Spectrum Manager for Dynamic Network Slice Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network planning and deployment face challenges in managing competing demands from different use cases, particularly in providing and distributing spectrum resources efficiently across network slices in advanced communication networks like 5G, where existing methods lack real-time optimization and effective resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a Slice Specific Scheduler and a global Spectrum Manager, interacting through a Spectrum Negotiator, to dynamically determine and distribute spectrum resources across network slices, optimizing available spectrum resources in real-time based on specific requirements, thereby enhancing network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support different use cases, then network adaptability and service differentiation are improved, but spectrum resource allocation complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments spectrum resources into multiple network slices, each dedicated to specific use cases with tailored resource allocations. The spectrum manager divides available spectrum into isolated virtual networks, allowing independent optimization for different services (e.g., eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) without manual reconfiguration, thus managing complexity through automated segmentation rather than manual resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
A spectrum manager acts as an intermediary between the radio access network and network slices, automatically negotiating and allocating spectrum resources based on slice requirements. This intermediary component simplifies management by centralizing resource allocation decisions and providing automated negotiation mechanisms, reducing the complexity burden on individual network elements.
2Productivity
If static spectrum allocation is used, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but real-time optimization capability and network performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic spectrum allocation where the spectrum manager continuously monitors network conditions and automatically adjusts spectrum distribution across slices in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to changing traffic patterns and service requirements, improving productivity through real-time optimization while the automated negotiation mechanisms manage the complexity of dynamic adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrum manager incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor network performance metrics and slice resource utilization, using this information to continuously optimize spectrum allocation. The system receives feedback from network conditions and automatically adjusts allocations, achieving real-time optimization while the automated feedback loops manage the complexity of continuous adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual spectrum resource management is employed, then system complexity is reduced, but real-time optimization and automated negotiation capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum manager implements self-service mechanisms where network slices automatically negotiate for their required spectrum resources without manual intervention. Each slice can autonomously request and receive spectrum allocations based on its current needs, enabling real-time optimization through automated self-service negotiations rather than manual management, while the standardized negotiation protocols manage the resulting system complexity.
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AI summary
There is provided systems and methods for Network Function Virtualization (NFV) in a control plane. The NFV framework is be used to define a plurality of virtual network functions (VNFs), each of which can correspond to a function enabling operation of a communication network. There is provided a method and system for managing a plurality of network slices in a communication network, the method comprising: instantiating a Global Control Plane set apart from the plurality of network slices, the Global Control Plane configured to at least partially manage each of the plurality of network slices.