RAN Network Slice Management Through Dynamic Cell Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slicing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing Radio Access Network (RAN) resource partitions due to changes in cell composition, leading to potential breaches of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A domain manager is implemented to determine changes in cell composition, adapt RAN resource partitions by adding or removing cells, and optimize configurations based on traffic reports to ensure efficient resource allocation and compliance with SLAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If RAN resource partitions are statically configured, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to cell composition changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of RAN resource partitions by introducing a domain manager that automatically detects cell composition changes and triggers reconfiguration of affected RAN resource partitions. This transforms the static configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to network changes while maintaining manageable complexity through automated procedures.
2Ease of operation
If manual RAN topology representation is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The domain manager implements self-service functionality by automatically discovering RAN topology, detecting cell composition changes, and triggering reconfiguration of affected network slices without manual intervention. This eliminates the need for manual topology updates while maintaining operational simplicity, thereby improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If RAN resource partitions are not reconfigured after cell changes, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the domain manager continuously monitors cell composition changes and automatically triggers reconfiguration of affected RAN resource partitions. This closed-loop feedback system ensures SLA compliance by maintaining up-to-date configurations without adding significant complexity, as the feedback process is automated.
4Adaptability or versatility
If automated RAN resource partition adaptation is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The domain manager is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions: detecting cell composition changes, determining affected RAN resource partitions, triggering reconfigurations, and monitoring SLA compliance. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional entity, the patent achieves high adaptability while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
There is described a method of managing network slices in a communications network. The method comprises a domain manager of a Radio Access Network (RAN) determining a change in cell composition of the RAN, and determining neighbor cells within the RAN affected by the change in cell composition of the RAN. The method also compromises the domain manager determining a set of RAN resource partitions affected by the change in cell composition of the RAN, and adapting the configuration of RAN resource partitions of the set of RAN resource partitions by introducing changes corresponding to the change in cell composition of the RAN.