Dual Access Network Device Connection for Network Slice Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies limit the number of network slices that can be used for sessions due to frequent registration area updates, increasing signaling overheads and reducing communication efficiency in radio access networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dual connections between a terminal device and two access network devices, where one device supports network slices not supported by the other, allowing sessions to be established without updating the registration area, thereby reducing signaling overheads and improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device performs frequent registration area update procedures to access more network slices, then the number of available network slices increases, but system signaling overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network access function by introducing a second access network device that provides additional network slice access independent of the registration area. This allows the terminal device to access network slices through two different paths: the first access network device for slices in the current registration area, and the second access network device for additional slices without triggering registration area updates, thus reducing signaling overhead while increasing slice availability
Solution Approach 2:
The second access network device acts as an intermediary that provides an alternative access path to the core network for additional network slices. It establishes a session between the terminal device and the core network device for network slices not accessible through the first access network device, enabling slice access without requiring registration area update procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device maintains dual connections to access more network slices, then network slice availability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the terminal device autonomously manages its dual connections by monitoring session status and automatically establishing or releasing connections to the second access network device based on whether network slice sessions are active, reducing the need for complex centralized management
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a communication method, an access network device, and a terminal device. The communication method includes: receiving, by a first access network device, a first message sent by a terminal device, where the first message includes information about a network slice corresponding to a session to be established by the terminal device, and the first access network device does not support the network slice corresponding to the session; and determining, by the first access network device, a second access network device configured to connect to the terminal device, where the second access network device supports the network slice corresponding to the session. According to the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, dual connections between the terminal device and the first access network device and between the terminal device and the second access network device can be implemented, signaling overheads can be reduced, and communication efficiency can be improved.