Network Slice Instance Identifier Segmentation for UE Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for associating network functions with network slice instances in mobile radio communication networks are inadequate, as the Slice Service Type and Slice Differentiator are not sufficient for routing User Equipments (UEs) to appropriate network slice instances without using different Slice Differentiators for different customer groups, leading to challenges in customer differentiation and load balancing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) that creates an identifier for network slice instances and notifies network functions of their association with these instances, using a Network Repository Function (NRF) to maintain and manage the association between network functions and slice instances, allowing for efficient selection and management of network slice instances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same Slice Service Type and Slice Differentiator are used for multiple network slice instances, then network configuration is simplified and customer differentiation is improved, but the Network Slice Selection Function cannot route UEs to appropriate network slice instances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice identification into two parts: the first network slice identification (Slice Service Type and Slice Differentiator) used for high-level categorization and customer differentiation, and the second network slice identification (network slice instance identifier) used for specific instance routing. This segmentation allows multiple slice instances to share the same first identification while being distinguishable by their unique second identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the identification system by introducing a second network slice identification layer. Instead of relying solely on the traditional single-layer identification (Slice Service Type + Slice Differentiator), the system now operates in two dimensions: the first dimension for customer/service categorization and the second dimension for specific instance identification, enabling both simplification and precise routing.
2Reliability
If different Slice Differentiators are used for different network slice instances, then network slice routing is enabled, but customer differentiation and configuration simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification requirements into two distinct parts: the first network slice identification (Slice Service Type and Slice Differentiator) that remains consistent for customer differentiation, and the second network slice identification (network slice instance identifier) that provides unique identification for routing. This eliminates the need to change Slice Differentiators while maintaining routing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the Network Repository Function (NRF) as an intermediary that stores and manages the mapping between the first network slice identification and the second network slice identification. The NRF acts as a mediator that enables the Network Slice Selection Function to resolve the appropriate network slice instance based on the first identification without requiring different Slice Differentiators for each instance.
3Productivity
If multiple network slice instances are supported with the same customer identification, then load balancing is improved, but the mechanism for associating network functions with specific slice instances becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network functions to self-associate with network slice instances through the standardized interface provided by the NRF. When a network function is instantiated, it automatically queries the NRF using the first network slice identification and receives the corresponding second network slice identification, enabling self-service association without complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The NRF serves as an intermediary that manages the complex association relationships between multiple network functions and multiple network slice instances. It maintains the mapping information and provides a standardized interface that simplifies the association process, allowing network functions to be dynamically associated with appropriate slice instances based on load and availability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method for associating network functions with a network slice instance of a mobile radio communication network is described comprising an Network Slice Management Function, NSMF, creating an identifier for a network slice instance, NSI, for Operations Administration and Management, OAM, wherein the mobile radio communication network comprises a core network and an OAM system, wherein the OAM system comprises at least the NSMF which has interfaces to network functions in the core network, wherein the network functions provide a communication service to a mobile terminal and wherein the core network further comprises a Network Repository Function, NRF, that maintains an association of network functions and network slice instances of the mobile radio communication network; and the NSMF or the NRF notifying one or more network functions about their association with the network slice instance.