Network Slice Authorization Status Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, unnecessary signaling occurs when a user equipment (UE) moves from the Evolved Packet System (EPS) to 5G System (5GS) and back, due to the lack of support for Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization (NSSAA) in EPS and some Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs), leading to repeated NSSAA procedures and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the core network node stores and retrieves NSSAA procedure results in a unified data management function, allowing the target AMF to determine if NSSAA is supported and skipping unnecessary procedures when the UE moves back to 5GS, and ensuring that network slices requiring NSSAA are not used when served by AMFs not supporting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE moves from EPS to 5GS and back, then the UE can access both networks, but unnecessary NSSAA procedures are repeated causing signaling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The source AMF performs preliminary actions by determining NSSAA support status before UE mobility and storing this information in the UE context. When the UE moves to the target AMF, this pre-stored information is transferred, allowing the target AMF to skip unnecessary NSSAA procedures and avoid signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by storing and transferring NSSAA support status information between AMFs during UE mobility. The target AMF receives feedback about NSSAA support from the source AMF through UE context transfer, enabling informed decision-making about whether to initiate NSSAA procedures.
2Device complexity
If the AMF does not store NSSAA procedure results, then the system is simpler, but repeated NSSAA procedures occur causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The AMF performs preliminary storage of NSSAA procedure results and support status information in the UE context during the initial NSSAA procedure or network slice selection. This pre-stored information is then available for subsequent mobility events, eliminating the need to repeat NSSAA procedures and improving network efficiency.
3Device complexity
If NSSAA information is not transferred during UE context transfer, then the transfer is simpler, but the target AMF cannot determine NSSAA support status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges NSSAA support status information with the existing UE context structure. By integrating this additional information into the standard UE context that is already transferred between AMFs during mobility, the system avoids creating separate transfer mechanisms while ensuring NSSAA information is preserved and available at the target AMF.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a core network node in a communication system includes receiving, at a first network function, a registration message from a radio access network node to register a user equipment, UE, and, responsive to the registration message, transmitting a request for information on whether network slices associated with the UE are subject to Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization, NSSAA. Responsive to the request, the method receives a response message including Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, S-NSSAI, information associated with the UE, the S-NSSAI information including NSSAA status information relating to the S-NSSAI information, and determines whether to initiate an NSSAA procedure with the UE based on the S-NSSAI information. Related network nodes are disclosed.