IMS Network Slicing via Slice Identifier Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) does not support network slicing, which is essential for customized network services in 5G systems, limiting the ability to provide multiple services efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and systems that enable IMS network slicing by allowing wireless devices to register with specific IMS network slices using identifiers, managing separate registration contexts, and selecting appropriate Proxy Call Session Control Functions (P-CSCFs) based on desired network slices, thereby supporting multiple services on the same physical infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented in IMS, then service customization and flexibility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IMS network is segmented into multiple independent network slices, each tailored for specific services (e.g., VoLTE, VoWiFi, VoWLAN). Each slice operates with dedicated resources and configuration parameters, enabling service customization without affecting other slices. The network slice selection is achieved through separate registration contexts maintained for each slice identifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMS network infrastructure is designed to support multiple network slices simultaneously on the same physical infrastructure. The system maintains universal functionality by handling multiple service types (Voice over LTE, Voice over WiFi, Voice over WLAN) through a common platform that can dynamically allocate resources to different slices based on service requirements.
2Productivity
If multiple IMS network slices are supported on the same physical infrastructure, then resource utilization is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple network slices are implemented as logical separations on the same physical infrastructure, adding a dimensional layer of virtualization. Each slice is identified by a unique slice identifier, allowing the system to manage multiple services concurrently on shared resources without physical duplication, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through logical organization.
3Reliability
If separate registration contexts are maintained for each network slice, then service isolation is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining separate registration contexts for each network slice identifier in advance. When a service request arrives, the appropriate registration context is already prepared and can be quickly retrieved, reducing processing time. The separate contexts enable service isolation while the pre-established structure minimizes the overhead of managing multiple registrations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network slicing. In some embodiments a method performed by a wireless device relating to registering with an IMS network slice or initiating a session using an IMS network slice comprises sending a message to an IMS node via a radio access network, the message comprising an identifier of a desired IMS network slice. In this manner, IMS network slicing is enabled.