MNO-Managed Network Slice Access for Dynamic In-App Subscriptions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks face challenges in managing network slices due to the lack of accessible User Equipment (UE) Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules in non-standalone environments, requiring coordination between mobile network operators and OS vendors for authorized application access, and the need for a streamlined process to provide dynamic in-app subscriptions and controls for premium network slices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an MNO-managed network slice access system using an on-device background service and backend entitlement system, enabling dynamic in-app subscriptions and controls without special OS support, allowing users to manage which applications use specific network slices and when, through an MNO utility application and backend entitlement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If URSP rules are implemented for network slice selection, then application access to specific network slices is enabled, but accessibility of URSP rules is lost in non-standalone environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (network slice selection function or policy control function) that mediates between the application and the core network. This intermediary retrieves and enforces URSP rules locally on the user equipment, enabling applications to access network slices in non-standalone environments without direct access to core network URSP rules, thus resolving the information accessibility issue while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If coordination between mobile network operators and OS vendors is required for URSP enforcement, then authorized application access is achieved, but system complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the user equipment to self-configure and self-enforce URSP rules locally without requiring continuous coordination between network operators and OS vendors. The system retrieves URSP rules from the core network and automatically enforces them on the device, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining reliable authorized application access to network slices.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic in-app subscriptions are implemented for premium network slices, then user control and resource optimization are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing network elements: the network slice selection function and policy control function handle both traditional network slice selection and dynamic subscription management. This multi-functionality enables user control over premium network slice subscriptions while avoiding the need for separate complex subscription management systems, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein enable dynamic in-app subscriptions and controls for network slices. A user device receives a command to launch an application and identifies a preferred network slice for the application. The application determines that a network services subscription for the user device does not include the preferred network slice and obtains consent, from a user of the user device, to add the preferred network slice to the network services subscription. The user device receives, from a provider network, authorization for using the preferred network slice by the application and initiates a network session on the preferred network slice.