Network Slice Access Mode Management for 5G Signaling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP specifications for 5G networks lack efficient mechanisms for network operators to control user equipment behavior regarding network slice registration, deregistration, and PDU session management, leading to inefficient network resource utilization and increased signaling load due to unconstrained user equipment behavior.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to manage the mode of access to compatible network slices by determining a selected simultaneous network slice use mode for user equipment based on user equipment behavior and network behavior, using user plane-centric or control plane-centric modes, and providing configuration information to ensure compatibility and optimal resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment is allowed to freely register and manage network slices according to current 3GPP specifications, then user equipment has flexibility in network slice selection, but network operators lose control over user equipment behavior and network resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network receives registration request messages from user equipment indicating their network slice selection intentions, determines appropriate simultaneous network slice use modes, and provides configuration information back to the user equipment. This closed-loop feedback enables the network to control and optimize resource allocation while maintaining user equipment flexibility in an efficient manner.
2Device complexity
If user equipment behavior regarding network slice registration and PDU session management is left unconstrained, then implementation complexity is reduced, but signaling load increases and network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network determine the selected simultaneous network slice use mode before the user equipment completes its registration process. The network proactively identifies compatible network slices and configures the user equipment in advance, preventing unnecessary signaling and improving efficiency without significantly increasing implementation complexity.
3Productivity
If network operators implement control mechanisms for user equipment behavior, then network resource utilization improves, but the complexity of network slice management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice management function into distinct components: receiving registration requests, determining simultaneous network slice use modes, and providing configuration information. This segmentation allows the network to manage complexity through modular processing while maintaining effective control over resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for managing mode of access to a compatible set of network slices of a communications network. In this regard, a registration request message is received from user equipment. The registration request message includes an indication of at least one simultaneous network slice use mode of operation for the user equipment. Furthermore, a selected simultaneous network slice use mode of operation for the user equipment is determined. The selected simultaneous network slice use mode of operation is a simultaneous network slice use mode of operation indicated by the user equipment or an alternate mode of operation associated with a configured network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI). Configuration information is also provided to the user equipment. The configuration information includes instructions for the user equipment to be configured with the selected simultaneous network slice use mode of operation, the configured NSSAI, and an allowed NSSAI.