Network Slice Service Continuity via AMF Backup Registration

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring backup network slice information in the subscription data before service disruption occurs. When a UE registers with the network, the AMF retrieves and stores the backup network slice list in advance, so that if the primary network slice becomes unavailable, the UE can immediately switch to a pre-identified backup slice without complex real-time decision-making, thus improving reliability while managing complexity.

The patent introduces the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) as an intermediary that manages the complexity of network slice continuity. The AMF acts as a mediator between the UE and multiple network slices, handling the logic of selecting primary and backup slices, managing registration capacity checks, and coordinating the switch between slices. This centralizes the complexity in a dedicated network function rather than distributing it across all network elements.

The patent applies preliminary action by performing registration capacity checking for backup network slices in advance, during the initial registration process. The AMF checks whether the backup network slice has sufficient registration capacity before the UE actually needs to switch to it. This pre-validation ensures that when a switch is needed, the backup slice is already confirmed to be available, avoiding time-consuming checks during the actual service disruption event.

The patent applies partial action by selectively performing registration capacity checks only when necessary - specifically, when the primary network slice becomes unavailable or when initially establishing service. The system doesn't continuously check both primary and backup slices at all times, but rather performs checks at critical transition points, reducing overall processing time while maintaining service continuity reliability.