Apparatus and method for network slice pre-preemption

Abstract

An apparatus comprises means for receiving a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice, means for determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on prediction information associated with the communication device, and means for, in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communication device to indicate that the communication device is to use the second network slice.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The example embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus, a method and a computer program, and particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus, a method and a computer program related to network slicing. Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations / access points and / or other nodes) by providing a carrier between the various entities involved in the communication path. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session may include, for example, the communication of data for carrying communications (such as voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia and / or content data, etc.). Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, and access to a data network system (such as the Internet). In a wireless communication system, at least a portion of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link.

[0003] A user may access a communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A user's communication device is generally referred to as a user equipment (UE) or user device. The communication device is provided with appropriate signal receiving and transmitting means for enabling communication, for example, enabling access to a communication network or direct communication with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station or access point and send and / or receive communications on the carrier.

[0004] The communication system and associated equipment typically operate in accordance with a required standard or specification that specifies what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how it should be achieved. The communication protocols and / or parameters that will be used for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Another example of an architecture is the so-called Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. Another example communication system is referred to as 5G radio or New Radio (NR) access technology. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for receiving a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; a component for determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; and a component for routing a packet data unit create context response to the communication device to indicate that the communication device is to use a second network slice in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0006] The apparatus may include means for receiving prediction information of a communication device, the prediction information having information about a second network slice.

[0007] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0008] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas. The location may include a cell.

[0009] A specific time may be associated with an offset.

[0010] A specific time can be associated with a configurable offset.

[0011] The means may be provided in or may be the session management function.

[0012] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; a component for determining that the communication device has an ongoing packet data unit session using the first network slice; and a component for causing the ongoing packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

[0013] A packet data session using the second network slice may be created before releasing the ongoing packet data unit session.

[0014] The apparatus may include means for receiving prediction information of a communication device, the prediction information having information about a second network slice.

[0015] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0016] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0017] The location may include a cell.

[0018] A specific time may be associated with an offset.

[0019] A specific time can be associated with a configurable offset.

[0020] The means may be provided in or as a session management function.

[0021] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for causing a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be sent from the communication device; a component for receiving a packet data unit create context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and a component for causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0022] The packet data unit create context response may include information identifying the second slice.

[0023] The packet data unit create context response may be received in response to determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0024] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0025] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0026] The packet data unit create context response may also indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0027] The first network slice may be configured to utilize first radio resources at a first location of the communication device and second radio resources at a second location of the communication device, the first location of the communication device being different from the second location of the communication device.

[0028] The communication device may be predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on at least one of: an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of a first radio resource by the first slice at a first location, and an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of a second radio resource by the first slice at a second location.

[0029] The first radio resource may be different from the second radio resource.

[0030] The first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

[0031] The apparatus may be provided in or be a communication device.

[0032] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; a component for receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and a component for causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0033] A packet data session using the second network slice may be created before releasing a packet data unit session using the first network slice.

[0034] The packet data unit context release request may include information identifying the second network slice.

[0035] The packet data unit context release request may be received in response to determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0036] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0037] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas. The apparatus may be provided in a communication device or be a communication device.

[0038] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for determining a second network slice of a communication device using prediction information associated with the communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0039] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0040] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas. The apparatus may include a component for storing information related to the second network slice.

[0041] The apparatus may include means for retrieving information related to the second network slice from a session management function.

[0042] The apparatus may be provided in or be a user data management entity.

[0043] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for determining prediction information, the prediction information indicating that: one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

[0044] The component for determining the prediction information can identify one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation reservation priority or a quality of service associated with the corresponding network slice.

[0045] The component for determining the prediction information can identify one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority and / or a quality of service associated with the corresponding network slice.

[0046] The component for determining prediction information can identify one or more communication devices using an assigned retention priority of the one or more communication devices compared to one or more other communication devices associated with the corresponding network slice.

[0047] The means for determining prediction information may be provided with prediction information of one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice, a corresponding location and optionally a corresponding time.

[0048] The corresponding time may be a time slot.

[0049] The corresponding location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0050] The component for determining prediction information can determine the prediction information based on at least one of the following: mobility information associated with one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with a network slice; service quality information associated with a corresponding area; service quality information associated with one or more communication devices; or service quality information associated with a service associated with a network slice.

[0051] The component for determining prediction information can determine the prediction information based on: mobility information associated with one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with a network slice; quality of service information associated with a corresponding area; quality of service information associated with one or more communication devices; and / or quality of service information associated with a service associated with the network slice.

[0052] The quality of service information may include a quality of service indicator.

[0053] The component for determining the prediction information may determine the prediction information based on at least one of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

[0054] The apparatus may include means for causing the prediction information to be provided to one or more of an access management function and a session management function.

[0055] The means for causing the predictive information to be provided to one or more of the access management function and the session management function may provide the information in response to a request for the predictive information.

[0056] The means for causing the prediction information to be provided to one or more of the access management function and the session management function may push the information to the access management function and the session management function.

[0057] The device may be provided in or be an analysis function. The analysis function may be a network data analysis function or a management data analysis service function.

[0058] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising a component for receiving prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

[0059] The corresponding location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0060] The apparatus may include means for causing a request for predictive information to be sent, the predictive information being received in response to the request for predictive information.

[0061] Predictive information may be pushed to the device.

[0062] The device may be an access management function or provided in an access management function. The device may be a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity. The device may be a base station or provided in a base station. The base station may be, for example, a gNB.

[0063] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; and in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit create context response to be routed to the communication device to indicate that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

[0064] The method may include receiving prediction information of a communication device, the prediction information having information about a second network slice.

[0065] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0066] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0067] The location may include a cell.

[0068] A specific time may be associated with an offset.

[0069] A specific time can be associated with a configurable offset.

[0070] The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in or be a session management function.

