DE102016110430A1 - Communication network with subnets and adjustable network function based on geographical position of a mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication network (300) comprising: a position monitor (340) configured to monitor a geographic location (341) of at least one mobile communication terminal (330); and a plurality of subnetworks (301, 302, 303), wherein at least one subnetwork (301) extends over a geographic area and comprises: a first communication entity (311) located at a first geographic location within the geographic area of the subnetwork (301); 301) and configured to perform a first network function of the subnetwork (301), the first network function determining an allocation of communication resources (312, 313, 314) of the subnetwork (301) to the first communication entity (311); and a subnetwork manager (350) for controlling (351) the first communication entity (311), the subnetwork manager (350) configured based on the geographic location (341) of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330) and the first geographic location of the first Communication entity (311) to set the first network function of the first communication entity (311).

Description

The present invention relates to a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks, in particular a 5G communication network having a plurality of slices, and a subnetwork manager for setting a network function of a first communication entity based on the geographical positions of the first communication entity and a mobile communication terminal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for setting the first network function.

The fifth generation of mobile technology (5G) addresses the needs and technical challenges of future communication networks from about 2020 and beyond. It addresses a fully mobile and connected society, characterized by tremendous traffic growth and multi-level interconnectedness.

In 5G, new radio interfaces are needed to meet higher-frequency usage requirements, such as new applications such as Internet of Things (IoT), special skills such as: B. lesser term, which go beyond what 4G communication networks are able to afford. 5G is considered to be an end-to-end system that includes all network aspects with a design that allows a high degree of convergence. 5G will take full advantage of today's access mechanisms and their potential advancements, including today's fixed access technologies of many other access technologies yet to be developed.

5G will operate in a highly heterogeneous environment, i. H. with several types of access technologies, multi-layered networks, multiple types of communication devices and user interactions, etc. A variety of applications with diametrical requirements should be optimally supported, eg. B. fail-safe, robust communication, communication with low data rates or broadband communication in densely populated areas. In such an environment, there is a fundamental desire for 5G to deliver a seamless and consistent user experience over time and space. For the operator of a 5G communication network, there is a need to adapt the resources used optimally and dynamically to the respective requirements in order to be able to support the multitude of applications at the same time.

Therefore, in Fig. 5G, there is a need to increase the performance of the communication, in particular to provide higher data throughput, lower delay, high reliability, far greater connectivity and mobility, but also flexibility in operation Increase and provide customized functions with the least possible use of resources. This increased performance is expected along with the ability to manage highly heterogeneous environments and the ability to secure users' trust, identity and privacy.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a concept to increase the flexibility and efficiency of the communication, in particular in Fig. 5G with respect to the above-mentioned requirements.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous forms of further education are the subject of the dependent claims.

A basic idea of the invention is to ensure that required functions are provided at the required geographical location at the required time within the slice. This allows a stable and predictable latency (eg for tactile or distributed applications). For this, functions and functional resources are reliably provided locally or migrated to the place of demand.

The methods and systems presented below may be of various types. The individual elements described may be realized by hardware or software components, for example electronic components that can be manufactured by various technologies and include, for example, semiconductor chips, ASICs, microprocessors, digital signal processors, integrated electrical circuits, electro-optical circuits and / or passive components.

The devices, systems and methods presented below are capable of transmitting information over a communication network. The term communication network or communication network designates the technical infrastructure on which the transmission of signals takes place. The communication network essentially comprises the switching network, in which the transmission and switching of the signals take place between the stationary devices and platforms of the mobile radio network or fixed network, and the access network, in which the transmission of the signals takes place between a network access device and the communication terminal. The communication network can be both components a mobile network as well as components of a fixed network. In the mobile network, the access network is also referred to as an air interface and includes, for example, a base station (NodeB, eNodeB, radio cell) with mobile antenna to establish communication with a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or smartphone or a mobile device with mobile adapter. In the fixed network, the access network includes, for example, a DSLAM (digital subscriber line access multiplexer) to connect the communication terminals of multiple participants wired or wired. About the switching network, the communication in other networks, such as other network operators, z. For example, foreign networks can be further investigated.

The devices, systems and methods presented below are intended to increase the communication in communication networks, in particular in communication networks according to the 5G system architecture presented below. 1 shows a schematic representation of such a 5G system architecture 100 , The 5G system architecture 100 includes an area with 5G communication terminals 101 that have different access technologies 102 are associated with a multi-layered communication structure, which is an infrastructure & resource layer 105 , an activation layer 104 and an application layer 103 includes, through a management & instrumentation level 106 to get managed.

The infrastructure & resource layer 105 comprises the physical resources of a converged network structure consisting of fixed-mobile convergence networks with access nodes, cloud nodes (consisting of processing and storage nodes), 5G devices such as: Mobile phones, portable devices, CPEs, machine communication modules and others, network nodes and associated links. 5G devices can include a variety of configurable capabilities, such as acting as a relay or hub, or working as a computer / storage resource, depending on the context. These resources become the higher layers 104 . 103 and the management & instrumentation level 106 provided via corresponding APIs (application program interfaces). Monitoring performance and configurations are an inherent part of such APIs.

The activation layer 104 includes a library of functions needed within a converged network in the form of building blocks of a modular architecture. These include functions implemented by software modules that can be retrieved from a repository of the desired location and a set of configuration parameters for particular portions of the network, e.g. B. the radio access. These features and capabilities can be requested by the management & instrumentation level 106 be called by using the appropriate APIs. For certain functions, multiple variants may exist, eg. For example, various implementations of the same functionality have different performance or characteristics. The various levels of performance and capabilities offered can be used to further distinguish network functionality from what is possible in today's networks, e.g. As a mobility function to offer a nomadic mobility, a vehicle mobility or aviation mobility depending on the specific needs.

