Network Slice Authentication via Alternative S-NSSAI Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing multiple technologies and releases, particularly in supporting a mix of wireless devices with varying capabilities, and in providing flexible and configurable architectures that can adapt to different network configurations and traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a service-based architecture within a core network that includes multiple user plane functions and untrusted access, allowing for selective implementation of protocols based on criteria such as wireless device configurations, traffic load, and packet sizes, enabling communication networks to operate efficiently across various technologies and releases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single protocol version is implemented in the network, then device compatibility is simplified, but the ability to support multiple wireless device capabilities and technologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network dynamically selects which protocol version to use based on the capabilities of the wireless device being served. The base station can switch between first version and second version protocols depending on device characteristics, allowing adaptability without requiring all devices to support all protocols simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol version parameter is changed based on wireless device capabilities. The network identifies device capabilities and adjusts the protocol version parameter accordingly, enabling support for multiple device types while maintaining clear operational parameters for each connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network uses a fixed architecture, then implementation is simpler, but flexibility to adapt to different network configurations and traffic conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture dynamically determines whether to route traffic through the first network function or the second network function based on traffic conditions and device capabilities. This dynamic routing provides flexibility without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that receives traffic and directs it to appropriate network functions based on device capabilities and traffic conditions. This intermediary role enables flexible routing decisions while keeping the overall network architecture relatively simple.
3Productivity
If all traffic is routed through the same network function, then network function management is simplified, but network performance optimization for different device types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple network functions with different capabilities. Traffic is divided and routed to appropriate network functions based on device capabilities, allowing each network function to be optimized for specific task types while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include sending, by an access and mobility management function (AMF) to a unified data management (UDM), a request message requesting a subscription data for a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). The method may also include receiving, by the AMF from the UDM, a response message comprising the subscription data for the S-NSSAI. The subscription data indicates network slice-specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA) for the S-NSSAI. The method may also include determining, by the AMF, an alternative S-NSSAI for the S-NSSAI. The method may further include sending, by the AMF to a network slice-specific and standalone non-public network (SNPN) authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) and based on the subscription data, a message indicating that the alternative S-NSSAI is for the S-NSSAI.