[0071] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; determining that the communication device has an ongoing packet data unit session using the first network slice; and causing the ongoing packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session to be created using a second network slice.

[0072] A packet data session using the second network slice can be created before the ongoing packet data unit session is released.

[0073] The method may include receiving prediction information of a communication device, the prediction information having information of a second network slice.

[0074] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0075] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas. The location may include a cell.

[0076] A specific time can be associated with an offset.

[0077] A specific time can be associated with a configurable offset.

[0078] The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in or be a session management function.

[0079] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: causing a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be sent from the communication device; receiving a packet data unit create context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0080] The packet data unit create context response may include information identifying the second slice.

[0081] The packet data unit create context response may be received in response to determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0082] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0083] The specific location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas. The packet data unit create context response can also indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0084] The first network slice may be configured to utilize first radio resources at a first location of the communication device and second radio resources at a second location of the communication device, the first location of the communication device being different from the second location of the communication device.

[0085] The communication device may be predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on at least one of: an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of a first radio resource by the first slice at a first location, and an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of a second radio resource by the first slice at a second location.

[0086] The first radio resource may be different from the second radio resource.

[0087] The first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

[0088] The method may be executed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in a communication device or be a communication device.

[0089] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0090] The method may include creating a packet data session using a second network slice before a packet data unit session using a first network slice is released.

[0091] The packet data unit context release request may include information identifying the second network slice.

[0092] The packet data unit context release request may be received in response to determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0093] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0094] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0095] The method may be executed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in a communication device or be a communication device.

[0096] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising determining a second network slice of a communication device using prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0097] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0098] The specific location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas. The method can include storing information related to the second network slice.

[0099] The method may include retrieving information related to the second network slice from a session management function.

[0100] The method may be performed by a device. The device may be provided in a user data management entity or be a user data management entity.

[0101] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising: determining prediction information indicating that: one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

[0102] The method may include determining prediction information by identifying one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority or a quality of service associated with a corresponding network slice.

[0103] The method may include determining prediction information by identifying one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority and / or a quality of service associated with a corresponding network slice.

[0104] The method may include determining a communication device for which prediction information is associated with a corresponding network slice by identifying one or more communication devices using an assigned retention priority of the one or more communication devices compared to one or more other communication devices.

[0105] The method may include providing prediction information for one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice, a corresponding location, and optionally a corresponding time.

[0106] The corresponding location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0107] The corresponding time may be a time slot.

[0108] The method can determine prediction information based on at least one of the following: mobility information associated with one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with a network slice; service quality information associated with a corresponding area; service quality information associated with one or more communication devices; and service quality information associated with a service associated with the network slice.

[0109] The method may include determining prediction information based on: mobility information associated with one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with a network slice; quality of service information associated with a corresponding area; quality of service information associated with one or more communication devices; and / or quality of service information associated with a service associated with the network slice.

[0110] The quality of service information may include a quality of service indicator.

[0111] The method may include determining predictive information based on at least one of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

[0112] The method may comprise causing the prediction information to be provided to one or more of an access management function and a session management function.

[0113] The method may include providing the predictive information to one or more of the access management function and the session management function in response to the request for the predictive information.

[0114] The method may include pushing the prediction information to one or more of an access management function and a session management function.

[0115] The method may be performed by a device. The device may be provided in an analysis function or be an analysis function. The analysis function may be a network data analysis function or a management data analysis service function.

[0116] According to another aspect, a method is provided, comprising receiving prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides an associated service at a corresponding location.

[0117] The corresponding location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0118] The method may include sending a request for predictive information, the predictive information being received in response to the request for predictive information.

[0119] Predictive information may be pushed to the device.

[0120] The method may be performed by a device. The device may be an access management function or provided in an access management function. The device may be a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity. The device may be a base station or provided in a base station. The base station may be, for example, a gNB.

[0121] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code together with the at least one processor being configured to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; determine, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; and in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice, cause a packet data unit create context response to be routed to the communication device to indicate that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

[0122] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least: receive prediction information of a communication device, the prediction information having information about a second network slice.

[0123] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0124] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0125] The location may include a cell.

[0126] A specific time may be associated with an offset.

[0127] A specific time can be associated with a configurable offset.

[0128] The means may be provided in or as a session management function.

[0129] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the memory comprising computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code together with the at least one processor being configured to cause the apparatus to at least: receive prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; determine that the communication device has an ongoing packet data unit session using the first network slice; and cause the ongoing packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session to be created using a second network slice.

[0130] A packet data session using the second network slice may be created before releasing the ongoing packet data unit session.

[0131] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive prediction information of a communication device, the prediction information having information about a second network slice.

[0132] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0133] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0134] The location may include a cell.

[0135] A specific time may be associated with an offset.

[0136] A specific time can be associated with a configurable offset.

[0137] The apparatus may provide in or be a session management function.

[0138] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code together with the at least one processor being configured such that the apparatus at least: causes a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be sent from the communication device; receives a packet data unit create context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and causes a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0139] The packet data unit create context response may include information identifying the second slice.

[0140] The packet data unit create context response may be received in response to determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0141] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0142] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0143] The packet data unit create context response may also indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0144] The first network slice may be configured to utilize first radio resources at a first location of the communication device and second radio resources at a second location of the communication device, the first location of the communication device being different from the second location of the communication device.

[0145] The communication device may be predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on at least one of: an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of a first radio resource by the first slice at a first location, and an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of a second radio resource by the first slice at a second location.

[0146] The first radio resource may be different from the second radio resource.

[0147] The first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

[0148] The apparatus may be provided in or be a communication device.

[0149] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code together with the at least one processor being configured to cause the apparatus to at least: establish a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; receive a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and cause a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0150] A packet data session using the second network slice may be created before releasing a packet data unit session using the first network slice.

[0151] The packet data unit context release request may include information identifying the second network slice.

