5G Roaming Slice Selection for PDU Session Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems lack standardized procedures for modifying and releasing Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions during roaming scenarios, particularly in networks with closed resource allocation policies.
Innovation Solution
A roaming architecture where a slice selector resides in all networks, enabling the Network Slice Selector (NSS) to manage slice instances across home and visited networks, ensuring efficient resource allocation and session management through a Common Control Network Function (CCNF) and Network Function Selector (NFS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network operators open up their network resources to be assigned and visualized by other networks, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but network security and operator control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network resources into network slices - virtualized logical networks that can be independently allocated to visiting networks while maintaining physical separation and operator control. Each slice represents a segmented portion of the overall network infrastructure, allowing selective resource sharing without exposing the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network slice selector as an intermediary component that sits between the home network and visiting network. This selector manages resource allocation requests, translates them into appropriate network slice assignments, and ensures that resource sharing occurs through controlled interfaces, preventing direct access to core network resources.
2Device complexity
If a slice selector resides only in the home network, then home network control is simplified, but roaming scenario complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the slice selector function universal by deploying it in both home and visiting networks. This multi-functionality allows the same component to perform slice selection locally in visiting networks while maintaining coordination with home networks, enabling the system to handle both domestic and roaming scenarios with a unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional aspect to slice selection by distributing selectors across multiple network domains (home and visiting). This transforms the previously single-point control architecture into a multi-point distributed control system, adding spatial distribution as a new dimension to the control architecture.
3Reliability
If standardized procedures for PDU session modification and release are implemented, then network operation reliability improves, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes standardized procedures for PDU session modification and release in advance, before actual roaming operations occur. By pre-defining the sequence of actions, message formats, and coordination protocols that network functions must follow, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making and ad-hoc procedures during actual operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A core network includes a home network and a visiting network. The home network includes a first slice selector module configured to select a first slice and a first network function selection module configured to select a network function within the first slice. The visiting network includes a second slice selector module configured to communicate with the first slice selector and select a second slice, a second network function selection module configured to select a network function within the second slice, and a common core network function (CCNF) module. The CCNF module communicates with the second slice selector module to receive an identity of the first slice and an identity of the second slice, assign a temporary identifier, and transmit the temporary identifier to a user equipment.