Network Slice Subnet Self-Optimization via Policy Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network slice management systems face challenges in efficiently managing network slices to meet diverse service requirements and adapt to dynamic changes in traffic, topology, and resource availability, leading to suboptimal performance and increased human intervention.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a network slice instance management method that allows for self-optimization policies to be received and applied by network devices, enabling automatic modification of configuration parameters such as capacity size and capability parameters of network slice subnet instances, thereby improving flexibility and efficiency in network management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If network slice management is performed manually to ensure precise control over configuration parameters, then management precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased human intervention time and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network slice subnet instance automatically performs self-optimization by receiving optimization policies from the network slice instance, determining configuration parameter adjustments, and applying modifications autonomously without human intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain precise control while eliminating manual operational overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the network slice subnet instance continuously monitors its own performance and configuration state, compares it against optimization policies, and automatically adjusts parameters to achieve optimal performance. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables both high precision in parameter management and high productivity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If network slice instances are configured with fixed parameters to ensure stability, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot dynamically respond to changing traffic and resource conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network slice subnet instance transitions from static fixed parameter configuration to dynamic adaptive configuration. The system continuously receives optimization policies from the network slice instance and automatically adjusts configuration parameters based on real-time performance data, traffic conditions, and resource availability. This dynamic approach maintains reliability through controlled adjustments while achieving adaptability to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter changes by allowing the network slice subnet instance to modify its configuration parameters automatically based on optimization policies. This includes adjusting parameters such as capacity allocation, resource distribution, and performance thresholds. The ability to change parameters dynamically resolves the contradiction by maintaining system reliability through policy-guided adjustments while achieving adaptability to varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If automated self-optimization is implemented to improve productivity and reduce human intervention, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for autonomous decision-making capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network slice instance serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of automated optimization. Instead of embedding complex autonomous decision-making logic directly in the network slice subnet instance, the system uses the network slice instance to receive optimization policies, process performance data, and generate configuration adjustments. This intermediary approach enables high automation while managing device complexity by centralizing the intelligence in the managing network device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3588852B1Method, apparatus and system for managing network slice instance
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3588852B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3588852B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3588852B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A network slice instance management method, an apparatus, and a system are provided. The method includes: determining, by a first network device, that a configuration parameter of a first network slice subnet instance needs to be modified, where the first network device is configured to manage the first network slice subnet instance; modifying, by the first network device, the configuration parameter of the first network slice subnet instance; and sending, by the first network device, report information to a second network device, where the report information is used to indicate a result of modifying the configuration parameter of the first network slice subnet instance, the second network device is configured to manage a first network slice instance, and the first network slice instance includes the first network slice subnet instance.