Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for selecting, in a Fifth Generation (5G) cellular telecommunication network, a User Plane Function (UPF) of a plurality of UPFs on which to anchor a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session of a new user equipment (UE) newly appearing on the cellular telecommunication network. The selection is based on: a location of the new UE; a plurality of current loads for each UPF of the plurality of UPFs; a predicted UE load of the new UE based on network data analytics; and predicted UPF loads of the plurality of UPFs as a function of time considering the predicted UE load based on network data analytics from the Network Data Analytics Function. In the UPF selection, the Session Management Function (SMF) gives higher priority to shorter term predicted loads than longer term predicted loads.

Abstract: Providing improved call quality for over-the-top (OTT) services using Fifth Generation (5G), Sixth Generation (6G), or any future wireless network capabilities is disclosed. 5G wireless networks, for example, support an advanced quality of service (QoS) framework with different QoS attributes and priorities. An OTT application and a service type (e.g., voice call, video, group communications, etc.) can be detected and an appropriate high quality QoS flow can be assigned for that service. The OTT service can thus have high quality even when the network is congested.

Abstract: Data center architectures for providing Network Functions (NFs) in telecommunications networks are disclosed. A 5G or 6G wireless service provider with an existing 5G or 6G core network in one or more clouds can add several NFs in another cloud to optimize certain service(s). These NFs may already exist in the core, but for different services. A 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) customer could also incrementally migrate to a public cloud rather than migrating all NFs at once.

Abstract: Incremental platform migration for telecommunications systems is disclosed. Network Functions (NFs) and capacity on a new (target) platform are incrementally scaled up and NFs and capacity on a legacy (current) platform are scaled down until the migration to the target platform is completed. As such, if issues arise during migration, the legacy platform still retains capabilities while the issues with the target platform are addressed.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for hierarchical network slicing for communication services. An example method includes obtaining a set of single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); for each S-NSSAI of the set, determining a Tenant Slice-Group based, at least in part, on a slice differentiator (SD) part of the S-NSSAI; and processing the set of S-NSSAI in accordance with a hierarchy of network slicing including a plurality of Tenant Slice-Groups each including one or more network slices. The slices can inherit functionality from their respective root of a corresponding Tenant Slice-Group, geographic granularity or availability of each slice can be based on its Tenant Slice-Group, and Unified Access Control (UAC) can be implemented based, at least in part, on Tenant Slice-Group identification.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards embodiments are directed toward systems and methods for user plane function (UPF) and network slice load balancing within a 5G network. Example embodiments include systems and methods for load balancing based on current UPF load and thresholds that depend on UPF capacity; UPF load balancing using predicted throughput of new UE on the network based on network data analytics; UPF load balancing based on special considerations for low latency traffic; UPF load balancing supporting multiple slices, maintaining several load-thresholds for each UPF and each slice depending on the UPF and network slice capacity; and UPF load balancing using predicted central processing unit (CPU) utilization and/or predicted memory utilization of new UE on the network based on network data analytics.

Abstract: Various arrangements are presented for managing anchor point movement on a cellular network. A user equipment (UE) can be connected with the Internet via a first anchor point (e.g., user plane function) of the cellular network. A network data analytics function (NWDAF) within a core of the cellular network can analyze one or more characteristics of the piece of UE. Based on the analysis, a second anchor point is selected and the piece of UE is connected with the selected second anchor point such that the piece of UE accesses the Internet via the second anchor point.

Abstract: Systems and methods to use Wi-Fi as backup for CBRS private 5G network. One such method includes: using Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) to map a first portion of traffic to 3GPP Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) 5G access and to map a second portion of traffic to non-3GPP Wi-Fi access; creating a Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA-PDU) session using ATSSS between a User Plane Function (UPF) and User equipment (UE) through the 3GPP CBRS 5G access and the non-3GPP Wi-Fi access; implementing ATSSS load balancing to control traffic congestion between the 3GPP CBRS 5G access and the non-3GPP Wi-Fi access; and initiating one of a plurality of ATSSS steering modes to define a primary access network and a backup access network, wherein, in response to the primary access network becoming unavailable, the system automatically switches to the backup access network.

Abstract: Systems and method for dynamically scaling network function nodes or pods in a wireless network. A number of existing nodes are determined for the wireless network, and an arrival load rate is determined for the existing nodes. A load existence time is also determined for the existing nodes. High and low load thresholds are defined based on the number of existing nodes, the load existence time, and the arrival load rate. A new node is added to the existing nodes in response to determining that a current load on each existing node meets the high load threshold. And at least one existing node is set for removal in response to determining that the current load on the at least one existing node is below the low load threshold. A new received load is then scheduled to be assigned to an existing node having a least average load.

