Page 148 - ITU-T Focus Group IMT-2020 Deliverables

3 ITU-T Focus Group IMT-2020 Deliverables

The following subsections review the Gaps and required functions for the solutions to the Gaps

7.1.1 Slice and a conceptual implementation model
The slice is a logically isolated network partition [Ref.7.1-2]. The subsection 7.1.1 describes the conceptual
implementation model with the functionalities for the network slicing.

For this purpose, the following four functionalities are required for the network slicing.
1) Create slice
2) Update slice
3) Read slice status
4) Delete slice

The diagram shown in Figure 7.1-1 is an assumed conceptual implementation model to provide the slice with
the functionalities.

Figure 7.1-2 shows the relation between the assumed model and 5GMF model.
Figure 7.1-3 shows the relation between the assumed conceptual implementation model and the model of
the Conceptual IMT-2020 non-radio network architecture [Ref.7.1-3]. In Figure 7.1-1, the shown
functionalities are as follows.

“(Network & Service) Orchestrator”
(Network & Service) Orchestrator is an end-to-end slice controller including horizontally and vertically
extended slice. Orchestrator controls and manages resources vertically via slice element controllers. It builds
and operates each slice suitable for the service requirements.
Slice Element Controller (SEC)

SEC is installed for each control domain in vertically extended slice. Control domain is defined according to
geographic location and control function. Each SEC converts requirements from orchestrator into virtual
resources and manages virtual resources of slice elements. SEC also exchanges information of virtual
resources with slice elements via virtual resource interface.
Physical Resource Controller (PRC)

PRC exchanges information of virtual resource with SEC via virtual resource interface and interconverts
between virtual resource and physical resource. The PRC orders physical functions (ex. switches) to allocate
physical resource via physical resource interface.

Network or Network Equipment(s)
A group of Network Equipment(s) and the control system(s).

Physical Function
Network Equipment(s) with a specific function

Slice
Slices are the logically isolated network partitions configured by the network elements ordered from the
orchestrator.

Back haul(BH)
Back haul is defined as the network path connecting the base station site and the network controller or
gateway site in [Ref.7.1-1]. Network path means transport excluding base station, network controller and
gateway.

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