The application layer 103 includes specific applications and services of the network operator, enterprise, vertical operator, or third parties using the 5G network. The interface to the management & instrumentation level 106 allows, for example, certain, ie dedicated, network slices to be built for an application, or to allocate an application to an existing network slice.

The management & instrumentation level 106 is the contact point for converting the required use cases (use cases, also business models) into actual network functions and slices. It defines the network slices for a given application scenario, concatenates the relevant modular network functions, maps the relevant performance configurations, and maps everything to the infrastructure & resource layer resources 105 from. The management & instrumentation level 106 also manages the scaling of the capacity of these functions as well as their geographical distribution. In certain applications, it may also have capabilities that allow third parties to create and manage their own network slices by using the APIs. Due to the numerous tasks of the management & instrumentation level 106 it is not a monolithic block of functionality but rather a collection of modular functions that integrate advances made in different network domains, such as network function virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) "= Software-defined networking) or SON (" self-organizing networks "self-organizing networks). The management & instrumentation level 106 uses data-driven intelligence to optimize all aspects of service placement and delivery.

The devices, systems, and methods presented herein are intended to improve the performance of communications in communication networks, particularly in 5G communication networks with multiple network slices, as described below. 2 shows a schematic representation of a 5G communication network 200 with multiple network slices. The 5G communication network 200 includes an infrastructure & resource layer 105 , an activation layer 104 and an application layer 103 ,

The infrastructure & resource layer 105 includes all physical assets that are assigned to a network operator, ie locations, cables, network nodes, etc. This layer 105 forms the basis for all network slices. It is as generic as possible without too many specialized physical units. The infrastructure & resource layer 105 obscures any kind of custom implementation over the upper layers, so that the remaining systems can best be used for different slices. Components of the infrastructure & resource layer 105 are based on hardware and software or firmware required for the respective operation and as an infrastructure & resource layer 105 the layers above are provided as resource objects. For example, objects include the infrastructure & resource layer 105 virtual machines, virtual links or connections, and virtual networks, such as B. virtual access nodes 231 . 232 . 233 , virtual network nodes 234 . 235 . 236 . 237 and virtual computer nodes 238 . 239 . 240 , As the term "virtual" already implies, this constitutes the infrastructure & resource layer 105 the objects in the form of an "infrastructure as a service" 251 that is, in an abstracting, virtualized form of the next higher layer 104 to disposal.

The activation layer 104 is above the infrastructure & resource layer 105 arranged. It uses the objects of the infrastructure & resource layer 105 and adds additional functionality to them in the form of (eg, non-physical) software objects / VNFs to enable generation of any type of network slices and thus a platform as a service of the next higher layer 103 provide.

Software objects can exist in any granularity, and can include a tiny or a very large fragment of a network slice. In order to allow the generation of network slices at an appropriate level of abstraction may be in the activation layer 104 different abstracted objects 221 with other abstracted objects and virtual network features 222 combined to combined objects 223 to form into aggregated objects 224 can be transferred and in an object library 225 the next higher level. This can hide the complexity behind the network slices. For example, a user may create a mobile broadband slice, defining only KPI (Key Performance Indicator) without having to specify specific features such as individual local antenna coverage, backhaul connections, and specific parameterization levels. Supporting an open environment and allowing it to add or delete network functions on demand is an important capability of the activation layer 104 in that it supports the dynamic rearrangement of functions and connectivities in a network slice, e.g. By using SFC (Service Function Chaining) or modifying software so that the functionality of a slice can be completely pre-defined and can include both approximately static software modules and dynamically addable software modules.

A network slice can be viewed as a software-defined entity based on a set of objects that define a complete network. The activation layer 104 plays a key role in the success of this concept as it can include all the software objects necessary to provide the network slices and the appropriate skills to handle the objects. The activation layer 104 can be considered as a type of network operating system complemented by a network creation environment. An essential task of the activation layer 104 is defining the appropriate abstraction levels. Thus, network operators have sufficient freedom to design their network slices while the platform operator can still maintain and optimize the physical nodes. For example, the execution of everyday tasks such as adding or replacing NodeBs etc. is supported without the intervention of network customers. The definition of suitable objects which model a complete telecommunication network is one of the essential tasks of the activation layer 104 while developing the network slices environment.

A network slice, also referred to as a 5G slice, supports the communication services of a particular type of connection with a particular type of handling of the C (Control) and U (User Data) layer. A 5G slice is composed of a collection of different 5G network features and specific Radio Access Technology (RAT) Settings that are combined together for the benefit of the specific use case or use case. Therefore, a 5G slice can span all domains of the network, e.g. For example, software modules running on cloud nodes have specific configurations of the transport network that support flexible location of the functions, a particular radio configuration, or even a particular access technology as well as a configuration of the 5G devices. Not all slices contain the same features, some features that seem essential today for a mobile network can not even exist in some slices. The intention of the 5G Slice is to provide only those functions that are necessary for the specific use case and to avoid all other unnecessary functionalities. The flexibility behind the slice concept is the key to both expanding existing use cases and creating new use cases. Third party devices may be granted permission to control certain aspects of slicing through appropriate APIs to provide tailored services.