[0152] The packet data unit context release request may be received in response to determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0153] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0154] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0155] The apparatus may be provided in or be a communication device.

[0156] According to another aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code together with the at least one processor being configured such that the device at least: determines a second network slice of the communication device using prediction information associated with the communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0157] The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and / or at a particular time.

[0158] The specific location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0159] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: store information related to the second network slice.

[0160] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: retrieve information related to the second network slice from a session management function.

[0161] The apparatus may be provided in or be a user data management entity.

[0162] According to another aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code together with the at least one processor being configured such that the device at least: determines prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

[0163] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: determine prediction information by identifying one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority or a quality of service associated with a corresponding network slice.

[0164] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: determine prediction information by identifying one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority and / or a quality of service associated with a corresponding network slice.

[0165] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: identify one or more communication devices to determine prediction information by using an assigned retention priority of the one or more communication devices compared to one or more other communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice.

[0166] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least: provide prediction information of one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice, a corresponding location, and optionally a corresponding time.

[0167] The corresponding time may be a time slot.

[0168] The corresponding location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0169] The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to determine prediction information based at least on at least one of the following: mobility information associated with one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with a network slice; quality of service information associated with a corresponding area; quality of service information associated with one or more communication devices; or quality of service information associated with a service associated with a network slice.

[0170] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to determine prediction information based at least on: mobility information associated with one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with one or more communication devices; priority information associated with a network slice; quality of service information associated with a corresponding area; quality of service information associated with one or more communication devices; and / or quality of service information associated with a service associated with the network slice.

[0171] The quality of service information may include a quality of service indicator.

[0172] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: determine prediction information based on at least one of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

[0173] The at least one memory and the computer program code may, with the at least one processor, be configured to cause the apparatus to at least provide prediction information to one or more of an access management function and a session management function.

[0174] The at least one memory and the computer program code may, with the at least one processor, be configured to cause the apparatus to at least: provide the prediction information to one or more of an access management function and a session management function in response to a request for the prediction information.

[0175] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: push prediction information to an access management function and a session management function.

[0176] The device may be provided in or be an analysis function. The analysis function may be a network data analysis function or a management data analysis service function.

[0177] According to another aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code together with the at least one processor being configured such that the device at least: receives prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

[0178] The corresponding location can be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice service areas, or a portion of one or more slice service areas.

[0179] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least: cause a request for predictive information to be sent, the predictive information to be received in response to the request for predictive information.

[0180] Predictive information may be pushed to the device.

[0181] The device may be an access management function or provided in an access management function. The device may be a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity. The device may be a base station or provided in a base station. The base station may be, for example, a gNB.

[0182] According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions stored thereon for executing at least one of the above methods.

[0183] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions stored thereon for executing at least one of the above methods.

[0184] According to another aspect, a non-volatile tangible memory medium is provided, comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0185] In another aspect, a computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided, the computer program comprising program code for providing any of the above methods.

[0186] In another aspect, there is provided a computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of any one of the aforementioned methods when said product is run.

[0187] A computer program comprising program code means adapted to perform the method(s) may be provided.The computer program may be stored and / or embodied in other ways by means of a carrier medium.

[0188] In the above, a number of different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by combining any two or more of the above aspects.

[0189] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0190] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0191] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an example communication system including a plurality of base stations and a plurality of communication devices is shown;

[0192] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device is shown;

[0193] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control device is shown;

[0194] Figure 4 An example 5G NR architecture suitable for implementing some example embodiments is shown;

[0195] Figure 5 It shows the process of AMF / SMF (session management function / access management function) obtaining UE subscription data from UDM (user data management);

[0196] Figure 6 The signaling flow for the synchronization method is shown;

[0197] Figure 7 The signaling flow for the asynchronous method is shown.

[0198] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Shown according to TS23.502 Figure 4 .3.2.2.1-1 is a schematic representation of a signaling diagram for the procedure for establishing a packet data unit session;

[0199] Fig. 9 shows a signal flow for redirecting to a secondary slice upon PDU (packet data unit) session establishment;

[0200] Fig.10a and Fig.10b According to TS23.502 Figure 4 .3.3.2-1 is a schematic representation of a signalling diagram for a procedure for modifying a packet data unit session;

[0201] Fig.11 A signal flow for redirection to a secondary slice for an ongoing PDU session is shown;

[0202] Fig.12a shows a use case scenario of network slicing using different radio resources for different areas under some initial conditions;

[0203] Figure 12b shows a use case scenario of network slicing using different radio resources for different areas over a period of time;

[0204] Fig.13 A first method performed by an apparatus is shown;

[0205] Fig.14 A second method performed by the apparatus is shown;

[0206] Fig.15 A third method performed by the apparatus is shown;

[0207] Fig.16 A fourth method performed by the apparatus is shown;

[0208] Fig.17 A fifth method performed by the apparatus is shown;

[0209] Fig.18 A sixth method performed by the apparatus is shown;

[0210] Fig.19 A seventh method performed by the apparatus is shown; and

[0211] Fig. 20 A schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figures 13 to 19 One or more of the steps of the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0212] Before explaining the examples in detail, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to aid the understanding of the technology on which the described examples are based.

[0213] In such Figure 1In the wireless communication system 100 shown in , mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided with wireless access via at least one access point or similar wireless transmission and / or reception node or point. An access point or base station is referred to as a Node B or generally as a NB (e.g., eNB in ​​LTE and gNB in ​​5G NR). The base station is typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller device to enable operation of the base station and management of mobile communication devices communicating with the base station. The controller device may be located in a radio access network (e.g., the wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central device, or its functionality may be distributed over several devices. In Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , control devices 108 and 109 are shown to control the macro-level base stations 106 and 107 that respond.

