Wireless Service Portal for API-Driven Network Slice Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks often fail to efficiently tailor network slices to specific user applications and do not effectively enable third-party systems to request customized service enhancements for wireless user devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a network service portal to receive an API call from a development server requesting a service uplift, identify a suitable wireless network slice, provision a subscriber profile, and register the user device for service on that slice, enabling efficient customization of network slices based on the requested enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing is implemented to optimize resources for specific service types, then service quality for subscribed devices is improved, but most users only partially experience the benefits because their devices are not subscribed for service on tailored network slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service portal as an intermediary component that enables third-party systems to request service enhancements for user devices. This portal receives API calls from development servers, identifies appropriate network slices, and coordinates with the provisioning system to grant temporary access. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by bridging the gap between existing network slice subscriptions and actual service needs, allowing devices to access tailored slices on-demand without permanent subscription.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic service enhancement where network slice assignments are not static but can be temporarily modified based on application requirements. The system allows runtime provisioning of network slice access rights through API calls, enabling the network configuration to adapt dynamically to specific service needs. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making network slice accessibility flexible rather than fixed, allowing users to experience tailored services temporarily when needed.
2Reliability
If the network prohibits unauthorized access to protect security, then network security is maintained, but the network cannot effectively enable third-party systems to request customized service enhancements
Solution Approach 1:
The service portal acts as a secure intermediary that mediates between third-party development servers and the core network provisioning system. It receives authenticated API calls from authorized sources, validates service enhancement requests, and coordinates with the provisioning system to grant temporary network slice access. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled interface that maintains security protocols while enabling legitimate third-party service customization requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization mechanisms where the service portal validates API calls and service enhancement requests before processing them. The system pre-establishes security policies and authorization rules that govern which third-party systems can request which service enhancements. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by ensuring security checks are performed in advance, allowing service customization only from authorized sources while maintaining overall network security.
3Ease of manufacture
If the network uses standardized subscription models, then service deployment is simplified, but the network cannot efficiently tailor network slices to specific user applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service provisioning process into distinct functional components: a service portal for receiving requests, an API interface for third-party interaction, a provisioning system for authorization, and the core network slice infrastructure. This segmentation allows the system to maintain standardized core network operations while adding flexible customization capabilities through modular components. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating standardized deployment functions from application-specific tailoring functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic service enhancement capabilities that allow network slice assignments to be modified at runtime based on application requirements. The system maintains standardized subscription models for baseline service deployment but enables dynamic overrides through API-driven service enhancements. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the network to operate with simple standardized configurations by default while providing the ability to tailor specific slices to application needs when required.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a wireless communication network comprising a network service portal, a provisioning system, a control plane, and a user plane. The network service portal receives an API call from a development server comprising a service enhancement request. The network service portal identifies a slice to support the service enhancement. The provisioning system provisions a subscriber profile for the user device to authorize the device for service on the slice. The control plane receives a registration request from the user device, registers the user device for service on the communication network, accesses the subscriber profile of the device, selects the slice for the user device, and transfers a registration approval message that directs the device to use the slice. The user plane exchanges data with the device over the slice.