The application layer 103 includes all generated network slices 210b . 211b . 212b and offers this as a "network as a service" to different network users, eg. B. different customers. The concept allows the reuse of defined network slices 210b . 211b . 212b for different users, eg For example, customers, for example as a new network slice instance 210a . 211 . 212a , Ie. a network slice 210b . 211b . 212b For example, which is associated with an automotive application, for example, can also be used for applications of various other industrial applications. The slices instances 210a . 211 . 212a For example, the ones created by a first user may be independent of the slice instances created by a second user, even though the overall network slice functionality may be the same.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a communication network comprising: a position monitor configured to monitor a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal; and a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographic area and comprises: a first communication entity located at a first geographic location within the geographic area of the subnetwork and configured to perform a first network function of the subnetwork; the first network function determining an allocation of communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity; and a subnetwork manager for controlling the first communication entity, the subnetwork manager configured to set the first network function of the first communication entity based on the geographic location of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographic location of the first communication entity.

Due to the subnetwork design of the communication network, the performance of the communication can be increased. In particular, a higher data throughput, a lower delay, a particularly high reliability, a much higher connection density and a larger mobility range can thus be achieved.

By controlling the first communication entity depending on a geographical position of the first communication entity and a geographical position of the mobile communication terminal, it can be ensured that the mobile communication terminal always has the respective communication resources required at the corresponding geographical location. This increases the flexibility of the communication and communication resources can be spared by not needing to be kept unnecessarily, but can be used purposefully.

With these geographically modifiable network functions, the most diverse network entities, such. As fixed and mobile network components with access nodes, cloud nodes, processing nodes, storage nodes, 5G devices such. As mobile phones, portable devices, CPEs, machine communication modules and other network nodes and associated links depending on the geographical position of the mobile terminal can be targeted or operated. The network features can give 5G devices a variety of configurable capabilities and, for example, let them work as a computer / storage resource, depending on the context. The network functions may provide appropriate API (application program interface) to provide these resources. This makes it possible to realize a very flexible, in particular geographically flexible network design.

By geographically networking each other's network functions, the subnetwork manager can increase the complexity and performance of the entire communications network, while at the same time keeping the complexity behind the network slices. For example, a user can only generate a mobile broadband slice via a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) without specific features such as individual local antenna coverage, backhaul connections and specific parameterization levels to specify. Through networking, the subnet manager can support a geographically open environment and allow you to add or delete network functions on demand, depending on the user's preference and geographic location. This increases the functionality of the entire communication network.

In one embodiment, the communication network is a fifth generation (5G) or another generation network, and the subnetwork is a slice of the communication network.

Thus all advantages of the 5G network structure can be realized, such as higher radio frequencies with higher data throughput, new applications, such as Internet of Things, special skills such. B. lower running time, which go beyond what 4G communication networks are able to afford. The communications network can provide an end-to-end system that includes all network aspects with a high degree of convergence. Furthermore, the existing access mechanisms and their possible further developments can be fully utilized.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function based on a resource requirement profile of the at least one mobile communication terminal and an availability of communication resources of the first communication entity.

Thus, the advantage can be achieved that the communication resources of the communication network can be used targeted and demand-oriented depending on the requirement profile of the user at the respective geographical location. This means efficient use of resources.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to receive an identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal, and to set the first network function of the first communication entity based on the identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal.

Thus, the advantage can be achieved that the communication resources can be provided depending on the identification of the communication terminal. The identification can indicate, for example, which services the respective UE is allowed to use and thus allocate the UE the necessary resources according to its geographical position.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork comprises a second communication entity located at a second geographic location within the geographic area of the subnetwork and configured to execute a second network function of the subnetwork, the second network function allocating communications resources of the subnetwork to the subnetwork second communication entity.

Thus, the advantage can be achieved that first and second communication entity can perform different network functions, so that a geographically dependent assignment of resources of the network to the UE can be performed. For example, at a location of the UE in the network center with good radio coverage, less resource allocation may be made to the UE than at a location of the UE at the network edge where the radio coverage is worse. At the network edge, for example, the UE can be assigned a higher processor power in order to achieve a better channel estimation or detection of interference.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured, based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the second geographical position of the second communication entity, to set the second network function of the second communication entity.

By controlling the second communication entity depending on a geographical position of the second communication entity and a geographical position of the mobile communication terminal, it can be ensured that the mobile communication terminal always has the respective communication resources required at the corresponding geographical location. Furthermore, switching from the first network function to the second network function can be realized if the second communication entity is closer to the UE than the first communication entity. This increases the flexibility of the communication and communication resources of the first communication entity can be released again if the UE moves away from the geographical area of influence of the first communication entity and enters the geographical area of influence of the second communication entity.

In an embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured, based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal, the first geographical position of first communication entity and the second geographical position of the second communication entity to determine the nearest communication entity to the mobile communication terminal, wherein the nearest communication entity is the first or the second communication entity.

In this way, the advantage can be achieved that the resource allocation is always the responsibility of the communication entity closest to the UE, so that an allocation of resources over long distances within the geographical area of the subnet can be avoided. This makes it possible to build or rebuild the communication in an efficient and resource-saving way.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to associate the subnetwork's communication resources with the nearest communication entity according to the network function of the nearest communication entity.

This has the advantage that it is possible to avoid long ways to provide resources. The network function of the nearest communication entity allows a fast to reliable provision of various communication resources, such. As fixed and mobile network components with access nodes, cloud nodes, processing nodes, storage nodes, 5G devices such. Mobile phones, portable devices, CPEs, machine communication modules and other network nodes and associated links depending on the geographic location of the mobile terminal. This makes it possible to realize a very flexible, in particular geographically flexible network design.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to release communication resources, assigned to the mobile communication terminal, of the non-nearest communication entity from the two communication entities.

