U.S. patent application number 16/207675 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-04 for vertical slice management and selection leveraging dynamic alliances of access core and service network resources.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Mobility II LLC AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Zhi Cui, Sangar Dowlatkhah, Paul Smith, Jr..
Application Number | 20200178125 16/207675 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70849592 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200178125 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dowlatkhah; Sangar ; et
al. |
June 4, 2020 |
VERTICAL SLICE MANAGEMENT AND SELECTION LEVERAGING DYNAMIC
ALLIANCES OF ACCESS CORE AND SERVICE NETWORK RESOURCES
Abstract
A vertically integrated slice management system is provided that
can leverage dynamic alliances of access layer, core layer, and
service layer services. The system can instantiate a vertical slice
that incorporates one or more services and network functions from a
selection of layer slices in order to provide a streamlined and
efficient mechanism for serving a user device based on the type of
the user device, and the type of service requested.
Inventors: |
Dowlatkhah; Sangar; (Plano,
TX) ; Cui; Zhi; (Sugar Hill, GA) ; Smith, Jr.;
Paul; (Heath, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Mobility II LLC
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta
Atlanta |
GA
GA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70849592 |
Appl. No.: |
16/207675 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 41/0806 20130101;
H04W 76/10 20180201; H04W 92/04 20130101; H04W 16/02 20130101; H04W
28/02 20130101; H04W 28/26 20130101; H04L 41/5041 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 28/26 20060101
H04W028/26; H04W 16/02 20060101 H04W016/02; H04W 76/10 20060101
H04W076/10 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores
executable instructions that, when executed by the processor,
facilitate performance of operations, comprising: receiving, from a
user equipment device, a connection request comprising information
indicating a first network service; instantiating, for a first time
slot, a first vertical network slice comprising a first network
slice associated with a first network and a second network slice
associated with a second network that is different than the first
network, wherein the first network slice comprises a first network
function related to the first network service and the second
network slice comprises a second network function related to the
first network service; instantiating a second vertical network
slice comprising a third network slice associated with the first
network and a fourth network slice associated with the second
network, wherein the third network slice and the fourth network
slice are selected based on a second network service associated
with a second time slot; and facilitating operation of the first
network service for the user equipment device via the first
vertical network slice.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first network is a radio
access network and the second network is a core network.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first network slice comprises
at least one of a core slice, a backhaul slice, an access slice, or
a service slice.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first vertical network slice
comprises a slice pairing function that facilitates pairing slices
from the first network and the second network.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the slice pairing function
comprises a software defined networking management function.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the slice pairing function
facilitates logical connectivity between the first network and the
second network.
7-8. (canceled)
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the second vertical network slice
shares a portion of the first network slice or the second network
slice with the first vertical network slice.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:
selecting the first network slice and the second network slice
based on a traffic type, a traffic load, and a quality of service
parameter of the network service.
11. A method, comprising: facilitating, by a network device
comprising a processor, receiving a network service request from a
mobile device, wherein the network service request is associated
with a first network service; selecting, by the network device, a
first network function of a first layer slice associated with a
first network and a second network function of a second layer slice
associated with a second network, wherein the first network
function and the second network function facilitate operation of
the first network service; instantiating, by the network device for
a first time period, a first vertical slice comprising the first
network function associated with the first network and the second
network function associated with the second network, wherein the
first vertical slice is configured to facilitate execution of the
first network service; instantiating, by the network device, a
second vertical slice for a second time period, wherein the second
vertical slice comprises a third network function of the first
layer slice and a fourth network function of the second layer
slice, and wherein the third network function and the fourth
network function are selected based on a second network service
associated with the second time period; and facilitating, by the
network device, transmitting an output of the first network service
to the mobile device.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first layer slice is
associated with a radio access network and the second layer slice
is associated with a core network.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first vertical slice
comprises a slice pairing function that facilitates pairing slices
from different network layers.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the slice pairing function
comprises a software defined networking management function.
15-16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 8, wherein the second vertical slice
comprises the first network function of the first layer slice.
18. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, comprising
executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a
device, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: receiving
a network service request from a mobile device, wherein the network
service request is associated with a first network service of a
mobile network; selecting a first network function of a first layer
slice for a first network and a second network function of a second
layer slice for a second network, wherein the first network
function and the second network function facilitate operation of
the network service; instantiating, for a first time slot, a first
vertical slice of the mobile network comprising the first network
function for the first network and the second network function for
the second network, wherein the first vertical slice is configured
to execute the network service; instantiating a second vertical
network slice comprising a third network slice associated with the
first network and a fourth network slice associated with the second
network, wherein the third network slice and the fourth network
slice are selected based on a second network service associated
with a second time slot; and executing the first network service
using the first vertical slice.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18,
wherein the first layer slice is associated with a first mobile
network and the second layer slice is associated with a second
mobile network.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18,
wherein the first vertical slice comprises a slice pairing function
that facilitates pairing the first layer slice and the second layer
slice.
21. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 20,
wherein the slice pairing function comprises a software defined
networking management function.
22. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 20,
wherein the slice pairing function facilitates logical connectivity
between the first network and the second network.
23. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18,
wherein the first network is a radio access network and the second
network is a core network.
24. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 18,
wherein the first network slice comprises at least one of a core
slice, a backhaul slice, an access slice, or a service slice.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates generally to a field of
mobile communication and, more specifically to leveraging dynamic
alliances of access, core, and service network resources.
BACKGROUND
[0002] To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, Third
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) systems and systems that
employ one or more aspects of the specifications of the Fourth
Generation (4G) standard for wireless communications will be
extended to a Fifth Generation (5G) and Sixth Generation (6G)
standards for wireless communications. Unique challenges exist to
provide levels of service associated with forthcoming 5G, 6G and
other next generation network standards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject
disclosure are described with reference to the following figures,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
various views unless otherwise specified.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system
for vertically integrating slices in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates slices in different layers of a wireless
communication system in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an example vertical slice leveraging
slice layers in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of
the subject disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an example slice pairing function in
accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an example method for vertically slice
management and selection in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for vertically slice
management and selection in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for vertically slice
management and selection in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates an example block diagram of a
non-limiting embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of an example
user equipment that can be a mobile handset operable to provide a
format indicator in accordance with various aspects and embodiments
of the subject disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram of a computer
that can be operable to execute processes and methods in accordance
with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to
the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to
like elements throughout. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the various
embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments
can be practiced without these specific details (and without
applying to any particular networked environment or standard).
[0015] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for a
vertically integrated slice management system that can leverage
dynamic alliances of access layer, core layer, and service layer
services. The system can instantiate a vertical slice that
incorporates one or more services and network functions from a
selection of layer slices in order to provide a streamlined and
efficient mechanism for serving a user device based on the type of
the user device, and the type of service requested. The pairing
function that can dynamically select slices in each layer can
include a software defined networking agent to communicate the
management functionality for each layer as well as to create an
overview of available resources of each adjacent layer. The slice
pairing function can also include policy and Quality of Service
(QoS) functions that can create a controlling function of resource
delegations according to what is available what can be used in each
layer to orchestrate an optimal vertical slice for any given
services. The vertical slices can use exclusively use a slice on
each layer or can share resources with other vertical
resources.
[0016] Note that for simplicity we use the radio network node or
simply network node is used for gNB. It refers to any type of
network node that serves UE and/or connected to other network node
or network element or any radio node from where UE receives signal.
Examples of hosting layer radio network nodes are Node B, base
station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) node such as MSR BS, gNB,
eNode B, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base
station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base
transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points,
transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system
(DAS) etc. Other types of access point devices can include 6LowPan,
Wi-Fi, Range extenders, femtocells, and other enhancing layer
devices.
[0017] Likewise, for reception we use the term user equipment (UE).
It refers to any type of wireless device that communicates with a
radio network node in a cellular or mobile communication system.
Examples of UE are target device, device to device (D2D) UE,
machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M)
communication, PDA, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop
embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB
dongles etc. Note that the terms element, elements and antenna
ports are also interchangeably used but carry the same meaning in
this disclosure.
[0018] In various embodiments, a system can comprise a processor
and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when
executed by the processor facilitate performance of operations. The
operations can comprise receiving, from a user equipment device, a
connection request comprising information indicating an associated
network service. The operations can also include instantiating a
vertical network slice comprising portions of a group of network
slices, wherein a portion of the portions comprises a network
function related to the network service. The operations can also
comprise facilitating operation of the network service for the user
equipment device via the vertical network slice.
[0019] In another embodiment, method comprises facilitating, by a
network device comprising a processor, receiving a network service
request from a mobile device, wherein the network service request
is associated with a network service. The method can also comprise
selecting, by the network device, a first network function of a
first layer slice and a second network function of a second layer
slice, wherein the first network function and the second network
function facilitate operation of the network service. The method
can also comprise instantiating, by the network device, a vertical
slice comprising the first network function and the second network
function, wherein the vertical slice is configured to facilitate
execution of the network service. The method can also comprise
facilitating, by the network device, transmitting an output of the
network service to the mobile device.
[0020] In another embodiment machine-readable storage medium,
comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a
processor of a device, facilitate performance of operations. The
operations can comprise receiving a network service request from a
mobile device, wherein the network service request is associated
with a network service of a mobile network. The operations can also
comprise selecting a first network function of a first layer slice
and a second network function of a second layer slice, wherein the
first network function and the second network function facilitate
operation of the network service. The operations can also comprise
instantiating a vertical slice of the mobile network comprising the
first network function and the second network function, wherein the
vertical slice is configured to execute the network service. The
operations can also comprise executing the network service using
the vertical slice.
[0021] As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms
"component," "system" and the like are intended to refer to, or
comprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to an
operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities,
wherein the entity can be either hardware, a combination of
hardware and software, software, or software in execution. As an
example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process
running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a
thread of execution, computer-executable instructions, a program,
and/or a computer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both
an application running on a server and the server can be a
component.
