AMF Dynamic Network Slice Allocation for Overload Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing network slicing mechanisms in 5G systems are inefficient as they rely on static information for network slice selection, leading to suboptimal resource management and user experience, particularly when network slices become overloaded or unsupported by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the AMF receives information about overloaded network slices and communicates with the User Equipment (UE) to transfer PDU sessions to alternative slices, using a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) to monitor threshold values and notify the AMF, allowing for dynamic slice allocation and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static network slice selection is used, then network slice allocation is simple, but network resource management efficiency deteriorates when slices are overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network slice selection by having the AMF monitor the status of network slices and dynamically adjust PDU session establishment decisions. When a requested network slice is determined to be overloaded or unavailable, the AMF dynamically selects an alternative network slice from available options, transforming the static selection process into a dynamic adaptive process that responds to real-time network conditions.
2Productivity
If dynamic slice allocation is implemented, then network resource management efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AMF determines whether a requested network slice is available or overloaded, and based on this feedback, dynamically selects alternative network slices. The system continuously monitors network slice status and uses this information to make informed routing decisions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing network conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through structured decision-making processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) acts as an intermediary between the User Equipment (UE) and the network slices. The AMF receives PDU session establishment requests, determines the status of requested network slices, and selectively routes traffic to alternative slices when needed. This intermediary role centralizes the complexity of dynamic slice management in a single network function, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling sophisticated resource management.
3Reliability
If alternative network slice routing is performed, then user experience is maintained during overload, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the AMF determine the status of network slices in advance before establishing PDU sessions. The system proactively identifies overloaded or unavailable network slices and prepares alternative routing options beforehand. This preliminary assessment allows the system to quickly redirect traffic to available slices without significant delay, maintaining user experience while enabling failover capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem]This disclosure addresses how to define a mechanism for allocating the most suitable network slice to the UE or UE's PDU session in certain scenarios if a requested network slice from the UE is not allowed due to the Network Slice Admission Control.SolutionA method of an Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) apparatus includes receiving, from a User Equipment (UE), first information related to a first network slice and second information related to a second network slice, and sending, to a Session Management Function (SMF) apparatus, the second information to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session on the second network slice in a case where the first network slice is overloaded.