Temporary Network Slice Management via Validity Timers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing temporary network slices, particularly in terms of timely availability and removal, which affects network resource utilization and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an apparatus and method that receive first and second information about a temporary network slice, where the first information includes an identifier and the second information includes timing information, such as a validity timer. This allows for automatic management of the network slice, including its deployment and removal based on the specified timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are made available temporarily to meet specific service requirements, then service adaptability is improved, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to premature occupation of resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing timing information (validity timers) about network slices before the actual service period. This allows the network to pre-configure slice availability windows and automatically manage resource allocation based on predetermined time constraints, thereby improving both adaptability and resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice management system implements self-service by automatically monitoring validity timers and removing slices from available lists without manual intervention. The system autonomously manages the lifecycle of temporary network slices, ensuring resources are released when time constraints expire, thus optimizing resource utilization while maintaining service adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If network slices are manually managed and removed, then control precision is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional management procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring validity timers associated with network slices. When a timer expires, the system automatically detects this condition and removes the slice from the available list, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and reducing system complexity while maintaining precise control over slice availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system performs self-service by automatically handling slice removal based on timer expiration conditions. This autonomous operation eliminates manual management procedures, reducing system complexity while maintaining precise control over network slice lifecycles through automated timing-based removal.
3Ease of manufacture
If timing information is not provided for network slices, then setup simplicity is improved, but loss of time increases due to inability to automatically remove slices
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives and stores timing information (validity timers) as part of the network slice configuration process. This preliminary action enables automatic time-based management of slices, allowing the system to know when slices should be removed without requiring manual intervention, thus preventing time loss while maintaining setup simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses timing information as feedback to automatically manage network slice availability. By incorporating validity timers into the slice configuration, the system receives continuous time-based feedback that triggers automatic slice removal when appropriate, eliminating time loss without complicating the setup process.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the disclosure there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for performing: receiving first information of a network slice that is to be made available to the apparatus on a temporary basis, the first information comprising an identifier of the network slice; and receiving second information of the network slice, the second information comprising timing information of the network slice, indicating it's available period after expiry of which its removed from the allowed network slices list without any explicit signalling.