AMF Network Slice Selection Assistance Information Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, the number of allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) and configured NSSAI often exceeds a predetermined number due to the network slice replacement function, leading to inefficiencies in resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided to determine whether to offer alternative single NSSAI (S-NSSAI) based on the establishment of PDU sessions for S-NSSAIs that exceed the maximum configured number, allowing for efficient management of network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network slice replacement function is implemented to provide alternative S-NSSAI, then the availability and reliability of network slices is improved, but the number of allowed NSSAI and configured NSSAI exceeds the predetermined maximum number
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring alternative S-NSSAI mapping relationships and pre-establishing replacement policies before actual network slice selection occurs. When a slice is needed, the system retrieves pre-prepared alternative options rather than performing real-time complex calculations, thus maintaining reliability while controlling the effective number of active NSSAI configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the alternative S-NSSAI mapping information from the main NSSAI configuration structures. By creating a distinct alternative S-NSSAI mapping table or data structure, the system can manage replacement options independently from the primary slice configurations, allowing the main NSSAI list to remain within predetermined limits while still providing extensive slice availability through the separate mapping mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative S-NSSAI are added to ensure slice availability, then the network can provide dedicated slices for specific services, but the resource management efficiency deteriorates due to excessive number of NSSAI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing alternative S-NSSAI mappings selectively rather than uniformly. The AMF determines on a per-service or per-UE basis whether alternative slices are needed, and only configures alternative mappings for specific service types that require dedicated network slices. This selective approach maintains adaptability for service-specific requirements while avoiding the resource management overhead of maintaining alternative mappings for all possible services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the alternative S-NSSAI configuration based on current network conditions and service requirements. The AMF can activate or deactivate alternative slice mappings in real-time depending on network load, service availability, and user preferences. This dynamic behavior allows the network to maintain high adaptability when needed while optimizing resource management efficiency during normal operation by only maintaining necessary alternative configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the maximum number of S-NSSAI in allowed NSSAI is increased to accommodate more slices, then the network can support more services, but the complexity of managing and tracking each slice increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of primary and alternative S-NSSAI into a unified framework at the AMF level. Instead of treating alternative slices as separate configurations that increase complexity, the system combines both primary and alternative mappings into a single management process. The AMF handles both types of mappings using the same procedures, data structures, and control logic, thereby supporting a larger number of slices without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF serves as an intermediary layer that abstracts the complexity of slice management from the UE and network nodes. By centralizing the alternative S-NSSAI mapping and replacement logic in the AMF, the system can support a large number of slices without requiring each individual network component to manage them separately. The AMF acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of tracking, selecting, and replacing slices, thereby reducing the overall system complexity despite supporting more slices.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method performed by an AMF in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a UE, requested NSSAI including a plurality of S-NSSAI, identifying whether each of the plurality of S-NSSAI is available, identifying a number of S-NSSAIs included in an allowed NSSAI; in case that the number of S-NSSAIs in the allowed NSSAI is less than a maximum number of S-NSSAIs for the allowed NSSAI, determining to include alternative S-NSSAI for a first S-NSSAI that is not available, and in case that the number of S-NSSAIs in the allowed NSSAI is at least equal to the maximum number of S-NSSAIs for the allowed NSSAI, determining S-NSSAIs for the allowed NSSAI based on whether the each of the plurality of S-NSSAI is associated with a PDU session.