Network-Initiated Slice Handover via PCF Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communications systems face challenges in implementing seamless session handovers between network slices, particularly in location-bound and time-bound scenarios, leading to service disruptions and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A network-initiated slice-based handover method is introduced, where a network node detects triggering events, identifies a target network slice, and initiates a handover by sending messages through the Policy and Control Function (PCF) and Session Management Function (SMF) to replace the session from a source network slice to a target network slice, using Subscribed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) for identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented in 5GS, then multiple virtual networks can be created to meet different use case needs, but challenges arise in implementing seamless session handovers between network slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Session Management Function (SMF) as an intermediary component that coordinates handover between network slices. The SMF receives handover requests, identifies appropriate target slices, and manages the transition process, ensuring seamless session continuity while maintaining the flexibility of multiple customized network slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network slice information and maintaining session context data before handover is needed. This allows the network to quickly identify suitable target slices and execute handovers without service disruption, resolving the contradiction between slice versatility and handover reliability.
2Productivity
If location-bound and time-bound network slices are implemented, then revenue opportunities arise for network operators, but service disruptions occur during handovers between slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining active session contexts and data buffers during handover transitions. The system keeps session information ready and transfers it seamlessly between location-bound and time-bound network slices, preventing service disruptions while enabling operators to monetize different network slice access scenarios.
3Device complexity
If manual session handover procedures are used between network slices, then implementation is simpler, but user experience deteriorates due to service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the network automatically detects handover triggers, selects appropriate target slices, and executes handover procedures without manual intervention. This automation maintains service continuity and improves user experience while the system manages the complexity of handover coordination between multiple network slices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for network-initiated slice-based handover in a cellular communications system. In one embodiment, a method in a cellular communications system comprises, at a network node in a core network of the cellular communications system, detecting a triggering event for a network slice handover for a session of a particular wireless communication device. The method further comprises, at the network node and responsive to detecting the triggering event, identifying a target network slice for the network slice handover and sending, to a Policy and Control Function (PCF) in the core network, a message that initiates a network slice handover of the session from a source network slice to the target network slice. The method further comprises, at the PCF, receiving the message that initiates the network slice handover and performing an action to cause the network slice handover.