Cell-Specific Network Slice Updates for AMF Mobility Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems impose restrictions on network slice deployment by assuming that the S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI is valid for all cells under a single tracking area, limiting flexibility in deploying different network slices across cells within the same area.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves generating and transmitting updated network slice information based on the requested and supported network slices of the RAN node, allowing for flexible deployment of different network slices under different cells within the same tracking area, through methods implemented in AMF, SMF, and wireless terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI is assumed to be valid for all cells under a current registered registration area, then network management is simplified, but network slice deployment flexibility is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management simplicityVSAvoidnetwork slice deployment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network slice validity scope from a tracking area level to a cell level. By introducing cell-specific slice information updates, the system allows different cells within the same tracking area to have different network slice configurations, enabling flexible deployment while maintaining manageable complexity through structured information update procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different network slice configurations for different cells within the same tracking area. The AMF updates slice information specifically for the cell where the UE is currently located, rather than applying uniform slice configurations across all cells, thus enabling localized network slice deployment strategies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If different network slices are deployed under different cells within the same tracking area, then network flexibility is enhanced, but network management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice deployment flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the AMF automatically track the UE's current cell location and proactively update the allowed NSSAI when the UE moves to a cell with different slice support. This automated mechanism eliminates the need for manual network slice configuration management, reducing operational complexity despite the increased deployment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the AMF monitors UE mobility and cell changes, and based on this feedback, dynamically updates the allowed NSSAI. The system continuously adjusts slice information based on the UE's current location and the target cell's slice support capabilities, enabling complex slice management through automated feedback-driven adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12402069B2Method for slice information update

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 ZTE CORP

AI summary

An access and mobility management function (AMF) is modified with network slice information. First requested network slice information of a protocol data unit session is received from a wireless terminal. Second requested network slice information is generated based on the first requested network slice information of the PDU session and supported network slice information of a radio access network node of the wireless terminal.