Network Slice Usage Subscription Service for 5G Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configurations face challenges in managing network slices effectively, particularly in 5G networks, as they impact performance metrics like accessibility, congestion, latency, and throughput, necessitating improved methods for network slice management and provisioning.
Innovation Solution
A network slice usage subscription service is introduced, allowing network devices to subscribe to and receive usage information, enabling better management and provisioning by providing real-time data on network slice utilization, which can be used to optimize performance and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to improve service differentiation and resource allocation, then application service provisioning is enhanced, but network device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Slice Usage Subscription Service as an intermediary layer between network slice management and application service provisioning. This service includes a subscription management function that handles registration, subscription creation, modification, and cancellation, along with a notification function that delivers usage information to subscribed network devices. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of network slicing management while enabling efficient service differentiation and resource allocation.
2Productivity
If real-time network slice usage information is collected and distributed to multiple network devices, then service provisioning efficiency is improved, but network signaling overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The subscription service operates on a pull-based model where network devices that need network slice usage information proactively subscribe to the service. The subscription management function maintains a registry of subscribed devices and their specific information needs, allowing the system to deliver only relevant information to specific devices rather than broadcasting to all devices. This self-service approach minimizes unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining high service provisioning efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slice usage information is made available to external network devices through a network exposure function, then service customization is enhanced, but network security risks and access control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a Network Exposure Function as a secure intermediary between the core network and external network devices. This function enforces access control policies, authenticates subscription requests, and filters the network slice usage information before exposing it to external devices. The subscription service works in conjunction with the exposure function to ensure that only authorized devices receive appropriate information, maintaining network security while enabling service customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are described in which a network slice usage subscription service is provided. The network slice usage subscription service may allow a network device to obtain network slice usage information and event notifications. The event notification may indicate when an end device is using a network slice and when the end device is no longer the network slice. The network device may include an application function (AF) device. The network device may use the event notification to perform an operation relating to the network slice and/or the end device.