[0214] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , base stations 106 and 107 are shown connected to a wider communications network 113 via a gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

[0215] Smaller base stations (or relay nodes or RNs) 116, 118, and 120 may also be connected to the network 113, for example, via a separate gateway function and / or via a controller of a macro-level station. Base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be pico- or femto-level base stations, etc. In this example, station 118 is connected via gateway 111, while station 120 is connected via controller device 108. Station 116 may be connected via station 107. In some example embodiments, smaller stations may not be provided.

[0216] Now refer to Figure 2 Describing possible communication devices in more detail, Figure 2A schematic, partially cutaway view of a communication device 200 is shown. The communication device 200 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device (such as a mobile phone or so-called "smart phone"), a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (such as a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet computer provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine type communication (MTC) device, a cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) device, or any combination of these devices or similar devices. The communication device may be provided, for example, for the communication of data carrying communications such as voice, e-mail (email), text messaging, multimedia, machine data, etc. Services may be provided via the communication device. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, or simply access to a data communication network system (such as the Internet). Broadcast or multicast data may also be provided to users. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alarms, and other information.

[0217] The communication device 200 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 207 via appropriate means for receiving, and may transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 2 In the mobile device, the transceiver arrangement is schematically represented by block 206. The transceiver arrangement 206 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio component and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0218] The communication device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and possibly other components 203 for software and hardware assisted use of the tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage and other related control means may be provided on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 204.

[0219] Optionally, the user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of an appropriate user interface (such as a keyboard 205, voice commands, a touch screen or pad, a combination thereof, etc.). Optionally, one or more of a display 208, a speaker, and a microphone may be provided. Furthermore, the mobile communication device may optionally include appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., a hands-free device) thereto.

[0220] exist Figure 3 An example arrangement is shown in FIG. Figure 3 Shown later with Figures 13 to 19An example of an apparatus is provided in any one or more of the various functions discussed in relation to any one or more of the above. The apparatus 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303, and an input / output interface 304. The control device 300 or the processor 302 / 303 may be configured to execute appropriate software code to provide control functions. The memory may include at least one random access memory and / or at least one read-only memory. In some example embodiments, the apparatus may be provided with machine learning / artificial intelligence functions.

[0221] An example of a wireless communication system is an architecture standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The 5G or NR standard part of the 3GPP development release 15, which is currently under development, is generally referred to as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) or LTE Advanced Pro of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. Other examples of radio access systems include systems provided by base stations of systems based on technologies such as wireless local area networks (WLAN) and / or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). It should be understood that the example embodiments may also be used with later standards.

[0222] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) is shown. The 5GS may include a terminal, a 5G radio access network (5GRAN), a 5G core network (5GCN), one or more application functions (AFs), and one or more data networks (DNs).

[0223] The 5G RAN may include one or more gNodeB (GNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (GNB) centralized unit functions.

[0224] 5GCN may include access management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), authentication server function (AUSF), user data management (UDM), user plane function (UPF) and / or network exposure function (NEF). 5GCN may also include network slice selection function (NSSF) and / or policy control function (PCF), although they are not shown.

[0225] 5GC 106 also includes a network data analysis function (NWDAF). NWDAF is responsible for providing network analysis information based on requests from one or more network functions or devices within the network. Network functions can also subscribe to NWDAF to receive information from it. Therefore, NWDAF is also configured to receive and store network information from one or more network functions or devices within the network. Data collection by NWDAF can be performed based on at least one subscription to events provided by at least one network function.

[0226] The network may also include a management data analysis service (MDAS) producer or an MDAS management service (MnS) producer. The MDAS MnS producer may provide data analysis in the management plane, taking into account parameters including, for example, load level and / or resource utilization. For example, an MDAS MnS producer of a network function (NF) may collect load-related performance data of the NF, such as the resource usage status of the NF. Analysis of the collected data may be provided as a prediction of resource usage information in a predefined future time window. The analysis may also recommend appropriate actions, such as expansion of resources, admission control, load balancing of traffic, etc.

[0227] Network slices are logical entities that are split at the resource level to provide end-to-end services. Each network slice is connected to a different network function optimization. Network slices can be set up to serve different sets of use cases, or to serve the same service but for different sets of users. For example, a UE may have a first network slice between the UE and the UPF for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and a second network slice between the UE and a different UPF for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The corresponding network slice is from the UE to the corresponding UPF via an access node.

[0228] 5GS supports user access to one or more applications. When a user requests an application (service), the network maps it to a slice that meets the application SLA (Service Level Agreement). User services are mapped to corresponding slices, and this mapping is done as part of the URSP (UE Routing Selection Policy) rules in the UE.

[0229] Consider the following scenario. The UE establishes a PDU (Packet Data Unit) session with slice mapping according to the URSP rules. If there is network congestion, a specific slice in the target area may be oversubscribed or have too many registered UEs, etc. The ongoing bearer may be preempted based on the ARP (Allocation and Retention Priority) value. The UE attempts to re-establish the connection again using the same or next preferred slice as defined by the URSP rules, which may result in the call not being able to be established or being established with a reduced SLA. This may result in poor QoE (Quality of Experience).

[0230] This problem may be exacerbated when a large number of UEs gather in a public area, for example due to an event. For example, 50,000 people / UEs may gather in a stadium.

[0231] Some example embodiments may aim to address one or more of these issues.

[0232] Some example embodiments may provide better QoE for some UEs by providing alternative slices.

[0233] In some example embodiments, this may be done in two steps.

[0234] First, analysis is used to predict vulnerable UEs that may be preempted. The analysis can predict vulnerable UEs that may be preempted and the time of day in a specific location. The specific location can be one or more cells, one or more tracking areas, or one or more slice service areas. The specific location may alternatively be part of one or more slice service areas. This preemption may be due to relatively high ARP (allocation and retention priority) bearer requests from other users. In some embodiments, this can be done at the NWDAF and / or MDAS and / or any other suitable network analysis function. This can be done using an AI (artificial intelligence) / ML (machine learning) process. Vulnerable UEs can be identified in any suitable manner. For example, they can be identified using one or more of ARP and QoS (quality of service).

