AF-Controlled Network Slice Quotas for Priority Subscriber Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G core network mechanisms lack the ability to manage network slice quotas effectively for different contract quality levels and handle unexpected UE behavior, failing to prioritize higher priority subscribers and manage network slice quotas efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods and systems that allow an application function (AF) to request specific actions from the 5G core network when network slice quotas are reached or UE behavior deviates from expected norms, including releasing low-priority users, adjusting back-off timers, and suspending services for specific UEs based on predefined policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If network slice quota is increased to support more users, then service coverage is improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates when quota is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic quota management where the network slice quota is not fixed but can be adjusted based on current network conditions, user priority levels, and resource availability. The AF can request action parameters that dynamically modify quota limits, allowing the system to adapt between supporting more users and maintaining efficient resource allocation based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of quota limits by introducing action parameters that allow the AF to request modifications to network slice quota. This enables the quota to be increased or decreased based on service requirements, user contracts, and network conditions, resolving the contradiction between supporting more users and maintaining allocation efficiency.
2Productivity
If network slice quota is strictly enforced, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but service continuity deteriorates for high-priority subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quota enforcement policies to different user groups based on their contract quality levels. High-priority subscribers receive preferential treatment with relaxed quota enforcement, while standard users have strict quota limits. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing strict enforcement for most users (maintaining efficiency) while providing exceptions for high-priority users (ensuring continuity).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts quota enforcement based on user priority and network conditions. The AF can request action parameters that modify enforcement strictness, allowing the system to be strict when resources are limited and more lenient when resources are available or for high-priority users, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application function is given control to request actions, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the AF a multi-functional entity that can both monitor network slice usage and request quota management actions. Rather than adding a separate control system, the existing AF is enhanced to perform multiple functions including quota monitoring, action parameter generation, and communication with the NEF, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The NEF serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of AF requests. The AF sends action parameter requests to the NEF, which then processes these requests and communicates with the appropriate network functions. This intermediary layer absorbs much of the system complexity while providing the AF with flexible adaptability.
4Productivity
If network slice quota threshold is set low, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but service availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic threshold adjustment where the quota threshold is not fixed but can be modified based on network conditions, user priority, and resource availability. When resources are abundant or for high-priority users, the effective threshold is raised to maintain service availability. When resources are constrained or for standard users, the threshold is lowered to maintain efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different threshold levels are applied to different user groups and network conditions. High-priority subscribers have higher effective thresholds ensuring service availability, while standard users have lower thresholds for efficient resource allocation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between efficiency and availability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems of how an application function can request the Fifth Generation (5G) core network to perform a specific action, when a network slice quota reaches a maximum limit or when the behavior of the UE(s) falls outside the expected communication behavior.