Reservation of rights for a system and method for provisioning network slicing continuity between network operators

Abstract

Provided are a system and method for provisioning network slicing continuity between network operators. The present invention provides a system and method for provisioning network slicing continuity between network operators. The system receives a roaming request based on quality of service (QoS) requirements provided by various users within a home public land mobile network (HPLMN). The system provisions a network slice to a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) based on the roaming request from the user. This system enables the user to access the VPLMN during roaming.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Part of the disclosure of this patent document includes materials that are the subject of intellectual property rights owned by Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) or its affiliates (hereinafter collectively referred to as the patentee), such as, but not limited to, copyrights, designs, trademarks, integrated circuit (IC) layout designs, and / or trade dress protection. The patentee does not object to the third party's reproduction of the patent document or patent disclosure described in the patent file or record of the Patent and Trademark Office, but reserves all other rights. All rights to such intellectual property are fully reserved by the patentee.

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for provisioning network slicing continuity between network operators.

Background Art

[0003] The following description of related art is intended to provide background information related to the field of the present disclosure. This section may include specific aspects of the technology that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, this section is only intended to deepen the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and does not admit prior art.

[0004] Through roaming, the service scope of the home operator's voice and Short Message Service (SMS) is extended, enabling mobile users to continue using the home operator's phone number and data services even in another geographical location or country. The coverage expansion is made possible by a roaming agreement between the mobile user's home operator and the visited mobile operator network. This is similar to an agreement between telecommunications carriers such as international roaming services. The roaming agreement provides the technical and commercial components necessary to enable services in other countries. However, to provide data services in other countries, it is necessary to efficiently implement the roaming service.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a system and method that can mitigate problems associated with the prior art. Objectives of the Invention

[0006] Some of the objectives of the present disclosure satisfied by at least one embodiment of this specification are listed below.

[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that provide continuity of network slicing between network operators when a customer roams from one geographical location to another.

[0008] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that enable the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) to ensure continuity of network slicing between network operators when a customer roams from one geographical location to another.

[0009] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that provide on-demand slice provisioning in a visited network.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for creating a network slice in a visitor network so that a customer can access mobile services via the visitor network.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to improve the user experience. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This section is provided to introduce, in simplified form, certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure that will be described in more detail in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or to circumscribe the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0013] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for network slicing. The system includes a processor and a memory operably coupled to the processor for storing instructions executed by the processor. The processor receives requests from one or more users via a computing device. The requests are based on quality of service (QoS) requirements generated by the users. The computing device is connected to the processor via a primary network. The processor determines whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users in a secondary network based on the primary network being accessible to one or more users during roaming. In response to an affirmative determination, the processor generates a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network. In response to a negative determination, the processor provisions an end-to-end logical network to the secondary network and generates a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network. The processor enables one or more users to access the primary network and the secondary network, facilitating the generation of a network slice.

[0014] In one embodiment, the primary network may be a home public land mobile network (HPLMN), and the secondary network may be a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN).

[0015] In one embodiment, the processor may use a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) to provision an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor may send a discovery request to the visitor network repository function (VNRF) of the secondary network via the SEPP to provision an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mapping may be a network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) mapping.

[0018] In one embodiment, the NSSAI mapping may include HPLMN information, NSSAI information, and subscription data information of one or more users.

[0019] In one embodiment, in response to a negative decision, the processor may generate a request to create an NSSAI mapping to the visitor network service provider (VNSP) of the secondary network.

[0020] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for network slicing. The method includes receiving, by a processor associated with a system, a request from one or more users via a computing device. The request is based on an NF request generated by one or more users. The method includes determining, by the processor, whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users in a secondary network based on the primary network being accessible to one or more users during roaming. The method includes generating, by the processor, a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network in response to an affirmative determination. The method includes provisioning, by the processor, the end-to-end logical network to the secondary network and generating a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network in response to a negative determination. The method includes enabling, by the processor, one or more users to access the primary network and the secondary network to facilitate the generation of a network slice.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method may include provisioning, by the processor, an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network using SEPP.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method may include transmitting, by the processor, a discovery request to the VNRF of the secondary network via SEPP and provisioning an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network.

