Network Slice Area Service Continuity in 5G Wireless Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G mobile communication systems face challenges in maintaining service continuity when a terminal moves outside a network slice area, as existing methods do not effectively manage the deactivation of user plane resources and session continuity across different cell areas, leading to potential service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method and apparatus that identify a protocol data unit (PDU) session associated with a network slice, deactivate user plane resources when a terminal moves from one cell to another outside the slice area, and request deactivation through an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, ensuring seamless service continuity by utilizing slice-access control and alternative slice selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user plane resources are deactivated when terminal moves outside network slice area, then service continuity is maintained, but network resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station proactively identifies when a terminal moves outside the network slice area and deactivates user plane resources before service disruption occurs. The AMF receives notification of the terminal's location change and pre-emptively deactivates resources, preventing service interruption rather than reacting after disruption occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the base station monitors terminal location and sends notifications to the AMF when the terminal moves outside the network slice area. This feedback loop enables dynamic resource management, where resource allocation status is continuously updated based on real-time location information, balancing service continuity with resource efficiency.
2Reliability
If network slice area management is implemented, then service continuity across cells is improved, but signaling overhead between base station and AMF increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the critical signaling function to only the essential event of terminal movement outside network slice area. Instead of continuous signaling, the system sends notifications only when location changes trigger resource deactivation, removing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining service continuity through targeted information exchange between base station and AMF.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user plane resources are maintained for mobile terminals, then service availability is improved, but network resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts user plane resource allocation based on terminal location and network slice area. Resources are activated when terminals are within the network slice area and deactivated when they move outside, creating a flexible resource management system that adapts to changing conditions rather than maintaining static resource allocation, thereby eliminating waste while preserving service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of user plane resources from static to dynamic based on terminal location. By monitoring location parameters and triggering resource deactivation when terminals exit network slice areas, the system optimizes resource utilization by matching resource availability with actual service requirements, reducing waste without compromising service availability for active users.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system. A protocol data unit (PDU) session associated with a network slice is identified, based on first information on availability of the network slice. Deactivation of a user plane (UP) resource for the PDU session is performed, in case that a user equipment (UE) moves from a first cell inside a network slice area of service (NS-AoS) to a second cell outside of the NS-AoS, and the UP resource is active for the PDU session. Second information for requesting the deactivation of the UP resource is transmitted to an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity.