Dynamic Network Slice Allocation for 5G UE Sessions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks do not provide means for User Equipment (UE) to benefit from optimized network slice instances once a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is established, missing opportunities for performance and security enhancements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node, Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) node, and target Session Management Function (SMF) node collaborating to dynamically allocate a target network slice instance for a UE, based on traffic behavior analysis and policy rules, to optimize resource utilization and enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a default network slice instance is allocated to serve a PDU session for a UE, then the network can provide basic service coverage, but the UE cannot benefit from optimized network slice instances that could provide enhanced performance and security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network slice allocation by continuously monitoring UE traffic behavior and automatically switching between default and optimized network slice instances. The AMF node receives traffic behavior information from NWDAF, evaluates it against policy rules, and dynamically reallocates network slice instances based on current traffic patterns, making the network slice assignment adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the NWDAF node provides traffic behavior information back to the AMF node, which then adjusts network slice allocation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the network to respond to changing traffic conditions and optimize slice allocation based on actual UE behavior patterns.
2Reliability
If optimized network slice instances are allocated for all UE sessions, then performance and security are enhanced, but network resource utilization increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from static (default slice for all sessions) to dynamic (optimized slice based on traffic behavior). By evaluating traffic behavior parameters against policy rules, the system determines when to allocate optimized network slice instances, changing the allocation state based on specific traffic conditions rather than applying a fixed allocation strategy to all sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying optimized network slice allocation universally to all UE sessions, the system applies partial action by selectively allocating optimized slices only when traffic behavior warrants it. This avoids the excessive resource consumption that would result from universal optimized slice allocation while still providing enhancements where needed.
3Productivity
If network slice allocation is changed dynamically based on traffic behavior, then resource efficiency is improved, but the complexity of network management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the NSSF node as an intermediary between the AMF and NWDAF nodes. The NSSF receives policy rules from the AMF, evaluates traffic behavior information from the NWDAF against these rules, and determines network slice allocation decisions. This intermediary structure distributes management complexity across multiple specialized nodes rather than concentrating it in a single entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management functionality is segmented into distinct roles: the AMF manages mobility and session management, the NWDAF analyzes traffic behavior patterns, and the NSSF makes slice allocation decisions based on policy rules. This segmentation allows each node to focus on specific tasks, reducing the complexity burden on any single node while achieving coordinated dynamic slice allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by an Access and mobility Management Function (AMF) node for allocating a target network slice instance to serve a (PDU) session for a User Equipment (UE). The AMF node receives (501), from a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) node, information about a decision to change an allocation of a first network slice instance that is serving the PDU session to the target network slice instance, and an identifier of the target network slice instance. The AMF node then retrieves (502), from a first Session Management Function (SMF) node of the first network slice instance, a UE context related to the UE and the PDU session. The AMF node transmits (504), towards a target SMF node of the target network slice instance, information about the retrieved UE context and Access Network (AN) tunnel information to be used for the PDU session. The AMF node receives (505), from the target SMF node, target Core Network (CN) tunnel information to be used for the PDU session. The AMF node then allocates the target network slice instance to route data flows pertaining to the PDU session by transmitting (500), towards an AN node, the target CN tunnel information to be used for the PDU session Publ.