Shared UPF Slice Profiles for Traffic Isolation in 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G network slicing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and isolating multiple network slices on a single physical network, leading to resource scarcity and interference between traffic flows.
Innovation Solution
A method is employed to manage multiple network slices by leveraging a single User Plane Function (UPF) instance, using network slice profiles and Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances to separate and isolate slice-specific traffic flows, ensuring interference-free operation through Multiprotocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP) routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple network slices share the same physical network resources, then resource utilization improves, but interference between slice-specific traffic flows occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic flows by creating distinct network slice profiles with unique identifiers and mapping information. Each network slice is logically separated through profile-based routing, allowing multiple slices to coexist on the same physical infrastructure without traffic interference. The segmentation is implemented through separate routing tables and forwarding rules for each slice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network slice profiles as intermediary structures that mediate between multiple network slices and shared physical resources. These profiles act as virtual containers that isolate traffic flows while enabling resource sharing. The profiles include mapping information that correlates traffic flows to specific network slices, preventing direct interference between slices.
2Device complexity
If a single UPF instance handles multiple network slices, then device complexity reduces, but traffic flow separation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Within the single UPF instance, the patent segments traffic handling by implementing profile-specific routing tables and forwarding rules. Each network slice profile contains dedicated mapping information that directs traffic flows to appropriate destinations without interfering with other slices. This internal segmentation allows one UPF to function as multiple logical entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single UPF instance universal by enabling it to handle multiple network slices simultaneously through profile-based multi-functionality. The UPF uses network slice profiles to perform different routing and forwarding operations for different slices, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate instances for each slice.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network resources are allocated to multiple slices, then service diversity increases, but resource allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through network slice profiles that can be created, modified, and deleted based on service requirements. Resources are allocated dynamically to different slices according to their specific needs, allowing the system to adapt to changing service demands while maintaining efficient resource utilization through centralized profile management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes resource allocation parameters by introducing profile-specific configurations for each network slice. Each profile contains mapping information and routing parameters that are optimized for its associated service type. This parameter differentiation allows diverse services to share resources efficiently with each slice receiving appropriate resource levels based on its requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for network slicing are provided. In one example, a method includes: selecting a first network slice and a second network slice both pertaining to a common data network, designating a first traffic flow to the first network slice and a second traffic flow to the second network slice, generating a first network slice profile including a first network identifier and first mapping information, generating a second network slice profile including a second network identifier and second mapping information, assigning the first network slice profile to the first traffic flow and the second network slice profile to the second traffic flow, and separating the first traffic flow from the second traffic flow on a user plane function (UPF) instance, based on the assigned first network slice profile and the second network slice profile.