IMS Network Slicing via UE Subscription Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in implementing network slicing in Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and fail to guarantee minimum Quality-of-Service (QoS) during IMS sessions.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to support network slicing in IMS cores by receiving a registration request with a User Equipment (UE) ID, querying a network data system for UE subscription information, and caching slice information associated with the UE ID, ensuring efficient network slicing and guaranteed QoS during multimedia sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented in IMS, then service customization and resource allocation are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into dedicated slices for different service types (e.g., voice, video, messaging) within the IMS architecture. Each slice is configured with specific QoS parameters and resource allocation policies, allowing independent management and optimization of each service domain while maintaining overall network coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of slice parameters and resource reservations during network setup. Slice information is pre-configured including QoS requirements, resource allocation policies, and routing paths, enabling fast service deployment without complex real-time configuration during actual service delivery.
2Reliability
If network slicing is implemented in IMS, then QoS guarantee is improved, but implementation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring slice-specific QoS parameters tailored to individual service requirements. Each network slice receives customized QoS treatment (priority levels, bandwidth guarantees, latency constraints) appropriate to its service type, while the overall IMS architecture maintains standardized procedures for slice management and resource allocation.
3Speed
If slice information is cached at multimedia function, then processing speed is improved, but data accuracy may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by caching slice information at the multimedia function (P-CSCF) during the registration process. The P-CSCF retrieves and stores slice-specific parameters (QoS requirements, resource allocation policies, routing information) in advance, enabling fast local processing during subsequent service delivery without requiring continuous data retrieval from external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the P-CSCF validates cached slice information against updates from the HSS/UDM. When slice parameters change, the system receives feedback about these updates and adjusts the cached information accordingly, maintaining data accuracy while preserving processing speed benefits of caching.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments comprise wireless communication networks to support slicing in an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) core. In some examples, the wireless communication network comprises a multimedia function and a network data system. The multimedia function receives a registration request indicating a User Equipment (UE) Identifier (ID). The multimedia function queries a network data system for UE subscription information. The network data system correlates the UE ID to slice information associated with a UE and indicates the slice information to the multimedia function. The multimedia function receives the slice information from the network data system and responsively caches the slice information in association with the UE ID.