NAS-Mediated RAN Slice Selection Across Varying Network Capabilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G mobile communication systems, there is a mismatch of slicing-related information, such as RAN slicing information, slice group information, or slice priority information, when user equipment (UE) moves between networks capable or incapable of handling these features, leading to inefficiencies in network communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for supporting network slicing by transmitting and receiving NAS messages with slicing-related information, including slice priority and AS slice group, to enable the UE to select a RAN slice in the AS layer, and ensuring efficient communication by aligning network and UE capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing information is transmitted and maintained during UE movement between networks with different slicing capabilities, then network communication performance and service continuity are improved, but device complexity and information management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer as an intermediary between the Access Stratum (AS) and upper layers. The NAS layer receives slicing-related information from the network, manages it in a NAS message, and selectively provides it to the AS layer based on network capability matching. This intermediary structure centralizes information management, reducing complexity in other layers while maintaining reliable communication across networks with different slicing capabilities.
2Reliability
If slicing-related information is stored and managed in the NAS layer, then mismatch of slicing information during UE movement is prevented, but information storage and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing slicing-related information (RAN slicing information, slice group information, slice priority information) in the NAS layer before the UE moves between networks. This pre-stored information is readily available when needed during handover or network transitions, preventing information mismatches without requiring real-time information exchange or complex processing during movement events.
3Measurement precision
If the UE selects RAN slice based on slicing-related information from NAS layer, then network slice selection accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity in AS layer increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slicing-related information is prepared and stored in advance in the NAS layer, including RAN slicing information, slice group information, and slice priority information. When the UE needs to select a RAN slice, the AS layer can directly use this pre-processed information without performing complex analysis, thereby maintaining high selection accuracy while minimizing processing time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing support is enhanced for various services (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC), then service capability and versatility are improved, but system complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal NAS-layer mechanism for managing slicing-related information that serves multiple 5G service types (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) through a single unified approach. The same NAS message structure and information management process handle different service requirements, eliminating the need for separate configuration mechanisms for each service type and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The present disclosure relates to a communication method by a terminal using network slicing. The method may comprise the operations of: transmitting a first non-access stratum (NAS) message to a network entity; receiving, from the network entity, a second NAS message including slicing-related information related to a slice group and a slice priority; and selecting a radio access network (RAN) slice in an AS layer by using the slicing-related information.