[0022] One or more components may reside within a process and/or
thread of execution and a component may be localized on one
computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In
addition, these components can execute from various computer
readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The
components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such
as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets
(e.g., data from one component interacting with another component
in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such
as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another
example, a component can be an apparatus with specific
functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or
electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application
or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein the
processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes
at least a part of the software or firmware application. The
mechanical parts can include sensors on a float, tilt monitors, and
etc. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that
provides specific functionality through electronic components
without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a
processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at
least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While
various components have been illustrated as separate components, it
will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as
a single component, or a single component can be implemented as
multiple components, without departing from example
embodiments.
[0023] Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer
to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of
manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer
program accessible from any computer-readable (or machine-readable)
device or computer-readable (or machine-readable)
storage/communications media.
[0024] Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, solid state drive (SSD) or other
solid-state storage technology, compact disk read only memory (CD
ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical
disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0025] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used
herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any
embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example
or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless
specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0026] Moreover, terms such as "mobile device equipment," "mobile
station," "mobile," "subscriber station," "access terminal,"
"terminal," "handset," "communication device," "mobile device"
(and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to a
wireless device utilized by a subscriber or mobile device of a
wireless communication service to receive or convey data, control,
voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or
signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably
herein and with reference to the related drawings. Likewise, the
terms "access point (AP)," "Base Station (BS)," BS transceiver, BS
device, cell site, cell site device, "Node B (NB)," "evolved Node B
(eNode B)," "home Node B (HNB)" and the like, are utilized
interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wireless network
component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,
control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any
data-stream or signaling-stream from one or more subscriber
stations. Data and signaling streams can be packetized or
frame-based flows.
[0027] Furthermore, the terms "device," "communication device,"
"mobile device," "subscriber," "customer entity," "consumer,"
"customer entity," "entity" and the like are employed
interchangeably throughout, unless context warrants particular
distinctions among the terms. It should be appreciated that such
terms can refer to human entities or automated components supported
through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference
based on complex mathematical formalisms), which can provide
simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.
[0028] Embodiments described herein can be exploited in
substantially any wireless communication technology, comprising,
but not limited to, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for
mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications
system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access
(WiMAX), enhanced general packet radio service (enhanced GPRS),
third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution
(LTE), third generation partnership project 2 (3GPP2) ultra mobile
broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA), machine to
machine, satellite, microwave, laser, Z-Wave, Zigbee and other
802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacy telecommunication
technologies.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system
for vertically integrating slices in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0030] A UE device 102 can connect to a mobile network (e.g., core
network 106) via radio access network device 104. In one or more
embodiments, various slices (logical collection of network services
across a layer) can be instantiated to manage communications and
services for the UE device 102.
[0031] Network slices are form of virtual network architecture that
comprise a defined set of virtual network functions designed to
facilitate one or more computing purposes. Various slices can be
instantiated on the radio access network device 104 or the core
network 106, each of the network slices can perform a set of
operations to facilitate one or more services.
[0032] Each slice can comprise an independent set of logical
network functions that support the requirements of the particular
use case, with the term `logical` referring to software. Each slice
can be optimised to provide the resources and network topology for
the specific service and traffic that will use the slice. Functions
such as speed, capacity, connectivity and coverage will be
allocated to meet the particular demands of each use case, but
functional components may also be shared across different network
slices.
[0033] Slice can be found at each layer of the network, with access
slices that provide functionality for the radio access network 104,
core slices that provide functionality and services for the core
network 106 (e.g., authentication, security, gateway), service
layer slices that provide functionality for defined services, and
Internet of Things (IoT) related slices that provide functionality
and services for various IoT devices including sensors, MEMs
machines, appliances, embedded device, user equipment device, and
etc. Each slice at each layer can comprise a group of network
functions and services that can provide assistance for that
layer.
[0034] Any single device that connects to the mobile network
however, depending on the type of device, service requested,
capabilities, and etc., may only require one or more of the network
functions for one or more of the slice layers. Therefore, in
traditional systems, providing an entire slice for the operation of
every single device is not an optimal use of resources, and thus
this disclosure describes a vertical management system that can
more optimally assign resources to a UE device 102.
[0035] Each part of the network can be composed of a specific
functionality that are tailored for an specific service or group of
functions. The important aspect of the architecture is the ability
to perform the given task efficiently and optimally on each layer.
To be able to achieve that the network need to orchestrate and
communicate each layer component with the rest of the network
resources. This can be done by consolidating the network resources
vertically, by adding pairing functionality between the slices of
the network layers and have a overall overview of the network by
utilizing global SDN management functionality. This can enable the
entire network to operate in consortium, with specific and
pinpointed serviceability.
[0036] In an 6G virtual network, each layer of the network
instantiated and tailored for an specific functionality with the
given policy and service accessibility. However, to be able to
optimally configure the network for a certain service or number of
services for an enterprise customer, there is a need to orchestrate
different aspect of the network such as: Access network which can
manage capacity, coverage, and available technology; Core network
which can manage slice composition and functionality, location of
the slice, capacity and elasticity; a Transport Layer; and a
Service Execution Layer.
