Network Slicing Architecture with SONAC Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing complex and variable demands in large-scale communication networks, particularly in next-generation wireless networks like 5G, is challenging due to the need for flexible and efficient resource allocation and network management across multiple domains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network architecture that allows for the reconfigurability of network slices, enabled by Service Oriented Network Auto Creation (SONAC) management entities, which include composition and operation functions. These entities can automatically create, modify, and manage network slices by allocating resources and deploying functions based on specific requirements, decoupling administrative control and allowing different entities to provide infrastructure, network services, and operation support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to serve various customer demands in large-scale networks, then service flexibility and customization are improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management into multiple hierarchical levels (global network controller, domain network controllers, and local controllers) and divides network slicing management into distinct functional components (slice admission, slice modification, slice release). This segmentation allows complex network slicing operations to be handled by specialized components at appropriate levels, reducing overall management complexity while maintaining service flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces domain network controllers as intermediary components between the global network controller and local network elements. These domain controllers act as mediators that handle specific domain-level slicing operations, reducing the burden on the global controller and simplifying local operations. The intermediary layer abstracts complexity by providing a standardized interface between different management levels.
2Reliability
If resources are allocated to meet variable and competing demands across multiple domains, then service reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to overprovisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where network slices can be created, modified, and released based on real-time service demands. The global network controller monitors network conditions and dynamically adjusts slice configurations across domains, allowing resources to be flexibly reallocated from low-priority slices to high-priority slices. This dynamic approach maintains service reliability for active slices while improving overall resource utilization by eliminating static overprovisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal pool of network resources that can be shared across multiple domains and served by a single global network controller. This universal resource pool allows the same physical resources to serve multiple virtual network slices with different service requirements, improving resource utilization efficiency while maintaining the reliability needed for each slice through virtualization and logical separation.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual network configuration and management is used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but service provisioning speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service mechanisms where the global network controller automatically performs slice admission, modification, and release operations based on service requests. The system includes automated functions for slice admission control, slice modification management, and slice release procedures without requiring manual intervention. This automation dramatically increases service provisioning speed while the standardized procedures and protocols maintain implementation simplicity through consistent automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes pre-configured slice templates and standardized slice configurations that can be rapidly deployed. The global network controller maintains predefined slice profiles with common parameters and configurations, allowing new slices to be quickly instantiated by applying templates rather than configuring each parameter manually. This preliminary preparation of configuration templates accelerates service provisioning while keeping implementation straightforward through template-based deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide architectures, methods and systems that will allow reconfigurability of the network to suit the needs of various parties. Accordingly, some embodiments provide a controllable open operation environment. In such an environment, there can be a decoupling of various network aspects which would be conventionally be under the span of control of a service provider, allowing for each aspect to be provided by a different entity. For example, infrastructure can be provided separately from the provider of network services to subscribers and/or from the provider of slices and/or from the provider of NOS services. For example an infrastructure provider can provide infrastructure used by a slice provider to provide network slices to virtual network providers which provide services to end customers. Generally speaking, SONAC-Com is responsible for the composition of slices and manages resources at the slice level. SONAC-Op is responsible for the operation of slices. For example, SONAC-Com develops slices using the general infrastructure resource pools, while SONAC-Op manages the delivery of slice traffic packet over deployed slices.