Mobile Network Slice Assurance Through Dynamic RAN Reallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile networks lack mechanisms to ensure that Radio Access Network (RAN)-specific Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are met across cells within a Tracking Area as traffic volumes change over time, particularly in 5G networks with distributed architectures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Slice Assurance Function (SAF) that monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and dynamically reallocates radio access network resources across cells using algorithms to meet RAN-specific SLAs, interfacing with gNodeBs for real-time or non-real-time adjustments through extended interfaces like E2++ and O1++.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network resources are statically allocated to network slices, then network configuration is simple and stable, but network performance cannot adapt to varying traffic conditions and SLA requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network controller continuously monitors KPIs and adjusts resource distribution in real-time based on current traffic conditions and SLA requirements, transitioning from static to dynamic allocation to improve adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where KPI measurements from the network are continuously fed back to the controller, which then adjusts resource allocation decisions based on this feedback to maintain SLA compliance under varying conditions
2Reliability
If RAN resources are reallocated in real-time to meet SLAs, then service level agreement compliance is improved, but network complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring resource allocation policies and thresholds before traffic variations occur, allowing the controller to make rapid SLA compliance decisions without complex real-time calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller acts as an intermediary between the RAN resources and the SLA requirements, centralizing the complexity of resource management and isolation so that individual network elements remain simple while achieving overall SLA compliance
3Reliability
If network monitoring is performed continuously to ensure SLA fulfillment, then service reliability is improved, but energy consumption and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring where KPIs are measured at defined intervals rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption and processing overhead while still maintaining adequate service reliability through regular status checks
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, techniques are described for slice assurance within a mobile network. In some examples, a method includes obtaining, by a slice assurance function (SAF) executed by a device, key performance indicator (KPI) values for a first slice of a plurality of slices implemented by a plurality of base stations serving a tracking area of a mobile network; determining, by the SAF, based in part on the KPI values for the first slice, a service level agreement (SLA) for the first slice has not been met; re-allocating, by the SAF in response to the determining, slice resources associated with any of the plurality of slices to compute a new slice configuration parameter for the first slice; and reconfiguring, by the SAF, at least one of the plurality of base stations to implement the new slice configuration parameter for the first slice.