Page 134 - 5G Basics - Core Network Aspects

1 Core network aspects

− Allocation function. The allocation function allocates one or more physical resources to one or more
virtual resources upon receiving a request from virtual resource configuration functions;
− De-allocation function. The de-allocation function releases specific physical resource(s) being used
for one or more virtual resources. De-allocation is initiated upon receiving a request from virtual
resource configuration functions;

− Re-allocation function. The re-allocation function replaces specific physical resource(s) being used
for one or more virtual resources with other physical resources, thus allocating the latter physical
resources to the same virtual resources. Re-allocation may be initiated upon receiving a request
from virtual resource configuration functions or independently from them.

9.2 Physical resource monitoring and fault management function
Physical resource monitoring and fault management function monitors and collects status, performance, and
other kinds of statistics of physical resources. The function also detects performance degradations, failures,
and other kinds of anomalies of physical resources. When that happens, the function identifies the causes
and takes procedures to deal with the problem. For example, the function may initiate re-allocation of
specific physical resource(s) using physical resource configuration functions.

9.3 Physical resource discovery function

Physical resource discovery function detects new physical resources and reports them to virtual resource
discovery function of virtual resource management functions.

10 Virtual resource management functions

Virtual resource management functions manage, control, and monitor virtual resources in collaboration with
physical resource management functions, LINP management functions, and LINP operator functions. They
include virtual resource configuration functions, virtual resource monitoring and fault management function,
and, optionally, virtual resource discovery function.
When virtual resource management functions are independently implemented for different layers on a
virtual link resource, there should be a communication channel between the functions of individual layers
for consistent and coordinated management.

10.1 Virtual resource configuration functions
Virtual resource configuration functions are comprised of the following functions:
− Allocation function. The allocation function allocates specific virtual link resources and virtual node
resources to an LINP upon receiving request from resource coordination function of LINP
management functions;
− De-allocation function. The de-allocation function releases specific virtual link resources and/or
virtual node resources being used for a LINP. De-allocation is initiated upon receiving request from
resource coordination function of LINP management functions.

10.2 Virtual resource monitoring and fault management function

Virtual resource monitoring and fault management function monitors and collects status, performance, and
other kinds of statistics of virtual resources. The function also detects performance degradations, failures,
and other kinds of anomalies of virtual resources. When that happens, the functions identify the causes and
take procedures to deal with the problem. For example, the functions may initiate de-allocation of specific
virtual resources using virtual resource configuration functions.

10.3 Virtual resource discovery function
Virtual resource discovery function detects new virtual resources and reports them to resource coordination
function of LINP management functions.

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