RAN Network Slicing for Low Latency and High Data Rate Services
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP networks face challenges in providing reliable low-latency and high-data-rate services across evolving network infrastructure and diverse user devices, necessitating improved performance to meet changing consumer demands and support seamless service access across different regions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing RAN-layer network slicing using network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) to divide physical infrastructure into virtual layers, allowing customized resource allocation based on device type and service requirements, thereby enhancing spectrum utilization and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network infrastructure is updated regularly to meet changing consumer demands, then service quality and adaptability are improved, but network complexity and capital expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into multiple virtual network slices, each optimized for specific services or applications. This allows the network to handle diverse service requirements (e.g., low-latency communications, enhanced mobile broadband) simultaneously without requiring complete infrastructure redesign, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular virtualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality through network slicing, where a single physical network infrastructure supports multiple virtual networks with different characteristics. This universal approach allows the same hardware resources to serve multiple purposes and service types, reducing the need for separate infrastructure updates for each service and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high service quality.
2Productivity
If network slicing is implemented to optimize resource allocation, then spectrum utilization and service performance are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing flexible, dynamic resource allocation across network slices. Resources can be dynamically adjusted based on service requirements and network conditions, allowing optimized spectrum utilization without permanent rigid configurations. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to changing demands while managing complexity through automated resource orchestration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing different network slices to operate with customized parameters (e.g., bandwidth allocation, latency thresholds, priority levels). This enables optimized spectrum utilization for each service type while managing system complexity through standardized slicing frameworks that handle parameter configuration and coordination across slices.
3Reliability
If customized resource allocation is provided based on device type and service requirements, then user experience and service reliability are improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring network slices with specific parameters and resource allocations tailored to different service types and device categories. This advance preparation ensures service reliability when devices connect, as the appropriate slice configuration is already in place. It reduces configuration complexity by eliminating the need for real-time customization, as slicing parameters are predetermined based on service requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses may comprise a Radio Access Network (RAN) node for performing RAN-layer network slicing. The system may comprise a User Equipment (UE) in communication with the RAN node to provide the UE access to a core network (e.g., a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G network). The core network may comprise one or more Network Functions (NF) including an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) for facilitating communications between the RAN node and other NFs. By sending one or more RAN node messages and/or AMF messages, the system may perform RAN-layer slicing to register the UE with a network slice, establish a PDU session for the UE with the network slice, and/or provide a service to the UE with the network slice. In some instances, RAN-layer network slicing may be performed for multiple, specific use cases to meet UE service requirements.