UE Power Analytics for Dynamic Service Function Chaining Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and optimizing Service Function Chaining (SFC) paths based on user equipment (UE) power levels, particularly in advanced networks like 5G and beyond, which are expected to handle diverse traffic models and service types.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve a Network Function (NF) receiving an N4 rule from a Session Management Function (SMF) to determine and adjust SFC paths based on UE power consumption, enabling dynamic adaptation of network services to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If SFC path is optimized based on UE power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) performs preliminary analysis of UE power consumption patterns and predicts future power states before the UE actually experiences power issues. This allows the network to proactively adjust SFC paths to prevent power consumption problems rather than reacting after they occur, improving energy efficiency while maintaining manageable network complexity through advance planning
Solution Approach 2:
The NWDAF acts as an intermediary between the UE power management system and the SFC path determination system. It collects power consumption data, analyzes patterns, and provides recommendations to the Session Management Function (SMF) for SFC path adjustments. This intermediary role simplifies the overall network architecture by centralizing the complex analytics function rather than distributing complexity across multiple network elements
2Reliability
If SFC path is dynamically adjusted, then service quality is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SFC path is made dynamic and adjustable based on real-time UE power consumption conditions. The system can switch between different pre-configured SFC paths or create new paths as needed, allowing service quality to adapt to changing power conditions. The dynamics are managed through standardized 3GPP protocols and defined information elements, which constrain the complexity growth while enabling flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes specific parameters in the N4 rules and SFC path configuration based on power consumption analytics. Rather than redesigning the entire control system, it adjusts specific parameters such as path selection criteria, QoS parameters, and resource allocation settings. This targeted parameter adjustment approach improves service quality while minimizing the increase in control complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for utilizing analytics on power consumption information. A Network Function (NF) supporting a Service Function Chaining (SFC) receives an N4 rule generated by a Session Management Function (SMF) from the SMF. The N4 rule includes information related to change of an SFC path based on power consumption of a UE. The NF supporting the SFC determines an SFC path based on the information related to the change of the SFC path, and communicates with the UE based on the determined SFC path.