Dynamic Network Slice Provisioning With Automated NF Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network slicing technologies in 5G networks face challenges in managing network slices due to labor-intensive manual processes, errors, and delays in adapting to changing demands and conditions, such as traffic load and user mobility, while ensuring isolation and security across different slices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for dynamic network function management (DNFM) that automates the creation and deletion of network slices using a slice planning tool, which includes an NF management unit, network repository function, and container orchestration platform to dynamically manage network functions based on user profiles and requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual procedures are used to manage network slices, then network slicing can be implemented, but the process becomes labor-intensive and prone to errors and delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of network slice managementVSAvoidcomplexity of management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated NF management where the NF management unit automatically creates, modifies, and deletes network functions based on slice requirements without manual intervention. The container orchestration platform automatically deploys and manages containerized network functions, allowing the system to manage itself and reducing human error and labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated software-based management mechanisms. The NF management unit uses software algorithms to automatically determine, provision, and manage network functions, substituting manual administrative tasks with automated computational processes that are faster, more accurate, and scalable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If network slices are dynamically re-customized to meet changing needs, then adaptability improves, but management complexity and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic adaptation to changing demandsVSAvoidaccuracy of slice configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the NF management unit continuously monitors network conditions and slice performance. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts network function configurations, scales resources, and re-customizes slices to meet changing demands while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated validation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic network slice management where network functions can be automatically created, modified, and deleted in real-time based on changing requirements. The container orchestration platform provides dynamic resource allocation and automatic scaling, allowing the system to adapt to demand changes while maintaining reliability through automated consistency checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual network slice provisioning is used, then implementation is straightforward, but delays and errors occur in adapting to changing demands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of network slice deploymentVSAvoidtime for manual procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network functions and templates before they are needed. The NF management unit maintains catalogs of approved network functions and slice templates, allowing rapid deployment by automatically instantiating pre-vetted configurations rather than creating everything from scratch during incident response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual provisioning processes with automated software-based deployment mechanisms. The container orchestration platform automatically provisions network functions as containers, eliminating manual configuration steps and significantly reducing deployment time while improving consistency and eliminating human errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12532255B2System and method for dynamic network function management

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

Systems and methods enable dynamic network function management, including obtaining user input data identifying network slice provisioning parameters for a creation of a network slice in a network; sending a request for a network repository function (NRF) instance for the network slice, to an orchestrator; receiving, from the NRF instance, a verification message of the creation of the network slice; sending, to the orchestrator, a request for a creation of multiple network function (NF) instances according to the network slice provisioning parameters; receiving, from the orchestrator, a verification message of the creation of the NF instances for the network slice; receiving, from the NRF, a confirmation message of a registration of the NF instances for the network slice; sending slice-specific subscriber provisioning data to a user data instance provisioned for the network slice; and generating a network slice creation confirmation message identifying the network slice.