[0235] Second, spare slices may be configured for UEs. Spare slices may be configured for those UEs before or during the predicted preemption time.

[0236] In some example embodiments, the UE will therefore use the backup slice during the predicted preemption time. This can avoid the user losing connection with the first slice and thus avoid a relatively poor user experience.

[0237] In some example embodiments, the 5G system will provide analysis at the NWDAF / MDAS to predict a vulnerable UE that may use a specific slice and a specific 5QI for a specific timeslot where a QoS flow may be preempted. This prediction can be performed for each cell of the gNB / RAN.

[0238] Consider one or more of the following inputs to derive predictions:

[0239] UE mobility and communication analysis (e.g., per cell)

[0240] This can be any UE communication analysis that can be used to predict aggregate UE communications based on traffic patterns generated by applications used by UEs from different slices during different times in a specific area of ​​interest. This may come from all applications used by all UEs from different slices during different times in a specific area of ​​interest. The area of ​​interest can be one or more cells, one or more tracking areas, or one or more slice service areas. A specific location can also be part of one or more slice service areas. This can be any UE mobility analysis that can be used to predict the geographical area, such as a TA or cell, that a UE or UE group may move to at different times.

[0241] ●Subscription data of the relevant UE. For example, this can be the subscribed slice, the subscribed application, its associated 5QI (5G QoS identifier) ​​and one or more of its usage cases. Analysis can be used to predict all UEs that may be present in a specific area. NWDAF or other analysis functions may use mobility analysis of a set of UEs, event information from OAM (operation administration and maintenance) and / or AF, and one or more UE subscription data in the UE subscription data of the relevant UE. It may be necessary to retrieve UE subscription data of UEs that may be present in the area of ​​interest from a data store. The data store may be a UDM. This subscription information may contain a subscribed S-NSSAI list and / or restricted areas and / or the like. NWDAF or other analysis functions may use the Presence in the AOI (area of ​​interest) report at the AMF. The AMF can report whether the UE enters and leaves a specified area.

[0242] • From one or more MnS (Management Services), which may be provided with PM / KPI (Performance Management / Key Performance Indicator) data related to cell performance KPIs.

[0243] This can be the aggregate calls dropped / failed at the area of ​​interest (e.g. TA / cell) from one slice to another, e.g. number of dropped / failed calls for slice x:X1 with TA1 / TA2 mobility. Alternatively or additionally, this can be the number of times a preconfigured congestion threshold was reached

[0244] ●QoS sustainability analysis: This can be per cell per slice per 5QI.

[0245] This may include 5QI preemption information with a timestamp. This may be based on ARP.

[0246] The output provided may be information about vulnerable UEs. This may be per cell, per timeslot, per slice and / or per 5QI.

[0247] It should be noted that analytics may be provided on a request / response basis (pull approach) and / or a one-time subscription basis with the client being notified periodically when there are changes (push approach).

[0248] The use of secondary slices is configured in the UDM or other user data functions. The UDM may store information related to the second slice which may be retrieved from the SMF to make a decision. This may be based on the consent of the UE. For example, for UE1, Nokia slice 1 is the primary slice and the secondary slice will be Broadband slice 2. This may be added as a slice SLA. In this example, Broadband slice 2 may be a secondary slice to Nokia slice 1.

[0249] UDM / UDR or similar function provides this information (secondary slice mapping) to AMF and / or SMF.

[0250] The AMF provides the secondary slice details to the base station (e.g. gNB).

[0251] The base station can use this information (in a passive manner) to select a better RAN slice in case of congestion.

[0252] SMF can subscribe to analytical forecasts as discussed previously.

[0253] The NWDAF or other analysis function may be provided with a notification with information about one or more UEs that may be preempted, the core slice ID and the QoS flow ID. This may be provided along with the associated time period.

[0254] The SMF may reject the PDU Session Creation Request when the UE registers. The SMF may reject the PDU Session Creation Request based on a UE QoS sustainability analysis report (such as described above). If the UE is one of the vulnerable UEs in the current time period or in the near future, the SMF may reject the PDU Session Creation Request. For example, this can be configured with a prediction time + / - a defined margin. The margin may be about 30 minutes, but this depends on the specific situation.

[0255] In some example embodiments, the time offset period may be configurable. The time offset may be operator configurable to control the minimum time before / after the predicted time to mark the UE as vulnerable. In other example embodiments, the time offset period may be a system default.

[0256] The configuration performed may be performed as part of an initial configuration, or the configuration may be performed as part of a dynamic configuration. The configuration may be done by an operator.

[0257] In some example embodiments, the duration of the shift may be based on an analytical prediction confidence associated with the time period.

[0258] The SMF may send a PDU Session Create Response with a cause of SM (Session Management) to instruct the UE to use secondary slices. This may provide better QoE for the UE by avoiding unexpected preemption and giving alternative slices.

[0259] In the case where a PDU session is already in progress and if the SMF receives a UE QoS sustainability analysis report, the SMF can dynamically release the PDU session request to the UE with the reason for switching to the secondary slice. After receiving the request, the UE switches to the secondary slice. The UE can then send a PDU session release ACK. In this way, service continuity can be enabled and better QoE can be achieved.

[0260] In an alternative process of handover, the SMF may notify the PCF of the vulnerability. This may be after the UE QoS sustainability report is received and optionally further analyzed by the SMF.

[0261] The PCF updates the slice information. This can be done by updating the URSP rules for defined time intervals (triggering parts). This can use a procedure to update the slice information in the UE. This can use a UE parameter update procedure / UE configuration update (NAS - non-access stratum) procedure.

