Network Slice Provisioning for Satellite Terrestrial Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network provisioning systems face challenges in efficiently deploying and managing network slices that incorporate satellite and terrestrial resources, particularly due to the complexity of integrating space-based network resources with terrestrial networks, which increases management burdens and reduces operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A network provisioning system that enables on-demand provisioning of network slices, allowing users to design and deploy templates that include satellite access networks (SANs) and terrestrial access networks (TANs) through a user interface, facilitating seamless integration and abstraction of components without requiring detailed knowledge of specific protocols or capabilities, thus reducing operational overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellite access networks are integrated with terrestrial networks to provide comprehensive communication services, then service coverage and capability are improved, but system complexity and management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex satellite-terrestrial network into modular network function modules that can be independently managed and deployed. Each module represents a discrete functional unit that can be provisioned separately, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network provisioning system acts as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of integrating satellite and terrestrial networks. It provides a unified interface for service deployment without requiring end users to understand the underlying complex integration of different network types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual provisioning processes are used for network slice deployment, then service customization is improved, but deployment time and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network function modules and preparing provisioning templates in advance. This allows rapid deployment when service requests are received, reducing deployment time while maintaining customization capability through template selection and modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The network provisioning system enables automated self-service provisioning of network slices. The system can automatically allocate resources, configure network functions, and deploy services without requiring manual intervention for each deployment, thus reducing operational overhead and deployment time.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed knowledge of satellite and terrestrial protocols is required for network slice management, then service precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning system serves as an intermediary that shields operators from complex satellite and terrestrial protocols. It provides an abstracted management interface where operators can configure and manage network slices without needing detailed knowledge of underlying protocol specifications, while still achieving precise service configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses provisioning templates that capture and replicate proven network configurations. These templates encapsulate complex protocol knowledge and best practices, allowing operators to deploy precise services by selecting and customizing templates rather than manually configuring each parameter from scratch.
Data Source
AI summary
An example network provisioning system is configured to obtain one or more network slice subnet templates (NSSTs), including a template for a satellite access network (SAN) and, optionally, a template for a terrestrial access network (TAN). The network provisioning system defines a network slice template (NST) based on the one or more NSSTs. The network provisioning system deploys a network slice in accordance with the NST to enable service management and orchestration of the network slice including the SAN. The network provisioning system is configured to execute a user interface configured to display a representation of the network slice comprising the SAN. The network provisioning system is configured to receive via the user interface an indication to add a base station provided by a satellite and modify the network slice based in part on the selection. In some examples, the network slice is a 5G communications network slice.