Network Slice Interworking via AMF Mapping for 5G Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, terminal movement between different mobile communications operators' network slices, defined by unique Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) values, leads to errors due to mismatched network slices, disrupting mobile communications services.
Innovation Solution
A network slice interworking system and method that provides user equipment (UE) with current area information and mapped network slice information, allowing for seamless registration and allocation of appropriate network slices based on Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and load balancing, ensuring error-free mobile communications services across different operator networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile communications operators define unique network slices with different S-NSSAI values, then each operator can optimize network slice characteristics for their specific service requirements, but terminals experience service errors when moving between different operators' network areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) as an intermediary that mediates between the terminal and multiple network slices. The AMF receives registration requests from terminals, determines appropriate network slices based on terminal location and subscription information, and maps S-NSSAI values across different operators. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling operator-specific slice customization while ensuring seamless terminal mobility and service continuity through centralized slice management and mapping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same S-NSSAI value indicates different network slices in different carrier areas, then each carrier can define slices according to their unique characteristics, but terminals cannot correctly identify and access the intended network slice when moving between carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each carrier area to have its own S-NSSAI-to-network-slice mapping relationships. The AMF stores multiple mapping tables, each corresponding to a specific carrier area, where the same S-NSSAI value can map to different network slices in different areas. When a terminal registers, the AMF selects the appropriate mapping table based on the terminal's current location, ensuring that slice identification is locally optimized for each carrier while maintaining global service continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are defined differently by mobile communications operators, then operators can optimize for their specific service characteristics, but the complexity of managing and mapping slices across multiple operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the AMF with multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse slice management tasks. The AMF performs multiple functions including: receiving and processing registration requests from terminals, determining appropriate network slices based on location and subscription, mapping S-NSSAI values across different operators, and managing multiple carrier-specific mapping tables. This universal, multi-functional approach consolidates complex slice management operations into a single network element, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operator-specific optimization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A network slice interworking method includes receiving a network slice information request from a user equipment (UE), identifying network slice subscription information of the UE, verifying whether the network slice subscription information matches pre-stored network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), transmitting network slice information including the pre-stored NSSAI to the UE when the network slice subscription information matches the pre-stored NSSAI, transmitting a network slice selection request to a network slice selection function (NSSF) when the network slice subscription information does not match the pre-stored NSSAI, receiving a network slice selection result in response to the network slice selection request, and transmitting network slice information including the received network slice selection result to the UE.