Network slice configuration
AssigneeNokia Solutions and Networks Oy
InventorsFrederic Guilbeault, Yves Beauville
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods, apparatuses and computer readable storage mediums provide virtual network slicing without duplicating network configuration data (also referred to as network configuration information) on a slice-by-slice basis by maintaining a single physical network datastore including network configuration information for all network entities in the physical network, but generating slice views for respective virtual network slices as needed over time. Methods, apparatuses and computer readable storage mediums also enable configuration of a plurality of virtual network slices sharing a physical network infrastructure.
Claims10
A network management system for configuring a plurality of virtual network slices sharing a physical network infrastructure, the network management system comprising:
- at least one memory storing computer readable instructions;
- and
- at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions to cause the network management system to
- for each network entity from among a plurality of network entities within the physical network infrastructure,
- selectively apply a first classification, from among a plurality of classifications, to the network entity based on configurability of the network entity in the plurality of virtual network slices, the first classification being applied via metadata for the first network entity stored at a physical network datastore, and
- after the selective applying of the first classifications to the plurality of network entities,
- assign instances of the plurality of network entities to virtual network slices, from among the plurality of virtual network slices, based on the classification applied to the plurality of network entities,
- wherein the plurality of classifications includes,
- a classification for network entities that are visible to a slice owner of a virtual network slice among the plurality of virtual network slices,
- a classification for network entities that are accessible by the slice owner for read/write purposes, and
- a classification for network entities that are create-able by the slice owner in the virtual network slice.
A method for configuring a plurality of virtual network slices sharing a physical network infrastructure, the method comprising:
- for each network entity from among a plurality of network entities within the physical network infrastructure,
- selectively applying a first classification, from among a plurality of classifications, to the network entity based on configurability of the network entity in the plurality of virtual network slices, the first classification being applied via metadata for the first network entity stored at a physical network datastore;
- and
- after the selective applying of the first classifications to the plurality of network entities,
- assigning instances of the plurality of network entities to virtual network slices, from among the plurality of virtual network slices, based on the classifications applied to the plurality of network entities,
- wherein the plurality of classifications includes,
- a classification for network entities that are visible to a slice owner of a virtual network slice among the plurality of virtual network slices,
- a classification for network entities that are accessible by the slice owner for read/write purposes, and
- a classification for network entities that are create-able by the slice owner in the virtual network slice.
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a network management system, cause the network management system to perform a method for configuring a plurality of virtual network slices sharing a physical network infrastructure, the method comprising:
- for each network entity from among a plurality of network entities within the physical network infrastructure,
- selectively applying a first classification, from among a plurality of classifications, to the network entity based on configurability of the network entity in the plurality of virtual network slices, the first classification being applied via metadata for the first network entity stored at a physical network datastore;
- and
- after the selective applying of the first classifications to the plurality of network entities,
- assigning instances of the plurality of network entities to virtual network slices, from among the plurality of virtual network slices, based on the classifications applied to the plurality of network entities,
- wherein the plurality of classifications includes,
- a classification for network entities that are visible to a slice owner of a virtual network slice among the plurality of virtual network slices,
- a classification for network entities that are accessible by the slice owner for read/write purposes, and
- a classification for network entities that are create-able by the slice owner in the virtual network slice.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.