Management via Automated Subnet Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slice deployment methods are inefficient, requiring manual intervention by network management service designers to meet service requests, which hampers the speed and scalability of network slice provisioning in next-generation network systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated network slice management method and system that utilizes an end-to-end orchestrator to receive service requests, decompose them into subnet and network resource requirements, and orchestrate the deployment of network slices across different domains, enabling automatic lifecycle management, fault management, and performance optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual deployment of network slices is performed by network management service designers, then network slice deployment can be completed with current technology, but deployment efficiency is low and process time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice management system performs self-service by automatically receiving service requests, determining network slice requirements, selecting subnets, and deploying network slices without human intervention. The system autonomously executes the entire deployment workflow from request reception to slice activation, eliminating dependency on manual operations by network management service designers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual deployment process with an automated electronic system. The network slice management system uses software-based automation to substitute human designers' manual operations, transforming the deployment process from a manual, step-by-step mechanical process into an automated electronic workflow that can be executed rapidly and consistently.
2Productivity
If automated network slice management is implemented, then deployment efficiency and speed are significantly improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice management system is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions including service request reception, requirement determination, subnet selection, network slice deployment, and lifecycle management. This multi-functional design consolidates various deployment tasks into a single automated system, managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice management system acts as an intermediary between service requests and the underlying network infrastructure. It mediates the complex interactions by translating high-level service requirements into specific deployment configurations, managing the complexity buffer between user needs and system implementation details.
3Extent of automation
If manual network slice deployment is performed, then system complexity remains manageable, but automation extent is low and requires continuous human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high automation by performing self-service operations throughout the network slice lifecycle. It automatically receives service requests, determines requirements, selects appropriate subnets, deploys slices, and manages updates or releases without human intervention, maximizing the extent of automation while managing complexity through autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice management system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring deployment templates, pre-identifying suitable subnets, and preparing resource allocations before actual deployment requests. This advance preparation reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making and enables faster, more automated response to service requests.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a network slice management method, a management unit, and a system. The method includes: receiving, by a first management unit, a first management request, where the first management request carries requirement information of a network slice or indication information, and the indication information is used to obtain the requirement information of the network slice; and determining, by the first management unit, requirement information of a subnet that forms the network slice. In this method, the first management unit can determine the corresponding requirement information of the subnet based on the requirement information of the network slice. In this way, the network slice can be automatically deployed based on the requirement information of the network slice, thereby improving network slice deployment efficiency.