Network Slice-Based Cell Determination for Targeted Cell Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for terminal device cell selection and reselection do not adequately consider the requirements of network slicing, leading to inefficient access and utilization of network resources.

Innovation Solution

A method for network slice-based cell determination, where a terminal device determines and selects a cell based on preconfigured or user-selected network slices, utilizing a NAS layer to transmit indication information to an AS layer for targeted cell search and access, optimizing the cell selection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional cell selection methods are used without considering network slicing, then the cell selection process is simple and fast, but the network resource utilization is inefficient and the service targeting is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcell selection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cell selection process into multiple stages: initial cell search, network slice determination, and slice-based cell selection. The terminal device first determines the required network slice type, then selects a cell that supports the required slice. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple initial cell search while adding targeted slice-based selection, improving resource utilization without excessively complicating the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs preliminary determination of the required network slice type before conducting cell selection. By pre-determining the network slice requirements based on the service type, the terminal can then efficiently filter and select from cells that support the required slice, rather than searching all cells without prior knowledge. This preliminary action improves both efficiency and targeting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If network slice-based cell determination is implemented, then the targeting of cell access is improved and network resource utilization is optimized, but the cell selection process becomes more complex and search time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell access targeting accuracyVSAvoidcell selection search time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device determines the required network slice type in advance before cell selection. This preliminary determination allows the terminal to immediately filter cells based on slice support information, reducing the effective search space and minimizing the time penalty associated with more precise targeting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the terminal device to autonomously determine its own network slice requirements and select appropriate cells without extensive network intervention. The terminal uses pre-configured slice information and broadcast cell capabilities to make independent selection decisions, reducing signaling overhead and selection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If network slice information is transmitted through frequent location update messages, then the terminal can access updated slice information, but the signaling overhead and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork slice information accuracyVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous or event-driven location updates, the system implements periodic transmission of network slice information through location update messages. The network sends updated slice information at regular intervals or when configurations change, allowing terminals to receive accurate information without excessive signaling. Terminals can enter idle mode between updates, reducing power consumption while maintaining information freshness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If the terminal device autonomously determines network slices and selects cells, then the access process is faster and more efficient, but the risk of incorrect selection and network compatibility issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell access speedVSAvoidselection accuracy and network compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal device reports its selected cell and network slice configuration to the network. The network can verify the selection validity and provide corrections or updates if incompatibilities are detected. This feedback loop maintains fast autonomous selection while ensuring network compatibility and selection accuracy through verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs preliminary checks using pre-configured network slice information and broadcast cell capabilities before finalizing cell selection. By validating slice compatibility in advance against known criteria, the terminal reduces the risk of incorrect selection while maintaining autonomous fast access. The preliminary validation ensures compatibility without requiring extensive post-selection negotiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4156772B1Cell determination method based on network slice, and related product
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4156772B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4156772B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4156772B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure discloses a method for network slice-based cell determination and related products. The method includes the following. A terminal device determines at least one first network slice. The terminal device determines a first cell to be accessed according to the at least one first network slice. Embodiments of the disclosure help to realize network slice-based wireless communication, improve the targeting of cell access, and refine the utilization of network resources.