Baseband Processor S-NSSAI Mapping for UICC Slice Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G NR specifications do not provide adequate provisions for indicating allowed and/or rejected network slices to the universal subscriber identity module (USIM) applet, particularly in cases of delayed fetch from the baseband for proactive-command-pending messages, or when the timing of the requested proactive-command-pending message corresponds to an already established slice. Additionally, there is no support for providing rejected slice information with or without mapping information via a terminal response when requested via a provide local information (PLI) command.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring a baseband processor to provide currently active S-NSSAI mapping, including currently serving, allowed, and rejected slice information with or without mapping information, to a UICC processor. This solution extends the provide local information (PLI) proactive command responses to include rejected slice information, with or without mapping information, even when the baseband processor is busy or when the UICC processor delays sending proactive-command-pending messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the baseband processor delays sending the fetch command due to busy state (registration or PDU session establishment), then the registration process can be completed properly, but the slice information cannot be provided to the UICC in a timely manner
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processor stores slice information (allowed NSSAI, configured NSSAI, rejected NSSAI with mapping) in advance during registration, so that when the UICC sends a proactive command later, the information is already available and can be provided immediately without requiring another registration delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage mechanism where slice information is held in the baseband processor between registration completion and UICC request, acting as a buffer that decouples the timing between these two events
2Loss of information
If the baseband processor provides comprehensive slice information including rejected slices with mapping, then the UICC receives complete network slice status, but the message size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slice information is segmented into distinct categories (allowed NSSAI, configured NSSAI, rejected NSSAI with mapping, rejected NSSAI without mapping), allowing the UICC to selectively process only the relevant portions based on its specific needs and capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of slice information are provided with different levels of detail (some with mapping information, some without), matching the specific requirements of different UICC applications and reducing unnecessary data processing
3Ease of operation
If the proactive command is sent after slice establishment, then the UICC can request slice information, but the baseband processor may have already missed the optimal timing to provide the information
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processor prepares and stores slice information in advance during the registration process, ensuring that when the UICC sends its proactive command at any later time, the information is already ready and immediately available
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the baseband processor monitors for proactive commands from the UICC and responds with the pre-prepared slice information, creating a responsive loop that works regardless of timing
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) for handling slice information with single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) mapping for universal integrated circuit card (UICC) processor is provided. The UE operates by determining whether a baseband processor of the UE is in a busy state. Based on a determination that the baseband processor is not in the busy state, the baseband processor sends a fetch message to a UICC processor of the UE, where the fetch message is sent in response to receipt of a proactive-command-pending message from the UICC processor. The baseband processor receives a proactive-command message from the UICC processor, where the proactive-command message corresponds to a request for single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) information corresponding to one or more network slices. Finally, the baseband processor sends a response message with the S-NSSAI information to the UICC processor.