Network Slice Resource Management via Delay Hints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network slicing technologies face challenges in managing slice resources effectively, particularly with regards to slice quotas, leading to negative impacts such as resource wastage and revenue loss due to the inability to differentiate between registered UEs that are actively using resources and those that are not.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of improved slice resource management techniques, including the use of 'delay hints' by UEs to indicate anticipated delays in using network slice resources, allowing the network to delay resource assignment and prioritize higher-priority UEs or sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the network assigns resources to all registered UEs immediately, then the quota validation is simple and fast, but resources are wasted on UEs that do not actively use the network slice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource assignment where the network transitions from static immediate resource allocation to dynamic deferred resource allocation based on UE activity status. The AMF monitors UE activity and assigns resources only when UEs actually utilize the network slice, adapting resource management to real-time conditions rather than following a fixed allocation pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables UEs to self-identify their resource needs through activity detection. Instead of the network proactively allocating resources to all registered UEs, the system allows UEs to effectively request resources through their actual usage behavior, where resource assignment is triggered by UE activity rather than registration alone.
2Reliability
If the network rejects registration when quota is reached, then resource allocation is controlled, but legitimate UEs with delays in service usage are incorrectly rejected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary registration acceptance followed by deferred resource assignment. Instead of making a final reject/accept decision at registration time based on current quota status, the network preliminarily accepts registrations and postpones the resource allocation decision to a later time when UE activity can be monitored, preventing premature rejections of legitimate UEs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective quota based on actual UE activity rather than using a fixed quota limit. The quota enforcement becomes a dynamic process where the number of active UEs utilizing resources is tracked, and registration decisions are adjusted based on real-time resource consumption patterns rather than static pre-set limits.
3Productivity
If the network monitors and tracks active UE usage in real-time, then resource allocation is optimized, but the system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing UE uplink transmissions and downlink receptions as self-indicating signals of activity. Rather than implementing complex dedicated monitoring mechanisms, the system uses the UE's own communication activities (which must occur for the network slice to be useful) as the basis for determining resource allocation needs, eliminating the need for separate monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where UE activity generates information about resource needs, which feeds back into resource allocation decisions. The AMF continuously receives feedback from UE uplink/downlink activities and adjusts resource assignment accordingly, creating a self-regulating system that optimizes resource utilization based on actual demand without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile network is operative to perform a quota validation procedure in relation to a maximum number of user equipments (UEs) permitted in a network slice. In one illustrative example, a control plane (CP) function of the mobile network may receive, from the UE, a message which indicates a registration request for registration and includes a slice ID of the network slice. The CP function may manage a registration procedure for assigning resources of the network slice to the UE. The CP function may alternatively manage the registration procedure to refrain from assigning the resources of the network slice to the UE, at least for a delay time period, based on identifying that an indication of the UE indicates an expected delay in use of service in the network slice. The indication may be included in the message and indicate the delay time period of the expected delay.