Network Slice Upgrade for Multi-Media Session Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, face challenges in seamlessly upgrading data sessions from one media type to another, such as from voice to virtual reality, due to limitations in bandwidth and network resource management.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a request for a network slice identifier from an application node to a policy controlling node, which is then forwarded to a multimedia application server, allowing for the determination and indication of the need for a new network slice to support the upgraded data session, enabling the handling of higher bandwidth media types like virtual reality during ongoing sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a data session is established for a first media type (e.g., voice), then the session can be set up with appropriate network resources, but the session cannot handle second media types (e.g., virtual reality) that require higher bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different network slices, each optimized for specific media types. The first network slice is dedicated to voice traffic while the second network slice supports virtual reality and other high-bandwidth media types. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple media types simultaneously without compromising the performance of any single media type, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic session upgrading mechanisms that allow data sessions to transition from the first network slice to the second network slice when media type changes are detected. The system dynamically adjusts the network slice assignment based on the actual media type being transmitted, enabling the session to adapt from voice-optimized to VR-optimized resources as needed, thus improving media type handling capability while maintaining appropriate bandwidth allocation.
2Productivity
If network resources are allocated for a specific media type, then efficient resource utilization is achieved, but flexibility to upgrade to handle different media types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network slice management system that can serve multiple media types through a single framework. The policy controlling node and application node work together to manage both the first network slice (for voice) and the second network slice (for VR) within a unified architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain efficient resource allocation for each media type while providing the flexibility to upgrade sessions between different media types, thus resolving the contradiction between resource efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary nodes (application node and policy controlling node) that mediate between the communications device and the network slices. These intermediaries manage the upgrade process by evaluating media type requirements, selecting appropriate network slices, and coordinating resource allocation. The intermediary nodes ensure that resource allocation remains efficient for each media type while enabling smooth transitions between media types, thus maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
3Quantity of substance
If a new data session is established for a second media type, then the required bandwidth can be allocated, but existing sessions may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing network slices and configuring policies before media type changes occur. The second network slice is pre-configured with appropriate bandwidth and resources to handle virtual reality traffic. When a session needs to upgrade, the system can quickly redirect traffic to the pre-prepared second network slice without disrupting the session. This preliminary preparation of network resources resolves the contradiction between bandwidth availability and session continuity by ensuring that upgraded sessions can transition to ready-made infrastructure without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by implementing seamless session upgrade mechanisms. The data session continues to operate without interruption during the upgrade process from the first network slice to the second network slice. The upgrade is performed in a way that preserves session state and maintains continuous data flow, ensuring that the transition between media types does not disrupt the session. This continuity approach allows bandwidth to be allocated for new media types while maintaining the reliability of existing sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
The method comprises receiving, from an application node associated with a communications network, a first identifier of a first network slice of the communications network. The first data session is established by a communications device through the first network slice; receiving a request, from the first communications device to upgrade the first data session to handle a second media type, wherein the request comprises session description information corresponding to an upgraded data session handling the second media type; and in response to the received request, and based on the first identifier of the first network slice and the session description information, sending an indication to the communications device that a second data session on a second network slice identified by a second identifier is required for the upgrade to handle the second media type to take place.