By sharing communication resources of the non-nearest communication entity, very efficient use and management of network resources is enabled. The communication resources of the non-nearest communication entity can thus already be made available again to another UE, which reaches the geographical area of the non-nearest communication entity.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is adapted to control the network function of the non-nearest communication entity and the network function of the nearest communication entity to dynamically switch communication resources of the subnetwork from the non-nearest communication entity to the nearest communication entity.

Thus, the advantage of dynamic resource provisioning can be achieved so that the communication resources are sufficient for a far greater number of mobile communication terminals than would be the case with static resource provisioning. The overload behavior of the communication network is thus less critical.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to assign a first instance of the first network function to the non-nearest communication entity and to assign a second instance of the first network function to the nearest communication entity.

The instantiation of the first network function realizes the advantage that the same communication resources are provided by the first network function as well as by the first or each further instance of the first network function. This simplifies the provision of communication resources in the communication network, which is particularly advantageous in the communication setup of many mobile communication terminals.

In one embodiment of the communication network, the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function for allocating idle communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity or for mapping idle communication resources of another subnetwork to the first communication entity.

This provides the advantage of continuing to use idle communication resources of the subnetwork, increasing the efficiency of the communication network and reducing costs.

In one embodiment, the communication network comprises a central communication resource, and the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function of the first communication entity to associate the central communication resource with the first communication entity.

This provides the advantage that the central communication resource of many mobile communication terminals can be used, so that the cost of providing communication resources can be reduced because the Central communication resource rarely idles.

In one embodiment, the communication network comprises a central pool of communication resources, and the subnetwork manager is configured to set the first network function of the first communication entity to associate communication resources of the central pool of communication resources with the first communication entity.

Thus, the advantage can be realized that the communication resources from the central pool can be used for each communication task, so that the pool allows efficient management of the communication resources.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographic area and comprises a first communication entity located at a first geographic location within the geographic area of the subnetwork wherein the method comprises the steps of: monitoring a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal; Setting a first network function to associate communication resources of the subnetwork with the first communication entity based on the geographic location of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographic location of the first communication entity; and executing the first network function of the subnetwork by the first communication entity.

Due to the subnetwork design of the communication network, the method can increase the performance of the communication. In particular, with the method, a higher data throughput, a lower delay, a particularly high reliability, a much higher connection density and a larger mobility range of the communication can be achieved.

By setting the first network function of the first communication entity depending on a geographical position of the first communication entity and a geographical position of the mobile communication terminal, it can be ensured that the mobile communication terminal always has the respective communication resources required at the corresponding geographical location. This increases the flexibility of the communication and communication resources can be spared by not needing to be kept unnecessarily, but can be used purposefully.

Further embodiments will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a 5G system architecture 100 ;

2 a schematic representation of a 5G communication network with multiple slices (network slices) 200 ;

3 a schematic representation of a communication network 300 according to an exemplary embodiment with multiple subnetworks 301 . 302 . 303 , a position monitor 340 and a subnetwork manager 350 ;

4 a schematic representation of a communication network 400 according to an exemplary embodiment with a subnetwork 301 with centralized and decentralized network functions, a position monitor 340 and a subnetwork manager 350 , which is an example of a realization of the communication network 300 according to 3 represents;

5 a schematic representation of a communication network 500 according to an example embodiment, wherein the network functions are instantiated at the user location according to geographic demand history;

6 a schematic representation of a communication network 600 according to an example embodiment, accessing empty-running instances of network functions;

7 a schematic representation of a communication network 700 according to an example embodiment, where existing network functions are migrated from central location to the respective mobile site;

8th a schematic representation of a communication network 800 according to an example embodiment, wherein existing network functions are transferred from a central resource pool to the respective mobile site;

9 a schematic representation of the dynamic implementation of a communication network 900 by means of a switch according to an exemplary embodiment; and

10 a schematic representation of a method 900 for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks according to an example embodiment.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the concept of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore not to be understood in a limiting sense. Further, it should be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined with each other unless specifically stated otherwise.

Aspects and embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more aspects or embodiments may be practiced with a lesser degree of specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and elements are shown in schematic form to facilitate describing one or more aspects or embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the concept of the present invention.

Furthermore, while a particular feature or aspect of an embodiment may have been disclosed in terms of only one of several implementations, such feature or aspect may be combined with one or more other features or aspects of the other implementations, as for a given or particular one Application may be desirable and advantageous. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "contain," "have," "with," or other variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to include such terms in a manner similar to the term "comprising." The terms "coupled" and "connected" may have been used along with derivatives thereof. It should be understood that such terms are used to indicate that two elements independently cooperate or interact with each other, whether they are in direct physical or electrical contact or are not in direct contact with each other. In addition, the term "exemplary" is to be considered as an example only, rather than the term for the best or optimal. The following description is therefore not to be understood in a limiting sense.

3 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 300 according to an exemplary embodiment with multiple subnetworks 301 . 302 . 303 , a position monitor 340 and a subnetwork manager 350 ,

The position monitor 340 monitors a geographical position 341 one or more mobile communication terminals, of which 3 an example of a mobile communication terminal 330 shows. For example, the position monitor 340 to localization services of the communication network 300 or the mobile communication terminals can use satellite positioning to determine their geographical positions and this data to the position monitor 340 transfer.

The subnetworks 301 . 302 . 303 extend over a respective geographical area, wherein the geographical areas of the individual subnetworks may overlap or adjoin one another or may even be arranged at a distance from each other.

The first subnetwork, hereinafter referred to as subnetwork for the sake of simplicity, comprises a first communication entity 311 located at a first geographical position within the geographical area of the subnetwork 301 is located, for example at a border, in a center or at another geographical position within the geographical area of the subnetwork 301 , The first communication entity 311 performs a first network function of the subnetwork 301 out. The first network function allocates communication resources of the subnetwork 301 to the first communication entity 311 fixed, for example, communication resources 312 . 313 . 314 like network nodes, processors, memory, etc., eg. B. Resources as above under 2 described.

