Abstract: A network management entity configured to: deactivate a Network Slice Instance without releasing network resources previously allocated to the Network Slice Instance; and subsequent to deactivating the Network Slice Instance, activating the Network Slice Instance using the network resources previously allocated to the Network Slice Instance. A Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) perform slice specific Lifecycle Management (LCM) for a Network Slice Instance (NSI) based on Communication Service Instance (CSI) requirements is also disclosed. Customer Service Management Function (CSMF) for receiving service requirements from a Service Manager (SM) and transmitting the CSI requirements a Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for service based architecture (SBA) for data analytics management (DAM). Configuration specifications are provided for configuring DAM entities for infrastructure management by infrastructure managers (InfMs), customer service managers (CSMs) for network slice subnet instance (NSSI), network slice instance (NSI) and service instance (SI) management, content and forwarding managers (CFM) for content and content cache management. Also provided are methods and apparatus for data analytics service provisioning regardless of DAM architecture.

Abstract: Method and system for performance assurance in a network slice subset instance (NSSI) or a network slice instance (NSI) of a network. The method comprises receiving, at a network management function (OAM) of the network, a trigger indicating a network performance deficiency; based on the trigger, determining, by a data analytics (DAM) function of the OAM (OAM DAM) in coordination with a network analytics function of one of the core network and a radio access network (RAN), an NSI/NSSI modification; and implementing, by the OAM, a change in at least one of: NSI/NSSI policies, configurations in at least one of core network functions, the RAN and network resources, in accordance with the NSF NSSI modification.

Abstract: Method and system for performance assurance in a network slice subset instance (NSSI) or a network slice instance (NSI) of a network. The method comprises receiving, at a network management function (OAM) of the network, a trigger indicating a network performance deficiency; based on the trigger, determining, by a data analytics (DAM) function of the OAM (OAM DAM) in coordination with a network analytics function of one of the core network and a radio access network (RAN) , an NSI/NSSI modification; and implementing, by the OAM, a change in at least one of: NSI/NSSI policies, configurations in at least one of core network functions, the RAN and network resources, in accordance with the NSF NSSI modification.

Abstract: Systems and methods described for providing capacity and coverage hole analysis in next generation wireless networks (e.g. 5G networks). Provided is a network function comprising a network interface for receiving data from, and transmitting data to, a plurality of network functions connected to a within a communication network; a processor; and a non-transient memory for storing instructions executable by the processor to cause the network function to receive a request for capacity and coverage hole (CCH) information from a capacity and coverage hole analysis (CCHA) consumer, collect the CCH information responsive to the request; and determine a capacity and coverage hole profile that is indicative of at least one of a network coverage sufficiency and coverage service quality based at least in part on the CCH information.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for service based architecture (SBA) for data analytics management (DAM). Configuration specifications are provided for configuring DAM entities for infrastructure management by infrastructure managers (InfMs), customer service managers (CSMs) for network slice subnet instance (NSSI), network slice instance (NSI) and service instance (SI) management, content and forwarding managers (CFM) for content and content cache management. Also provided are methods and apparatus for data analytics service provisioning regardless of DAM architecture.

Abstract: Method and system for performance assurance in a network slice subset instance (NSSI) or a network slice instance (NSI) of a network. The method comprises receiving, at a network management function (OAM) of the network, a trigger indicating a network performance deficiency; based on the trigger, determining, by a data analytics (DAM) function of the OAM (OAM DAM) in coordination with a network analytics function of one of the core network and a radio access network (RAN), an NSI/NSSI modification; and implementing, by the OAM, a change in at least one of: NSI/NSSI policies, configurations in at least one of core network functions, the RAN and network resources, in accordance with the NSI/NSSI modification.

Abstract: There is provided a method and network management function for allocating a slice instance of a communications network. The method includes obtaining, by a management function, requirements for the slice instance and checking, by the management function, a feasibility of the slice instance requirements in view of one or more of network resources and network capabilities. The method further includes preparing, by the management function, a network environment for the slice instance in view of the slice instance requirements and commissioning, by the management function, the slice instance. The method may additionally or alternatively include terminating, modifying and/or deactivating the slice instance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for service based architecture (SBA) for data analytics management (DAM). Configuration specifications are provided for configuring DAM entities for infrastructure management by infrastructure managers (InfMs), customer service managers (CSMs) for network slice subnet instance (NSSI), network slice instance (NSI) and service instance (SI) management, content and forwarding managers (CFM) for content and content cache management. Also provided are methods and apparatus for data analytics service provisioning regardless of DAM architecture.