[0023] In one embodiment, the mapping may be an NSSAI mapping.

[0024] In one embodiment, the NSSAI mapping may include HPLMN information, NSSAI information, and subscription data information of one or more users.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method may include generating, by a processor, a request to create an NSSAI mapping to a VNSP of a secondary network in response to a negative decision.

[0026] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) for network slicing includes one or more processors communicatively coupled to a processor within a system. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors transmit a request to a processor via a network. The request is based on an NF request generated by one or more users. The one or more users are connected to a primary network via the UE. The processor is configured to receive the request from the UE. The processor determines whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users in a secondary network based on the primary network being accessible to one or more users during roaming. In response to an affirmative decision, the processor generates a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network. In response to a negative decision, the processor provisions the end-to-end logical network to the secondary network and generates a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network. The processor enables one or more users to access the primary network and the secondary network, facilitating the creation of network slices.

[0027] In one aspect, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes a processor with executable instructions that enable the processor to receive requests from one or more users via a computing device. The requests are based on NF requests generated by one or more users. The processor determines whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users on a secondary network based on the primary network being accessible to one or more users during roaming. In response to a positive determination, the processor generates a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network. In response to a negative determination, the processor provisions the end-to-end logical network to the secondary network and generates a mapping between the primary network and the secondary network. The processor enables one or more users to access the primary network and the secondary network and facilitates the generation of network slices.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems, and like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the different views. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis being placed instead on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In some of the drawings, block diagrams are used to show components, which may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a disclosure of the drawings includes the disclosure of the electrical, electronic, or circuit components commonly used to implement such components.

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] For the purpose of explanation below, various specific details are described so that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be fully understood. However, it is clear that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented without these specific details. Some of the functions described below can be used independently or in combination with other functions. In the case of individual functions, they may not be able to address all the problems described above or may only be able to address some of the problems described above. Some of the problems described above may not be completely solved by any of the features described below.

[0030] The following description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, it is intended to provide an effective explanation for those skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the described disclosure.

[0031] To enable a complete understanding of the embodiments, specific details are shown in the following description. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form so as not to obscure the embodiments with unnecessary details. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail so as not to obscure the embodiments.

[0032] Also, note that individual embodiments may be described as processes represented as flowcharts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structure diagrams, or block diagrams. In a flowchart, operations are described as sequential processes, but many of the operations can be executed in parallel or simultaneously. Also, the order of the operations can be changed. A process ends when the operations are completed, but there may be additional steps not included in the figure. A process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc. When a process refers to a function, its end refers to the function returning to the calling function or the main function.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "exemplary" and / or "illustrative" mean an example, instance, or illustration. To avoid doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. Further, any aspect or design described as "exemplary" and / or "illustrative" herein should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it intended to exclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, as long as the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and other similar words are used in any detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the open-ended conjunctive term "comprising" without excluding additional elements or other elements.

[0034] Throughout this specification, when reference is made to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "one instance" or "an instance," it means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0035] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are to be construed to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It is understood that the expression "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] Various embodiments throughout the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 - 7.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary network architecture (100) for implementing a system (110) proposed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the network architecture (100) may include a system (110). The system (110) may be connected to one or more computing devices (104-1, 104-2... 104-N) via a primary network (106). One or more computing devices (104-1, 104-2... 104-N) that may be connected to the system (110) via the primary network (106) are designated as compatible with a user equipment (UE) (104) and may be operated by one or more users (102-1, 102-2... 102-N). Further, one or more users (102-1, 102-2... 102-N) may be referred to as the user (102) or as being compatible with the user (102). In one embodiment, the system (110) is also referred to as a network slicing platform (NSP). The system (110) may provide a network slice within a secondary network (108) to enable the roaming function for the user (102) when the user (102) moves from one geographical location to another.