[0262] In order for the NWDAF or other analysis functions to provide analysis information related to vulnerable UEs whose QoS flows may be preempted, some example embodiments provide an analysis ID. This ID may be provided as UE QoS sustainability analysis. As part of this service, those parameters required to perform analysis to predict a list of UEs whose QoS flows may be preempted may be monitored.

[0263] As part of this service, some example information to be collected for monitoring by NWDAF is shown in the table below.

[0264]

[0265]

[0266] Thus, example embodiments may collect UE subscription information as listed above. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, not all of the information listed in the table is required. In some example embodiments, alternative information may be used alternatively or additionally.

[0267] The output of the analysis can be the predicted values ​​of the following parameters.

[0268]

[0269] Some example embodiments may provide an enhanced process to use secondary slices. These slices may be 3GPP processes or any other suitable process.

[0270] Slice Provisioning: Slice configuration at the network level is provisioned with secondary slices as backup slices as optional entities.

[0271] In some example embodiments, the PLMN information and / or RRM (Radio Resource Management) policy members of the UE may include the PLMN ID, sNSSAI information (primary slice), and secondary sNSSAI information (secondary slice). For example, the information may be summarized as listed below. This may be a modification of the information currently provided in TS28.541.

[0272]

[0273] The configured secondary slices can be used as alternative slices in case of congestion (passive or predictive scenarios) and can provide better QoE to users.

[0274] UE subscription information may enable the use of secondary slices. This information is provided in the UDM. The UE subscription database may be located in the UDM.

[0275] As part of the Nudm_SDM_Get procedure from the UDM, the AMF and / or SMF may learn about UE subscription data. Figure 5 The AMF or SMF sends a get request, which is sent to the UDM. The request may request the subscribed primary slice (S-NSSAI) and secondary slices. The response from the UDM will provide information about the subscribed primary slice (S-NSSAI) and secondary slices.

[0276] The AMF updates the UE context details to the gNB to implement secondary slice mapping through the NG-AP (NG Application Protocol) (Initial Context Message) procedure as a part of the UE registration procedure.

[0277] The AMF updates the UE context details to the PCF to enable secondary slice mapping through the updated UE policy association establishment procedure which is part of the UE registration process.

[0278] The UE QoS sustainability analysis report is provided to the SMF. The SMF may obtain the UE QoS sustainability analysis described above from the NWDAF component via a synchronous procedure (eg, a GET procedure) or via an asynchronous procedure (subscription).

[0279] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 The signaling flow of the synchronization method is shown. The SMF will send an analysis information request to the NWDAF. This may include analysis ID-UE QoS sustainability analysis. This may be Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request. The NWDAF will respond to the SMF with the requested analysis report. This may be Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Response.

[0280] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7The signaling flow for the asynchronous method is shown. The SMF will send an analysis information subscription request to the NWDAF. This may include analysis ID-UE QoS sustainability analysis. This may be a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request. When there are changes to be pushed to the SMF, the NWDAF will respond to the SMF with the requested analysis report. This may be a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Response.

[0281] Figure 8a and Figure 8b According to TS23.502 Figure 4 Schematic representation of the signaling diagram of the procedure for establishing a packet data unit session of .3.2.2.1-1. Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 shows how to use some example embodiments with Figure 8a and Figure 8b In this example, redirection to the secondary slice is forced when the PDU session is established.

[0282] 1. NWDAF provides UE QoS sustainability analysis report to SMF.

[0283] 2.SMF receives a PDU session creation request from the UE routed via AMF. This can be a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request. (This corresponds to Figure 8a Step 3). The SMF checks if the PDU session is vulnerable for a particular slice. This is based on the analysis report. Vulnerabilities may be determined based on location, time and / or mobility pattern.

[0284] 3. If the PDU Session is found to be vulnerable, the SMF shall instruct the UE to use secondary slices. The SMF shall provide a PDU Session Create Response with SM cause instructing the UE to use secondary slices. This may be a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext response.

[0285] (This corresponds to Figure 8a Step 5)

[0286] 4. The UE retries to create a new PDU session using the secondary slice. This will succeed and can be provided with better QoE. In fact, Figure 8a Steps 1 to 5 of are performed using the secondary slice ID. (One or more of those steps may be omitted).

[0287] Fig.10a and Fig.10bAccording to TS23.502 Figure 4 Schematic representation of the signalling diagram of the procedure for modifying a packet data unit session of .3.3.2-1. Fig.11 shows how some example embodiments can be used with Fig.10a and Fig.10b The signal flow shown in is used in conjunction with . In this example, there is a dynamic redirection to a secondary slice for an ongoing PDU session.

[0288] 1. The UE has established a PDU session using the primary slice. This may have been used Figure 8a and Figure 8b At least some of the steps of the signal flow shown in .

[0289] 2.SMF receives UE QoS sustainability analysis report from NWDAF.SMF checks ongoing PDU Sessions to identify any vulnerable PDU Sessions.

[0290] 3.SMF initiates a PDU session release request. This may be the reason for switching to a secondary slice. The PDU session release request may be a Nsmf_PDUSession_Release request.

[0291] 4. The UE establishes a new PDU session using the secondary slice before confirming the PDU session release request. This ensures the "make before break" of application services and provides better QoE for users.

[0292] 5. After a new PDU session utilizing the secondary slice has been established, the UE sends a PDU session release confirmation to the RAN. This may correspond to Fig.10b Step 8. Perform the PDU session release procedure with the primary slice ID.

[0293] In a modification of the handover, the SMF may notify the PCF of the vulnerability after receiving and / or further analyzing the UE QoS sustainability report.

[0294] The PCF is updated in a defined time interval (triggering part) using the URSP rule. The process of updating the slice information in the UE (e.g., UE parameter update process and / or UE configuration update (NAS) process) will include information related to the second slice.

[0295] Some example embodiments may provide better QoE to users by enabling proactive redirection to secondary slices rather than causing service interruption due to preemption.