Abstract: A method for improving quality of experience (QoE) of a user of a cellular network is disclosed. The QoE of the user is monitored using key performance indicator (KPI) data stored in a quality of service (QoS) parameter database. Using data analytics, network configuration parameters are determined in response to determining that the monitored QoE is below a predetermined threshold set for the user. The determined network configuration parameters are adjusted until the monitored QoE reaches the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to one another. The memory may be configured to store one or more directories comprising access to multiple tenant profiles and one or more network access commands configured to provide access to one or more entitlements. Each tenant profile of the tenant profiles are associated with one or more services. The processor may be configured to receive a request to access at least one service. The request comprises an application function identifier (AFID) comprising a tenant ID that references a tenant profile of the tenant profiles, a department ID that references multiple entitlements associated with the tenant profile, and an API ID that references a service associated with the entitlements. Further, the processor may be configured to generate a report comprising multiple network access commands configured to enable access to the service in accordance with the entitlements.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to one another. The memory may be configured to store one or more directories comprising access to multiple tenant profiles and one or more network access commands configured to provide access to one or more entitlements. Each tenant profile of the tenant profiles are associated with one or more services. The processor may be configured to receive a request to access at least one service. The request comprises an application function identifier (AFID). The tenant ID references a tenant profile of the tenant profiles. The department ID references multiple entitlements associated with the tenant profile. The API ID references a service associated with the entitlements. Further, the processor may be configured to determine multiple network access commands configured to enable access to the service in accordance with the entitlements and generate a report comprising the network access commands.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for hierarchical network slicing for communication services. An example method includes obtaining a set of single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); for each S-NSSAI of the set, determining a Tenant Slice-Group based, at least in part, on a slice differentiator (SD) part of the S-NSSAI; and processing the set of S-NSSAI in accordance with a hierarchy of network slicing including a plurality of Tenant Slice-Groups each including one or more network slices. The slices can inherit functionality from their respective root of a corresponding Tenant Slice-Group, geographic granularity or availability of each slice can be based on its Tenant Slice-Group, and Unified Access Control (UAC) can be implemented based, at least in part, on Tenant Slice-Group identification.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to migrate a set of network functions between control planes of a network slice A and a network slice B; and a migration management unit to manage a gradual staged transfer of a subset of the plurality of network functions originally contained in the control plane of the network slice A to the control plane of network slice B wherein the gradual transfer is a migration of the plurality of network functions in a set of multiple stages to create the subset of the plurality of network functions in the control plane of slice B, wherein each gradual staged transfer includes the migration of a reduced subset of the plurality of network functions contained in the control plane of the network slice A reconfigured to the control plane of the network slice B.

Abstract: Systems and method dynamically determine provisioning of networking services. A service area is serviced by a first user plane function (UPF) as a primary service area and by a second UPF as a secondary service area. A request is received from a user equipment to connect to a network, and a location of the user equipment is identified. Determination is made whether the location is in the first service area. A first load of the first UPF is determined. In response to the first load not exceeding a load threshold value, the user equipment is connected to the first UPF. In response to the first load exceeding the load threshold value, the user equipment is connected to the second UPF when a second load thereof does not exceed the first load or to the first UPF when the second load exceeds the first load.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards embodiments are directed toward systems and methods for user plane function (UPF) and network slice load balancing within a 5G network. Example embodiments include systems and methods for load balancing based on current UPF load and thresholds that depend on UPF capacity; UPF load balancing using predicted throughput of new UE on the network based on network data analytics; UPF load balancing based on special considerations for low latency traffic; UPF load balancing supporting multiple slices, maintaining several load-thresholds for each UPF and each slice depending on the UPF and network slice capacity; and UPF load balancing using predicted central processing unit (CPU) utilization and/or predicted memory utilization of new UE on the network based on network data analytics.

Abstract: Systems and method are directed towards dynamically determining how to provision networking services. First and second user plane functions are initialized for first and second service areas, respectively. The second service area and the first service area share an overlap area. A request is received from a user equipment to connect to a network, and a location of the user equipment is identified. Determination is made whether the location is in the overlap area. In response to the location being in the overlap area, a first load of the first user plane function and a second load of the second user plane function are determined. In response to the first load exceeding the second load, the user equipment is connected to the second user plane function. In response to the second load exceeding the first load, the user equipment is connected to the first user plane function.

Abstract: A method for determining how long to store data in a data lake is disclosed. The travel data associated with a mobile device is received via cellular towers. The travel data is determined as to whether it meets a threshold associated with unusual behavior for a user of the mobile device. In response to determining that the travel data meeting or exceeding the unusual behavior threshold, the travel data is stored for long term storage which may be greater than a predetermined time length associated with short term storage.

Abstract: A location of a mobile phone in a cellular network is determined when the mobile phone has been turned off, placed in airplane mode, inactive mode or in idle mode. A first cell of interest and times of interest is received, and a location determination server in communication with the cellular network requests call data records (CDRs) associated with the first cell of interest and the times of interest. The location determination server receives the requested CDRs and determines possible locations of the mobile phone at the times of interest when the mobile phone antenna is powered off, airplane mode, idle or inactive using the received CDRs.

Abstract: A cellular network system includes a multi-core network having core slices, at least one cell site, and a network exposure layer. The cell sites are configured to receive communications from a plurality of tenants. The network exposure layer is configured to receive, through the cell site(s), a plurality of requests for bandwidth from an application programming interface (API) of the plurality of tenants. One of the requests includes a first request from a first API of a first tenant. In response to the first tenant being determined to be authenticated using information from the first request, a first core slice is determined to be associated with the first tenant. Data transfers are then provided between the first tenant and the first core slice in response to determining that the first core slice is associated with the first tenant and the first tenant being authenticated.