Network Slice Subnet Instance Modification Feasibility Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slice instance management systems face challenges when modifying shared network slice subnet instances (NSSIs) as direct modifications can negatively impact other network slice instances (NSIs) that share the same NSSI, especially when managed by different network slice management functions (NSMFs).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine whether a shared NSSI can be modified, allowing modifications only if it does not impact other NSIs, and create a new NSSI if modifications are not allowed, thereby avoiding negative impacts on other NSIs. This involves receiving and processing messages between network devices to manage NSSIs and configure new instances, ensuring that modifications or creations are aligned with the requirements of all involved NSIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct modification of shared NSSI is performed, then modification speed is improved, but negative impact on other NSIs occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NSSI management by introducing a determination step that separates the modification process into two paths: direct modification (when safe) and creation of new NSSI (when unsafe). This segmentation allows the system to selectively apply different operations based on sharing status, resolving the contradiction between speed and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary determination mechanism that checks whether the NSSI is shared before allowing modification. This intermediary step acts as a gatekeeper, preventing harmful modifications while allowing safe ones, thus resolving the contradiction without sacrificing overall modification efficiency.
2Reliability
If determination process is added to check NSSI sharing status, then negative impact on other NSIs is avoided, but modification speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the modification process dynamic by adapting the operation type (direct modification vs. new NSSI creation) based on the real-time sharing status of the NSSI. This dynamic approach ensures reliability when needed while maintaining speed when possible, resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (modification vs. creation) based on the sharing status parameter. When the NSSI is not shared, direct modification is used for speed; when shared, new NSSI creation is used for safety. This parameter-based decision-making resolves the contradiction adaptively.
3Reliability
If new NSSI is created instead of modifying shared NSSI, then other NSIs are protected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sharing status check as a separate determination step before modification. This extraction simplifies the overall process by making the decision logic explicit and modular, reducing the complexity burden of the reliability mechanism while maintaining its effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A network slice instance processing method and apparatus, and a system, the method including receiving, by a first network device, a first message sent by a second network device, where the first message requests that the first network device modify a first network slice subnet instance (NSSI) managed by the first network device, and where the first NSSI is shared by a plurality of network slice instances (NSIs) managed by different network devices, determining, by the first network device, whether the first NSSI is allowed to be modified, and performing, by the first network device, subsequent processing according to a determination of whether the first NSSI is allowed to be modified.