[0296] Some example embodiments may provide a process that allows for an opportunity to "make before break" to achieve service continuity.

[0297] Some example embodiments may be used with uniform slice deployment across cells in a tracking area (TA), i.e., meaning that all cells belonging to that TA will support a particular slice with the same resource allocation.

[0298] However, some example embodiments may be used in dynamic slicing scenarios.

[0299] A TA can support non-uniform slicing across cells, i.e., slices can be deployed in a selected subset of cells belonging to a specific TA.

[0300] The same slice can use different resource sets, i.e., different frequency bands in each TA.

[0301] If the network slice S-NSSAI is configured to be available only in TAs covering specific dedicated band(s), then the UE may need to be redirected to the dedicated band(s) when requesting such S-NSSAI. This redirection may be optimized using methods such as some of the example embodiments described above.

[0302] refer to Fig.12a , which shows a use case scenario where a network slice uses different radio resources for different areas under initial conditions. In this example, it is assumed that UE A1 subscribes to slice M, while UE A2, A3 and A4 subscribe to slice N. Frequency F1 is used at all areas. Frequency F2 is only available at the area around GB, for example, only in densely populated areas. Due to the high demand of applications related to slice N, at the area around GB, frequency F2 is dedicated to serving network slice N, while F1 is dedicated to serving other network slices such as network slice M.

[0303] The following is the service flow for UE A1 and A2 moving from area GA to area GC:

[0304] -UE A1 and A2 are served by network slice F1 at area GA.

[0305] -UE A1 continues to be served by network slice M through F1 towards area GB. Since F1 at area GB does not support slice N, the network moves UE A2 to F2 to provide service continuity for network slice N from an area close to GD. When the frequency for slice N is changed, service interruption of applications through slice N is minimized.

[0306] -UE A1 continues to be served by network slice M through F1 towards area GC. When the UE moves from GB to GC, UE A2 moves back to F1 to obtain network slice N. When the frequency for slice N is changed, the interruption of applications through slice N is minimized.

[0307] The following is the service flow for UE A3 fixed at area GD:

[0308] -UE A3 is located at the boundary area where the frequencies used by network slice N are different. In order to prevent unnecessary power consumption, service interruption and increased signaling, the frequency change between F1 and F2 needs to be minimized when UE A3 is served by network slice N.

[0309] The following is the service flow for UE A4 moving from area GA to area GB:

[0310] -UE A4 is served by network slice N through F1 at area GA. When the application ends, the user of UE A4 turns off UE A4.

[0311] - When UE A4 is switched off, the user moves from area GA to area GB.

[0312] - When the user arrives in area GB, the user switches on UE A4 and starts searching for a cell, starting with frequency F1 which was used as the last one.

[0313] -UE A4 finds that F1 does not support slice N. Finally, the UE accesses the cell on F2 and obtains the service of network slice N through F2 in area GB.

[0314] exist Figure 12b The final result of this process is shown in . As can be seen, non-uniform slicing across cells / TAs may increase the chance of problems (ongoing bearers being preempted based on ARP values). Some example embodiments may alleviate this situation.

[0315] Now refer to Fig.13 Methods of some example embodiments are described. The methods may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, Figure 3 The device may be provided in or be a session management function.

[0316] In A1, the method includes receiving a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice.

[0317] In A2, the method includes determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0318] In A3, the method includes causing a packet data unit create context response to be routed to the communication device to indicate that the communication device is to use a second network slice in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0319] Now refer to Fig.14Methods of some example embodiments are described. The methods may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, Figure 3 The device may be provided in or be a session management function.

[0320] In B1, the method includes receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

[0321] In B2, the method includes determining that the communication device has an ongoing packet data unit session using the first network slice.

[0322] In B3, the method includes causing the ongoing packet data unit session to be released and creating a packet data session using a second network slice.

[0323] Now refer to Fig.15 The method of some example embodiments is described. The method may be performed by an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be as follows Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 The apparatus may be provided in a communication device or be a communication device.

[0324] In C1, the method includes causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the first network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0325] In C2, the method includes receiving a packet data unit create context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice.

[0326] In C3, the method includes causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0327] Now refer to Fig.16 The method of some example embodiments is described. The method may be performed by an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be as follows Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 The apparatus may be provided in a communication device or be a communication device.

[0328] In D1, the method includes establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice.

[0329] In D2, the method includes receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice.

[0330] In D3, the method includes causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

[0331] Now refer to Fig.17 The method of some example embodiments is described. The method may be performed by an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be as follows Figure 2 The device may be provided in or be a user data management entity.

[0332] In E1, the method includes determining a second network slice of the communication device using prediction information associated with the communication device associated with the first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is preempted from the first network slice.

[0333] Now refer to Fig.18 The method of some example embodiments is described. The method may be performed by an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be as follows Figure 2 The device may be provided in or as an analytical function.

[0334] In F1, the method includes determining prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice providing an associated service and a corresponding location are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice.

[0335] Now refer to Fig.19 The method of some example embodiments is described. The method may be performed by an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may be as follows Figure 2 As shown in . The device may be an access management function or provided in an access management function. The device may be a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity. The device may be a base station or provided in a base station. For example, the base station may be a gNB.

[0336] In G1, the method includes receiving prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

[0337] In case the device is provided by or within an access management function, the prediction information may be provided by the SMF.

[0338] When the apparatus is provided in a radio access network entity or is provided in a radio access network entity, the prediction information may be provided by the AMF.

[0339] When the apparatus is provided in a base station or provided in a base station, the prediction information may be provided by the AMF.

[0340] Fig. 20Schematic representations of non-volatile memory media 1400a (e.g., a computer compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 1400b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1402 that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figures 13 to 19 One or more of the steps of the method.