The subnetwork manager 350 serves the control 351 the first communication entity 311 , The subnetwork manager 350 controls or sets based on the geographical position 341 one or more mobile communication terminals 330 and the first geographical position of the first communication entity 311 the first network function of the first communication entity 311 one.

The communication network 300 For example, a fifth generation network is 5G or another generation, e.g. A network 100 . 200 as above to the 1 and 2 detailed. The subnetwork 301 is, for example, a slice of such a communication network 100 . 200 . 300 ,

The subnetwork manager 350 For example, the first network function is based on a resource requirement profile of the mobile communication terminal 330 and availability of communication resources 312 . 313 . 314 the first communication entity 311 one.

The subnetwork manager 350 may be an identifier (eg, an IMSI, International Mobile Subscriber Identification) of the mobile communication terminal 330 received, for example via a RAN (Radio Network Access) transmission 332 , z. B. via an access network in which one or more base stations or radio cells access the mobile communication terminal 330 to the communication network 300 provide. By means of the identification, the subnetwork manager can 350 a communication connection of the mobile communication terminal 330 to the communication network 300 build up. The subnetwork manager 350 may be the first network function of the first communication entity 311 based on the identification of the mobile communication terminal or UEs 330 set and thus for a suitable resource provision for the mobile communication terminal 330 to care. About the identification of the UE 330 For example, services may be assigned that require specific resources. The assignment of identification to resources or of services to resources can be mapped by the first network function.

The subnetwork may comprise a plurality of communication entities with corresponding network functions, each of which may be located at different or even equal geographical locations within the geographical area occupied by the subnetwork. In 3 is an example of another communication entity of the subnetwork 301 a second communication entity 321 represented with a second network function located at a second geographical position within the geographical area of the subnetwork 301 is arranged. The second communication entity carries a second network function of the subnetwork 301 indicating an association of communication resources 322 . 323 . 324 of the subnetwork 301 to the second communication entity 321 sets. The communication resources 322 . 323 . 324 may be different to the communication resources 312 . 313 . 314 , which is the first communication entity 311 are assigned as in 3 shown. It can also be certain or even all of the communication resources of both the first 311 as well as the second 321 Be associated communication entity.

The subnetwork manager 350 can based on the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330 and the second geographical position of the second communication entity 321 the second network function of the second communication entity 321 to adjust.

The subnetwork manager 350 can based on the geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330 , the first geographical position of the first communication entity 311 and the second geographical position of the second communication entity 321 a mobile communication terminal 330 at the nearest communication entity 311 determine. The nearest communication entity will be the first 311 and the second 321 Communication entity determined. For example, the subnetwork manager 350 to a first distance between geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330 and first geographical position of the first communication entity 311 determine; a second distance between geographical position of the mobile communication terminal 330 and second geographical position of the second communication entity 321 determine; and the nearest communication entity as the first communication entity 311 determine if the first distance is less than the second distance; or as a second communication entity 321 determine if the second distance is less than the first distance.

The subnetwork manager 350 can then the nearest communication entity, for. B. according to 3 the first communication entity 311 communication resources 312 . 313 . 314 of the subnetwork 301 according to the network function of the nearest communication entity 311 assign. Furthermore, the subnetwork manager 350 the mobile communication terminal 330 associated communication resources of the non-nearest communication entity, for example the second communication entity 321 as shown in 3 , release. The subnetwork manager 350 may further the network function of the non-nearest communication entity 321 and the network function of the nearest communication entity 311 for dynamically switching communication resources of the subnetwork 301 from the non-nearest communication entity 321 to the nearest communication entity 311 to drive, for example as below to the 4 to 8th described in more detail.

The subnetwork manager 350 may be the non-nearest communication entity 321 assign a first instance of the first network function and the nearest communication entity 311 assign a second instance of the first network function, for example as below 4 to 8th described in more detail. The subnetwork manager 350 can be the first network function to allocate idle communication resources of the subnetwork 301 to the first communication entity 311 or for mapping idle communication resources of another subnetwork, e.g. B. one of the subnetworks 302 . 303 , to the first communication entity 311 set, for example, as below to the 4 to 8th described in more detail.

The communication network 300 may further comprise one or more central communication resources, such as central communication resources 441 as below too 4 described. The subnetwork manager 350 may be the first network function of the first communication entity 311 for the assignment of the central communication resource to the first communication entity 311 to adjust.

The communication network 300 may further comprise a central pool of communication resources, for example a central pool 860 of communication resources 861 as below 8th described. The subnetwork manager 350 may be the first network function of the first communication entity 311 for allocating communication resources of the central pool of communication resources to the first communication entity 311 to adjust.

4 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 400 according to an exemplary embodiment with a subnetwork 301 , also referred to as slice, or slice I 301 to identify that it is one of several slices, with communication entities with centralized network functions 441 . 451 and communication entities with remote network functions 401 . 411 . 421 . 431 , a position monitor 340 , also known as a "topology agent", ie a topology agent and a subnetwork manager 350 , also known as "slice management". The communication network 400 provides an example of a realization of the communication network 300 according to 3 The UE, ie the mobile communication terminal 330 moves on a movement profile 331a . 331b representing the geographic evolution of usage.

