Network Slicing Node for Secure 4G LTE Service Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks, particularly 4G LTE, lack the capability for network slicing, which is essential for providing tailored quality-of-service, security, and performance characteristics to diverse users and applications, such as drone delivery and banking services, and do not efficiently manage user device connectivity and security based on dynamic needs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dedicated network slicing node between the radio access network and the core network, utilizing a machine learning/AI engine to dynamically provision services and security, and creating personalized network slices based on user profiles and charging models, allowing for secure connectivity and optimized resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to provide tailored quality-of-service and security for diverse users, then service customization and security are improved, but device complexity and network configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple independent network slices, each tailored to specific service requirements. The system divides the core network into separate logical networks that can be independently configured and managed, allowing customized quality-of-service and security for different user groups without affecting other slices.
Solution Approach 2:
A network slice selection function (NSSF) is introduced as an intermediary component that automatically selects appropriate network slices for user devices based on service requirements. This intermediary handles the complexity of slice selection and configuration, reducing the burden on network operators while enabling tailored services.
2Device complexity
If traditional 4G LTE networks are used without network slicing, then device complexity is low, but the ability to provide tailored quality-of-service and security for diverse applications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends network slicing capability from 5G to 4G LTE networks, allowing a single network infrastructure to serve multiple functions and service types. By implementing slice selection functions and support nodes in 4G networks, the system achieves multi-functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing 4G infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice selection is dynamic rather than static. The NSSF selects appropriate network slices based on real-time service requirements, user profiles, and network conditions. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to diverse applications such as drone delivery and banking services without requiring separate fixed network configurations.
3Reliability
If network slicing is implemented to isolate network functions, then security is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple logical networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into isolated logical slices that separate different network functions and user groups. Each slice provides dedicated security boundaries, preventing unauthorized access between different service domains while maintaining overall network manageability through centralized control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A network provider implements network slicing. Each network slice instance is configured to provide a configured set of services that are associated with controlled access to a set of user devices. An access profile for a first user device is identified and analyzed. In response to determining that the access profile matches security capabilities of a configured set of services for one of the instantiated network instances, the first user device is enabled to securely access the matching instantiated network instance.