[0039] In one embodiment, the computing device (104) may include, but is not limited to, a mobile device, a laptop, etc. Further, the computing device (104) may include a smartphone, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a general-purpose computer, a desktop, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, and a mainframe computer. Further, an input device for receiving input from the user (102), such as a touchpad, a touch screen, an electronic pen, etc., may be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the computing device (104) is not limited to the devices described above, and various other devices may be used.

[0040] In one embodiment, the primary network (106) and / or the secondary network (108) may include, without limitation and by way of example only, at least a portion of one or more networks, which have one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or a combination thereof, one or more messages, packets, signals, waves, voltage or current levels, or combinations thereof. The primary network (106) and / or the secondary network (108) may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, the Internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, an optical fiber network, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In one embodiment, the system (110) may receive requests from one or more users (102) via a computing device (104). The requests may be based on quality of service (QoS) requirements generated by the users (102). The system (110) may determine whether an end-to-end logical network / network slice is accessible to one or more users (102) in the secondary network (108) based on the primary network (106) being accessible to one or more users (102) during roaming. In one embodiment, the primary network (106) is a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) and the secondary network (108) is a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN).

[0042] In one embodiment, in response to an affirmative decision, the system (110) may generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108). In response to a negative decision, the system (110) may provision an end-to-end logical network to the secondary network (108) and generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108). The system (110) may use a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) to provision an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108).

[0043] In one embodiment, the mapping generated by the system (110) may be a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) mapping. The NSSAI mapping may include Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) information, NSSAI information, and subscription data information of one or more users (102). Based on a negative decision, the system (110) may generate a request to create an NSSAI mapping to a Visitor Network Service Provider (VNSP) of the secondary network (108).

[0044] In one embodiment, the system (110) may send a discovery request to a Visitor Network Repository Function (VNRF) of the secondary network (108) via the SEPP and provision an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108). The system (110) may enable one or more users (102) to access the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108).

[0045] FIG. 1 shows exemplary components of a network architecture (100), but in other embodiments, the network architecture (100) may include fewer components, different components, components in a different arrangement, or additional functional components than those shown in FIG. 1. Further, or alternatively, one or more components of the network architecture (100) may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the network architecture (100).

[0046] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary block diagram (200) of a system (110) proposed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] According to FIG. 2, the system (110) may include one or more processors (202) implementable as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuits, and / or any device that processes data based on operation instructions. Among other functions, one or more processors (202) may be configured to obtain and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (204) of the system (110). The memory (204) may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and may be obtained and executed to create or share data packets via a network service. The memory (204) may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory.

[0048] In one embodiment, the system (110) may include an interface(s) (206). The interface(s) (206) may include various interfaces, such as, for example, data input / output (I / O) devices and interfaces for storage devices. The interface(s) (206) may also provide a communication path to one or more components of the system (110). Examples of such components may include, but are not limited to, a processing engine(s) (208) and a database (210). The processing engine(s) (208) may include, but are not limited to, a data parameter engine (212) and a provisioning engine (214).

[0049] In one embodiment, the processing engine(s) (208) may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (e.g., programmable instructions) to implement one or more functions of the processing engine(s) (208). In the examples described herein, such a combination of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming of the processing engine(s) (208) may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, and the hardware of the processing engine(s) (208) may include processing resources (e.g., one or more processors) for executing such instructions. In this example, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resources, implement the processing engine(s) (208). In such an example, the system (110) may include a machine-readable storage medium that stores instructions and processing resources for executing the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate and accessible from the system (108) and the processing resources. In other examples, the processing engine(s) (208) may be implemented by an electronic circuit.

