RAN Sub-Network Configuration via Slice Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks lack specific implementation methods for configuring Radio Access Network (RAN) sub-networks and enabling communication between terminal devices and network side devices within these sub-networks, particularly in supporting diverse service requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a slice controller that configures RAN sub-networks by determining appropriate protocol functions, air interface formats, and radio resources based on target communication service requirements, allowing for efficient allocation and adjustment of resources to meet specific service needs, and facilitates communication between terminal devices and network side devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support diversified service requirements, then service adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases due to lack of specific implementation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The radio access network is segmented into multiple independent RAN sub-networks, each configured with specific protocol functions, air interface formats, and radio resources to support different service requirements. This segmentation allows diverse services to operate independently while simplifying the configuration management for each sub-network.
Solution Approach 2:
The network configuration is made dynamic through the slice controller, which can dynamically allocate radio resources, select protocol functions, and configure air interface formats based on real-time service requirements. This dynamic configuration approach enables the network to adapt to diversified services without requiring complex static configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol functions and air interface formats are configured to meet different service requirements, then service adaptability is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A slice controller is introduced as an intermediary component that automatically selects appropriate protocol functions and air interface formats based on service requirements. This mediator simplifies the configuration process by eliminating the need for manual selection and configuration of multiple protocol variants, while still providing adaptability to different services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service configuration where the slice controller automatically configures RAN sub-networks with appropriate protocol functions and air interface formats based on service requirements without requiring manual intervention. This self-configuration capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining service adaptability.
3Productivity
If radio resources are dynamically allocated to different RAN sub-networks, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slice controller is designed as a universal resource management entity that handles radio resource allocation for multiple RAN sub-networks through a unified interface and standardized procedures. This multi-functional controller simplifies the control complexity by providing a single point of management for resource allocation across different sub-networks, while still achieving high resource utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, sub-network information of a RAN sent by a network side device, where the sub-network information is used to indicate at least one RAN sub-network included in the RAN; accessing, by the terminal device, a target RAN sub-network among the at least one RAN sub-network based on a service requirement of the terminal device; and communicating, by the terminal device, with the network side device by using the target RAN sub-network.