[0037] Each part of the network can independently create a
consolidation of the resources for a specific functionality as
slices. However, in order to bring efficiency and streamlining of
the network, these vertical slices can then be reused for more than
one service. To be able to achieve this, a global management system
can be provided to bring an overview of existing and available
slices in the network on each layer plus a pairing function between
each network layer in order to create a vertical dynamic slice
which can utilize one or more slices in each layer depend on the
service composition.
[0038] Each paring function can be composed of SDN agent to
communicate the management functionality for each layer as well as
create an overview of available resources of each adjacent layer
and Policy and QoS functions: These can create a controlling
function of resource delegations according to what is available
what can be used in each layer to orchestrate an optimal vertical
slice for any given services. The vertical slices can exclusively
use a slice on each layer or can share resources with other
vertical resources.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated are slices in different
layers of a wireless communication system in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0040] Core network 202 can comprise slices 204 and 206 that each
comprise a group, exclusive or overlapping, of network functions to
perform specified tasks or general tasks for various different
devices and services including UE 214. Similarly, radio access
network 208 can also comprise slice 210 and slice 212 to perform
various tasks and functions for UE 214.
[0041] It is to be appreciated that while UE 214 is shown, in this
figure and in other figures, the devices are interchangeable, and
UE 214 could represent one or more embedded devices, sensors, and
other IoT devices.
[0042] In FIG. 3, a vertical slice 302 is shown that incorporates
slice 204 and 210 from core network 202 and radio access network
208 respectively. This slice can incorporate the slices from the
layers (e.g,. the core layer associated with core network 202 and
the access layer associated with radio access network 208). It is
to be appreciated that in other embodiments, other layers can
include IoT layers and radio resource layers with respective IoT
slices and radio resource slices. In an embodiment, the radio
resource slices can provide management and functionality related to
time, frequency, and spatial radio resources, while the IoT slices
can provide functionality related to IoT devices.
[0043] Additionally, while the core slices are shown as being part
of the core network 202, and the radio access slices are shown as
being part of the radio access network 208, in other embodiments,
devices in any part of the network can be used to instantiate
slices from other layers of the mobile network. Thus, a radio
access network device, e.g., a base station device, network node,
or gNB can house servers that can instantiate both radio access
layer slices as well as core network slices to provide
functionality of the entire network at one device. The vertical
slice 302 can thus span across devices and network layers as shown
here, or can logically span network layers while being instantiated
by a server in one of the layers.
[0044] In an embodiment, the vertical slice 302 can be instantiated
for a predetermined time slot, or for a defined time duration. At
the end of the duration, to enable different services, a vertical
slice comprising different slices from the slice layers can be
incorporated. At a different time duration, a new vertical slice
comprising slice 206 and 212 can be instantiated. In other
embodiments, the vertical slices can coexist, and share network
functions and resources. For example, slice 210 can be a part of
slice 302 as well as another vertical slice.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example slice
pairing function in accordance with various aspects and embodiments
of the subject disclosure.
[0046] A slice pairing function 414 can include a software defined
networking agent to communicate the management functionality for
each layer (e.g, core layer in core network 402 comprising slice
404 and 406 and radio access layer in radio access network 408
comprising slice 410 and 412) as well as to create an overview of
available resources of each adjacent layer. The slice pairing
function can also include policy and Quality of Service (QoS)
functions that can create a controlling function of resource
delegations according to what is available what can be used in each
layer to orchestrate an optimal vertical slice for any given
services.
[0047] Slicing the radio access network would enable the operator
to micro design RAN architecture for each slice with it's own radio
elements which would encompasses: Dedicated UE association with
specific slice; access control; load balancing; and Customized
Control and User plan configuration.
[0048] This solution would enable carrier to create access network
specifically for a service instead generic solution with radio node
specific access network. This will enable the operator to further
customize the 6G network's User and control plane configuration for
an slice specific formation. This can make the slice more of a
user/service oriented instead of a physical constrained.
[0049] As an example, the dynamic slice configuration can depend on
such factors as the multiple public land mobile networks with each
gNB with a primary public land mobile network and a additional
public land mobile network for each operator leasing the resources.
Another factor can include using the public land mobile network for
identifying different access slices and distinguishing between
different host layer resources, traffic type, traffic load, and QoS
requirement.
[0050] The RAN architecture of each of the slices can be
dynamically configured. Slice #1 can only operate on a macro cell,
slice #2 can only operate on small cells, and slice #3 can operate
on both macro and small cells. In another embodiment, slice #1
could expand its operation to small cells, while slice #3 can
terminate operation on some of the small cells.
[0051] FIGS. 5-7 illustrates processes in connection with the
aforementioned systems. The process in FIGS. 5-7 can be implemented
for example by the systems in FIGS. 1-4 respectively. While for
purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methods are shown and
described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the
order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders
and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and
described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be
required to implement the methods described hereinafter.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 an example method
for vertically slice management and selection in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0053] Method 500 can begin at 502 wherein the method includes
receiving, from a user equipment device, a connection request
comprising information indicating an associated network serv.
[0054] At 504, the method can include instantiating a vertical
network slice comprising portions of a group of network slices,
wherein a portion of the portions comprises a network function
related to the network service.