Abstract: A communication service manager (CSM) apparatus for monitoring a communication network is provided. The CSM receives configuration instruction message from a higher-level device, and creates or modifies a set of tasks based on the configuration instruction message. The CSM is thus configured to interact with data provider devices to obtain specific information, process the information, and report the results of the processing operations toward a specified device or database. The data provider devices monitor network operations and may include network functions and data analytics manager (DAM) functions. A format for configuration instruction messages, for configuring the CSM, is also provided.

Abstract: A method comprises communicating a specification of a network slice instance (NSI) that identifies a network function (NF), and operating the identified NF in accordance with the specification.

Abstract: Method and system for performance assurance in a network slice subset instance (NSSI) or a network slice instance (NSI) of a network. The method comprises receiving, at a network management function (OAM) of the network, a trigger indicating a network performance deficiency; based on the trigger, determining, by a data analytics (DAM) function of the OAM (OAM DAM) in coordination with a network analytics function of one of the core network and a radio access network (RAN), an NSI/NSSI modification; and implementing, by the OAM, a change in at least one of: NSI/NSSI policies, configurations in at least one of core network functions, the RAN and network resources, in accordance with the NSF NSSI modification.

Abstract: Systems and methods described for providing capacity and coverage hole analysis in next generation wireless networks (e.g. 5G networks). Provided is a network function comprising a network interface for receiving data from, and transmitting data to, a plurality of network functions connected to a within a communication network; a processor; and a non-transient memory for storing instructions executable by the processor to cause the network function to receive a request for capacity and coverage hole (CCH) information from a capacity and coverage hole analysis (CCHA) consumer, collect the CCH information responsive to the request; and determine a capacity and coverage hole profile that is indicative of at least one of a network coverage sufficiency and coverage service quality based at least in part on the CCH information.

Abstract: A communication service manager (CSM) apparatus for monitoring a communication network is provided. The CSM receives configuration instruction message from a higher-level device, and creates or modifies a set of tasks based on the configuration instruction message. The CSM is thus configured to interact with data provider devices to obtain specific information, process the information, and report the results of the processing operations toward a specified device or database. The data provider devices monitor network operations and may include network functions and data analytics manager (DAM) functions. A format for configuration instruction messages, for configuring the CSM, is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for service based architecture (SBA) for data analytics management (DAM). Configuration specifications are provided for configuring DAM entities for infrastructure management by infrastructure managers (InfMs), customer service managers (CSMs) for network slice subnet instance (NSSI), network slice instance (NSI) and service instance (SI) management, content and forwarding managers (CFM) for content and content cache management. Also provided are methods and apparatus for data analytics service provisioning regardless of DAM architecture.

Abstract: A method comprises communicating a specification of a network slice instance (NSI) that identifies a network function (NF), and operating the identified NF in accordance with the specification.

Abstract: A network management system configured to: selectively expose network management data; receive a request for a network service, the request including service requirements and parameters in accordance with the exposed network management data, wherein the service comprises a selected one of: Communication as a Service (CaaS), Network Slice as a Service (NSaaS), Network Slice Subnet as a Service (NSSaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS); and responsive to the received request, negotiate a service level agreement based on the service requirements and parameters.

Abstract: A network management entity configured to: deactivate a Network Slice Instance without releasing network resources previously allocated to the Network Slice Instance; and subsequent to deactivating the Network Slice Instance, activating the Network Slice Instance using the network resources previously allocated to the Network Slice Instance. A Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) perform slice specific Lifecycle Management (LCM) for a Network Slice Instance (NSI) based on Communication Service Instance (CSI) requirements is also disclosed. Customer Service Management Function (CSMF) for receiving service requirements from a Service Manager (SM) and transmitting the CSI requirements a Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) is also disclosed.