Network Slice Multicast Signaling for Efficient 5G Data Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms in 5G networks fail to support multicast at a network slice granularity, which is necessary for efficient data transmission to devices within specific network slices.
Innovation Solution
A network slice multicast method where an access network device sends a message to user equipment (UE) containing a network slice identifier and multicast traffic channel configuration, enabling the UE to receive multicast data on the appropriate channel, thereby implementing multicast at a network slice level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing 5G network mechanisms are used, then network infrastructure is maintained, but multicast at network slice granularity cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multicast transmission by introducing network slice identifiers (S-NSSAI) and slice-specific multicast session identifiers (M-SID) to distinguish different network slices. Each slice can have independent multicast sessions with separate configuration messages, enabling fine-grained control and isolation of multicast traffic at the network slice level while maintaining the overall 5G network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the SMF (Session Management Function) as an intermediary component that mediates between the UE (User Equipment) and the gNB (base station). The SMF receives multicast session establishment requests, allocates slice-specific identifiers, and coordinates the setup of multicast sessions across different network slices, simplifying the overall mechanism by centralizing the management function.
2Productivity
If multicast is implemented at network slice level, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but signaling consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signaling functions into a single multicast session establishment message that is sent from the UE to the gNB. This message simultaneously contains the S-NSSAI (network slice identifier), M-SID (multicast session identifier), and other necessary configuration parameters. By combining these elements into one message, the patent reduces the total number of signaling exchanges while enabling efficient multicast at network slice granularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the UE indicate its interest in multicast services for specific network slices before actual data transmission begins. The UE sends advance indication information including S-NSSAI and desired multicast parameters, allowing the network to pre-allocate resources and configure multicast sessions in advance, thereby reducing real-time signaling overhead during actual data delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A network slice multicast method includes generating, by an access network device, a first message. The network slice multicast method further includes sending, by the access network device, the first message to a user equipment (UE). The first message comprises a first network slice identifier and configuration information of a multicast traffic channel, and the first network slice identifier corresponds to the multicast traffic channel.