[0055] At 506, the method can include facilitating operation of the
network service for the user equipment device via the vertical
network slice.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 an example method
for vertically slice management and selection in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0057] Method 600 can begin at 602 wherein the method includes
facilitating, by a network device comprising a processor, receiving
a network service request from a mobile device, wherein the network
service request is associated with a network service.
[0058] At 604, the method can include selecting, by the network
device, a first network function of a first layer slice and a
second network function of a second layer slice, wherein the first
network function and the second network function facilitate
operation of the network service.
[0059] At 606, the method can include instantiating, by the network
device, a vertical slice comprising the first network function and
the second network function, wherein the vertical slice is
configured to execute the network service.
[0060] At 608, the method can include facilitating, by the network
device, transmitting an output of the network service to the mobile
device.
[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 an example method
for vertically slice management and selection in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0062] Method 700 can begin at 702 wherein the method includes
receiving a network service request from a mobile device, wherein
the network service request is associated with a network service of
a mobile network.
[0063] At 704, the method can include selecting a first network
function of a first layer slice and a second network function of a
second layer slice, wherein the first network function and the
second network function facilitate operation of the network
service.
[0064] At 706, the method can include instantiating a vertical
slice of the mobile network comprising the first network function
and the second network function, wherein the vertical slice is
configured to facilitate execution of the network service.
[0065] At 708, the method can include executing the network service
using the vertical slice.
[0066] FIG. 8 presents an example embodiment 800 of a mobile
network platform 810 that can implement and exploit one or more
aspects of the disclosed subject matter described herein.
Generally, wireless network platform 810 can include components,
e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms,
that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol
(IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and
circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as
control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As a
non-limiting example, wireless network platform 810 can be included
in telecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered
carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile
network platform 810 includes CS gateway node(s) 812 which can
interface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephony
network(s) 840 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), or
public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)
network 860. Circuit switched gateway node(s) 812 can authorize and
authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks.
Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 812 can access mobility, or
roaming, data generated through SS7 network 860; for instance,
mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR), which
can reside in memory 830. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 812
interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node(s)
818. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gateway node(s) 812
can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS support node(s)
(GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specific
operation of CS gateway node(s) 812, PS gateway node(s) 818, and
serving node(s) 816, is provided and dictated by radio
technology(ies) utilized by mobile network platform 810 for
telecommunication. Mobile network platform 810 can also include the
MMEs, HSS/PCRFs, SGWs, and PGWs disclosed herein.
[0067] In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic
and signaling, PS gateway node(s) 818 can authorize and
authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices.
Data sessions can include traffic, or content(s), exchanged with
networks external to the wireless network platform 810, like wide
area network(s) (WANs) 850, enterprise network(s) 870, and service
network(s) 880, which can be embodied in local area network(s)
(LANs), can also be interfaced with mobile network platform 810
through PS gateway node(s) 818. It is to be noted that WANs 850 and
enterprise network(s) 870 can embody, at least in part, a service
network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based on radio
technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) 817,
packet-switched gateway node(s) 818 can generate packet data
protocol contexts when a data session is established; other data
structures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can be
generated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 818 can
include a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG)
in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate
packetized communication with disparate wireless network(s), such
as Wi-Fi networks.
[0068] In embodiment 800, wireless network platform 810 also
includes serving node(s) 816 that, based upon available radio
technology layer(s) within technology resource(s) 817, convey the
various packetized flows of data streams received through PS
gateway node(s) 818. It is to be noted that for technology
resource(s) 817 that rely primarily on CS communication, server
node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance on PS gateway node(s)
818; for example, server node(s) can embody at least in part a
mobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network,
serving node(s) 816 can be embodied in serving GPRS support node(s)
(SGSN).
[0069] For radio technologies that exploit packetized
communication, server(s) 814 in wireless network platform 810 can
execute numerous applications that can generate multiple disparate
packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g., schedule,
queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s) can include
add-on features to standard services (for example, provisioning,
billing, customer support . . . ) provided by wireless network
platform 810. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of a
voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s)
818 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data
session, and to serving node(s) 816 for communication thereafter.
In addition to application server, server(s) 814 can include
utility server(s), a utility server can include a provisioning
server, an operations and maintenance server, a security server
that can implement at least in part a certificate authority and
firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In an
aspect, security server(s) secure communication served through
wireless network platform 810 to ensure network's operation and
data integrity in addition to authorization and authentication
procedures that CS gateway node(s) 812 and PS gateway node(s) 818
can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provision services
from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparate
service provider; for instance, WAN 850 or Global Positioning
System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can
also provision coverage through networks associated to wireless
network platform 810 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same
service provider), such as femto-cell network(s) (not shown) that
enhance wireless service coverage within indoor confined spaces and
offload RAN resources in order to enhance subscriber service
experience within a home or business environment by way of UE
875.
[0070] It is to be noted that server(s) 814 can include one or more
processors configured to confer at least in part the functionality
of macro network platform 810. To that end, the one or more
processor can execute code instructions stored in memory 830, for
example. It is should be appreciated that server(s) 814 can include
a content manager 815, which operates in substantially the same
manner as described hereinbefore.
