Network Slice Pre-Configuration via Group Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network slicing technologies are complex and time-consuming to configure, as they require individual setup of network elements for each network slice, leading to increased engineering and operational costs and delayed time-to-market.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves pre-configuring network equipment to use default network slice rules for groups of network slice identifiers, allowing for efficient deployment of network slices by reducing the need for individual configuration of each network element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual configuration of network elements for each network slice is performed, then network slice processing accuracy is improved, but configuration time and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring network elements with template-based configurations before actual network slice deployment. Network elements are prepared with standardized templates that can be quickly instantiated, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual configuration of each network slice while maintaining processing accuracy through proven template designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating reusable configuration templates that can be replicated across multiple network slices. Instead of configuring each network slice individually, the same proven configuration template is copied and applied to multiple slices, significantly reducing configuration time while ensuring consistent and accurate processing across all slices.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual configuration of network elements for each network slice is performed, then network slice processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing configuration templates that serve multiple network slices simultaneously. A single template can be instantiated for different network slices with minimal modification, reducing the overall complexity of managing numerous individual configurations while maintaining the accuracy needed for each specific slice's processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing preliminary configuration work through standardized templates, the patent reduces the complexity of on-demand configuration. The complex work of designing and validating configurations is done once in advance, and then simple instantiation occurs for each new slice, significantly lowering the perceived complexity for operators.
3Reliability
If traditional network slicing configuration is used, then network slice functionality is achieved, but time-to-market is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing configuration work in advance through pre-defined templates. Network elements are prepared with validated configurations before market deployment is needed, ensuring functionality is guaranteed while enabling rapid deployment when market opportunities arise, thus reducing time-to-market without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By copying proven configuration templates across multiple network slices, the patent ensures that each slice inherits validated functionality, maintaining reliability while enabling rapid deployment. The copying mechanism allows instant instantiation of functional network slices without repeating the lengthy configuration and validation process for each new slice.
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology is generally directed towards network slice pre-configuration for cellular communication systems, including 5G and subsequent generation cellular communication systems. Network equipment can be preconfigured to identify whether a network slice identifier included in a network communication belongs to a group of network slice identifiers. If so, the network equipment can process the network communication either according to a network slice rule that corresponds specifically to the network slice identifier, or according to a default group network slice rule for the group to which the network slice identifier belongs. Different groups of network slice identifiers can be associated with different sets of group network slice rules which can be arranged to reduce the work of setting up network slice identifiers in various network slicing scenarios.