N3IWF Selection Using Network Slice Mapping in 5G PLMNs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems do not provide a mechanism for user equipment (UE) to consider the network slices offered by different non-3GPP interworking functions (N3IWFs when selecting an N3IWF to connect to, leading to suboptimal network slice selection.
Innovation Solution
The system allows a serving base station to indicate to the UE which network slices are supported by available N3IWFs, enabling the UE to select an N3IWF based on the desired network slices, and register with the N3IWF using an IP address associated with the selected N3IWF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the UE selects an N3IWF without considering supported network slices, then the connection establishment is simplified, but the network slice selection becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides N3IWF configuration information to the UE in advance through RRC signaling or other control messages. This configuration includes the mapping between N3IWFs and supported network slices, allowing the UE to perform informed selection before actual connection establishment, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified operation and reliable slice selection
2Reliability
If the network provides detailed N3IWF and network slice configuration information, then the UE can make optimal N3IWF selection based on target network slices, but the signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing universal signaling mechanisms in 5G networks (such as RRC configuration messages and NAS signaling) to carry N3IWF selection information. By reusing established communication protocols and message structures, the system avoids creating complex new signaling frameworks while still providing the necessary configuration details for optimal N3IWF selection
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller (AMF or gNB) acts as an intermediary that consolidates and manages the complex mapping information between N3IWFs and network slices. This intermediary processes and presents simplified configuration data to the UE, shielding the UE from the underlying complexity while enabling informed selection decisions
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A public land mobile network (PLMN) may indicate to a user equipment (UE) which network slices are supported by available non-Third Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) interworking functions (N3IWF). The PLMN may provide, to the UE, non-3GPP access node (N3AN) selection information that indicates a set of N3IWFs and a set of supported network slices. The network slices may be indicated via Network Slice Simultaneous Registration Group (NSSRGs) associated with each N3IWF. If a UE is not configured to support NSSRGs, the PLMN may indicate network slices that may be used concurrently and may indicate one or more N3IWFs that support the indicated network slices. The UE may select an N3IWF based on one or more selected network slices. The UE may register with the N3IWF and connect to the N3AN based on an internet protocol address associated with the N3IWF.