RAN-to-Core Network Slicing With Dynamic FAFO Resource Reallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network architectures struggle with resource constraints and latency issues in edge computing environments, particularly during fault-attack-failure-outage (FAFO) events, which can disrupt end-to-end network slicing (ENS) from radio access networks (RAN) to core networks (CN) in next-generation (NG) communications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing slice configuration functions (SCF) to dynamically configure and reconfigure network slices based on available computing resources across multiple communication networks, utilizing an ENS management node to manage and orchestrate resources during FAFO events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network slices are dynamically configured and reconfigured based on available computing resources, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An ENS management node is introduced as an intermediary component between the RAN and core network. This management node orchestrates the dynamic configuration and reconfiguration of network slices, handling the complexity of resource allocation centrally rather than distributing it across multiple nodes. The management node receives resource availability information, makes configuration decisions, and coordinates the implementation across the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network slice configuration where slice parameters, resource allocations, and service priorities are not fixed but can be adjusted in real-time based on changing network conditions and resource availability. The system continuously monitors computing resources and automatically reconfigures slices to optimize performance, enabling adaptive response to FAFO events and varying traffic demands.
2Loss of time
If edge computing resources are utilized closer to the network edge, then latency is reduced, but resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into distinct functional components: edge computing nodes that provide local processing resources, RAN access points, core network elements, and an ENS management node. This segmentation allows latency-sensitive operations to be performed at the edge while the management node handles high-level orchestration and coordination, distributing complexity across multiple specialized components rather than concentrating it in a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of network slices and pre-allocates computing resources at edge nodes before FAFO events occur. By proactively setting up slice configurations and reserving resources in advance, the system reduces the need for complex real-time resource management during actual failures, as the groundwork for rapid response is already in place.
3Reliability
If network slices are reconfigured during FAFO events, then service continuity is improved, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ENS management node maintains pre-configured slice templates and resource allocation patterns that can be rapidly deployed during FAFO events. Instead of creating configurations from scratch during failures, the system has prepared alternative slice configurations in advance that can be activated quickly, reducing the time required to restore service continuity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes backup network slice configurations and alternative routing paths before FAFO events occur. These pre-prepared contingency configurations act as a cushion that can be activated immediately when failures are detected, minimizing service disruption and reducing the effective configuration time during actual events by having ready-to-deploy alternatives.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing node includes network interface circuitry and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry assigns available computing resources to a plurality of slice contexts. Each slice context of the plurality includes resource allocations of the available computing resources associated with multiple communication networks. A first portion of the resource allocations is designated as dedicated resources and a second, remaining portion is designated as shared resources. A FAFO event associated with a workload is detected. The workload executes on a network slice instance (NSI) associated with a slice context of a subset of slice contexts. The configuration of the NSI is restored to a pre-FAFO event state based on reconfiguring one or both of the dedicated resources or the shared resources of the slice context based on the resource allocations of at least a second slice context in the subset of slice contexts.