Virtual Network Slicing for Infrastructure Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless access network architectures lack efficient methods for managing and controlling virtual network architectures, particularly in scenarios where multiple entities need to access and share infrastructure resources transparently, leading to challenges in resource allocation and interoperability among service providers.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method for negotiating control and accessing third-party infrastructure using virtualization, where Infrastructure Providers (InPs) allocate resources to Telecommunications Connectivity Service Providers (TCSPs) and Virtual Network Operators (VNOs), allowing for transparent use of virtualized infrastructure and enabling different levels of control and resource allocation, including hard and soft slicing, to support multiple service providers with reduced startup costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MVNOs purchase resources in bulk from MNOs, then resource allocation is simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to inability to dynamically adjust allocations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through virtual network slicing, where network resources are divided into multiple virtual networks that can be dynamically adjusted based on demand. The network manager continuously monitors resource usage and reallocates resources among different VNOs, transforming the static bulk purchase model into a dynamic allocation system that improves both ease of operation and resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the physical network infrastructure into multiple virtual network slices, each allocated to different VNOs. This segmentation allows independent management and allocation of resources to different virtual networks while sharing the underlying physical infrastructure, enabling fine-grained resource control and improving overall resource utilization without complicating the allocation process.
2Reliability
If each service provider builds extensive infrastructure, then control and performance monitoring are improved, but device complexity and startup costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal physical network infrastructure that can serve multiple VNOs simultaneously through virtualization. The shared infrastructure includes common transport networks, base stations, and core network elements that provide services to multiple virtual networks, reducing the need for each VNO to build separate infrastructure while maintaining control and monitoring capabilities through the network manager.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network manager as an intermediary between the physical infrastructure and multiple VNOs. This intermediary component handles resource allocation, control, and performance monitoring for all VNOs, allowing service providers to maintain control and monitoring without directly managing the complex physical infrastructure. The network manager abstracts the complexity while preserving monitoring capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MNOs are used for broader coverage, then service coverage is improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical network infrastructures into a unified virtualized network where multiple VNOs can access resources from multiple MNOs through a single management interface. The network manager consolidates the management of multiple network providers into one system, allowing VNOs to achieve broader coverage by aggregating resources from multiple MNOs without dealing with the complexity of managing each provider separately.
Data Source
AI summary
A telecom connectivity service provider (TCSP) and a method for allocating an infrastructure resource to a virtual network operator (VNO). A TCSP control element sends to a downstream control element, a request for a portion of the infrastructure to be allocated to the TCSP by an infrastructure provider (InP) and receives a response from the downstream control element providing access to and control of the allocated infrastructure. The TCSP control element can pool the allocated infrastructure with other resources allocated to the TCSP and/or communicate with an upstream control element for providing access to and control of the allocated infrastructure to the VNO. The downstream control element is a local InP control element or a downstream TCSP control element. The upstream control element is a VNO control element or an upstream TCSP control element.