Indirect Network Sharing via V-NSSF Slice Configuration Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frameworks for network slicing in wireless communications systems do not effectively support indirect network sharing, particularly in roaming scenarios, as the serving AMF in the hosting network is unaware of the UE's configured NSSAI for the participating network, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The serving AMF in the hosting network determines the configured NSSAI for the participating network by requesting network slice configuration from the V-NSSF, including indications for initial registration and using default NSSAI, and receives mappings of S-NSSAIs to ensure proper network slice configuration for the UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the serving AMF in the hosting network uses existing network slicing frameworks, then the system maintains compatibility with standard protocols, but the AMF remains unaware of the UE's configured NSSAI for the participating network, leading to suboptimal resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The V-NSSF acts as an intermediary between the serving AMF and the network slice configuration data. The AMF requests network slice configuration information from the V-NSSF, which then provides the configured NSSAI for the participating network. This intermediary mechanism allows the AMF to obtain accurate network slice configuration without direct access to the participating network's internal state, resolving the information asymmetry while maintaining architectural separation.
2Reliability
If the serving AMF requests network slice configuration from the V-NSSF, then the UE receives accurate network slice configuration information, but additional signaling messages are exchanged between network entities
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice configuration information, including the configured NSSAI for the participating network, is determined and stored in the V-NSSF in advance, before the serving AMF needs it. When the AMF requests this information, it is already prepared and can be provided immediately, reducing the time penalty of the additional signaling exchange.
3Productivity
If the system supports indirect network sharing with multiple participating networks, then network resource utilization improves, but the complexity of managing network slice configurations across different networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The V-NSSF is designed to handle network slice configuration requests for multiple participating networks through a unified interface. It maintains configuration information for different networks and can provide the appropriate configured NSSAI based on the serving network and UE context, enabling multi-network support without proportionally increasing the complexity at the AMF level.
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 from a second network entity of a hosting network to provide network slice configuration information for a UE of a participating network associated with the hosting network. The first message includes assistance information. The network entity is configured to transmit a second message to the second network entity that includes the network slice configuration information. The network slice configuration information includes one or more of an allowed NSSAI, a configured NSSAI, or a list of rejected S-NSSAIs, wherein the allowed NSSAI, the configured NSSAI, or the rejected S-NSSAIs include S-NSSAIs of the participating network.