Router Node Probe Validation for Network Slice Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G mobile networks utilizing network slicing, there is a challenge in validating resource isolation between different network slices to ensure that traffic only uses the allocated resources and does not leak into other slices, which is critical for maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) and preventing resource misuse.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a router node configuration that uses segment routing (SR) with flexible algorithm definitions to establish and validate routes within each network slice, where each router node operates as a unit under test (UUT) to send probe messages and verify that traffic is correctly routed within its allocated resources, using loopback probe messages to check consistency and isolation between slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing is implemented to allocate dedicated resources to different slices, then resource isolation and QoS are improved, but the complexity of validating isolation between slices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces probe messages as intermediary test packets that traverse network paths to validate isolation. These probe messages carry slice identifiers and are routed through forwarding tables, acting as mediators to detect whether traffic from one slice incorrectly enters another slice's resources. The probe mechanism provides a systematic way to test isolation without requiring complex manual validation procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If segment routing with flexible algorithms is used to route traffic within network slices, then routing flexibility and slice-specific path control are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring isolation failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where router nodes monitor probe message transmissions and detect isolation failures by comparing expected versus actual routing behavior. When a probe message sent with a specific slice identifier and forwarding table entry results in traffic entering an unexpected slice (detected through identifier mismatches or unauthorized resource access), the system generates isolation failure indications. This feedback loop enables automatic detection and reporting of isolation violations despite complex segment routing configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one illustrative example, a router node is configured for use in a network having a plurality of interconnected router nodes for routing packets according to segment routing (SR). Router nodes of a first network slice are configured to establish routes based on first path determination criteria associated with a first identifier, and router nodes of a second network slice are configured to establish routes based on second path determination criteria associated with a second identifier. Each router node in the first network slice may operate as a unit under test (UUT) and validate isolation from network resources in the second network slice. An operator of the network may be alerted when an isolation failure is detected.