Network Slice Assignment via Unique Transaction Identifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to develop mechanisms and solutions for setting up a communication connection in a sliced communication network environment, particularly in 5G wireless communication systems, where network resources need to be optimally allocated based on specific service requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method is provided where an Access and Mobility Function (AMF) receives a registration request from a terminal device with a unique transaction identifier, interacts with a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) to assign a suitable network slice, and with a Policy Control Function (PCF) to assign a charging and policy scheme, generating an acknowledgement for setting up a communication session between the terminal device and the application function through a user plane function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If network slicing is implemented to optimize resource allocation for different service requirements, then service provision efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple network slice management functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provision efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork slice management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network management functions by introducing dedicated Network Slice Selection Functions (NSSF) that operate independently to handle slice selection based on unique transaction identifiers. This segmentation allows the core network to manage multiple network slices without increasing terminal device complexity, as the slicing logic is distributed to network-side functions rather than embedded in each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If unique transaction identifiers are used for terminal device identification instead of traditional IMSI, then user privacy and service customization are improved, but information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser privacy protectionVSAvoidinformation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces unique transaction identifiers as an intermediary between the terminal device and the network core functions. These identifiers serve as a privacy-protecting layer that enables service customization without exposing sensitive user information. The NSSF acts as a mediator that processes these identifiers to determine appropriate network slice selection, thereby simplifying the overall information processing architecture while maintaining privacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network functions (NSSF, PCF) are introduced for slice selection and policy management, then service customization capability is improved, but network architecture complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice customization capabilityVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal network functions that can handle multiple service types and customization requirements. The NSSF is designed to work with various unique transaction identifier formats and service requirements, while the Policy Control Function (PCF) provides unified policy management across different network slices. This multi-functionality approach allows the network architecture to handle diverse service customization needs without proportionally increasing complexity, as these functions serve multiple purposes simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3855808B1Setup of communication session for assigning a network slice based on an unique transaction identifier
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 TELIASONERA AB
  • EP3855808B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3855808B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3855808B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for setting up a communication session to a terminal device (280). The method comprises: receiving (310) a registration request from the terminal device (280), the registration request comprising a unique transaction identifier for the terminal device (280); assigning (320) a network slice; assigning (330) a charging and policy scheme; and in response to an assignment of the network slice and an assignment of the charging and policy scheme for the communication session generating (340) an acknowledgement to the terminal device (280). The invention also relates to a network node (215), to a communication system and a computer program product.