[0071] In example embodiment 800, memory 830 can store information
related to operation of wireless network platform 810. Other
operational information can include provisioning information of
mobile devices served through wireless platform network 810,
subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes,
e.g., promotional rates, flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns;
technical specification(s) consistent with telecommunication
protocols for operation of disparate radio, or wireless, technology
layers; and so forth. Memory 830 can also store information from at
least one of telephony network(s) 840, WAN 850, enterprise
network(s) 870, or SS7 network 860. In an aspect, memory 830 can
be, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as a
remotely connected memory store.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a schematic block
diagram of an example end-user device such as a user equipment)
that can be a mobile device 900 capable of connecting to a network
in accordance with some embodiments described herein. Although a
mobile handset 900 is illustrated herein, it will be understood
that other devices can be a mobile device, and that the mobile
handset 900 is merely illustrated to provide context for the
embodiments of the various embodiments described herein. The
following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general
description of an example of a suitable environment 900 in which
the various embodiments can be implemented. While the description
includes a general context of computer-executable instructions
embodied on a machine-readable storage medium, those skilled in the
art will recognize that the various embodiments also can be
implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a
combination of hardware and software.
[0073] Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods
described herein can be practiced with other system configurations,
including single-processor or multiprocessor systems,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers,
hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can be
operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
[0074] A computing device can typically include a variety of
machine-readable media. Machine-readable media can be any available
media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both
volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can
comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer
storage media can include volatile and/or non-volatile media,
removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to, RAM,
ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM,
digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the
desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.
[0075] Communication media typically embodies computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or
direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,
infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the
above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0076] The handset 900 includes a processor 902 for controlling and
processing all onboard operations and functions. A memory 904
interfaces to the processor 902 for storage of data and one or more
applications 906 (e.g., a video player software, user feedback
component software, etc.). Other applications can include voice
recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate
initiation of the user feedback signals. The applications 906 can
be stored in the memory 904 and/or in a firmware 908, and executed
by the processor 902 from either or both the memory 904 or/and the
firmware 908. The firmware 908 can also store startup code for
execution in initializing the handset 900. A communications
component 910 interfaces to the processor 902 to facilitate
wired/wireless communication with external systems, e.g., cellular
networks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the communications
component 910 can also include a suitable cellular transceiver 911
(e.g., a GSM transceiver) and/or an unlicensed transceiver 913
(e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax) for corresponding signal communications. The
handset 900 can be a device such as a cellular telephone, a PDA
with mobile communications capabilities, and messaging-centric
devices. The communications component 910 also facilitates
communications reception from terrestrial radio networks (e.g.,
broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and Internet-based
radio services networks.
[0077] The handset 900 includes a display 912 for displaying text,
images, video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function),
setup functions, and for user input. For example, the display 912
can also be referred to as a "screen" that can accommodate the
presentation of multimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages,
wallpaper, graphics, etc.). The display 912 can also display videos
and can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video
quotes. A serial I/O interface 914 is provided in communication
with the processor 902 to facilitate wired and/or wireless serial
communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE 1394) through a hardwire
connection, and other serial input devices (e.g., a keyboard,
keypad, and mouse). This supports updating and troubleshooting the
handset 900, for example. Audio capabilities are provided with an
audio I/O component 916, which can include a speaker for the output
of audio signals related to, for example, indication that the user
pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the user
feedback signal. The audio I/O component 916 also facilitates the
input of audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or
telephony voice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone
conversations.
[0078] The handset 900 can include a slot interface 918 for
accommodating a SIC (Subscriber Identity Component) in the form
factor of a card Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or universal SIM
920, and interfacing the SIM card 920 with the processor 902.
However, it is to be appreciated that the SIM card 920 can be
manufactured into the handset 900, and updated by downloading data
and software.
[0079] The handset 900 can process IP data traffic through the
communication component 910 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP
network such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a
home network, a person area network, etc., through an ISP or
broadband cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the
handset 800 and IP-based multimedia content can be received in
either an encoded or decoded format.
[0080] A video processing component 922 (e.g., a camera) can be
provided for decoding encoded multimedia content. The video
processing component 922 can aid in facilitating the generation,
editing and sharing of video quotes. The handset 900 also includes
a power source 924 in the form of batteries and/or an AC power
subsystem, which power source 924 can interface to an external
power system or charging equipment (not shown) by a power I/O
component 926.
[0081] The handset 900 can also include a video component 930 for
processing video content received and, for recording and
transmitting video content. For example, the video component 930
can facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of video quotes.
A location tracking component 932 facilitates geographically
locating the handset 900. As described hereinabove, this can occur
when the user initiates the feedback signal automatically or
manually. A user input component 934 facilitates the user
initiating the quality feedback signal. The user input component
934 can also facilitate the generation, editing and sharing of
video quotes. The user input component 934 can include such
conventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,
mouse, stylus pen, and/or touch screen, for example.
