Essential Network Slice Recovery Through UE Network Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
User Equipment (UE) may be camped on a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) that does not provide essential network slices, leading to prolonged wait times and inability to access necessary services due to current 3GPP specifications that do not allow UE to efficiently search for alternative networks supporting essential slices.
Innovation Solution
UE transmits a registration request message indicating essential slices, receives a response on serviceability, and initiates a network search if the essential slice is not supported, allowing it to find alternative PLMNs or Radio Access Technologies (RATs) capable of providing the required services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE remains camped on the current PLMN, then the UE maintains a stable connection, but the UE cannot obtain essential slice services that are not supported by the current network
Solution Approach 1:
The UE dynamically transitions from a static camped state to an active search state when essential slices are not available. The system monitors slice availability and automatically initiates PLMN/RAT searches when needed, making the connection behavior adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE changes its operational parameters by switching from maintaining a stable connection to searching for alternative networks. The backoff timer mechanism controls the timing parameters of re-attempt registrations, allowing the UE to adjust its behavior based on network conditions and slice availability.
2Loss of time
If the UE immediately searches for alternative networks when essential slices are not available, then the UE can find supporting networks faster, but the system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary checks by first determining whether the current PLMN supports essential slices before initiating a search. The backoff timer is pre-configured to control the timing of re-attempts, allowing the system to prepare for potential searches without immediately triggering them.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE autonomously determines when to search for alternative networks based on its own assessment of slice availability. The device manages its own backoff timers and decides when to re-attempt registration without requiring continuous network control, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE continuously searches for supporting networks, then the UE can maintain access to essential services, but the power consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous searching, the UE performs periodic searches controlled by backoff timers. The timer mechanism creates intervals between search attempts, allowing the device to conserve power by remaining in a lower-power state during non-search periods while still maintaining the ability to find and access essential services when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for requesting and providing service of a network slice deemed essential by a user equipment (UE). The UE transmits a request message to the network indicating that essential services are requested, and identifying the essential network slice. Based on the information in the request message, the serving network communicates with one or more network nodes to determine whether the requested services can be provided. This information is packaged in a response message and transmitted to the UE. If the current network is capable of servicing the requested network slice, then the UE remains with the current network. If not, then the UE initiates a search for an alternative network (PLMN or SNPN) capable of supporting the requested services. A successful search causes the UE to register with the newly-found network, whereas an unsuccessful search causes the UE to re-register with the current network.