Network Slicing for Private Cellular Network SLA Guarantees
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-operator core network (MOCN) based architectures for private cellular networks (PCNs) fail to guarantee all service level agreements (SLAs) and pose issues with user equipment (UE) call flow and mobility, leading to potential service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network slicing for PCNs, which allows for the creation of dedicated network slices such as private, mobility, and public safety slices, enabling better control over network resources, security, and quality of service (QoS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MOCN based architecture is used for PCN, then shared RAN and mobility core can be utilized, but SLA guarantees cannot be provided and UE call flow is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies network slicing to segment the cellular network into multiple isolated virtual networks, each dedicated to specific services or customer groups. This segmentation allows independent SLA configuration and guarantee for each slice while maintaining the overall network infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between architectural flexibility and SLA guarantee.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network slice selector and session manager as intermediary components that mediate between the shared RAN/mobility core and the dedicated service requirements. These intermediaries allocate resources and establish dedicated bearers that ensure SLA compliance while allowing the shared architecture to remain in place.
2Device complexity
If MOCN based architecture is used for PCN, then shared RAN can be utilized, but UE mobility and call flow are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into dedicated slices for different services, the patent isolates UE call flows within specific slices, preventing interference between different service types. This maintains ease of operation for UEs while allowing infrastructure sharing at the network level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and mobility management within network slices, allowing UEs to move between slices or access different network resources dynamically based on service requirements. This maintains operational simplicity while enabling flexible infrastructure utilization.
3Reliability
If network slicing is implemented for PCN, then SLA guarantees and security are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs network slice management functions to serve multiple purposes - a single slice selector can manage multiple slices, and the same infrastructure can support different service types. This multi-functionality reduces the practical complexity increase while maintaining SLA guarantees across different network segments.
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology is generally directed towards network slicing for private cellular networks (PCNs). Network slicing can be leveraged as described herein to meet security requirements and/or other policies applicable to PCNs. Network slices implemented according to this disclosure can comprise a private network slice, a public network slice, and a public safety network slice. User equipment can be provisioned with slice identifiers for the network slices, and applications at the user equipment can specify an appropriate slice identifier for their network communications. Network equipment can be configured to route application traffic to a specified slice and to allocate network resources according to the specified slice, as well as to implement security and other policies according to the specified slice.