Network Slice Overload Control Through Flow-Based Resource Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing resource allocation and overload control in network slicing, particularly in 5G networks, where different slices have varying performance requirements and resource needs, leading to potential congestion and service level agreement violations.
Innovation Solution
An overload control mechanism is implemented using an inter-slice master instance and intra-slice instances to monitor and manage resource usage, ensuring compliance with minimum and maximum constraints by commanding slices to release resources as needed, and employing algorithms to prioritize and degrade flows or services based on their requirements and priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support multiple virtualized logical networks on the same physical infrastructure, then network capacity and service diversity are improved, but resource allocation complexity and overload control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slicing management into hierarchical levels: a central slice manager divides network resources into multiple virtual slices, while individual slice controllers manage each slice independently. This segmentation allows diverse services to run on shared infrastructure while simplifying resource allocation at each management level through dedicated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary overload control mechanism that acts as a mediator between slice controllers and core network entities. When congestion is detected, this intermediary coordinates resource release across slices without requiring complex direct communication between all network elements, thereby managing resource allocation complexity while maintaining service diversity.
2Reliability
If independent access control parameters are used for each network slice, then service level agreement compliance is improved, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring specific access control parameters (such as RACH configuration, power control, and scheduling parameters) independently for each network slice based on its service requirements. This allows each slice to have optimized control characteristics tailored to its SLA while the overall control mechanism remains manageable through standardized parameter sets.
3Productivity
If dynamic resource adjustment is implemented within slices, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through real-time monitoring of resource usage metrics (throughput, latency, resource blocks) and dynamic adjustment of access control parameters based on current network conditions and slice priorities. This allows efficient resource utilization during peak and off-peak periods while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control algorithms and predefined adjustment policies.
Data Source
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AI summary
An overload control mechanism involving at least an intra slice instance and two or more inter slice instances is disclosed. The inter slice instance is monitoring how two or more network slices use resources. If the use is not within slice constraints, the intra slice instance determines, per a network slice, an amount of resources to be released by the network slice; and causes commanding network slices to release resources correspondingly. An intra slice instance is configured at least to determine, in response to detecting reception of a command to release resources or that one or more of flows do not reach quality of service level, an amount corresponding to resources missing to satisfy quality of service requirements of active flows; sorting flows to an order according to a predetermine sorting rule for flows; and releasing resources flow by flow according to the order.