SDN Network Slice UL/DL Configuration for RAN Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network sharing and virtualization in radio access networks can lead to performance issues due to loss of multiplexing gain, reduced frequency diversity, and interference, especially when network slices of different sizes are used across neighboring base stations, causing inter-slice interference and affecting Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE).
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that facilitates the setup of network slices in a time division duplex system by configuring uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configurations and reconfiguration timescales, allowing for resource allocation and isolation of network slices to match specific service demands, thereby maintaining QoS and QoE while minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network sharing and virtualization are implemented in radio access networks, then resource utilization efficiency is improved and capital expenditure is reduced, but performance issues arise due to loss of multiplexing gain, reduced frequency diversity, and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radio access network into multiple virtualized network slices, each independently configured with specific uplink/downlink ratios and resource allocations. This segmentation allows different service types to be isolated in separate virtual networks, preventing interference between slices while maintaining overall resource sharing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of uplink/downlink ratios and resource allocations for each network slice based on real-time service demands and traffic patterns. This dynamic adjustment optimizes multiplexing gain and frequency diversity utilization while adapting to changing network conditions, thereby maintaining performance despite virtualization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slices of different sizes are used across neighboring base stations, then service-specific resource allocation is improved, but inter-slice interference increases and affects Quality of Service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring each network slice with location-specific uplink/downlink ratios and resource allocations tailored to the service requirements of that particular slice. Neighboring base stations can have different slice configurations optimized for local traffic patterns and service types, reducing inter-slice interference through localized optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network slice management entity that acts as an intermediary between service requirements and radio resource allocation. This intermediary coordinates resource distribution across neighboring base stations, ensuring consistent slice configurations and managing inter-slice interference through centralized control mechanisms.
3Loss of energy
If fixed long-term RAN sharing agreements are used, then capital expenditure is reduced, but flexibility to meet diverse QoS requirements of different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtualized RAN infrastructure that can simultaneously support multiple network slices with different QoS requirements. A single physical base station can host multiple virtual network slices, each configured for different service types (e.g., enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, massive machine-type communications), eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrastructure while meeting diverse application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes for each network slice, including uplink/downlink ratios, resource block allocations, and scheduling parameters. These parameters can be adjusted in real-time based on service demands and QoS requirements, providing flexibility within the fixed infrastructure framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus for facilitating setting up of a network slice for service provision in a time division duplex system includes a receiver configured to receive a request for a network slice for at least one service. A processor is configured to specify, for the requested network slice, at least one of an uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration and a reconfiguration timescale. A transmitter is configured to notify at least one of a communication entity of a radio access network and a communication entity of a core network of the UL/DL configuration.