Network Slice Selection via Pre-configured Access Categories
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems employing network slicing, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently selecting and managing network slices while adhering to signaling constraints, particularly in the air interface, which can lead to unnecessary burdens on radio signaling.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment apparatus configured to select a pre-configured access category based on network slice criteria and perform barring checks, transmitting access messages during a random access procedure, allowing for efficient network slice selection and resource management without overwhelming radio signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detailed network slice information is transmitted via radio signaling, then network slice selection accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures access categories and their associated network slice information in the UE before the UE needs to access the network. This allows the UE to have network slice selection capabilities ready in advance without requiring real-time signaling exchanges, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining accurate slice selection
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting full network slice information during access procedures, the system uses simplified access category identifiers that reference pre-configured network slice information. The UE transmits only the access category identifier rather than complete slice descriptors, reducing signaling overhead while preserving the ability to select the correct network slice
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network slices are supported simultaneously, then service diversity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network slice information into distinct access categories, where each category corresponds to a specific network slice or service type. This segmentation allows the UE to handle multiple slices through separate, well-defined categories rather than managing complex slice configurations simultaneously, reducing UE complexity while supporting service diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The access category mechanism serves multiple functions: it identifies network slices, determines access priorities, and triggers appropriate barring checks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby supporting diverse services without proportionally increasing UE complexity
3Reliability
If access control mechanisms are implemented for each network slice, then network reliability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Access control parameters including barring factors and priority levels are pre-configured for each access category in the UE. When the UE needs to access a network slice, it performs barring checks using pre-configured parameters associated with the selected access category, ensuring reliable access control without requiring real-time signaling exchanges for each access attempt
Solution Approach 2:
Access categories serve as intermediaries between the UE and network slices. Instead of implementing access control directly for each network slice, the system uses access categories as a intermediate layer that aggregates slice-specific access control parameters. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable slice-specific access control while reducing signaling overhead by grouping control parameters at the access category level
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for performing network slicing in a communication system. In one embodiment, an apparatus (110, 200, 910, 920) in a communication system (100, 900) employing network slicing is configured to select a pre-configured access category indicating a priority of communication with the communication system (100, 900) and based on a criterion dependent on a network slice (slice 0, slice 1). The apparatus (110, 200, 910, 920) is also configured to transmit an access message (msg 3) including the pre-configured access category in accordance with a random access procedure with the communication system (100, 900).