Network Slice Registration Management During Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The allocation of new processing resources to network slices in telecommunications networks can take several minutes, making them susceptible to additional loads and potentially preventing new users from accessing the network or causing congestion, as existing solutions do not efficiently manage user equipment (UE) allocation during scaling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing UE allocation to network slices, utilizing a Network Slice Manager (NSM) and Assurance Function (AsFn) to identify suitable network slices, allowing UE to register with a partner slice if the primary slice is overloaded or scaling, thereby preventing congestion and maintaining service quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new processing resources are allocated to a network slice via scaling, then the network slice can cope with high network loads, but new users may be prevented from accessing the network or network congestion may occur during the scaling period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Slice Manager (NSM) and Assurance Function (AsFn) as intermediary components that mediate between the UE registration request and the network slice resources. These intermediaries detect scaling states and coordinate partner slice selection, preventing direct access attempts to scaling slices while maintaining smooth user access through alternative paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection of scaling states by the AsFn before UE registration attempts. By proactively identifying which slices are currently scaling and communicating this information to the NSM, the system prepares alternative partner slice assignments in advance, preventing access denial before it occurs
2Reliability
If the network prevents new users from accessing a scaling slice, then existing slice resources are protected from overload, but new users cannot access the network during scaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic partner slice selection where the NSM continuously monitors slice scaling states and adaptively redirects UE registration requests to appropriate partner slices. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain slice stability during scaling while preserving overall network access flexibility through real-time reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameter (slice selection) based on the scaling state of the target slice. When a slice is detected to be scaling, the system modifies the slice selection parameter to redirect to a partner slice, thereby protecting the scaling slice from overload while maintaining access flexibility through parameter adaptation
3Reliability
If network slices are isolated from one another, then high traffic on one slice does not affect other slices, but it becomes difficult to manage overall network resource allocation efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal Network Slice Manager that handles multiple functions across isolated slices including scaling state detection, partner slice identification, and registration redirection. This multi-functional manager simplifies overall resource management while preserving slice isolation by providing a coordinated control layer that operates across all slices
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of managing allocation of a User Equipment (UE) to a network slice of a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network having a plurality of network slices, wherein the UE is allocated to a first network slice to process a network communication from the UE, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a suitability of the first network slice to process the network communication; identifying a second network slice that is suitable for processing the network communication; and in response to identifying a lack of suitability of the first network slice to process the network communication, registering the UE with the second network slice prior to registering the UE with the first network slice.