Self-Healing Network Slices via Edge Computing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Next Generation mobile networks, such as 5G, face challenges in ensuring continuous and reliable connectivity and service delivery due to potential failures in network slices, which can disrupt service level requirements and impact user experience.
Innovation Solution
A self-healing network system is implemented using integrated mobile edge computing and multi-connectivity, where edge network resources are preconfigured in primary and backup roles, allowing automatic transition and redirection of services to ensure service level requirements are met even in case of failures, with additional backup resources deployed as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to customize network partitions for different applications and services, then network adaptability and service quality are improved, but network reliability deteriorates due to potential failures in network slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring backup network slices before failures occur. The system maintains standby backup slices that are ready to activate immediately when primary slices fail, eliminating the need for reactive recovery processes and ensuring continuous service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing redundant backup network slices that cushion against potential failures. These backup slices are prepared in advance with all necessary configurations and resources, providing a safety buffer that prevents service disruption when primary slices experience failures.
2Reliability
If backup network slices are preconfigured to ensure continuous service delivery, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration and management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the network system to automatically manage backup slice activation without human intervention. When a primary slice fails, the system autonomously detects the failure, selects an appropriate backup slice, and activates it through automated procedures, eliminating manual configuration and reduction of operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors the status of primary network slices and automatically triggers backup activation when failures are detected. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable service continuity while simplifying management through automated decision-making based on real-time network conditions.
3Productivity
If automated transition to backup resources is implemented to minimize service disruptions, then service productivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to detection and transition processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring all backup slice resources, including network functions, data connections, and communication pathways, before failures occur. This advance preparation ensures that when a failure happens, the backup slice is already ready for immediate activation, minimizing detection and transition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining active and ready backup network slices that can immediately take over primary slice functions. The backup slices remain in a standby state with all necessary configurations active, ensuring seamless service continuation without interruption during failure detection and transition processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying a first edge network including a compute resource configured according to a requirement of a network slice to obtain a primary network slice adapted to provide a network service to equipment of a mobile consumer according to a service level requirement. A second edge network at a different location is identified including a first reserve compute resource available for configuration. Remote configuration of the first reserve compute resource is initiated according to the requirement of the network slice to obtain a first backup network slice adapted to provide the network service. Operation of the primary network slice is monitored, and a first performance issue is identified. Responsive to the first performance issue, a providing of the network service is reconfigured from the primary network slice to the first backup network slice. Other embodiments are disclosed.