Programmable RAN Slicing With Slice-Aware Frequency Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for managing network slices in cellular networks, particularly in terms of resource allocation and configuration based on the operational states of network slices, leading to suboptimal performance and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A programmable network slicing framework that enables a base station to exchange messages with a controller, maintain network slice configuration information, and perform slice-aware allocation of frequency domain resources to user equipments, utilizing slice-specific and system-level scheduling algorithms to optimize resource allocation based on network slice operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional resource allocation mechanisms are used in cellular networks, then system simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency and adaptability to different network slice requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple network slices, each with dedicated resource pools and independent scheduling algorithms. The base station maintains separate configuration information for each slice, allowing differentiated resource allocation while keeping each slice's management relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station adjusts resource distribution among network slices based on real-time operational states, traffic demands, and service requirements. The slice-aware scheduling algorithms dynamically adapt resource allocation without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If generic resource allocation is used without slice awareness, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization and meeting specific use case requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different resource allocation strategies, scheduling algorithms, and configuration parameters to different network slices based on their specific service requirements. Each slice receives customized resource configuration (e.g., URLLC slices get low-latency optimized resources, eMBB slices get throughput-optimized resources) without affecting other slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station is designed with universal slice-aware scheduling capabilities that can handle multiple network slice types simultaneously. A single base station infrastructure supports diverse service requirements through configurable slice parameters and multiple scheduling algorithms, avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each service type.
3Reliability
If network slices share common resource pools without explicit allocation, then resource flexibility is improved, but resource allocation precision and guarantee of service requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures resource pools and allocation parameters for each network slice before service deployment. The base station maintains slice-specific configuration information including reserved resource quantities, priority levels, and scheduling algorithm selections, enabling reliable service guarantees from the outset without complex real-time negotiations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces slice-aware scheduling algorithms as intermediary mechanisms between the common radio resources and diverse network slice requirements. These algorithms act as mediators that translate service requirements into concrete resource allocations, managing the complexity of multi-slice resource coordination while ensuring reliable service delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments of the programmable network slicing framework may be configured to support programmable network slicing in a radio access network (RAN) portion of a cellular communication system based on a programmable RAN slicing framework. Various example embodiments of the programmable RAN slicing framework may be configured to support programmable network slicing in a RAN based on use of a set of RAN slices having associated therewith network slice operational states and associated network slice configurations which may be used for assignment of RAN resources to user equipments (UEs) of the RAN, based on use of a frequency domain scheduling capability to assign frequency domain resources of RAN slices to UEs of the RAN based on network slice operational states and network slice configurations of the RAN slices, based on use of various types of messaging to support various aspects of RAN slicing, and so forth.