RAN Network Slicing with Common Slices for Handover Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slicing technologies face inefficiencies in tracking areas, leading to potential handover failures and resource waste due to the need for preconfigured dedicated network slices, which limits service availability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common network slice alongside dedicated network slices in the radio access network, allowing seamless service provision across tracking areas by identifying and utilizing either a dedicated or common slice based on service type matching, ensuring service availability and reducing configuration complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated network slices are preconfigured for each tracking area, then service reliability is improved, but device complexity and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common network slice that can serve multiple tracking areas and multiple service types. This common slice acts as a universal resource that complements dedicated slices, reducing the need for extensive preconfiguration in each tracking area while maintaining service reliability through fallback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments network slicing into two distinct types: dedicated network slices for specific services and common network slices for general purposes. This segmentation allows the system to balance between service reliability (through dedicated slices) and configuration simplicity (through common slices) by assigning different functions to each segment.
2Reliability
If dedicated network slices are preconfigured, then service availability is improved, but loss of time due to configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common network slice is preconfigured at a higher level (network-wide or region-wide) rather than in each individual tracking area. This preliminary action at a broader scope reduces the time required for local configuration while ensuring service availability through the common slice's immediate availability across multiple areas.
3Reliability
If dedicated network slices are used, then service characteristics are optimized, but loss of substance due to resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges dedicated network slices and common network slices into a unified network slicing framework. This combination allows resources to be dynamically allocated between dedicated and common slices based on actual service demands, optimizing service characteristics while reducing resource waste through shared infrastructure utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage media for providing network slicing. The method comprises obtaining information concerning a service to be provided to a second device; determining whether the service is available from a target network slice managed by the first device; and in response to a determination that the service is available from the target network slice, providing at least part of the service to the second device with the target network slice, the target network slice comprising at least one of a common network slice and a dedicated network slice for the second device, the common network slice being preconfigured to provide at least part of the service. By separately deploying dedicated network slices and at least one common network slice, it is possible to ensure the service isolation as well as independent operation and maintenance requirements of various subscribers, enterprises, or etc., in the communication network, at the same time, the communication network is an open network so that the operators can provide services to as many users as possible.