[0050] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may receive requests from one or more users (102) via the data parameter engine (212). The requests may be received from one or more users (102) via the computing device (104). The processor (202) may store the requests in the database (210). The requests may be based on QoS requests generated by one or more users (102). The processor (202) may determine whether the end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users (102) in the secondary network (108) based on the primary network (106) being accessible to one or more users (102) during roaming.

[0051] In one embodiment, in response to a positive decision, the processor (202) may generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108). In response to a negative decision, the processor (202) may provision the end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108) via the provisioning engine (214). The processor (202) may generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108). The processor (202) may use SEPP to provision the end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108).

[0052] In one embodiment, the mapping generated by the processor (202) may be an NSSAI mapping. The NSSAI mapping may include HPLMN information, NSSAI information, and subscription data information of one or more users (102). The processor (202) may generate an NSSAI mapping creation request to the VNSP of the secondary network (108) based on a negative decision.

[0053] In one embodiment, the processor (202) may send a discovery request to the VNRF of the secondary network (108) via the SEPP and provision an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108). The processor (202) may enable one or more users (102) to access the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108).

[0054] FIG. 2 shows exemplary components of the system (110), but in other embodiments, the system (110) may include fewer components, different components, components in a different arrangement, or additional components than those shown in FIG. 2. Further, or alternatively, one or more components of the system (110) may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the system (108).

[0055] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system architecture (300) of a network slicing platform (NSP) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] In one embodiment, the system / NSP (110) may create a network slice / end-to-end logical network with a specific configuration within the home PLMN (302) and the roaming VPLMN network (316). Communication between the home network service platform (hNSP) (306) and the visitor network service platform (vNSP) (320) may be provisioned by the SEPPs (308, 322) configured within the system (110).

[0057] In one embodiment, the HPLMN (302) may include a Home Unified Data Management (hUDM) (304), hNSP (306), Home Security Edge Protection Proxy (hSEPP) (308), Home Network Slice Selection Function (hNSSF) (310), and Home Network Resource Function (hNRF) (312). The hSEPP (308) may be connected to a Visitor Security Edge Selection Proxy (vSEPP) (322) via an interface N32 (314).

[0058] In one embodiment, the VPLMN (316) may include a Visited Access and Mobility Management Function (vAMF) (318), a Visitor Network Service Function (vNSP) (320), vSEPP (322), and a Visitor Network Resource Function (vNRF) (324).

[0059] In one embodiment, the system (110) integrates with the hSEPP (308) to transfer messages to and from the vNRF (324) and vNSP (320). The system (110) may receive a request from the user (102) to provide network slice mapping. The system (110) may enable the provisioning of network slices in various network functions, such as but not limited to the AMF, Session Management Function (SMF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), and User Plane Function (UPF).

[0060] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary registration process (400) of an NSP to a Network Resource Function (NRF) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the hNSP (402) may send a Network Function (NF) registration request to the hNRF (404). In one embodiment, the hNSP (402) registers itself with the hNRF (404) as a network function to support service operations. The hNRF (404) may send a 200 OK response.

[0062] Figure 5 shows an exemplary roaming flow diagram (500) of a UE from an HPLMN to a VPLMN according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the following steps may be performed.

[0064] Step 514: The vAMF (512) may send a nudm_UECM_registration request to the vSEPP (510).

[0065] Step 516: The vSEPP (510) may send a nudm_UECM_registration request to the hSEPP (508).

[0066] Step 518: The hSEPP (508) forwards the nudm_UECM_registration request to the hUDM (506).

[0067] Step 520: The hUDM (506) may send a nudm_UECM_registration response to the hSEPP (508).

[0068] Step 522: The hSEPP (508) may further send a nudm_UECM_registration response to the vSEPP (510).

[0069] Step 524: The vSEPP (510) may forward the nudm_UECM_registration response to the vAMF (512).

[0070] Step 526: The vAMF (512) may send a nudm_SDM_get request to the vSEPP (510).

[0071] Step 528: The vSEPP (510) may send a nudm_SDM_get request to the hSEPP (508).