In the Slice I 301 are exemplary the four communication entities with decentralized network functions 401 . 411 . 421 . 431 and the two communication entities with centralized network functions 441 . 451 represented, which are networked with each other. In the presentation of the 4 is the UE 330 on his movement profile 331a even at a geographical position closest to the geographical position of the second decentralized communication entity 411 is, so the slice management 350 the network function B of the second decentralized communication entity 411 controls accordingly 351 , Communication resources of the slice I at the function location B for the UE 330 provide. In addition, the slice management 350 also central resources of the Slice I 301 , For example, via control of the network function I. z the first central communication entity 441 or even central resources of another subnetwork, for example the second subnetwork 302 via activation of the network function II of the second central communication entity 451 provide.

Is the UE moving? 330 on his movement profile 331a . 331b Further, it comes to a geographical position that is closer to the geographical position of the third decentralized communication entity 421 is located as that of the second decentralized communication entity 411 , The slice management 350 recognizes this change from the continuous evaluation of the location data 341 It's from the Topology Agent 340 then receives and changes accordingly the network functions B of the second decentralized communication entity 411 and C the third decentralized communication entity 421 , Communication resources are from the second decentralized communication entity 411 deducted and the third decentralized communication entity 421 via control of the respective network functions made available, for example, according to the above illustration 3 ,

The slice management 350 thus provides a suitable slice of resource optimization with the aim of ensuring that required functions are provided at the required geographic location at the required time within the slice. In particular, this enables a stable and predictable latency (eg for tactile or distributed applications). To this end, functions and functional resources are reliably provided locally or migrated to the location of the demand in a reliable manner, as described below.

The topology agent 340 for example, analyzes and controls the geographical Function resource distribution based on the functional resource requirement profile and the status at runtime. Basic tasks may include: ongoing monitoring of resource requirement and resource availability compliance (in terms of resource requirement and geographic coverage), ongoing optimization and adaptation to runtime requirements, and proactive resource management to increase utilization efficiency. The topology agent 340 For example, the location data can be used 341 from the location of the user terminal (s) 330 use and manage these, eg. As a slice mobility data profile.

The slice management 350 can, for example, in the context of NGMN architecture as in the 1 and 2 represented in resource control above the infrastructure layer 105 be located and take over the slice or resource control, including the installation and configuration of all functions in the slice. Based on the instructions of topology management or the topology agent 340 can be the dynamic assignment of functions to function locations, z. According to the user / application requirements.

The use of a resource pool enables the quick and easy (re) use and allocation of functional resources. The slice resource optimization allows you to adjust the geographical and functional coverage of the slice 301 to support applications with increased mobility and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, e.g. B. tactile applications with real-time requirements. It can thus be realized on demand and a dynamic up and down rules of functions at the place of need, so that it can be ensured that the right functional resource at the right location at the right time and thus a high efficiency of use can be achieved. As variants of the resource supply the following, in the 5 to 8th 1) instantiation of required functions at the user location, according to geographic demand history, according to 5 , 2) Instantiation of required functions at the user location by accessing empty default instances or empty running instances of the same function from other slices according to 6 , 3) Migration of existing function to the user location, by transfer from central location to the respective mobile location, according to 7 , 4) Migration of existing function to the user location, by transfer between a central functional resource pool and respective mobile site, according to 8th , A dynamic implementation can be done by means of switches, according to 9 ,

5 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 500 according to an example embodiment, wherein the network functions are instantiated at the user location according to a geographic demand history, such as invoking an instance 210a . 211 . 212a the network function as above too 2 shown.

The communication network 500 is an exemplary implementation of the above 4 described communication network 400 where required functions can be instantiated at the user location according to the geographic demand flow passing through the location line 331a . 331b of the UE 330 is shown.

In contrast to 4 in which the four communication entities with decentralized network functions 401 . 411 . 421 . 431 are still marked as empty, is in 5 the first communication entity with decentralized network functions 501 just finished, the second communication entity with decentralized network functions 511 currently active, the third communication entity with decentralized network functions 521 just starting and the fourth communication entity with decentralized network functions 531 currently in readiness. This corresponds to the geographical course of the usage requirement 331a . 331b which is about the topology agent 340 the slice management 350 is provided so that the slice management 350 the corresponding network functions 501 . 511 . 521 . 531 can adapt to the movement profile accordingly. The UE 330 has moved from first to second communication entity where it is currently staying and continues to move to the third and fourth communication entity where it is expected. This is for the current state, which is in 5 Outlined is the first network function 501 already finished, the second 511 is currently active, the third 521 is just starting while the fourth 531 is still in readiness.

6 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 600 according to an example embodiment, accessing idle-running instances of network functions.

The communication network 600 is an exemplary implementation of the above 5 described communication network 500 where required functions at the user location can be instantiated by accessing idle default instances or idle instances of the same function from other slices, for example, according to invoking an instance 210a . 211 . 212a the network function as above too 2 shown.

By way of example, the second and third communication entities with their corresponding network functions I.b and I.c can be called by calling network entities. b 611 and * I. c 621 be initialized. The character * (star) means the call of an instance of the respective network function. For example, the network function I. b can be called by calling an idle standard instance * I. b of the Slice I 301 be initialized. Or it can the network function I. c by calling an idle instance * I. c the same function from another slice, for example the Slice II 302 be initialized.

7 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 700 According to an example embodiment, existing network functions are migrated from central location to the respective mobile site.

The communication network 700 is an exemplary implementation of the above 4 described communication network 400 , where existing functions are migrated by transfer from central location to the respective mobile location of the user location.

For example, the network function of the second decentralized communication entity 711 (Function I mobile) to access communication resources via the third decentralized communication entity 721 from the second central communication entity 741 to the mobile location, ie to the second decentralized communication entity 711 be migrated. Alternatively, communication resources may also be from the first and fourth decentralized communication entities 401 . 431 to the second decentralized communication entity 711 be migrated.

