5G Network Slice Mapping for Roaming Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of network slicing in 5G networks is not mandatory, leading to compatibility issues between 5G networks and user equipment (UE) that do not support the slicing function, and different mobile network operators defining non-standard slices, which complicates interworking and roaming scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A network slice selection function (NSSF) entity that enables UE and 5G networks to check each other's capability information, facilitating interworking between differently defined network slices by mapping and managing slice information for seamless roaming and service provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing function is implemented in 5G network, then network service differentiation and customization are improved, but compatibility with legacy UEs that do not support slicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capability negotiation mechanism as an intermediary layer between the network slicing function and legacy UEs. The UE capability indication field and network capability response act as mediators that enable UEs to declare their slicing support status and networks to respond appropriately, ensuring legacy UEs can access services without slicing while 5G UEs can utilize sliced services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic capability negotiation where the network and UE exchange capability information during initial access and registration procedures. This dynamic exchange allows the system to adapt to each UE's capabilities in real-time, enabling network slicing for capable UEs while maintaining backward compatibility with incapable UEs through conditional service provisioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different mobile network operators define nonstandard slices, then operator-specific service customization is improved, but interworking and roaming between operators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal capability negotiation framework that works across different operators and networks. The standardized UE capability indication and network capability response mechanisms serve multiple functions: they enable operator-specific slice definitions, facilitate roaming between operators, and maintain backward compatibility, all through a single universal procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the capability negotiation fields to accommodate different operator-specific slice definitions. By dynamically adjusting the capability indication parameters based on operator policies and network configurations, the system enables each operator to define custom slices while maintaining interoperability through the standardized negotiation framework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capability negotiation and slice information mapping are implemented, then interworking between different slice definitions is improved, but signaling overhead and procedure complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial capability negotiation by introducing optional UE capability indication fields and conditional network capability responses. Rather than requiring full capability exchange in all scenarios, the mechanism activates only when slicing is involved, performing the minimum necessary action to enable interworking while avoiding excessive signaling in cases where slicing is not required.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a communication method and system that combine the 5G communication system with IoT technology to support a data rate higher than that of the 4G system. The present disclosure is based on 5G communication technology and IoT related technology and can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart building, smart city, smart or connected car, health care, digital education, retail business, security, and safety related services). The present invention discloses a method that enables the terminal and the 5G network to check each other's capability information to achieve interworking between network slices defined differently by different mobile network operators. A method for providing network slice information of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising generating mapping information by mapping first slice information for a visited public land mobile network (HPLMN) of a user equipment (UE) and second slice information for the VPLMN connected to the UE when roaming, and transmitting, to the UE, information corresponding to a slice requested by the UE, the information selected based on the mapping information.