Network Slice Mapping Configuration for Neighboring Cell Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently selecting and utilizing resources within sliced networks, particularly in determining the support of a selected network slice in neighboring cells.
Innovation Solution
A wireless terminal and access node system that receives and processes mapping configurations and neighboring cell information to determine the support of a selected network slice in neighboring cells, utilizing area scope information and network slice band association information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network slice support information is provided for each neighboring cell, then the wireless terminal can accurately determine network slice support in neighboring cells, but the signaling overhead and information complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by introducing mapping configuration information that can be reused across multiple neighboring cells. Instead of providing complete network slice support information for each cell individually, the system defines mapping relationships between network slice groups and frequency bands once, and then references these mappings in neighboring cell information. This allows the same mapping configuration to serve multiple cells, reducing redundant signaling while maintaining accurate network slice support determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mapping configuration information as an intermediary element between the network slice support information and the neighboring cell information. This mapping configuration acts as a mediator that translates network slice group identities to frequency bands, allowing the system to convey network slice support information efficiently through referencing rather than direct specification for each cell.
2Productivity
If mapping configuration information is stored and referenced for multiple neighboring cells, then the resource selection efficiency improves, but the memory requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the wireless terminal receive and store mapping configuration information in advance before needing to determine network slice support in neighboring cells. The mapping configuration that defines the relationship between network slice groups and frequency bands is configured beforehand, allowing the terminal to efficiently reference this pre-established mapping when evaluating neighboring cells for resource selection, rather than processing complex mappings in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If network slice support information is provided without mapping configurations, then the signaling is simpler, but the wireless terminal cannot accurately determine slice support in neighboring cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mapping relationship definition from each individual neighboring cell information and separates it into independent mapping configuration information. This extraction allows the neighboring cell information to remain simple with only references to mapping configurations, while the detailed mapping relationships are defined separately and can be reused across multiple cells, achieving both signaling simplicity and determination accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless terminal which supports one or more network slices comprises receiver circuitry and processor circuitry. The receiver circuitry is configured to receive one or more mapping configurations and neighboring cell information. Each of the one or more mapping configurations configure one or more network slice groups. Each of the one or more network slice groups indicate grouping of one or more network slices. Each of the one or more mapping configurations is/are associated with area scope information. The neighboring cell information comprises an identity of a neighboring cell, network slice support information indicating one or more network slices supported in the neighboring cell, and mapping configuration referencing information referring to one of the one or more mapping configurations. The processor circuitry is configured to determine support of a selected network slice in the neighboring cell, based on the neighboring cell information and the one of the one or more mapping configurations.