[0072] Step 530: The hSEPP (508) may forward the nudm_SDM_get request to the hUDM (506).

[0073] Step 532: hUDM (506) may send a nudm_SDM_get response to hSEPP (508).

[0074] Step 534: hSEPP (508) may send the nudm_SDM_get response to vSEPP (510).

[0075] Step 536: vSEPP (510) may forward the nudm_SDM_get response to vAMF (512).

[0076] Step 538: hSEPP (508) may send a UE registration request to hNSP (504).

[0077] Step 540: hNSP (504) may send a confirmation response to hSEPP (508).

[0078] Step 542: hNSP (504) may send a request to hNSSF (502) to obtain NSSAI mapping information (HPLMN, VPLMN).

[0079] Step 544: hNSSF (502) may send an OK response to hNSP (504).

[0080] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary roaming flow diagram (600) involving the creation of a network slice in the VPLMN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, in the ASM, the following steps may be performed.

[0082] Step 616: hNSP (604) may send NFDiscovery (vNSP) to hNRF (606).

[0083] Step 618: hNRF (606) may send NFDiscovery (vNSP) to hSEPP (608).

[0084] Step 620: hSEPP (608) may send NFDiscovery (vNSP) to vSEPP (610).

[0085] Step 622: vSEPP (610) may send NFDiscovery (vNSP) to vNRF (614).

[0086] Step 624: vNRF (614) may send an OK response to vSEPP (610).

[0087] Step 626: vSEPP (610) may terminate the OK response to hSEPP (608).

[0088] Step 628: hSEPP (608) may send an OK response to hNRF (606).

[0089] Step 630: hNRF (606) may send an OK response to hNSP (604).

[0090] Step 632: hNSP (604) may send the acquisition of NSSAI map information (HPLMN, NSSAI) to hSEPP (608).

[0091] Step 634: hSEPP (608) may send the acquired NSSAI map information (HPLMN, NSSAI) to vSEPP (610).

[0092] Step 636: vSEPP (610) may send the acquired NSSAI map information (HPLMN, NSSAI) to vNSP (612).

[0093] Step 638: vNSP (612) may send an OK response to vSEPP (610).

[0094] Step 640: vSEPP (610) may send an OK response to hSEPP (608).

[0095] Step 642: hSEPP (608) may send an OK response to hNSP (604).

[0096] Step 644: hNSP (604) may send the creation of the NSSAI map (HPLMN, hNSSAI, VPLMN, vNSSAI) to hNSSF (602).

[0097] Step 646: hNSSF (602) may send an OK response to hNSP (604).

[0098] Step 648: hNSP (604) may send a creation request (HPLMN, NSSAI) to hSEPP (608).

[0099] Step 650: hSEPP (608) may send a creation request (HPLMN, NSSAI) to vSEPP (610).

[0100] Step 652: vSEPP (610) may send a creation request (HPLMN, NSSAI) to vNSP (612).

[0101] Step 654: vNSP (612) may send an OK response to vSEPP (610).

[0102] Step 656: vSEPP (610) may send an OK response to hSEPP (608).

[0103] Step 658: hSEPP (608) may send an OK response to hNSP (604).

[0104] Step 660: hNSP (604) may send the creation of the NSSAI map information (HPLMN, hNSSAI, VPLMN, vNSSAI) to hNSSF (602).

[0105] Step 662: hNSSF (602) may send an OK response to hNSP (604).

[0106] In one embodiment, when there is no network slice, the hNSP (604) may send a discovery request from the vNSP (612) to the hNRF (606) based on the network slice. The hNRF (606) transfers the discovery request to the vNRF (612) via the hSEPP (608) and the vSEPP (610), and the vNRF (612) may return a response.

[0107] In one embodiment, when the discovery request is for a standard slice, the hNSP (604) sends a GET NSSAI request that may include details of the HPLMN and NSSAI to the vNSP (612), and the vNSP (612) may provide a response to the hNSP (604).

