AMF-Based Network Slice UE Counting Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for counting User Equipments (UEs) in network slices fail to accurately differentiate between network slice availability areas and service areas, leading to incorrect counting and privacy concerns due to the spread of UE identities.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in a cellular communications system, which receives registration requests from UEs and determines whether the request is applicable for updating the count of UEs using a specific network slice. This method sends a message to a Network Function (NF) to update the count, ensuring accurate counting by considering the service area and avoiding the use of UE identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing Network Functions are used to count UEs in network slices, then the counting function is implemented, but the counting is incorrect when network slice service area differs from availability area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice counting by introducing service area-specific counting mechanisms. The AMF determines whether a UE should be counted for a specific network slice based on whether the UE is located in the network slice service area, separating the counting logic from the general availability area. This segmentation enables accurate counting for different service areas while maintaining the overall network slice management function.
2Measurement precision
If UE identity is used for counting, then accurate counting can be performed, but privacy concerns arise due to spread of UE identities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary between the UE and the counting function. The AMF determines counting applicability based on service area location and UE registration status, then controls whether counting information is transmitted to the NF. This intermediary approach enables accurate counting without directly exposing UE identities to the counting system, thereby reducing privacy risks.
3Area of stationary object
If network slice availability area is used for counting, then counting coverage is maximized, but counting accuracy for specific service areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the counting behavior dependent on the specific service area location. The AMF determines whether a UE should be counted for a network slice based on whether the UE is currently located in the network slice service area. This localizes the counting accuracy to match the specific service area requirements, allowing different counting behaviors for different areas while maintaining overall coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for counting registered User Equipments (UEs) in a network slice service area. In one embodiment, a method performed by an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in a core network of a cellular communications system comprises receiving a registration request from a UE and, responsive to receiving the registration request from the UE, initiating a registration procedure and determining whether the registration request received from the UE is applicable for update of counting for a respective network slice to be used by the UE. The method further comprises sending, to a Network Function (NF) that maintains a count of a number of UEs that are using the respective network slice, a message that causes an update to the count of the number of UEs that are using the respective network slice.