Self-Organizing Network Slice Management via Intermediary Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems lack automation for efficient creation, reconfiguration, optimization, and self-healing of network slice instances, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Self-Organizing Network (SON) mechanism within a network slice management framework, which includes Service Management Function, Network Slice Management Function, and Network Slice Subnet Management Function, enables automated self-creation, self-reconfiguration, self-optimization, and self-healing of network slice instances through predefined policies and communication between these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual network slice management is used, then operational control is maintained, but management efficiency is low and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the SON server and network slice management functions automatically perform creation, modification, optimization, and healing of network slice instances without manual intervention. The system self-manages network slices by receiving requests from external interfaces and executing automated workflows through the SON framework, eliminating the need for manual operational tasks while maintaining full control over network slice lifecycle management.
2Extent of automation
If automated SON mechanisms are implemented, then management efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a SON server as an intermediary component that mediates between external management interfaces and the underlying network slice instances. The SON server receives management requests, translates them into standardized workflows, and coordinates with network slice management functions through defined interfaces. This intermediary architecture simplifies the overall system by providing a centralized automation layer that abstracts complex automation logic from individual network slice components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network slice management system into distinct functional components: the SON server for centralized coordination, network slice management functions for slice-specific operations, and external interfaces for request reception. Each component has specialized responsibilities, allowing independent development, deployment, and maintenance. This segmentation reduces system complexity by creating modular, loosely-coupled architecture where changes in one segment do not propagate throughout the entire system.
3Reliability
If manual network slice operations are performed, then system stability is maintained, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through pre-configured workflows and templates stored in the SON server. Network slice creation, modification, and healing operations utilize predefined templates that encapsulate best practices and validation rules. When a management request is received, the system retrieves and executes the appropriate pre-configured workflow, eliminating the need for manual step-by-step operations. This preliminary preparation ensures consistent, reliable operations while dramatically reducing the time required to perform network slice management tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for self-optimization of a Network Slice Instance, NSI, comprising network slice related management functions is provided. The apparatus can include a Network Slice Management Function, NSMF, operable to monitor a performance of a Network Slice Instance in use, and evaluate whether the Network Slice Instance meets a received set of Network Slice requirements, wherein the received set of Network Slice requirements are received from a Service Management Function, SMF, and/or an Operator's target for performance of the Network Slice Instance. The apparatus can also include a Network Slice Subnet Management Function, in communication with the Network Slice Management Function, and operable to modify a Network Slice SubNet Instance, NSSI, for use in the Network Slice Instance in use in order to meet the received Network Slice requirements.