Network Slice-Aware Frequency Measurement in Idle Wireless Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, existing methods for network slice-aware measurements in idle or inactive states are inefficient, leading to resource wastage and unnecessary delays when a wireless device selects a cell that cannot support the network slice for suspended services, especially during RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device configures multiple network slices, determines frequencies supporting these slices, and reports measurement results only for frequencies that support the interested network slice(s), enabling efficient Carrier Aggregation (CA) and/or Dual Connectivity (DC) configuration for specific services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the wireless device performs frequency-based measurement in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, then the measurement coverage is expanded, but the measurement precision for network slice support is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two independent parts: frequency-based measurement (for coverage) and network slice capability detection (for precision). By separately measuring network slice support information in addition to traditional frequency measurements, the system achieves both expanded coverage and precise network slice detection without compromising either aspect.
2Ease of operation
If the wireless device selects a cell without network slice awareness in RRC_INACTIVE state, then the cell selection process is simplified, but service continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the wireless device detect and store network slice support information in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states before actual service resumption. When the device needs to resume service, it can directly use the pre-detected network slice capability information to make informed cell selection decisions, ensuring service continuity without complicating the overall cell selection process.
3Reliability
If the wireless device re-establishes PDU session in a new cell after selecting an unsupported cell, then the service can be restored, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless device uses detected network slice support information to guide cell selection decisions. By feedback the network slice capability status to the selection process, the device可以避免 selecting cells that cannot support required network slices, thereby preventing unnecessary PDU session re-establishment and associated resource waste while maintaining service restoration capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for measurement in idle state or inactive state considering a network slice in a wireless communication system is provided. A wireless device configures multiple network slices. A wireless device receives network slice information related to the multiple network slices. A wireless device establishes a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session for a specific service. A wireless device determines one or more frequencies that support the at least one network slice used by the PDU session among the multiple network slices, based on the frequency information. A wireless device reports measurement results on the determined one or more frequencies.