Inter-RAT PDN Connection Management for 5G Network Slice Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Next Generation (NG) wireless networks, such as 5G NR, face interoperability challenges when an end device moves from a Fourth Generation (4G) or 4.5G network to a 5G network, as there is no mechanism to provide corresponding network slice information to the 5G core network, leading to potential disruptions in application service sessions.
Innovation Solution
The inter-RAT PDN connection management service provides network slice information, including a network slice identifier and access point name, to the 5G core network via a non-slice radio access network, enabling the establishment of appropriate network slices for ongoing sessions by correlating APN and network slice information across different radio access technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an end device moves from 4G to 5G network without network slice information transfer mechanism, then device mobility is maintained, but application service session continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the mapping relationship between APN and network slice information in advance during the 4G network operation. When the device moves to 5G, this pre-established mapping enables immediate network slice selection without requiring complex real-time information exchange mechanisms, thus ensuring service continuity while avoiding architectural complexity.
2Reliability
If network slice information is transferred from 4G to 5G core network, then service continuity is ensured, but information loss occurs because 4G core network ignores or rejects network slice information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the APN as an intermediary element that bridges the 4G and 5G networks. The APN is recognized and processed by both network generations, allowing network slice information to be indirectly transferred through the APN mapping relationship without requiring the 4G core network to directly handle or recognize 5G-specific network slice information, thus preventing information loss while ensuring continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PDN connections are established via 4G RAN with same APN, then connectivity is provided, but network slice mapping becomes ambiguous when moving to 5G RAN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating individual mapping relationships for each PDN connection between the APN and specific network slice information. Instead of treating multiple PDN connections as a single group, the system segments the mapping process so that each connection maintains its own unique APN-to-network-slice mapping, enabling clear identification and appropriate network slice selection for each connection when transitioning to 5G RAN.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are described in which an inter-RAT PDN connection management service is provided. The service may include provisioning a packet data network (PDN) session based on network slice (NS) and access point name (APN) information received from an end device via a non-slice radio access device. The service may further include provisioning, during the PDU session, a network slice based on the NS and APN information in which core devices of the network slice are selected and the same as the core devices that supported the PSN session.