Network Slicing for Cross-PLMN Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing gap between mobile broadband capacity and demand in LTE networks requires new approaches to efficiently manage and scale communication networks, especially with the introduction of 5G technologies and diverse use cases, which traditional architectures struggle to accommodate effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network slicing and virtualization technologies, such as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN), allows for the creation of logically separated network partitions that can be managed and optimized for specific use cases, enabling flexible resource allocation and efficient service provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network architecture is used, then network simplicity is maintained, but network flexibility and adaptability to diverse use cases deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple network slices, each independently configured to support specific use cases (e.g., MBB, MTC, mission-critical communications). This segmentation allows the network to accommodate diverse requirements without requiring complete architectural redesign, thereby improving flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture transitions from static to dynamic through the introduction of network slicing, where network parameters and configurations can be dynamically adjusted per slice. This enables the network to adapt to varying service requirements in real-time, improving versatility while the automated slice management helps control complexity.
2Productivity
If network slicing is implemented, then service quality and resource allocation efficiency are improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network slicing implementation enables self-service capabilities where the system automatically performs slice configuration, resource allocation, and management without requiring extensive manual intervention. This self-organizing behavior improves resource allocation efficiency while reducing the operational burden and complexity of network configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Network slicing utilizes parameter changes to differentiate and configure various slices according to specific service requirements. By dynamically adjusting network parameters (such as bandwidth, latency constraints, and quality of service levels) for each slice, the system achieves efficient resource allocation while the standardized parameter management framework helps control configuration complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive cross-PLMN configurations are performed, then network interoperability is improved, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration actions by pre-defining network slice templates and standardized interfaces that can be reused across different PLMNs. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for extensive ad-hoc configurations during cross-PLMN operations, thereby improving interoperability while significantly reducing configuration time and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slicing architecture introduces universal slice configurations and standardized management interfaces that can serve multiple PLMNs and use cases simultaneously. This multi-functional approach enables cross-PLMN interoperability through common configuration frameworks, reducing both time consumption and operational costs associated with custom configurations for each network interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, performed by a RAN node, for enabling connection setup for a wireless device in a communication network comprising a first network which is a home network of the wireless device and a second network which is visited by the wireless device. The networks each comprise partitioned sets of functionalities, which sets of functionalities each belong to a network slice of the network, wherein a first set of functionalities in the first network belongs to a first network slice supporting the wireless device. The RAN node receives a first network identity for the home network, an identity of the first network slice supporting the wireless device in the home network and a second network identity for the second network, from the wireless device, to retrieve an identity of a second network slice capable of supporting the wireless device in the second network to determine a second core network node.