SDN Controller Network Slice Selection for Dynamic Service Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in dynamically adapting to changes in demand and efficiently managing resources, leading to delayed service instantiation and poor response to network changes due to the integration of control and data planes, which limits flexibility and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A Software Defined Network (SDN) system with a Manager SDN Controller that instantiates Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) as network slices, allowing for the separation of control and user planes, dynamic discovery, and optimal selection of network slices to route traffic and provide services based on user device characteristics and requested services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control and data planes are integrated in current communication networks, then network stability is maintained, but network flexibility and responsiveness to changes in demand deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the control plane from the data plane, creating independent functional entities. The control plane is divided into service management functions while the data plane handles user traffic, allowing each to be optimized independently and improving overall network flexibility and responsiveness.
2Productivity
If service instantiation is performed in current networks, then services are provided to users, but service provisioning speed is slow due to integrated control and data planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring network slices and service templates before actual service deployment. The control plane prepares service instantiations in advance, allowing rapid service provisioning when requests are received without requiring time-consuming real-time configuration of integrated control and data planes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are dynamically selected, then optimal service delivery is achieved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary controller that manages network slice selection and service routing. This intermediary entity abstracts the complexity of dynamic slice management from the network infrastructure, providing intelligent mediation between service requests and available network slices while maintaining adaptability and optimal service delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including selecting a second network slice, according to first information and a first characteristic of a first service associated with a communication device. The first network slice is directed to route a first portion of user plane traffic between the communication device and the second network slice, while retaining a second portion according to a second characteristic of the first service. The first network slice retains control plane processing for the communication device. The second network slice is directed to facilitate providing the first service via the first portion of the user plane traffic. Anticipated resource usage information associated with the second network slice is determined and a first virtual network function is instantiated at the second network slice according to the anticipated resource usage information associated with the second network slice. Other embodiments are disclosed.