5G Network Slice Management via Virtualization Registry

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of virtualization in 5G mobile networks poses challenges in managing and securing virtual instances, including issues with resource control, authentication, and tracking, especially with the introduction of diverse IoT devices and varying service requirements, which can lead to vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access and resource mismanagement.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a virtualization management registry to generate and manage virtual instance profiles based on specific service specifications, allowing for the instantiation, modification, and termination of virtual instances while ensuring secure access and resource allocation, leveraging software-defined networking and network function virtualization to create isolated network slices tailored to different service needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtualization is increased in mobile networks to support diverse IoT devices and services, then service versatility and resource utilization are improved, but control complexity and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice versatilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mobile network into multiple virtual network slices, each independently managed with its own virtual network functions. This segmentation allows diverse services to run in isolated environments while simplifying control through modular management of each slice separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network slice management function as an intermediary between the physical network infrastructure and virtual network slices. This mediator handles the complexity of virtual instance management, authentication, and resource allocation, shielding service providers from underlying control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If virtual instances are dynamically instantiated and terminated in mobile networks, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but tracking and authentication complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidtracking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network slice management function continuously monitors virtual instance states, authentication statuses, and resource usage. This real-time feedback enables automated tracking and dynamic authentication decisions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables virtual instances to perform self-registration and self-authentication with the network slice management function. Virtual network functions automatically register themselves when instantiated and handle their own authentication credentials, eliminating the need for complex external tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If roaming agreements are outsourced in virtualized networks, then network flexibility is improved, but service control and security are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidservice control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes preliminary authentication and authorization frameworks before roaming agreements are activated. Virtual network functions pre-register with the network slice management function, and security policies are pre-configured for roaming scenarios, ensuring control is maintained from the outset rather than reacting to security issues later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If network slicing is implemented to support diverse service specifications, then service customization is improved, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice customizationVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal network slice management function that handles multiple service types and specifications through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional management system supports diverse services (IoT, broadband, critical communications) while maintaining consistent management procedures, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10824454B25G dynamic slice and network identity instantiation, termination, and access management system and method

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Systems and methods provide for management of virtual instances in networks which are at least partially software defined networks. Virtual instances can include network slices, virtual network functions, virtual machines, network resources, and others. Management can include use of a virtualization management registry in conjunction with controllers and gateways.