Indirect Network Sharing With NSSAI Mapping for Roaming Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current framework for network slicing in wireless communications systems does not adequately support roaming scenarios, particularly in indirect network sharing where a hosting network acts as a VPLMN, leading to incomplete configuration of network slices for UEs registering as if they are connecting to a home network.
Innovation Solution
The AMF in the hosting network mimics the behavior of a participating network by providing Allowed NSSAI and configuring network slice information as if the UE is registering directly with the participating network, while maintaining transparency to the UE and managing network slice configurations internally to support indirect network sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hosting network provides network slice configuration information to the UE, then the UE can properly register and access network slices, but the UE receives incomplete or incorrect NSSAI information that does not accurately represent the actual network slices available
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF acts as an intermediary between the UE and the actual network slice configuration. It receives the requested NSSAI from the UE, maps it to the corresponding allowed NSSAI for the hosting network, and provides this mapped information to the UE. This intermediary mapping resolves the contradiction by ensuring the UE receives accurate slice information for successful registration while maintaining the integrity of the hosting network's slice configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hosting network reveals actual network slice information to the UE, then the UE can make informed connection decisions, but unnecessary network slice information is exposed to the UE that should remain transparent
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF serves as a privacy-protecting intermediary by mapping the UE's requested NSSAI to the hosting network's allowed NSSAI without exposing the actual hosting network slice structure to the UE. The UE receives sufficient information to make connection decisions through the mapped NSSAI, while the actual network slice configuration remains protected and transparent to the UE, preventing information leakage.
3Ease of operation
If the AMF provides allowed NSSAI mapping information, then the UE can properly register with the participating network through the hosting network, but additional complexity is introduced in managing NSSAI mappings between hosting and participating networks
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF implements self-service by automatically performing the NSSAI mapping function without requiring external configuration or intervention. The AMF maintains internal mapping tables that automatically translate between the participating network's NSSAI and the hosting network's NSSAI, handling the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to the UE. This resolves the contradiction by enabling easy UE registration while the AMF autonomously manages the mapping complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for indirect network sharing. A network entity is configured to receive a first message for registering a UE with a participating network associated with a hosting network, transmit a second message comprising assistance information based at least in part on the received first message, wherein the assistance information comprises allowed NSSAI for the UE or partial allowed NSSAI for the UE, or both, and wherein each of the allowed NSSAI or the partial allowed NSSAI, or both is associated with corresponding allowed NSSAI or corresponding partial allowed NSSAI associated with the hosting network, and transmit a third message to a second network entity of the hosting network, the third message comprising allowed NSSAI or partial allowed NSSAI, or both, associated with the hosting network corresponding to the allowed NSSAI or the partial allowed NSSAI for the UE, or both.