[0108] In one embodiment, when the network slice is available in the VPLMN, the NSSAI mapping may be created at the hNSSF (602). The hNSP (604) may send an NSSAI mapping creation request including details of the HPLMN, VPLMN, hNSSAI, and vNSSAI to the hNSSF (602). The hNSSF (602) may create a network slice mapping and return a confirmation to the hNSP (604).

[0109] In one embodiment, when the network slice is not available, the hNSP (604) may send an NSSAI creation to the vNSP (612) via the hSEPP (608) and the vSEPP (610). This request may include the HPLMN, NSSAI, and subscription data information. The vNSP (612) provisions the network slice and may send a confirmation to the hNSP (604). The hNSP (604) may send an NSSAI mapping creation request including details of the HPLMN, VPLMN, hNSSAI, and vNSSAI to the hNSSF (602). The hNSSF (602) may create a network slice mapping and return a confirmation to the hNSP (604).

[0110] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary computer system (700), and embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by or implemented in a computer system.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 7, the computer system (700) may include an external storage device (710), a bus (720), a main memory (730), a read-only memory (740), a mass storage device (750), communication port(s) (760), and a processor (770). Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system (700) may include multiple processors and communication ports. The processor (770) may include various modules related to embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication port(s) (760) may be any of an RS-232 port for use in a modem-based dial-up connection, a 10 / 100 Ethernet port, a gigabit or 10 gigabit port using copper wire or fiber optic, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. The communication port(s) (760) may be selected according to a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or any network to which the computer system (700) is connected.

[0112] In one embodiment, main memory (730) can be a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. Read-only memory (740) can be any static storage device(s), such as a programmable read-only memory (PROM) chip, for storing static information such as startup or basic input / output system (BIOS) instructions of the processor (770), but is not limited thereto. Mass storage device (750) can be any current or future mass storage device solution that can be used to store information and / or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) hard disk drives, or solid state drives (internal or external, e.g., having a universal serial bus (USB) and / or Firewire interface).

[0113] In one embodiment, bus (720) can communicatively couple processor(s) (770) with other memory, storage, and communication blocks. Bus (720) can be, for example, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) / PCI extended (PCI-X) bus for connecting expansion cards, drives, and other subsystems, a small computer system interface (SCSI), a (USB), etc., and other buses such as a front side bus (FSB) that connects processor (770) to computer system (700).

[0114] In another embodiment, an operator and management interface, such as a display, keyboard, cursor control device, is also connected to the bus (720) and can support direct interaction between the operator and the computer system (700). Other operator and management interfaces can be provided through a network connection connected via communication port(s) (760). The above components are only for the purpose of exemplifying various possibilities. The foregoing exemplary computer system (700) is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] Although the present disclosure places considerable emphasis on preferred embodiments, the present invention can take many embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. It will be understood that many changes may be made to the preferred embodiments. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, and it is clearly understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of the disclosure and not limiting.

[0116] Advantages of the Invention The present invention provides a system and method for providing continuity of network slicing between network operators when a customer roams from one geographical location to another.

[0117] The present invention provides a system and method that enables a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) to ensure continuity of network slicing between network operators when a customer roams from one geographical location to another.

[0118] The present invention provides a system and method for providing on-demand slice provisioning in a visited network.

[0119] The present invention provides a system and method for creating a network slice within a visited network and enabling a customer to access mobile services via the visited network.

[0120] The present disclosure provides a system and method for enhancing a communication system.