[0082] Referring again to the applications 906, a hysteresis
component 936 facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis
data, which is utilized to determine when to associate with the
access point. A software trigger component 938 can be provided that
facilitates triggering of the hysteresis component 938 when the
Wi-Fi transceiver 913 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP
client 940 enables the handset 900 to support SIP protocols and
register the subscriber with the SIP registrar server. The
applications 906 can also include a client 942 that provides at
least the capability of discovery, play and store of multimedia
content, for example, music.
[0083] The handset 900, as indicated above related to the
communications component 810, includes an indoor network radio
transceiver 913 (e.g., Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports
the indoor radio link, such as IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM
handset 900. The handset 900 can accommodate at least satellite
radio services through a handset that can combine wireless voice
and digital radio chipsets into a single handheld device.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block
diagram of a computer 1000 operable to execute the functions and
operations performed in the described example embodiments. For
example, a network node (e.g., network node 406) may contain
components as described in FIG. 10. The computer 1000 can provide
networking and communication capabilities between a wired or
wireless communication network and a server and/or communication
device. In order to provide additional context for various aspects
thereof, FIG. 10 and the following discussion are intended to
provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing
environment in which the various aspects of the embodiments can be
implemented to facilitate the establishment of a transaction
between an entity and a third party. While the description above is
in the general context of computer-executable instructions that can
run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the various embodiments also can be implemented in
combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of
hardware and software.
[0085] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0086] The illustrated aspects of the various embodiments can also
be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0087] Computing devices typically include a variety of media,
which can include computer-readable storage media or communications
media, which two terms are used herein differently from one another
as follows.
[0088] Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage
media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both
volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.
By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage
media can be implemented in connection with any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable
instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured
data. Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not
limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory
technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical
disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one
or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access
requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety
of operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0089] Communications media can embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
includes any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0090] With reference to FIG. 10, implementing various aspects
described herein with regards to the end-user device can include a
computer 1000, the computer 1000 including a processing unit 1004,
a system memory 1006 and a system bus 1008. The system bus 1008
couples system components including, but not limited to, the system
memory 1006 to the processing unit 1004. The processing unit 1004
can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual
microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be
employed as the processing unit 1004.
[0091] The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 1006 includes read-only memory (ROM) 1027 and
random access memory (RAM) 1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS)
is stored in a non-volatile memory 1027 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM,
which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer
information between elements within the computer 1000, such as
during start-up. The RAM 1012 can also include a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0092] The computer 1000 further includes an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 1014 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive
1014 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis
(not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to
read from or write to a removable diskette 1018) and an optical
disk drive 1020, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from
or write to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The
hard disk drive 1014, magnetic disk drive 1016 and optical disk
drive 1020 can be connected to the system bus 1008 by a hard disk
drive interface 1024, a magnetic disk drive interface 1026 and an
optical drive interface 1028, respectively. The interface 1024 for
external drive implementations includes at least one or both of
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies.
Other external drive connection technologies are within
contemplation of the subject embodiments.
[0093] The drives and their associated computer-readable media
provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
1000 the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a
suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable media above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic
diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types
of media which are readable by a computer 1000, such as zip drives,
magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like,
can also be used in the example operating environment, and further,
that any such media can contain computer-executable instructions
for performing the methods of the disclosed embodiments.
[0094] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 1012, including an operating system 1030, one or more
application programs 1032, other program modules 1034 and program
data 1036. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1012. It is to
be appreciated that the various embodiments can be implemented with
various commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0095] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1000 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 1038 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other
input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote
control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the
like. These and other input devices are often connected to the
processing unit 1004 through an input device interface 1042 that is
coupled to the system bus 1008, but can be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a
game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.
[0096] A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also
connected to the system bus 1008 through an interface, such as a
video adapter 1046. In addition to the monitor 1044, a computer
1000 typically includes other peripheral output devices (not
shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
[0097] The computer 1000 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections by wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048.
The remote computer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server
computer, a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment device, a peer device or other
common network node, and typically includes many or all of the
elements described relative to the computer, although, for purposes
of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 is illustrated. The
logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to
a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/or larger networks, e.g., a
wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WAN networking
environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and
facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets,
all of which may connect to a global communications network, e.g.,
the Internet.
[0098] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1000
is connected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 1056. The
adapter 1056 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 1052, which may also include a wireless access point disposed
thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter 1056.
[0099] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1000
can include a modem 1058, or is connected to a communications
server on the WAN 1054, or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 1054, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1058, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1008 through the
input device interface 1042. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer, or portions thereof, can
be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1050. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0100] The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless
devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,
e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer,
portable data assistant, communications satellite, any piece of
equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag
(e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes
at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.TM. wireless technologies. Thus, the
communication can be a predefined structure as with a conventional
network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two
devices.
