Network Slicing Awareness in IMS Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technology for network slicing in IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS) is limited as the IMS core network does not receive the network slice identifier, which hinders operators' ability to perform IMS initiated call charging and detect sudden increases in dropped calls, especially when multiple 5G packet core network slices are handled by a shared IMS core network.
Innovation Solution
The 5G packet core network provides the IMS core network with the network slice identifier, allowing the IMS to store mappings between User Equipment (UE) and their respective slice identifiers, enabling slice-specific service provisioning and data generation for improved network performance and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the IMS core network shares resources across multiple 5G packet core network slices, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but the ability to perform slice-specific charging and monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the P-CSCF as an intermediary component within the IMS core network that receives and processes the network slice identifier from the 5G packet core network. This intermediary enables the shared IMS core to maintain awareness of slice-specific information without requiring separate IMS cores for each slice, thus resolving the contradiction between resource sharing and information preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the handling of slice information by introducing distinct functional elements (P-CSCF, slice identifier transmission mechanism) within the shared IMS core network. This segmentation allows the system to process and retain slice-specific information while maintaining overall resource sharing, enabling both efficient resource utilization and precise slice monitoring
2Device complexity
If a single shared IMS core network handles traffic from multiple 5G packet core network slices, then network complexity is reduced, but the precision of call performance monitoring and charging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling specific components within the shared IMS core network (particularly the P-CSCF) to possess slice-aware capabilities. This allows the system to maintain low overall complexity while achieving high measurement precision for call performance monitoring at the local level where slice-specific processing occurs
3Device complexity
If the IMS core network does not receive the network slice identifier, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provision slice-specific services and perform accurate charging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the 5G packet core network transmit the network slice identifier to the IMS core network in advance, during the initial session establishment or registration phase. This allows the IMS core network to be pre-configured with slice-specific information, enabling versatile slice-specific service provisioning while maintaining relative system simplicity through a straightforward information transmission mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A method performed within a communication system comprising a 5G core network and an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, network, where the 5G core network can be configured to implement a plurality of virtual core network slices each having a slice identifier. The method comprises assigning one of said virtual core network slices to a User Equipment, UE, at or following registration of said UE with the IMS network, and sending from the UE or the 5G core network, to the IMS network, the slice identifier of the network slice assigned to the UE. The method further comprises receiving the slice identifier within the IMS network and storing in the IMS network a mapping between the UE and the received network slice identifier. The slice identifier is used within the IMS network to provision services to the UE.