Temporary Network Slice Barring via NEF and NSSF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks lack the capability to temporarily bar usage of network slices, leading to unwanted traffic and access issues when users violate terms and conditions, as existing service barring methods do not support slice-level temporary barring.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a temporary network slice usage barring service through enhancements to core network components like the Network Exposure Function (NEF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), which allow application servers to instruct the network to temporarily bar user equipment (UE) devices from slice usage, using unique subscriber identifiers and barring expiration times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing service barring methods are used, then network access control is provided, but slice-level temporary barring capability is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the network access control mechanism by introducing slice-specific barring parameters (S-NSSAI) that can independently control access to individual network slices. This allows different barring configurations for different slices, enabling slice-level temporary barring while maintaining overall network access control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic barring by introducing a barring time parameter that allows temporary barring to be automatically removed after a specified duration. This dynamic mechanism enables the network to flexibly control UE access to network slices based on time-dependent conditions, improving adaptability without compromising control reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If temporary network slice usage barring service is implemented, then unwanted access is eliminated, but core network component complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the Network Exposure Function (NEF) as an intermediary component that receives barring requests from application functions and translates them into standardized barring parameters. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by providing a unified interface for barring operations, isolating the complexity from other core network components while effectively eliminating unwanted traffic.
3Reliability
If slice barring information is stored and enforced, then network access is controlled, but additional storage and processing requirements are created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by storing barring information specifically in the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) where it is most needed for slice selection decisions. The barring parameters are stored in a distributed manner across relevant network functions rather than centralizing all control data, reducing overall storage requirements while maintaining effective network access control at the appropriate locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are provided for a temporary network slice usage barring service within a core network. A network device in the core network receives a slice barring information message for an application function (AF). The slice barring information message includes a unique subscriber identifier associated with a user equipment (UE) device to be barred from a network slice and indicates a barring expiration time. The network device stores barring parameters based on the slice barring information message. The barring parameters include a slice identifier associated with the AF, the unique subscriber identifier, and the barring expiration time. The network device sends a barring instruction message to another network device associated with the network slice. The barring instruction message includes the unique subscriber identifier and the barring expiration time. The other network device enforces temporary barring of the UE device from the network slice based on the barring instruction message.