OAM-Controlled Test Slices for Service-Continuous RAN Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks lack mechanisms for performing software upgrades in Radio Access Networks (RAN) without service interruptions, and there are no existing methods for automatically selecting UEs for testing, deployment locations, or testing different configuration parameters without impacting non-test UEs.
Innovation Solution
A new network slice Information Object Class (IOC) is modeled for testing purposes, allowing the creation of a test slice, dynamic modification, and provisioning of UEs with test slice identifiers to facilitate continuous integration and deployment (CI-CD) in 5G networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If software upgrades are performed in RAN using traditional methods, then service interruptions occur during upgrades, but implementing CI-CD requires automated mechanisms for selecting UEs and deployment locations without service impact
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into test slices and non-test slices, allowing upgrades to be tested in isolated segments (test slices) while the rest of the network continues normal operations. This segmentation enables automated UE selection where only UEs assigned to test slices undergo upgrade testing, preventing service interruptions for other UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
A network slice management service acts as an intermediary between the upgrade system and the network infrastructure. This service automatically selects UEs, determines deployment locations, and coordinates test execution, enabling CI-CD automation while maintaining service reliability through centralized control and coordination.
2Productivity
If manual testing procedures are used for software upgrades, then testing can be performed with controlled parameters, but the process is time-consuming and impacts service continuity
Solution Approach 1:
Test slices are created and configured in advance before actual upgrades are deployed. UEs are pre-selected and assigned to test slices, and deployment locations are predetermined. This preliminary preparation enables rapid upgrade deployment without time-consuming manual coordination during the actual upgrade process, improving productivity while minimizing service interruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-service mechanisms where the network slice management service automatically performs UE selection, slice assignment, and upgrade coordination without manual intervention. This automation accelerates the upgrade process (improving productivity) while reducing service interruption duration by eliminating manual operation delays.
3Manufacturing precision
If all UEs are involved in testing upgraded software, then comprehensive testing is achieved, but non-test UEs are impacted with service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The UE population is segmented into test UEs and non-test UEs through network slice assignment. Only UEs assigned to test slices participate in upgrade testing, ensuring comprehensive testing coverage for the test group while completely isolating non-test UEs from any service disruptions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling precise testing control without broad service impact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels are applied to different UE groups: test UEs receive upgraded software with full testing monitoring, while non-test UEs continue with stable existing software without any testing interference. This local differentiation of quality and treatment ensures testing accuracy for test UEs while maintaining ease of operation and service availability for non-test UEs.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method performed by an operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) controller for facilitating continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI-CD) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting, to a network slice management service (NSMS) consumer, a request to trigger a test upgraded technique for a network function (NF), wherein the request to trigger the test upgraded technique comprises at least one parameter indicated as part of a test network slice information object class (IOC); receiving, from the NSMS consumer, a trigger test response based on the request to trigger the test upgraded technique; and configuring at least one user equipment (UE) with at least one test slice identifier based on the trigger test response.