Network Slice Access Control via APN Relationship Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communications networks face inefficiencies in signaling interactions between mobile entities and the network, particularly when network slicing is involved, as mobile entities must try various Access Point Names (APNs) to find supported slices, leading to unnecessary signaling and interactions until both entities agree on a compatible APN.
Innovation Solution
A method where the mobile entity determines the intended network slice and its related access point, transmitting this information in a request message to the radio access network, allowing the network to efficiently route the message to the appropriate access point, thereby minimizing signaling and optimizing network slice selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile entity tries various APNs to find supported slices through trial and error, then the mobile entity can eventually establish a connection, but unnecessary signaling is generated between the mobile entity and the network
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by determining the mobile entity's intended slice before APN selection and proactively provides the appropriate APN information to the mobile entity. This eliminates the need for the mobile entity to try various APNs through trial and error, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling while ensuring reliable connection establishment.
2Reliability
If the network checks whether the requested APN is part of the subscription and roaming agreement, then access control is ensured, but the initial attach or PDN connection establishment may be rejected causing unnecessary signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary verification by determining the mobile entity's intended slice and identifying the appropriate APN before the mobile entity submits its attach or PDN connection request. This preliminary action ensures that the requested APN is validated against subscription and roaming agreement criteria in advance, preventing rejection and reducing signaling delays.
3Productivity
If the mobile entity includes slice and access point relationship information in the request message, then the network can efficiently route to the correct access point, but the mobile entity must determine and store this relationship information
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs the complex task of determining slice-access point relationships and selecting appropriate APNs autonomously based on the mobile entity's intended slice. The mobile entity only needs to provide minimal information about its intended slice, while the network handles the complex routing decisions, thereby maintaining high routing efficiency without burdening the mobile entity with complex information storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a mobile entity in a mobile communications network having at least one slice is provided. The slice of the mobile communication to which the mobile entity intends to connect is determined. Additionally, whether a relationship can be identified in the mobile entity is determined. The relationship indicates whether the slice to which the mobile entity intends to connect is related to an access point of the slice. A request message is then transmitted to a radio access network (RAN) of the mobile communications network that includes the identified relationship.