[0101] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the
Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a
conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless
technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;
anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use
radio technologies called IEEE802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to provide
secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can
be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to
wired networks (which use IEEE802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks
operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps
(802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate, for example, or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic "10BaseT" wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0102] As used in this application, the terms "system,"
"component," "interface," and the like are generally intended to
refer to a computer-related entity or an entity related to an
operational machine with one or more specific functionalities. The
entities disclosed herein can be either hardware, a combination of
hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For
example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process
running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a
thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of
illustration, both an application running on a server and the
server can be a component. One or more components may reside within
a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be
localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more
computers. These components also can execute from various computer
readable storage media having various data structures stored
thereon. The components may communicate via local and/or remote
processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more
data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with
another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or
across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the
signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with
specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by
electric or electronic circuitry that is operated by software or
firmware application(s) executed by a processor, wherein the
processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes
at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet
another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides
specific functionality through electronic components without
mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a
processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at
least in part the functionality of the electronic components. An
interface can comprise input/output (I/O) components as well as
associated processor, application, and/or API components.
[0103] Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented
as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a
computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term
"article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a
computer program accessible from any computer-readable device,
computer-readable carrier, or computer-readable media. For example,
computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, a
magnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magnetic
strip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), a digital video
disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc.TM. (BD)); a smart card; a flash memory
device (e.g., card, stick, key drive); and/or a virtual device that
emulates a storage device and/or any of the above computer-readable
media.
[0104] As it employed in the subject specification, the term
"processor" can refer to substantially any computing processing
unit or device comprising, but not limited to comprising,
single-core processors; single-processors with software multithread
execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors
with software multithread execution capability; multi-core
processors with hardware multithread technology; parallel
platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory.
Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal
processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a
programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic
device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete
hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform
the functions described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale
architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and
quantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to
optimize space usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A
processor also can be implemented as a combination of computing
processing units.
[0105] In the subject specification, terms such as "store," "data
store," "data storage," "database," "repository," "queue", and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory
components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components
comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory
components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile
memory. In addition, memory components or memory elements can be
removable or stationary. Moreover, memory can be internal or
external to a device or component, or removable or stationary.
Memory can comprise various types of media that are readable by a
computer, such as hard-disc drives, zip drives, magnetic cassettes,
flash memory cards or other types of memory cards, cartridges, or
the like.
[0106] By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile
memory can comprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM
(PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically
erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can
comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache
memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available
in many forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),
synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM),
enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus
RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory components of
systems or methods herein are intended to comprise, without being
limited to comprising, these and any other suitable types of
memory.
[0107] In particular and in regard to the various functions
performed by the above described components, devices, circuits,
systems and the like, the terms (including a reference to a
"means") used to describe such components are intended to
correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which
performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a
functional equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to
the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein
illustrated example aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, it
will also be recognized that the embodiments comprises a system as
well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executable
instructions for performing the acts and/or events of the various
methods.
[0108] Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media,
which can comprise computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, which two terms are used herein differently
from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be
any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer
and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data,
or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can comprise,
but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other
memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other
optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible
and/or non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one
or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access
requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety
of operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0109] On the other hand, communications media typically embody
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or
other structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as a
modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and comprises any information delivery or transport
media. The term "modulated data signal" or signals refers to a
signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed
in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals.
By way of example, and not limitation, communications media
comprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired
connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and
other wireless media.
[0110] Further, terms like "user equipment," "user device," "mobile
device," "mobile," station," "access terminal," "terminal,"
"handset," and similar terminology, generally refer to a wireless
device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wireless communication
network or service to receive or convey data, control, voice,
video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream or
signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilized interchangeably
in the subject specification and related drawings. Likewise, the
terms "access point," "node B," "base station," "evolved Node B,"
"cell," "cell site," and the like, can be utilized interchangeably
in the subject application, and refer to a wireless network
component or appliance that serves and receives data, control,
voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream or
signaling-stream from a set of subscriber stations. Data and
signaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows. It is
noted that in the subject specification and drawings, context or
explicit distinction provides differentiation with respect to
access points or base stations that serve and receive data from a
mobile device in an outdoor environment, and access points or base
stations that operate in a confined, primarily indoor environment
overlaid in an outdoor coverage area. Data and signaling streams
can be packetized or frame-based flows.
[0111] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer,"
"consumer," and the like are employed interchangeably throughout
the subject specification, unless context warrants particular
distinction(s) among the terms. It should be appreciated that such
terms can refer to human entities, associated devices, or automated
components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a
capacity to make inference based on complex mathematical
formalisms) which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition
and so forth. In addition, the terms "wireless network" and
"network" are used interchangeable in the subject application, when
context wherein the term is utilized warrants distinction for
clarity purposes such distinction is made explicit.
[0112] Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or
design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present
concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the
term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an
exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from
context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural
inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X
employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under
any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and
"an" as used in this application and the appended claims should
generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified
otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular
form.
[0113] In addition, while a particular feature may have been
disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such
feature may be combined with one or more other features of the
other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any
given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that
the terms "includes" and "including" and variants thereof are used
in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms are
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising."
[0114] The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject
disclosure and corresponding figures and what is described in the
Abstract, are described herein for illustrative purposes, and are
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments
to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other embodiments
having modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions can
be implemented for performing the same, similar, alternative, or
substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter, and are
therefore considered within the scope of this disclosure.
Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to
any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be
construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the claims
below.
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