8th shows a schematic representation of a communication network 800 according to an example embodiment, wherein existing network functions are transferred from a central resource pool to the respective mobile site.

The communication network 800 is an exemplary implementation of the above 7 described communication network 700 where existing network functions are from a central resource pool 860 be transferred to the respective mobile location.

For example, the network function of the second decentralized communication entity 711 (Function I mobile) to access communication resources via the third decentralized communication entity 721 from the resource pool 860 to the second decentralized communication entity 711 be migrated. The control 852 of the resource pool 860 can from the slice management 750 which are the transfer 862 can initiate. In the resource pool 860 are various network functions 861 to disposal.

9 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary dynamic implementation of a communication network 900 by means of a switch according to an exemplary embodiment.

The communication network 900 is an exemplary implementation of the above 3 described communication network 300 where the slice management 350 both the individual network functions 911 (Function I '), 912 (Function I ''), 913 (Function I '''), 921 (Function I), 922 (Function II), 923 (Function III) as well as the switches 910 . 920 for the interconnection of the network functions. In the example of 9 is the UE 330 via a first switch 910 to the network functions 911 (Function I '), 912 (Function I ''), 913 (Function I ''') connected, which in turn via a second switch 920 to the network functions 921 (Function I), 922 (Function II), 923 (Function III) are switched. The network functions 911 (Function I '), 912 (Function I ''), 913 (Function I ''') can be bypassed 930 be bridged. This allows the UE 330 via control of the slice management 340 the required communication resources are provided, which the UE 330 needed at the respective geographical location.

The function I 921 should be close to the UE 330 be located. This can be realized by mobile functions as described above. The dynamic switching can be done by means of two switches. The switch I 910 switches the UE 330 to the respective function according to the localization. Switch II 920 switches the functions of the slice 301 to the mobile function. The inputs and outputs of the stationary functions are switched to the mobile function.

10 shows a schematic representation of a method 1000 for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks according to an example embodiment.

The procedure 1000 is used to control communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographic area and comprises a first communication entity located at a first geographic location within the geographic area geographical area of the subnetwork. The method comprises a first step 1001 : Monitoring a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal. The procedure 1000 includes a second step 1002 Setting a first network function to associate communication resources of the subnetwork with the first communication entity based on the geographic location of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographic location of the first communication entity. The procedure 1000 includes a third step 1003 : Executing the first network function of the subnetwork by the first communication entity.

The procedure 1000 can, for example, in a communication network, as in the 1 to 9 described, are used.

The communication network 300 For example, a network of a fifth generation (5G) or another generation may be such as: Tie 1 and 2 described. The subnetwork 301 can be a slice of the communication network 300 be.

One aspect of the invention also includes a computer program product that can be loaded directly into the internal memory of a digital computer and includes software code portions that enable it 10 described method 1000 or the to the 1 to 9 can be performed when the product is running on a computer. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-suitable non-transitory medium and include computer readable program means for causing a computer to perform the method 1000 or the network components in the 1 to 9 To implement or control described communication networks.

The computer may be a PC, for example a PC of a computer network. The computer may be implemented as a chip, an ASIC, a microprocessor or a signal processor, and may be implemented in a computer network, such as a communications network such as the 1 to 9 described, be arranged.

It is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein by way of example may be combined with each other except as specifically stated otherwise. As shown in the specification and drawings, individual elements that have been shown to be related need not communicate directly with each other; Intermediate elements may be provided between the connected elements. Further, it is to be understood that embodiments of the invention may be implemented in discrete circuits, partially integrated circuits, or fully integrated circuits or programming means. The term "for example" is meant as an example only and not as the best or optimal. While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative and / or similar implementations may be practiced instead of the illustrated and described embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

5G system architecture

101

Access device, communication terminal, UE

102

access technology

103

application layer

104

activation layer

105

Infrastructure & Resource Layer

106

Management & Instrumentation Layer

200

5G communication network with multiple slices

210a

first slice instance

210b

first network slice

211

second slice instance

211b

second network slice

212a

third slice instance

212b

third network slice

213

Slice composition

221

abstracted objects

222

virtual network functions

223

combined objects

224

aggregated objects

225

object library

231

access node

232

access node

233

access node

234

virtual network node

235

virtual network node

236

virtual network node

237

virtual network node

238

computer nodes

239

computer nodes

240

computer nodes

251

infrastructure services

300

Communication network or communication system

301

first subnetwork or slice I or simply subnetwork

302

second subnetwork or slice II

303

third subnetwork or slice III

311

first communication entity with first network function, also nearest communication entity

312, 313, 314

Network components assigned to the first communication entity by the first network function

321

second communication entity with second network function, also non-nearest communication entity

322, 323, 324

Network components assigned to the second communication entity by the second network function

330

mobile communication terminal or UE

331a, 331b

geographical position history of the mobile communication terminal

332

Communication access of the UE to the first subnetwork 301 , z. Via RAN (Radio Access Network)

340

Position monitor or topology agent

341

Location data of the mobile communication terminal

342

Status message of the position monitor to the subnetwork manager

350

Subnetwork manager or slice management

351

Control of the first communication entity by the subnetwork manager

400

Communication network or communication system

401

Function location A (unoccupied) or communication entity with network function A

411

Function location B (unoccupied) or communication entity with network function B

421

Function location C (unoccupied) or communication entity with network function C

431

Function location D (unoccupied) or communication entity with network function D

441

Function I. z (central) or communication entity with central network function I. z

