vRAN Slice Manager for Dynamic Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing subscriber persistency and resource allocation across multiple virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) slices in communication systems is challenging due to the complexity of network architectures and the need for efficient resource management in virtualized environments.
Innovation Solution
The system configures slice identities for vRAN slices, allocates radio resources, and maps subscriber profiles to specific slices using a slice manager, which communicates resource allotments and updates token buckets based on utilization feedback to ensure efficient radio resource allocation and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vRAN slices are instantiated for one or more access networks, then service diversity and customization are improved, but resource management complexity and subscriber persistency maintenance become worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slice manager as an intermediary component that coordinates resource allocation across multiple vRAN slices. The slice manager receives resource requests from individual slices, consolidates them, and manages the underlying physical resources, thereby reducing the management complexity for each individual slice while maintaining service diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The slice manager serves multiple functions: it acts as a resource allocator for different slices, maintains subscriber persistency across slices, and provides a unified interface for resource management. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple management tasks into a single universal manager
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vRAN slices are instantiated for one or more access networks, then service customization is improved, but subscriber persistency maintenance becomes worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple independent vRAN slices, each capable of providing customized services. By dividing the network functionality into separate slices while maintaining a unified slice manager, the system achieves both service customization and reliable subscriber persistency through organized resource management
Solution Approach 2:
The slice manager acts as an intermediary that maintains subscriber persistency by tracking and coordinating resource allocations across different slices. It ensures that subscriber information and resource allocations are consistently maintained regardless of which slice the subscriber is currently using
3Productivity
If radio resources are allocated to each vRAN slice, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but resource utilization flexibility becomes worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the slice manager can adjust resource allocations to different vRAN slices based on current network conditions and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain efficient resource allocation while adapting to changing utilization needs, resolving the contradiction between allocation efficiency and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and may include configuring a slice identity for each of a plurality of virtual radio access network (vRAN) slices, wherein each vRAN slice comprises functionality to perform, at least in part, one or more radio protocol operations on subscriber traffic; configuring an allotment of radio resources that can be utilized by each vRAN slice of the plurality of vRAN slices; receiving, by a slice manager, a subscriber profile identity (SPID) for a subscriber; and mapping the SPID for the subscriber to a particular vRAN slice of the plurality of vRAN slices. The method can further include communicating the mapping for the subscriber to the particular vRAN slice to which the SPID is mapped. The method can further include communicating the allotment of radio resources that can be utilized by the particular vRAN slice to the particular vRAN slice.