Claims

1. A system (110) for slicing a network, the system (110) comprising: a processor (202); a memory (204) operably coupled to the processor (202), the memory (204) storing instructions which, when executed by the processor (202), receive a request from one or more users (102) via a computing device (104), the request being based on a quality of service (QoS) request generated by the user (102), the computing device (104) being connected to the processor (202) via a primary network (106), the step; determine whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to the one or more users (102) in a secondary network (108) based on the primary network (106) being accessible to the one or more users (102) during roaming; generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108) in response to an affirmative determination; in response to a negative determination, provision the end-to-end logical network to the secondary network (108) and generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108); enable the one or more users (102) to access the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108) to facilitate the generation of network slices, the system (110) causing the processor (202) to execute.

2. The system (110) according to claim 1, wherein the primary network (106) is a home public land mobile network (106) and the secondary network (108) is a visited public land mobile network (108).

3. The system (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (202) provisions an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108) using a security edge protection proxy (SEPP).

4. The processor (202) transmits a discovery request to a visitor network repository function (VNRf) of the secondary network (108) via a SEPP, and provisions an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108), the system (110) according to claim 3.

5. The mapping is a network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) mapping, the system (110) according to claim 1.

6. The NSSAI mapping includes home public land mobile network (HPLMN) information, NSSAI information, and subscription data information of one or more users (102), the system (110) according to claim 5.

7. In response to a negative decision, the processor (202) generates a network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) mapping creation request to a visitor network service provider (VNSP) of the secondary network (108), the system (110) according to claim 1.

8. A method for network slicing, Receiving, by a processor (202) associated with a system (110), a request from one or more users (102) via a computing device (104), the request being based on a quality of service (QoS) request generated by the one or more users (102), the step, and Determining, by the processor (202), whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users (102) in a secondary network (108) based on the fact that one or more users (102) are able to access a primary network (106) during roaming, the step, and In response to an affirmative decision, generating, by the processor (202), a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108), the step, and In response to a negative decision, provisioning, by the processor (202), an end-to-end logical network to the secondary network (108) and generating a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108), the step, and A method including the step of enabling the one or more users (102) to access the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108) by the processor (202) to facilitate the generation of network slices.

9. The method according to claim 8, including the step of provisioning an end-to-end logical network within the secondary network (108) by the processor (202) using a Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP).

10. The method according to claim 9, including the step of sending a discovery request to the Visitor Network Repository Function (VNRf) of the secondary network (108) via the SEPP by the processor (202) to provision an end-to-end logical network in the secondary network (108).

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the mapping is a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) mapping.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the NSSAI mapping includes Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) information, NSSAI information, and subscription data information of one or more users (102).

13. The method according to claim 8, including the step of generating a Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) mapping creation request to the Visitor Network Service Provider (VNSP) of the secondary network (108) in response to the negative decision by the processor (202).

14. A user equipment (UE) (104) for network slicing, wherein the UE (104) is one or more processors communicably coupled to a processor (202) associated with the system (110), the one or more processors being coupled to a memory, the memory storing instructions, and the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute a step of sending a request to the processor (202) via the network (106), the request being based on a Quality of Service (QoS) report generated by one or more users (102), the processor (202) Receive a request from the UE (104), Based on the fact that the primary network (106) is accessible to one or more users (102) during roaming, determine whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users (102) in the secondary network (108), In response to a positive determination, generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108), In response to a negative determination, provision the end-to-end logical network to the secondary network (108), generate a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108), and A user equipment (UE) (104) configured to enable the one or more users (102) to access the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108) to facilitate the generation of network slices.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a processor with executable instructions, which, when executed, Receiving a request from one or more users (102) via a computing device (104), wherein the request is based on a quality of service (QoS) report generated by the one or more users (102), the step and Based on the fact that the primary network (106) is accessible to one or more users (102) during roaming, determining whether an end-to-end logical network is accessible to one or more users (102) in the secondary network (108), In response to a positive determination, generating a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108), In response to a negative determination, provisioning the end-to-end logical network to the secondary network (108) and generating a mapping between the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108), A computer-readable medium that causes the processor to execute steps of enabling the one or more users (102) to access the primary network (106) and the secondary network (108) and facilitating generation of a network slice.

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