Network Slice Assignment for Legacy System Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently assigning network slices for sessions, particularly when transitioning between legacy systems like Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5G System (5GS, due to the need for accurate identification and management of network slices to ensure reliable data connections with minimal transmission delays.
Innovation Solution
A method where a terminal device sends a request message with parameters to guide the selection of a network slice to the network, receives identification information, and indicates this information upon inter-system change, using messages like PDN CONNECTIVITY REQUEST and ACTIVATE DEFAULT EPS BEARER CONTEXT REQUEST, to ensure seamless data connection across different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing is implemented to provide tailored connectivity and quality of service, then service customization and quality of service are improved, but device complexity and network complexity increase due to the need for slice identification and management
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device determines in advance whether multiple network slices are associated with the same data network before establishing a data connection. This preliminary determination allows the device to proactively include parameters guiding network slice selection in the request message, preventing potential connection issues and reducing the need for complex post-connection management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the terminal device includes parameters (such as DNN, FQDN, or URSP parameters) in the request message that act as mediators to guide the network in selecting the appropriate network slice. This intermediary approach simplifies the selection process by providing the network with predefined criteria rather than requiring complex real-time negotiations.
2Reliability
If network slice identification is performed accurately to ensure reliable data connections, then connection reliability is improved, but transmission delay increases due to the additional identification and selection steps
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs the determination of multiple network slice associations and includes guiding parameters in the request message before the data connection establishment process begins. By performing this identification work preliminarily, the network can directly use the provided parameters to select the appropriate slice without requiring additional back-and-forth signaling, thereby reducing transmission delay while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network slice selection process into two parts: (1) the terminal device determines and includes guiding parameters in the request message, and (2) the network uses these parameters to identify the appropriate slice. This segmentation allows the complex identification task to be distributed, with the terminal handling the preliminary analysis and the network handling the final selection, thereby reducing overall processing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network slices are created on a shared physical infrastructure to meet different service requirements, then service versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage and transition slices between systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal approach where the terminal device uses the same mechanism (determining multiple slice associations and including guiding parameters in request messages) to handle network slice selection across different data networks and system transitions. This universal mechanism works whether the device is transitioning between EPS and 5GS or within the same system, thereby reducing the need for system-specific management logic and simplifying overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device performs preliminary determination of multiple network slice associations before system transitions occur. By having this information ready in advance and including it in the request message during system transitions (such as from EPS to 5GS), the device avoids complex real-time decision-making during the transition process itself, thereby reducing transition management complexity while maintaining service versatility.
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AI summary
Techniques for assigning a network slice for a session related to a legacy system are provided. For example, a method comprises: sending, from a terminal device to a network, a request message for a data connection including one or more parameters to guide a selection of a network slice while the terminal device is registered to a first system; receiving, from the network at the terminal device, a response message including identification information to identify the network slice while the terminal device is registered to the first system; and indicating, by the terminal device, the identification information upon inter-system change to a second system. The method may be performed by the terminal device (e.g., a user equipment, UE).