451

Function II (central) or communication entity with central network function II

500

Communication network or communication system

501

Function I. a (completed) or communication entity with network function I. a

511

Function I. b (active) or communication entity with network function I. b

521

Function I. c (starting) or communication entity with network function I. c

531

Function I. d (ready) or communication entity with network function I. d

600

Communication network or communication system

611

Function * I. b (active) or communication entity with network function * I. b

621

Function * I. c (starting) or communication entity with network function * I.c

700

Communication network or communication system

711

Function I (mobile) or communication entity with network function

721

Function location C (to be assigned) or communication entity with network function C

741

Function location Z (central) or communication entity with central network function Z

800

Communication network or communication system

852

Control of the resource pool by subnet manager or slice management

860

Resource pool with networking capabilities

861

Network function from resource pool

862

Transfer of network function from resource pool to function location C

900

Communication network or communication system

910

Switch I or Switch

911

Function I '

912

Function I ''

913

Function I '' '

920

Switch II or Switch II

921

Function I

922

Function II

923

Function III

930

Bypass on original slice

1000

A method of controlling communications resources of a communications network having a plurality of subnetworks

1001

first step: monitoring the geographical position of the UE

1002

second step: Create the first network function

1003

third step: Run the first network function

Claims (15)

Communication network ( 300 ), with: a position monitor ( 340 ), which is formed, a geographical position ( 341 ) at least one mobile communication terminal ( 330 ) to monitor; and a plurality of subnetworks ( 301 . 302 . 303 ), whereby at least one subnetwork ( 301 ) extends over a geographical area and comprises: a first communication entity ( 311 ) located at a first geographical position within the geographical area of the subnetwork ( 301 ) is arranged, and is formed, a first network function of the subnetwork ( 301 ), wherein the first network function is an association of communication resources ( 312 . 313 . 314 ) of the subnetwork ( 301 ) to the first communication entity ( 311 ); and a subnetwork manager ( 350 ) for controlling ( 351 ) of the first communication entity ( 311 ), whereby the subnetwork manager ( 350 ) is formed based on the geographical position ( 341 ) of the at least one mobile communication terminal ( 330 ) and the first geographical position of the first communication entity ( 311 ), the first network function of the first communication entity ( 311 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to claim 1, wherein the communication network ( 300 ) is a fifth generation (5G) or another generation network, and where the subnetwork ( 301 ) a slice of the communication network ( 300 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), the first network function based on a resource requirement profile of the at least one mobile communication terminal ( 330 ) and availability of communication resources ( 312 . 313 . 314 ) of the first communication entity ( 311 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), an identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal ( 330 ), and the first network function of the first communication entity ( 311 ) based on the identification of the at least one mobile communication terminal ( 330 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subnetwork ( 301 ) a second communication entity ( 321 ) located at a second geographical position within the geographical area of the subnetwork ( 301 ) is arranged, and is formed, a second network function of the subnetwork ( 301 ), wherein the second network function allocates communication resources ( 322 . 323 . 324 ) of the subnetwork ( 301 ) to the second communication entity ( 321 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to claim 5, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ) is formed based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal ( 330 ) and the second geographical position of the second communication entity ( 321 ), the second network function of the second communication entity ( 321 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to claim 6, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ) is formed based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal ( 330 ), the first geographical position of the first communication entity ( 311 ) and the second geographical position of the second communication entity ( 321 ) a the mobile communication terminal ( 330 ) to the nearest communication entity ( 311 ), where the nearest communication entity is the first ( 311 ) or the second ( 321 ) Communication entity is. Communication network ( 300 ) according to claim 7, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), the nearest communication entity ( 311 ) Communication resources ( 312 . 313 . 314 ) of the subnetwork ( 301 ) according to the network function of the nearest communication entity ( 311 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ) is formed, the mobile communication terminal ( 330 ) communication resources of the non-nearest communication entity ( 321 ) from the two communication entities ( 311 . 321 ). Communication network ( 300 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), the network function of the non-nearest communication entity ( 321 ) and the network function of the nearest communication entity ( 311 ) for dynamically switching communication resources of the subnetwork ( 301 ) from the non-nearest communication entity ( 321 ) to the nearest communication entity ( 311 ) head for. Communication network ( 300 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), the non-nearest Kommunikationsentltät ( 321 ) assign a first instance of the first network function and the nearest communication entity ( 311 ) assign a second instance of the first network function. Communication network ( 300 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), the first network function for allocating idle communication resources of the subnetwork ( 301 ) to the first communication entity ( 311 ) or to allocate idle communication resources of another subnetwork ( 302 . 303 ) to the first communication entity ( 311 ). Communication network ( 400 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a central communication resource ( 441 ), whereby the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), the first network function of the first communication entity ( 411 ) for the assignment of the central communication resource ( 441 ) to the first communication entity ( 411 ). Communication network ( 800 ) according to one of the preceding claims, having a central pool ( 860 ) of communication resources ( 861 ), whereby the subnetwork manager ( 350 ), the first network function of the first communication entity ( 311 ) for the allocation of communication resources of the central pool ( 860 ) of communication resources ( 861 ) to the first communication entity ( 311 ). Procedure ( 1000 ) for controlling communication resources of a communication network having a plurality of subnetworks, wherein at least one subnetwork extends over a geographic area and comprises a first communication entity located at a first geographic location within the geographic area of the subnetwork, the method comprising the following steps has: monitoring ( 1001 ) a geographical position of at least one mobile communication terminal; To adjust ( 1002 ) a first network function for allocating communication resources of the subnetwork to the first communication entity based on the geographical position of the at least one mobile communication terminal and the first geographical position of the first communication entity, and executing ( 1003 ) of the first network function of the subnetwork by the first communication entity.

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