Network Slice Instance Lifecycle Management With Reserved Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems lack the ability to independently manage the activation, deactivation, and termination of Network Slice Instances (NSIs) without releasing allocated resources, leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization and response times to communication service requests.
Innovation Solution
A network management entity is configured to deactivate a Network Slice Instance without releasing previously allocated network resources, allowing it to transition between active and inactive states, thereby optimizing resource utilization and enabling agile responses to service requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Network Slice Instance is deactivated by releasing all allocated network resources, then the deactivation process is complete and resources are freed for other uses, but the re-activation process requires time-consuming resource allocation and provisioning again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining network resources in a reserved state after NSI deactivation, rather than releasing them completely. The network management entity keeps the NSI in a deactivated state with resources held in reserve, so that when re-activation is needed, the resources are already prepared and allocated, significantly reducing re-activation time while avoiding full resource release and reallocation overhead
2Loss of time
If network resources are released upon NSI deactivation, then resources become available for other NSIs immediately, but the time and complexity required to re-allocate resources for re-activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-reserving network resources when an NSI is deactivated. The network management entity maintains a mapping between deactivated NSIs and their allocated resources, keeping these resources in a held state rather than releasing them to the general pool. This approach reduces re-activation time by having resources ready in advance, while the complexity is managed through automated resource tracking and state maintenance mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If all network resources are released when deactivating an NSI, then resource utilization is optimized for current needs, but the system cannot quickly respond to forecasted service demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by maintaining a reserve of network resources for deactivated but reactivatable NSIs. The network management entity tracks which resources are allocated to which deactivated NSIs, enabling rapid re-activation in response to forecasted service demands without requiring full resource reallocation. This improves adaptability by having resources pre-positioned for anticipated needs while maintaining efficient resource utilization through targeted rather than blanket resource allocation
Data Source
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AI summary
A network management entity configured to: deactivate a Network Slice Instance without releasing network resources previously allocated to the Network Slice Instance; and subsequent to deactivating the Network Slice Instance, activating the Network Slice Instance using the network resources previously allocated to the Network Slice Instance. A Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) perform slice specific Lifecycle Management (LCM) for a Network Slice Instance (NSI) based on Communication Service Instance (CSI) requirements is also disclosed. Customer Service Management Function (CSMF) for receiving service requirements from a Service Manager (SM) and transmitting the CSI requirements a Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) is also disclosed.