Gateway Network Node Selection for Reliable Sliced UE Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In certain communication systems, network nodes may not support non-access stratum node selection functions, leading to improper routing of user equipment messages to core network functions, especially when they are unaware of single-network slice selection assistance information provided by user equipment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a gateway network node between the network node and the core network to relay and select appropriate core network functions for user equipment by generating and transmitting initial UE messages with information elements for the single-network slice selection assistance information, even when the network node does not support non-access stratum node selection functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a network node does not support non-access stratum node selection functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of message routing to core network functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway network node as an intermediary between the radio access network and the core network. This gateway node performs the non-access stratum node selection function on behalf of simpler network nodes that do not support this function. The gateway receives initial UE messages from network nodes, performs the selection of appropriate core network functions based on S-NSSAI information, and forwards messages to the selected core network function, thereby maintaining reliable message routing while allowing network nodes to have reduced complexity.
2Reliability
If the gateway network node relays and selects core network functions, then the reliability of network function selection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway network node combines multiple functions into a single entity: it acts as a relay for initial UE messages, performs non-access stratum node selection, and manages communication with core network functions. By merging these functions in one strategically positioned node, the system achieves reliable network function selection without distributing complexity across multiple nodes, thereby limiting the overall increase in system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the initial UE message includes information element for S-NSSAI list, then the adaptability to network slicing is improved, but the loss of information processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The S-NSSAI list information element is included in the initial UE message before the message reaches the gateway network node. This preliminary inclusion of slicing information allows the gateway to perform node selection based on the specific network slice requirements of each UE from the very beginning of the message routing process, avoiding the need for additional information exchange or processing steps later in the communication flow.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products provide network function selection for user equipment via a gateway network node. In an implementation, a single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) list is received from a user equipment (UE). Additionally, it is determined whether a network node does not support a non-access stratum node selection function for the UE. Based on a determination that the network node does not support the non-access stratum node selection function for the UE, an initial UE message configured with an information element for the S-NSSAI list is generated, and the initial UE message is caused to be transmitted to a gateway network node to select a core network function for the UE.