Modem Slice Allocation via Route Selection Policy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in efficiently managing multiple slices for different network services, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and quality of service (QoS) for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that store a route selection policy associating data network name (DNN) identifiers with corresponding slices, allowing the modem to establish protocol data unit (PDU) sessions with specific slices based on indications, enabling finer granularity in slice allocation and usage across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slices are managed for different network services, then service diversity and adaptability are improved, but resource allocation efficiency and QoS management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connection management by introducing multiple PDU sessions, each associated with a specific slice. This allows different applications to be routed through different slices (e.g., slice 1 for voice, slice 2 for data) independently, managing service diversity through structured segmentation rather than monolithic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary routing mechanism that sits between the application layer and the network layer. This intermediary automatically routes application traffic to appropriate slices based on predefined policies, reducing the complexity burden on both the application developer and the network infrastructure while maintaining service diversity
2Manufacturing precision
If route selection policy is stored at modem level, then slice allocation precision is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring route selection policies at the modem level that associate specific applications with specific slices. This pre-configuration enables precise slice allocation without requiring complex real-time decision-making, as the routing rules are established in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the modem to autonomously execute slice selection based on stored routing policies without requiring continuous external intervention. The system automatically matches applications to slices according to pre-defined rules, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining precision
3Reliability
If multiple PDU sessions are established for different slices, then QoS and resource allocation are improved, but signaling overhead and session management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into multiple PDU sessions, each dedicated to a specific slice with tailored QoS parameters. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each session (e.g., guaranteed bit rate for voice, best effort for data) while maintaining overall system manageability through clear separation of concerns
4Productivity
If application-specific slice allocation is implemented, then service quality and resource efficiency are improved, but system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated route selection policies that enable the system to autonomously allocate applications to appropriate slices based on pre-configured rules. This automation achieves fine-grained resource efficiency without requiring manual configuration of each application-slice mapping, thereby limiting the increase in configuration complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) modem stores a route selection policy (URSP), the URSP associating each of a plurality of data network name (DNN) identifiers and a corresponding slice, wherein a first DNN identifier (ID) is associated with a first DNN and a first slice and a second DNN ID is associated with the first DNN and a second slice different than the first slice. The modem establishes a first protocol data unit (PDU) session with the first DNN and the first slice in response to receiving a first indication to start a first network interface associated with the first DNN ID. The modem establishes a second PDU session with the first DNN and the second slice in response to receiving a second indication to start a second network interface associated with the second DNN ID.