EPS to 5G Network Slice Interworking via PCO Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly 5G networks, face challenges in seamlessly integrating network slicing across different communication systems like EPS and 5G, leading to service disruptions and inefficient resource allocation when user equipment (UE) moves between these networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a device and method for interworking between EPS and 5G network systems, utilizing a structure that includes nodes like SMF+PGW-C and UDM+HSS, which manage session connections and network slice selection through S-NSSAI, ensuring continuous service and optimal resource allocation by selecting appropriate network slices based on UE subscription information and mobile carrier policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing is implemented across EPS and 5G systems, then service continuity and resource allocation efficiency are improved, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PCO (Protocol Configuration Options) as an intermediary mechanism that carries S-NSSAI information between EPS and 5G systems. This mediator enables seamless network slicing interworking by translating and transporting slice selection assistance information across different network interfaces (S1, N1, S26, N26), thereby achieving service continuity without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functional nodes that can operate in both EPS and 5G contexts. The SMF+PGW-C and UDM+HSS combinations provide universal functionality across legacy and next-generation networks, allowing a single infrastructure to support multiple network types and slice configurations, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining service continuity
2Productivity
If network slice selection is managed through PCO and S-NSSAI, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring S-NSSAI values and PCO parameters in the UE before actual network access. The network slice selection assistance information is prepared in advance and included in initial signaling messages, allowing the network to quickly allocate resources without extensive real-time negotiation, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining efficient resource allocation
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A method for operating a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises: transmitting, to a first base station (BS), a packet data network (PDN) connection request message; receiving, from the first BS, information on a first single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) selected by a combination of a packet data network gateway control plane entity (PGW-C) and a session management function (SMF) from among the UE's at least one subscribed S-NSSAI; transmitting, to a second BS, a registration request message including a requested NSSAI in which the first S-NSSAI is included; and receiving, from the second BS, a registration accept message including an allowed NSSAI in which a second S-NSSAI mapped to the first S-NSSAI is included.