5G Slice Remapping via AMF-SMF for Unsupported Target Handover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, handovers involving network slicing can cause service interruptions due to target nodes not supporting the specific slice used by the user terminal, leading to the need for re-starting the service, which disrupts service continuity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing slice remapping, where a network slice supported by a source node is temporarily mapped to another slice supported by the target node, ensuring service continuity through techniques like SSC mode 3 or 2, and configuring the Core Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and Session Management Function (SMF) to manage this remapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If handover is performed based on reference signal received power levels without considering network slice support, then handover decision is simple and fast, but service continuity is disrupted when target node does not support the source slice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing slice capability negotiation and remapping preparation before the actual handover execution. The AMF and SMF functions are activated in advance to identify compatible target slices and establish remapping rules, ensuring that when handover occurs, the service continuity is maintained without disruption. This pre-preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling fast handover decisions while ensuring reliability through advance slice compatibility verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network slice remapping as an intermediary mechanism between the source node and target node. When the target node does not directly support the source slice, the system creates a remapped slice identity that acts as a bridge, allowing the user equipment to transition from the source slice to a compatible target slice through the remapping function. This intermediary approach maintains service continuity while enabling efficient handover.
2Reliability
If network slice remapping is implemented to ensure service continuity, then service continuity is maintained during handover, but network complexity increases due to additional remapping configuration and management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing slice remapping through existing multi-functional network functions (AMF and SMF) that already handle mobility and session management. Rather than creating dedicated remapping hardware, the system leverages the existing multi-functional capabilities of these network functions to perform slice remapping, thereby maintaining service continuity without proportionally increasing network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying slice identifiers and mapping relationships dynamically during handover preparation and execution. The AMF and SMF functions update slice-related parameters (such as S-NSSAI values and remapping rules) in the network configuration, enabling flexible slice remapping without requiring complex structural changes to the network architecture. This parameter-based approach maintains reliability while controlling complexity.
3Reliability
If slice remapping is performed to maintain service continuity, then user experience is improved, but handover time increases due to additional remapping procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing slice remapping rules and identifying compatible target slices during the handover preparation phase. The AMF and SMF functions perform slice capability negotiation and remapping configuration before the actual handover execution, so that when handover occurs, the remapping procedures are already in place and can be executed quickly. This pre-preparation minimizes handover time while ensuring service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the user equipment's data session and slice context throughout the handover process. The SMF function keeps the PDU session active and the AMF function maintains the registration context, ensuring that slice remapping operations continue seamlessly without breaking the data flow. This continuous action minimizes interruptions and reduces perceived handover time while preserving service continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for improving service continuity are disclosed. The solution comprises storing (300) information slice remapping describing how a given net-work slice may be mapped to another network slice, receiving (302) a first message from an access node, that the node serves a terminal or has received a request to serve a terminal utilising a network slice not supported by the node and transmitting (304) based on the first message a message to a network entity responsible for session management to control the connection of the terminal, with the information on slice remapping and/or activity status of the packet data unit sessions associated with the slice not supported by the node.