UPF and Edge Computing VNF Deployment Across 5G Network Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in deploying User Plane Function (UPF) and edge computing virtualized network functions (VNFs) to meet ultra-low latency and high data capacity requirements for services like autonomous driving, as current management systems struggle with instantiating and connecting these functions efficiently across network slices.
Innovation Solution
A network management system is implemented to transmit requests for instantiating edge computing VNFs, including UPF support, with specific QoS parameters, and manage virtual links between VNF instances, allowing for deployment in a single or separate network service instances, and collecting performance measurements to ensure end-to-end QoS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current management systems are used to instantiate and connect UPF and edge computing VNFs, then basic network functionality is maintained, but deployment efficiency and latency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an edge computing management system as an intermediary between the network management system and the UPF/edge computing VNFs. This intermediary specializes in coordinating instantiation requests, managing network slice configurations, and optimizing connection establishment, thereby improving deployment efficiency while meeting latency requirements through targeted optimizations rather than general-purpose management
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network slice templates and UPF profiles before actual deployment. When instantiation is needed, the edge computing management system can rapidly deploy by instantiating pre-prepared configurations rather than creating everything from scratch, significantly reducing deployment time and latency
2Adaptability or versatility
If UPF and edge computing VNFs are deployed in separate network service instances, then flexibility and isolation are improved, but management complexity and connection overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The edge computing management system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse deployment scenarios. It can manage both single-instance and multi-instance deployments, coordinate across different network slices, and handle various VNF types through a unified interface. This universal capability provides deployment flexibility while the system abstracts away the underlying complexity, preventing management complexity from increasing proportionally
3Reliability
If network slice configurations are optimized for ultra-low latency, then service performance for autonomous driving is improved, but system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes network slice configurations by adjusting key parameters such as bandwidth allocation, priority levels, and routing policies specifically for latency-sensitive services like autonomous driving. By focusing optimization on critical parameters rather than all possible configuration options, the system achieves high service performance while managing configuration complexity through targeted parameter tuning
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of this disclosure include systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media for use in a wireless network for deploying User Plane Function (UPF) and edge computing virtualized network functions (VNF). For example, some embodiments are directed to a network management system. The network management system includes processor circuitry. The processor circuitry can be configured to transmit a request to an edge computing management system to instantiate an edge computing virtualized network function (VNF). The request can include an identifier of a Network Service (NS) where a User Plane Function (UPF) VNF supporting the edge computing VNF is located. The processor circuitry can be further configured to receive, from the edge computing management system, a response indicating that the edge computing VNF is instantiated.