Distributed NSSMF Scaling for Network Slice Subnet Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slice management systems struggle with scalability and efficiency in managing individual subnets due to centralized control, leading to inefficiencies in handling varying load demands across different regions and inability to support multiple subnet configurations.
Innovation Solution
A network slice subnet management function (NSSMF) is introduced to abstract and manage RAN, CN, and TN domains, allowing for decentralized deployment and scaling of subnets based on load, with flexible configuration options and support for multiple protocols, enabling efficient subnet management and configuration pushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slice subnet management functions (NSSMFs) are used to manage subnet configurations, then network slice management capability is improved, but processing overload occurs when handling varying loads across multiple subnet configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monolithic NSSMF into multiple distributed NSSMF instances that can independently handle different subnet configurations. This segmentation allows the management function to be distributed across multiple processing units, thereby increasing processing capacity while maintaining adaptability to various network slice requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and distribution of NSSMF instances based on processing load conditions. When processing load exceeds thresholds, additional NSSMF instances are instantiated to handle the increased demand, allowing the system to adapt its processing capacity dynamically to match varying network slice management requirements.
2Productivity
If additional NSSMFs are implemented to handle increased processing loads, then processing capacity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSMF instances are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can handle various subnet configuration tasks. By using identical, standardized NSSMF instances that perform the same set of functions, the system increases processing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity, as each instance is a self-contained, reusable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of the NSSMF instance to handle increased processing loads. These copies are identical replicas that can be rapidly instantiated and deployed. The copying approach allows scaling of processing capacity while maintaining simplicity, as the copied instances inherit the same standardized interface and functionality without requiring complex customizations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slice subnets are scaled to handle more configurations, then management flexibility is improved, but processing overload and inability to handle varying loads occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor processing load conditions across NSSMF instances. Based on this feedback, the system can dynamically instantiate additional NSSMF instances when load thresholds are exceeded, ensuring that processing capacity scales appropriately to maintain reliability while supporting flexible network slice configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares additional NSSMF instances in advance or pre-configures them for rapid deployment when processing load increases are anticipated. This preliminary action ensures that when varying loads occur, the system can quickly activate additional processing capacity without delay, maintaining both flexibility and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including determining, by a processor, whether a processing load on one or more network slice subnet management functions (NSSMFs) has exceeded a predetermined processing limit; and determining, by the processor, which processing load on the one or more NSSMFs has exceeded the predetermined processing limit; and implementing, by the processor, based on the processing load that exceeded the predetermined processing limit, an additional NSSMF for each NSSMF that exceeded the predetermined processing limit.