Network Slice-to-Transport Mapping via VRF Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies lack mechanisms to map network slice identifiers from radio access and core networks to the transport domain, limiting end-to-end monitoring, tuning, and service level agreement verification.
Innovation Solution
The network slice-to-transport domain service maps network slice identifiers to the transport domain using virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) identifiers, correlating them with IP subnets, enabling end-to-end network slice monitoring and management across radio access, core, and transport networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented in radio access and core networks, then network resource provisioning for various application services is improved, but the ability to map network slice identifiers to the transport domain is lost, limiting end-to-end monitoring and management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transport domain mapping function that acts as an intermediary between network slice identifiers from radio access/core networks and transport network identifiers. This mapping function correlates network slice identifiers with transport network slice identifiers, enabling end-to-end traceability and monitoring across different network domains without disrupting existing network slicing implementations.
2Device complexity
If network slice identifiers are not mapped to the transport domain, then existing network architectures are maintained, but end-to-end network slice monitoring, tuning, and service level agreement verification cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network monitoring function into domain-specific components while maintaining end-to-end correlation. The transport domain receives correlated network slice information from radio access and core networks, processes it independently, and provides domain-specific monitoring capabilities. This segmentation allows each network domain to maintain its existing architecture while contributing to overall end-to-end network slice monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are described in which a network slice-to-transport domain service is provided. The service includes correlating a network slice identifier, an Internet Protocol subnet, and a virtual routing and forwarding instance pertaining to a network slice, and configuring network devices of the network slice with at least a portion of the correlated information. The service may obtain feedback information from the network devices, and evaluate performance metrics pertaining to the network slice based on the correlated information.