Abstract: A network node modifies an association between the 3GPP defined Network Functions (NFs) and one or more cloud-native services thereby changing how those NFs are realized by the cloud-native services. To accomplish this, the node (200) “decouples” the NFs from the cloud-native services such that the NFs are unaware of the underlying cloud-native services that realize them and orchestrates the cloud-native services executing in the cloud that will realize those NFs. Additionally, the node automatically deploys, upgrades, scales, and heals the cloud-native services, as well as exposes the NFs and their interfaces, thereby facilitating the management of fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS).

Abstract: A network node modifies an association between the 3GPP defined Network Functions (NFs) and one or more cloud-native services thereby changing how those NFs are realized by the cloud-native services. To accomplish this, the node (200) “decouples” the NFs from the cloud-native services such that the NFs are unaware of the underlying cloud-native services that realize them and orchestrates the cloud-native services executing in the cloud that will realize those NFs. Additionally, the node automatically deploys, upgrades, scales, and heals the cloud-native services, as well as exposes the NFs and their interfaces, thereby facilitating the management of fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and to a method and apparatus for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. In particular, the present invention relates to the management and assignment of cell identifier values that are required to be unique between adjacent cells, in a border region within a communication network in which cells from two or more cell sets are present. The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. Embodiments of the invention enable the automatic assignment of cell identifiers in a communication network, such as the assignment of physical cell identities (PCI) and scrambling codes (SC) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

Abstract: The telecommunications network, which includes a plurality of existing cells each having an assigned identifier from a set of identifiers, calculates a value for each existing cell, wherein the value represents the likelihood of an identifier conflict if a new cell is deployed near that existing cell. The value may therefore provide a network operator with an indication of the likelihood of an identifier conflict if a new cell is deployed in a particular area, such that the network operator may proactively avoid identifier conflicts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and to a method and apparatus for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. In particular, the present invention relates to the management and assignment of cell identifier values that are required to be unique between adjacent cells, in a border region within a communication network in which cells from two or more cell sets are present. The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for assigning cell identifier values in a communication network and for managing the assignment of cell identifier values in a communication network. Embodiments of the invention enable the automatic assignment of cell identifiers in a communication network, such as the assignment of physical cell identities (PCI) and scrambling codes (SC) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

Abstract: The telecommunications network, which includes a plurality of existing cells each having an assigned identifier from a set of identifiers, calculates a value for each existing cell, wherein the value represents the likelihood of an identifier conflict if a new cell is deployed near that existing cell. The value may therefore provide a network operator with an indication of the likelihood of an identifier conflict if a new cell is deployed in a particular area, such that the network operator may proactively avoid identifier conflicts.