[0341] It should be noted that, although the above-described exemplary embodiments are provided, there are several variations and modifications that may be made to the disclosed technical solutions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0342] It will be appreciated that while the above concepts are discussed in the context of 5GS, one or more of these concepts may be applied to other cellular systems.

[0343] Although the predicted preemption time has been described herein based on, for example, the time of day in each cell, the time period within the analysis target period to which the analysis applies, and the specific time slots in which the QoS flow may be preempted, other implementations of the predicted preemption time may alternatively or additionally be used. In some example embodiments, the predicted preemption time may alternatively or additionally indicate one or more of the time when the predicted preemption starts, the time when the predicted preemption ends, the time during the predicted preemption, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the predicted preemption time may indicate a time offset (e.g., a safety offset) between the predicted preemption time and the predicted preemption time when the predicted preemption time is expected to start and / or end. Additionally or alternatively, the predicted preemption time may indicate one or more instances in which the predicted preemption time is predicted to occur again (e.g., periodically, aperiodically, etc.).

[0344] In some of the examples described, reference has been made to a UE. It should be appreciated that any other suitable communication device may alternatively be used. The communication device may for example be a device previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 2 Any of the communication devices in question.

[0345] Therefore, the example embodiments may vary within the scope of the appended claims. In general, some example embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the example embodiments are not limited thereto. Although various example embodiments may be shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or illustrated and described using some other graphical representations, it is fully understood that, as non-limiting examples, these blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0346] The exemplary embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the entities involved, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. In this regard, it should also be noted that any process (e.g. Figures 11 to 13 The processes shown in the drawings may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as, for example, DVDs and their data variants, CDs.

[0347] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0348] Alternatively or additionally, some example embodiments may be implemented using a circuit. The circuit may be configured to perform one or more of the previously described functions and / or method steps. The circuit may be provided in a base station and / or in a communication device.

[0349] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0350] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as in the form of implementation using only analog and / or digital circuits);

[0351] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as:

[0352] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware and

[0353] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s) that work together to enable an apparatus (such as a communication device or base station) to perform the various functions described above; and

[0354] (c) Hardware circuits and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but where the software is not required for operation, the software may not be present.

[0355] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, an integrated device.

[0356] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of some example embodiments by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and example embodiments, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts. However, all such and similar modifications of these teachings will still fall within the scope of the example embodiments.

Claims

1. A device comprising: means for receiving a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; means for determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; as well as Means for causing a packet data unit create context response to be routed to the communication device to indicate that the communication device is to use a second network slice in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

2. A device comprising: means for receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; means for determining that the communications device has an ongoing packet data unit session using the first network slice; as well as A component for causing the ongoing packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the packet data session using the second network slice is created before releasing the ongoing packet data unit session.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising: Receive prediction information from the communication device, the prediction information having information about the second network slice.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the prediction information indicates that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a specific location and / or at a specific time. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the specific time is associated with a configurable offset.

7. A device comprising: means for causing a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be sent from the communication device; means for receiving a packet data unit create context response indicating that the communications device is to change to a second network slice; as well as Means for causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the packet data unit create context response comprises: Information identifying the second slice.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the packet data unit create context response is received in response to: determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the prediction information indicates that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a specific location and / or at a specific time.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the packet data unit create context response further indicates that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first network slice is configured to utilize a first radio resource at a first location of the communication device and a second radio resource at a second location of the communication device, the first location of the communication device being different from the second location of the communication device.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice based on at least one of: an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of the first radio resource at the first location by the first slice, and an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of the second radio resource at the second location by the first slice. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the first radio resource is different from the second radio resource.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

16. An apparatus comprising: means for establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communications device and a first network slice; means for receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communications device is to change to a second network slice; as well as Means for causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the packet data session using the second network slice is created before releasing the packet data unit session using the first network slice.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the packet data unit context release request comprises: Identify information of the second network slice.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the packet data unit context release request is received in response to: determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the prediction information indicates that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a specific location and / or at a specific time.

21. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining a second network slice for a communication device associated with a first network slice using prediction information associated with the communication device, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the prediction information indicates that: based on the communication device being associated with a specific location and / or at a specific time, the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

23. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining prediction information, wherein the prediction information indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the component for determining prediction information uses at least one of an allocation reservation priority or a quality of service associated with the corresponding network slice to identify the one or more communication devices.

25. An apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the component for determining prediction information identifies the one or more communication devices using the allocated reservation priority of the one or more communication devices compared to one or more other communication devices associated with the corresponding network slice.

26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the component for determining prediction information provides the prediction information of the one or more communication devices associated with the corresponding network slice, the corresponding location and optionally the corresponding time.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the means for determining prediction information determines the prediction information based on at least one of the following: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the corresponding area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; or Quality of service information associated with services associated with the network slice.

28. An apparatus comprising: A component for receiving prediction information, wherein the prediction information indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides an associated service at a corresponding location.

29. A method comprising: receiving a packet data unit create context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; Determining, based on prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; as well as In response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice, a packet data unit create context response is routed to the communication device to indicate that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

30. A method comprising: receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; determining that the communications device has an ongoing packet data unit session using the first network slice; as well as Causes the ongoing packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using the second network slice to be created.

31. A method comprising: causing a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the first network slice to be sent from the communication device; receiving a packet data unit create context response indicating that the communications device is to change to a second network slice; as well as Causes a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

32. A method comprising: establishing a packet data unit context associated with the communication device and the first network slice; receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; as well as Causes a packet data unit create context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be sent from the communication device.

33. A method comprising: A second network slice of a communication device associated with a first network slice is determined using prediction information associated with the communication device, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice.

34. A method comprising: Determine prediction information, the prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

35. A method comprising receiving prediction information indicating that one or more communication devices associated with a corresponding network slice are predicted to be preempted from the corresponding network slice, and the corresponding network slice provides associated services at a corresponding location.

Images