Network Slice Mapping for Seamless 4G/5G Inter-Network Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of seamlessly handing over a terminal between network slices of different networks, such as 4G and 5G, during interworking and evolution remains unresolved, particularly in terms of network slice management and handover processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for inter-network change that involves determining and mapping network slice information between different networks, enabling terminals to request and register with or be handed over to a new network slice by sending specific request messages and receiving accept messages, which may include pre-configured or dynamically obtained mapping information, allowing for handover between network slices without modifying existing mobility management entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slice mapping is implemented between 4G and 5G networks, then handover capability between different network slices is improved, but device complexity increases due to mapping information management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring mapping relationships between 4G network slice information and 5G network slice information in the terminal before handover occurs. This allows the terminal to quickly determine the target 5G network slice without complex real-time calculations, thus improving handover capability while managing device complexity through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mapping information as an intermediary element that bridges 4G and 5G network slices. This mapping information acts as a mediator that translates between different network slice identifiers and configurations, enabling seamless handover without requiring direct complex interactions between the two network systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic mapping information is obtained during registration or session establishment, then handover flexibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acquisition of mapping information with existing registration or session establishment procedures. By combining these functions, the patent avoids separate signaling exchanges solely for obtaining mapping information, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining handover flexibility through dynamic information acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal autonomously obtains mapping information during its own registration or session establishment process without requiring additional network assistance. This self-service approach reduces signaling overhead by utilizing existing communication channels and procedures already necessary for network access.
3Ease of manufacture
If network slice handover is implemented without modifying mobility management entities, then deployment complexity is reduced, but control precision may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover control function by implementing it at the terminal and network access levels rather than requiring modifications to core mobility management entities. This segmentation allows deployment without changing centralized control systems, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining sufficient control precision through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal performs self-service by autonomously determining mapping relationships and executing handover decisions based on pre-configured or dynamically obtained mapping information. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized control modifications while maintaining adequate handover precision through local intelligence.
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-network change method and apparatus, where a terminal determines second network slice information to which first network slice information is mapped. The first network slice information is information about a first network slice accessed by the terminal, the second network slice information is information about a second network slice, the first network slice is a network slice in a first network, and the second network slice is a network slice in a second network. The terminal sends a request message to the second network and receives an accept message returned by the second network, such that the terminal accesses a network slice identified by network slice information accepted by the second network. It can be learned that embodiments of the present disclosure can implement a handover operation between network slices of different networks.