Gateway Slice Interworking for 5G-4G Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in providing service continuity when switching between networks that support and do not support network slicing technology, particularly in interworking scenarios between 5G and 4G/LTE networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a first network function entity (SMF+PGW-C) that receives a message requesting packet data network connection establishment, selects a suitable network slice, and communicates with a second network function entity to determine availability based on terminal ID, registered terminals, and PDU sessions, allowing for registration and resource management to ensure service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slice-specific APN settings are configured for each network slice, then service customization capability is improved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal gateway configuration that serves multiple network slices simultaneously. The gateway is configured with slice interworking parameters that enable it to handle different slice types (e.g., eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) through a single unified configuration interface, rather than requiring separate configurations for each slice type. This multi-functional approach allows the gateway to adapt to various service requirements while maintaining configuration simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network slice selection function (NSSF) and access and mobility management function (AMF) as intermediary components that translate slice-specific service requirements into standardized gateway configuration parameters. These intermediaries act as mediators between the service customization layer and the network infrastructure layer, converting diverse service demands into a unified configuration format that the gateway can process without requiring complex slice-specific settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support diverse services, then service diversity is improved, but signal transmission interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into isolated network slices, each with dedicated resource pools and independent transmission channels. By dividing the overall network infrastructure into separate slice instances with distinct logical configurations, the patent ensures that signal transmissions in one slice do not interfere with other slices. This segmentation creates virtual isolation barriers that prevent cross-slice interference while maintaining service diversity across different slice types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by configuring each network slice with slice-specific transmission parameters, resource allocation patterns, and interference management settings tailored to its service requirements. For example, eMBB slices may use wider bandwidths with different modulation schemes compared to uRLLC slices that require lower latency configurations. This localized optimization allows each slice to operate with optimal parameters for its specific service type without affecting other slices, thereby reducing overall interference.
3Reliability
If slice interworking parameters are configured in the gateway, then slice isolation is improved, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration actions by pre-defining slice interworking parameter templates for common slice types during network deployment. These templates contain pre-configured isolation parameters, resource allocation rules, and transmission settings that can be automatically instantiated when new slices are created. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual configuration of isolation parameters for each slice, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining reliable slice isolation through the pre-validated parameter sets.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication technique for combining, with IoT technology, a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate than a 4G system, and to a system therefor. The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services, such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, health care, digital education, retail, and security and safety related services, on the basis of 5G communication technologies and IoT-related technologies. The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for providing service continuity when communication is switched from one wireless access network to another in a system in which a plurality of wireless communication technologies can interwork.