5G Network Slice Selection Across UE Idle and Connected Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies struggle to efficiently facilitate network slice discovery and selection for diverse usage scenarios and applications in 5G networks, such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), due to varying requirements and operational states of user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for network slice discovery and selection is introduced, allowing UE, radio access network (RAN), or core network (CN) to perform slice discovery and selection based on various selection criteria, including idle and connected modes, using context information for optimized resource allocation and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing architecture is implemented to support diverse service requirements, then service versatility and resource allocation efficiency are improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple independent network slices, each optimized for specific service requirements (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC). This allows diverse services to be supported through separate logical networks while maintaining physical network infrastructure, thereby improving service versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slicing architecture enables a single physical network infrastructure to serve multiple functions and service types simultaneously. The same physical resources can be dynamically allocated to different logical slices based on service requirements, achieving multi-functionality and reducing the need for separate dedicated networks for each service type.
2Productivity
If dynamic resource allocation for grant-less and grant-based transmissions is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but control complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the network can switch between grant-less and grant-based transmission modes based on real-time service requirements and network conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows efficient resource utilization for different traffic types while maintaining manageable control complexity through standardized switching mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If network slice discovery and selection is performed based on multiple selection criteria, then service matching accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs network slice discovery and selection in advance during network attachment and service setup phases. By pre-establishing slice selections based on device type, service requirements, and subscription information before actual data transmission, the system achieves accurate service matching without adding processing delays during critical transmission windows.
Data Source
AI summary
An NR network slicing architecture may be used to facilitate network slice discovery and selection. Mechanisms to discover and select network slices may differ depending on whether a user equipment is in an idle mode or a connected mode. Further, in various examples, the network slice discovery and selection may be performed by a UE, a radio access network (RAN), or a core network (CN), based on a variety of selection criteria.