5G Network Slice Cell Signaling for Informed UE Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) is unaware of network slice instances deployed in a 5G network, leading to potential access failures and unnecessary requests, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue while managing signaling overheads.
Innovation Solution
The UE is provided with dedicated signaling containing information about cells or tracking areas that support specific network slice instances, allowing or disallowing access, and enabling informed decision-making for camping, data transmission, and service requests, thereby reducing signaling overheads and avoiding access failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user equipment attempts to access network slice instances without awareness, then access requests are sent, but access failures occur and unnecessary signaling overhead is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The network side performs preliminary action by proactively notifying the UE about supported network slice instances through dedicated signaling (RRC messages) before the UE attempts access. This includes sending slice availability information, slice instance IDs, and access permission status in advance, allowing the UE to make informed access decisions without trial-and-error attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanism where the network side continuously provides updated information about network slice instance availability and access permissions to the UE. This feedback loop enables the UE to adjust its access behavior based on current network status, avoiding unnecessary access attempts when slices are unavailable or restricted.
2Loss of information
If dedicated signaling is used to notify UE about network slice instances, then UE can be aware of slice instances, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential and necessary slice-related information for notification, such as slice instance IDs, support status, and access permission flags. By taking out only the critical elements needed for UE awareness rather than transmitting complete slice configuration data, signaling overhead is minimized while maintaining effective information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification mechanism uses partial action by providing selective slice information based on UE type, service requirements, and current network state. Not all slice instances are notified to all UEs; instead, only relevant slices are communicated, reducing unnecessary signaling while ensuring UEs receive adequate information for their specific access needs.
3Measurement precision
If network provides customized slice information for each UE, then access precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized slice information tailored to each UE's specific characteristics, service requirements, and current location. Different UE types (e.g., IoT devices, mobile phones, vehicles) receive different slice notifications based on their capabilities and service needs, rather than a uniform approach for all devices. This enables precise access control while managing network complexity through targeted rather than universal customization.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method, an access network device, a core network device, and user equipment. The method includes: receiving, by an access network device, first information sent by a core network device, where the first information includes information about a cell that supports a network slice instance and that allows or does not allow user equipment to access; and sending, by the access network device, the first information to the user equipment. In the foregoing process, the user equipment may obtain the information about a cell that supports a network slice instance and that allows or does not allow the user equipment to access, to aware the network slice instance.