Network Slice Cell Switching for Unsupported RAN Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in meeting diverse service requirements for high bandwidth, low latency, and high reliability due to the inability of radio access networks to support user equipment's requested network slices, leading to inefficient resource allocation and unnecessary signaling.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided where a terminal device interacts with the access and core network to identify and switch to a neighboring cell that supports the requested network slice, optimizing resource allocation and reducing unnecessary signaling through interactions between the access stratum and non-access stratum layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device sends a PDU session request with a network slice identifier to the first access network device, then the terminal device can request the required network slice service, but the first access network device may not support the requested network slice, causing service failure
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs preliminary actions by obtaining information about network slices supported by the first access network device before sending the PDU session request. This allows the terminal to proactively identify whether the requested network slice is supported and take appropriate actions (such as selecting an alternative access network device) before the service establishment fails, thereby resolving the contradiction between service adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the interaction between the access stratum (AS) and non-access stratum (NAS) of the terminal device. The AS obtains support information and communicates it to the NAS, which then makes informed decisions about PDU session establishment. This intermediary information flow enables the terminal to avoid requesting unsupported network slices, resolving the contradiction between service versatility and reliability
2Reliability
If the terminal device continuously checks and switches to neighboring cells supporting the required network slice, then the terminal can ensure service availability, but this increases signaling overhead and network complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs self-service by autonomously obtaining information about supported network slices from the access network device and independently deciding whether to initiate PDU session requests or switch to neighboring cells. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous network-side monitoring and control, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining service availability, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and communication apparatus for providing a network slice. In one example method where an access network device accessed by a terminal device does not support a network slice requested by the terminal device, the terminal device sends a network slice identifier, corresponding to a protocol data unit (PDU) session, to the access network device by including the network slice identifier in an radio resource control (RRC) message. The access network device may learn of the network slice identifier, and when the access network device does not support the network slice, search, in an access network device corresponding to a neighboring cell, for a target second access network device that supports the network slice.