Network Slice Frequency-Band Selection With UE Access Policies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems lack mechanisms for User Equipment (UE) to efficiently select and switch between frequency bands to access network slices, handle simultaneous access restrictions, and navigate geographical availability of slices, leading to inefficiencies in network connectivity and slice availability.
Innovation Solution
Implement enhanced UE policies and network interactions, including UE-OFB policies, SSAP, SSAC indicators, and geographical slice availability, to guide the UE in selecting and switching frequency bands for network slice access, ensuring compliance with simultaneous access and location restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE is provided with multiple frequency bands and network slices, then the network service diversity and accessibility are improved, but the complexity of frequency band selection and switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (network slice selection assistance information and frequency band indication) that mediates between the UE and the network slices. The network provides assistance information that includes frequency band indications for accessing specific slices, allowing the UE to select appropriate frequency bands without complex decision-making logic. This intermediary information structure simplifies the UE's frequency band selection process while maintaining access to diverse network services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter structure by introducing new information elements (frequency band indications, slice selection assistance information) that guide the UE's frequency band selection. Instead of requiring the UE to independently evaluate multiple frequency bands and slices, the network provides pre-configured parameter mappings between slices and frequency bands, transforming a complex multi-dimensional selection problem into a simpler parameter-based selection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE switches between frequency bands to access different network slices, then the slice accessibility is improved, but the connection establishment time and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure and provide frequency band indication information and slice selection assistance information to the UE before the UE needs to access specific network slices. This advance provisioning of frequency band-slice mappings allows the UE to immediately select the correct frequency band when needing to access a particular slice, eliminating the need for time-consuming frequency band scanning and trial-and-error connection attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides assistance information based on UE capabilities and current network conditions. The network monitors UE behavior and adjusts the provided frequency band indications and slice selection information accordingly, creating a feedback loop that optimizes connection establishment time while maintaining slice accessibility.
3Reliability
If the network restricts simultaneous access to certain slices, then the network resource management and QoS are improved, but the UE service availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic slice access control where the network can adjust simultaneous access restrictions based on current network conditions, UE priorities, and service requirements. The Simultaneous Slice Access Policies (SSAP) and Simultaneous Slice Access Capability (SSAC) indicators enable dynamic enforcement of access restrictions, allowing the network to guarantee QoS for critical services while maintaining flexibility to allow simultaneous access to multiple slices when resources permit. This dynamic approach balances QoS guarantees with service availability.
4Measurement precision
If the network provides detailed slice availability information across frequency bands, then the UE frequency band selection accuracy is improved, but the signaling overhead and information processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential frequency band indication information needed for slice access from the complete network state information. Instead of providing the UE with all possible frequency band configurations and availability details, the network extracts and provides only the specific frequency band indications relevant to the UE's current slice access needs. This selective information provision maintains selection accuracy while minimizing signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) may be signaled between User Equipment (UE) and a network. NSSAI sent from the network to the UE may include, for example, Operating Frequency Band (OFB) for each Single NSSAI (S-NSSAI) in the NSSAI, as well as a Radio Access Technology (RAT) Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) index, which the network configures as a part of UE access and mobility subscription, during a UE registration procedure. RAT restrictions may be enhanced to indicate to the UE that certain slices are not accessible via certain RATs. A UE may be provided by the network with an alternative NSSAI and corresponding OFBs for each S-NSSAI, thereby indicating to the UE that these S-NSSAI would have been allowed had they been requested. A UE may be able to choose an alternative Allowed NSSAI and send a registration update request to the network.