5G Network Slice Index Signaling for Broadcast Resource Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G systems, base stations face challenges in efficiently communicating network slice information to terminal devices without overwhelming broadcast resources or exposing sensitive information, as broadcasting detailed S-NSSAI lists can be resource-intensive and privacy-intrusive.
Innovation Solution
A method where network devices configure and transmit an index list of S-NSSAI, containing index information of supported network slices, allowing terminal devices to determine supported slices efficiently and securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the base station broadcasts a list of S-NSSAI to inform terminal devices of supported network slices, then the terminal device can identify supported network slices, but broadcast resources are consumed and sensitive information may be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice information into two parts: S-NSSAI (network slice identifier) and NSSAI-Indication (support status). Instead of broadcasting the complete detailed information, only the segmented S-NSSAI is broadcast, while the NSSAI-Indication is provided through dedicated signaling. This segmentation reduces broadcast resource consumption while still enabling terminal devices to identify supported network slices.
2Loss of information
If the base station broadcasts a list of S-NSSAI to inform terminal devices of supported network slices, then the terminal device can identify supported network slices, but sensitive information may be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network slice information into S-NSSAI (broadcast) and NSSAI-Indication (dedicated signaling). By separating the identifier from the detailed support status, the patent minimizes the exposure of sensitive information in broadcast channels while still providing complete information to authorized terminal devices through secure dedicated signaling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base station transmits complete network slice information to all terminal devices, then all terminal devices can access supported network slices, but broadcast resources are overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by broadcasting only the essential S-NSSAI information that all terminal devices need, rather than transmitting complete network slice details to all devices. The full NSSAI-Indication information is then provided selectively through dedicated signaling only to terminal devices that require it, avoiding the waste of broadcast resources on unnecessary information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments information transmission into two stages: broadcast of S-NSSAI for general awareness, and dedicated signaling of NSSAI-Indication for specific terminal devices. This segmentation enables scalable network slice access where broadcast resources are used efficiently for general information, while dedicated resources handle specific terminal requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method, a terminal device, and a network device. The network device may configure an index list of S-NSSAI comprising index information of some or all of S-NSSAIs of a service network, and indicate the index list of S-NSSAI to the terminal device, so that the terminal device learns a network slice supported by a base station. The wireless communication method comprises: a terminal device receiving first information, wherein the first information comprises an index list of S-NSSAI, and the index list of S-NSSAI comprises index information of some or all of S-NSSAIs of a service network.