Idle-Mode Network Slice Reconfiguration for Service Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in supporting network slice services when there are changes in network slice authority, authentication, or UE configuration, leading to communication disconnection or retransmission.

Innovation Solution

The method involves the use of an access and mobility management function (AMF) and session management function (SMF) to manage network slice configurations in idle mode by transmitting trigger messages and configuration changes to ensure seamless data communication, using a transceiver and processor to handle messages and sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network slice configuration is changed to support service continuity, then service reliability is improved, but message transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidmessage transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AMF transmits the configuration change message to the UE before transmitting the session management message. This preliminary action ensures that the UE is already configured to handle the upcoming session management message, preventing communication failure and maintaining service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AMF acts as an intermediary between the SMF and the UE. It receives the session management message from the SMF, processes it by adding configuration information, and then transmits it to the UE. This intermediary role allows the AMF to coordinate the timing and content of messages to ensure proper UE configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If network slice authority or authentication is changed, then adaptability is improved, but communication stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration change message is transmitted in advance to update the UE's network slice configuration before session management operations occur. This preliminary configuration update allows the system to adapt to changes in network slice authority or authentication while maintaining communication stability during subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260032572A1Method and apparatus for supporting data communication of terminal using network slice

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The present disclosure provides a method by which an AMF of a 5G communication system supports data communication using a network slice for a terminal in an idle mode, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, from an SMF, a first message transmitted to the terminal for session management for the data communication with the terminal; transmitting a paging message to the terminal; receiving, from the SMF, a second message triggering a configuration of the network slice before transmitting the first message to the terminal; transmitting the first message to the terminal; and transmitting, to the terminal, a third message changing the configuration of the network slice.