Terminal SFC Acquisition via Controller State Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently determining the optimal service function chain (SFC) for virtualized network functions, which affects network performance and resource utilization, as they do not adequately consider the terminal's state and configuration information.
Innovation Solution
A method and terminal configuration that involve transferring terminal state and configuration information to a controller to determine SFC information, including logical path information for virtualized network functions, and receiving sub-chain information to optimize the service function chain by considering the terminal's environment and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If service function chain determination is performed without considering terminal state and configuration information, then the network configuration and operation is simplified, but network performance and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal performs preliminary actions by collecting and reporting its state information (such as buffer status, processing capability) and configuration information (such as supported protocols, antenna configuration) to the network controller before the service function chain determination is made. This allows the network to make informed decisions about SFC allocation without requiring complex real-time analysis during service deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal continuously reports its state and configuration information to the network controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically determine and adjust the service function chain allocation, ensuring optimal resource utilization while maintaining manageable network complexity through automated decision-making.
2Productivity
If service function chain is determined dynamically based on terminal information, then resource utilization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that receives terminal state and configuration information, processes this data according to predefined policies and algorithms, and determines the appropriate service function chain. This intermediary approach automates the complex decision-making process, improving resource utilization while preventing uncontrolled system complexity by centralizing the intelligence in the controller rather than distributing it across multiple network elements.
3Measurement precision
If terminal state and configuration information is collected and processed, then service function chain determination accuracy improves, but information processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal collects and prepares its state and configuration information in advance, maintaining this information ready for reporting. When the network controller requests this information, it is already organized and available, reducing the actual processing time while ensuring accurate SFC determination based on complete terminal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the balance between accuracy and processing time by selectively collecting only the most relevant terminal parameters for SFC determination. Rather than processing all possible terminal information, the system identifies and processes key parameters (such as buffer status, service type requirements, terminal capability) that have the greatest impact on SFC allocation accuracy, thereby reducing unnecessary processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present specification is a method by which a terminal acquires service function chain (SFC) information. The method comprises the steps of: transferring, to a controller, the terminal state information and/or the terminal configuration information; and receiving the SFC information, determined by the controller, by considering the terminal state information and/or the terminal configuration information, wherein the SFC information includes logical path information of a virtualized network function (VNF). The method can also include a step for receiving sub-chain information, determined by the controller, on the basis of the SFC information, or determining the sub-chain information on the basis of the SFC information.