Network Slice Feature Configuration and Negotiation for Roaming Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network architectures struggle to enable network devices to obtain and utilize system features supported by network slices effectively, particularly in scenarios involving network slicing and roaming states.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring and negotiating system features supported by network slices, involving network slice management elements to provide configuration information to core and access network devices, and enabling negotiation between terminal devices and AMFs to determine accessible system features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support multiple service types, then network service capability and versatility are improved, but network device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple independent network slices, each configured with specific system features suitable for different service types (e.g., eMBB, ultra low latency). This allows the network to support diverse services while keeping each slice's configuration manageable and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration mechanism that can be applied across different network slices and service types. The AMF and access network devices use standardized procedures to negotiate and activate system features, providing a multi-functional solution that works for various network slice scenarios.
2Reliability
If system features are negotiated between terminal devices and network elements, then service access reliability is improved, but signaling overhead and negotiation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs system feature negotiation during the initial registration or service request phase, before actual service data transmission begins. The AMF and access network devices pre-negotiate and activate the required system features, ensuring reliability while minimizing the time impact on actual service delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration information is provided to multiple network elements, then system feature availability is improved, but information management complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary that centralizes the management of system feature configuration information. The AMF receives configuration from network slice management elements, stores it, and distributes relevant information to access network devices and terminal devices, simplifying information management while ensuring wide availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A configuration method, a negotiation method, and an apparatus are provided. The configuration method includes: sending, by a network slice management network element, configuration information to a network device, where the configuration information includes information about a network slice and a system feature supported by the network slice; and receiving, by the network slice management network element, a configuration completion indication from the network device. Based on this solution, the related information of the network slice can be configured for the network device.