Network Slice Selection for Wireless Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in resource allocation due to the diverse communication needs of a vast number of connected devices, leading to suboptimal use of resources as devices with varying bandwidth requirements, such as smartphones and environmental sensors, are served using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network slicing techniques allows user equipment (UE) to negotiate and select specific network services and functionalities by communicating its needs to the network, enabling tailored resource allocation through the use of network slices, each providing distinct features and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-size-fits-all approach is used for network resource allocation, then network simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to diverse device needs
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple network slices, each tailored to specific service requirements and device types. This allows the network to divide resources into dedicated portions for different applications (e.g., enhanced mobile broadband, massive IoT, ultra-reliable low latency communications) rather than using a single unified resource pool, thereby improving allocation efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the network are configured with different qualities and characteristics according to local needs. Each network slice has customized parameters such as bandwidth, latency requirements, and reliability levels matched to specific service types and device categories, enabling optimal resource allocation for each local context rather than applying uniform settings across the entire network
2Productivity
If network slicing is implemented to tailor resource allocation, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice selection and configuration is made dynamic rather than static. UEs can negotiate and select appropriate network slices based on their current service requirements, device type, and network conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high resource allocation efficiency while reducing the perceived complexity for devices, as they automatically adjust to appropriate slices without manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service mechanisms where UEs autonomously identify their service requirements and select or negotiate appropriate network slices without extensive manual configuration. The network provides self-configuration capabilities that automatically match devices to suitable slices based on device characteristics and service needs, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency while minimizing the complexity burden on individual devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are created for diverse device needs, then service adaptability improves, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into distinct slices, each optimized for specific service types and device categories. This segmentation provides high service adaptability by creating dedicated resource pools for different applications (e.g., low-latency slices for autonomous vehicles, high-bandwidth slices for video streaming, low-power slices for IoT sensors) while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns and standardized slice templates
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice architecture provides universal functionality by creating multi-purpose slices that can serve multiple device types and applications within each slice category. Rather than creating entirely separate networks for each service, the slices share common infrastructure and management planes, achieving high adaptability while controlling management complexity through standardized interfaces and pooled resources
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described using network slice information to negotiate and select network services by determining a set of desired required network provided functionalities; identifying a set of network slices providing one or more of the functionalities in the set of required functionalities; and communicating, to a network, a slice identifier for each slice in the set of the identified network slices.