Network Slice Traffic Redirection via Control Plane Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently redistributing user traffic between different network slices to meet diverse service requirements, leading to potential service interruptions and suboptimal resource utilization due to limitations in dynamic network slice instantiation and termination.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method for dynamically redirecting user traffic between network slices using control plane function nodes and OSS/BSS systems, which send redirecting user traffic requests to control plane function nodes, allowing for seamless handovers and efficient resource allocation, ensuring minimal service interruption and optimal resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are dynamically instantiated and terminated to meet diverse service requirements, then service customization and resource utilization are improved, but service interruption time increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple network slices in advance before they are needed. When service requirements change, the system can immediately switch to a pre-configured network slice rather than instantiating a new one, thereby avoiding service interruption. The control plane function node maintains a pool of pre-configured network slices that can be rapidly activated based on current service demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane function node acts as an intermediary between the OSS/BSS system and the network slice instances. It receives service requirements from the OSS/BSS, selects or instantiates appropriate network slices, and manages the switching between slices. This intermediary role enables smooth transitions and reduces service interruption time by coordinating the slice management process.
2Productivity
If network slices are dynamically instantiated and terminated to meet diverse service requirements, then resource utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane function node is designed as a universal entity that can manage multiple types of network slices with different service requirements. Instead of having separate management systems for each slice type, this single multi-functional node handles instantiation, termination, and switching of various network slices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages network slice complexity by dynamically changing parameters such as the number of active slices, resource allocation levels, and service requirements. The control plane function node adjusts these parameters based on current network conditions and service demands, enabling efficient resource utilization without requiring permanent complex configurations for all possible service scenarios.
3Device complexity
If common network is deployed to fulfill diverse requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but service reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the common network into multiple independent network slices, each optimized for specific service requirements. The control plane function node manages these segmented slices, allowing each to operate independently with tailored configurations. This segmentation maintains relatively simple overall network structure while ensuring high service reliability through specialized slice configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to communication over a network comprising network slices. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure， there provide a method performed by a network node. The method comprises： informing， in response to determination that user traffic of at least one user equipment needs to be redirected from a first network slice to a second network slice， a control plane function node supporting the first network slice of a redirecting user traffic request. Compared with the second network slice， a way of handling a control plane and/or user plane for communication services in the second network slice is different from that in the first network slice. In the other aspects of the present disclosure， there also provides methods for communication by a control plane function node and by a user equipment and corresponding apparatuses.