Network Node Steering Wireless Devices to Network Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network slicing technologies face challenges in prioritizing and isolating network slices, leading to issues with User Plane activation and Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) usage, particularly in selecting the appropriate frequency bands for network slices, which affects Quality-of-Service (QoS) and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that uses Radio Access Technology Frequency Selection Policy (RFSP) to determine the appropriate frequency for network slice access, allowing for inter-frequency cell changes or utilizing existing frequencies based on policy information, ensuring that wireless devices can access network slices on supported frequency bands, thereby optimizing resource allocation and QoS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing is implemented with multiple frequency bands, then network isolation and service prioritization are improved, but device complexity and frequency selection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (RFSP indicator and policy information) that mediates between the network slice requirements and device frequency selection. The network node provides policy information including RFSP indicators that guide the wireless device in selecting appropriate frequency bands for specific network slices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining slice isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of frequency selection by introducing dynamic policy information and RFSP indicators that adjust frequency band preferences based on network slice requirements. This allows the system to adapt frequency selection parameters according to service priorities and slice characteristics without increasing fundamental device complexity.
2Productivity
If wireless devices are steered to different frequency bands for different network slices, then service prioritization and QoS are improved, but user mobility and service continuity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing policy information and RFSP indicators in advance to the wireless device before service activation. This allows the device to pre-configure frequency selection preferences for different network slices, enabling faster service activation without disrupting user mobility during actual movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing flexible frequency selection that adapts to both network slice requirements and user movement. The policy information enables the device to dynamically select appropriate frequency bands based on current network conditions and slice priorities while maintaining service continuity during mobility.
3Productivity
If policy information is provided to guide frequency selection, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing policy information structures that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The RFSP indicators and policy information not only guide frequency selection but also encode network slice priorities, service requirements, and resource allocation preferences in a unified message format, reducing overall signaling overhead while improving resource allocation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method performed by a network node for cell selection to access a network slice on a different frequency than a wireless device, WD, is currently served by is provided. The method includes receiving a service request from the WD, the WD being connected to a first cell, the first cell servicing a first network slice which operates in a first frequency, the requested service to be performed over a second network slice which operates in a second frequency; obtaining policy information relating to the first and the second network slices; determining which one of the first cell and a second cell to perform the requested service based at least in part on the obtained policy information; and providing a session for the WD to receive the requested service over the determined one of the first cell and the second cell.