Network Slice Association Timing in Mobile Radio Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile radio communication networks face challenges in efficiently associating mobile radio terminal devices with network slice instances, particularly in determining the optimal timing for early or late binding, which affects PDU session establishment and maintenance of associations.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that allows for dynamic association of mobile radio terminal devices with network slice instances based on an associating information parameter, enabling flexible selection between early and late binding depending on the slice type and operator policies, using parameters like 'early NSI binding indication' and considering operator policies at network functions such as AMF or NSSF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If early binding is used to associate UE with network slice instance during registration, then PDU session establishment time is reduced, but network function complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the network slice instance association during the registration phase before PDU session establishment. The AMF determines and stores the allowed NSSAI and associates the UE with the appropriate network slice instance in advance, so that when PDU session establishment occurs, the association is already in place, reducing the time required for session setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary that manages the association between UE and network slice instances. The AMF receives registration requests, determines the appropriate network slice instances based on subscription data and operator policies, and maintains the association information. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the binding logic in the AMF rather than distributing complexity across multiple network functions.
2Device complexity
If late binding is used to associate UE with network slice instance during PDU session establishment, then network function complexity is reduced, but PDU session establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the network slice instance association during the registration phase before PDU session establishment. The AMF determines and stores the allowed NSSAI and associates the UE with the appropriate network slice instance in advance, so that when PDU session establishment occurs, the association is already in place, reducing the time required for session setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible timing based on associating information parameter is used, then adaptability to different service requirements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic binding timing by introducing an associating information parameter that can take different values to indicate early binding, late binding, or deferred binding. The AMF evaluates this parameter along with service requirements, operator policies, and network conditions to determine the optimal binding time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different service types (e.g., eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) and operational scenarios without requiring complex device-side logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the associating information parameter to control the binding timing behavior. Different values of this parameter (early binding indication, late binding indication, deferred binding indication) enable the system to switch between different binding strategies based on service requirements, operator policies, and network conditions, providing flexibility without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method for associating a mobile radio terminal device to a network slice instance of a mobile radio communication network is described, the method comprising receiving a request for the network slice instance from the mobile radio terminal device and associating the mobile radio terminal device to the network slice instance in accordance with a timing based on an associating timing parameter assigned to the requesting mobile radio terminal device.