Network Slice Admission Control Selection by NSACF Capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) selection mechanisms in network slicing technology do not adequately consider the varying capabilities of NSACFs, leading to inefficient and complex selection processes with excessive signaling interactions, particularly in managing the number of User Equipments (UEs) and Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves the Session Management Function (SMF) selecting an NSACF based on its service capabilities, including monitoring and controlling the number of registered UEs and established PDU sessions, to ensure accurate and efficient NSACF selection with reduced signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If NSACF selection is performed without considering service capabilities, then the selection process is simple, but the selection accuracy and suitability for specific network slice requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces service capability parameters (first service capability for UE number monitoring and second service capability for PDU session number monitoring) to characterize NSACFs. The SMF selects NSACFs by matching these parameters with specific network slice requirements, transforming the selection from a simple process to a parameter-based precise matching process that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If NSACF selection considers service capabilities, then the selection accuracy improves, but the signaling interaction and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having NSACFs publish their service capabilities in advance through the NRF before any selection occurs. The SMF retrieves and caches these capability information, so when selection is needed, the SMF can directly match requirements with pre-known capabilities without complex real-time queries, reducing procedure complexity while maintaining high selection accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple NSACFs are deployed with different capabilities, then the adaptability to different network slice requirements improves, but the system complexity and function switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific service capabilities to different NSACFs based on their local characteristics. Some NSACFs are configured with first service capability for UE monitoring, others with second service capability for PDU session monitoring, and some with both. This localized capability assignment allows the system to adapt to different network slice requirements while keeping each NSACF's function clear and well-defined, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
4Speed
If NSACF selection does not optimize for specific capabilities, then the selection process is fast, but the signaling overhead and function switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the SMF to autonomously perform capability-based matching using pre-retrieved NSACF capability information from the NRF. The SMF independently determines which NSACF best matches the network slice requirements without needing complex coordination or repeated signaling with other network functions, thereby maintaining fast selection speed while minimizing signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) selection is performed by a Session Management Function (SMF). The method includes: receiving, via an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request from User Equipment (UE); and in response to receipt of the PDU session establishment request, selecting a first NSACF for a network slice based on a service capability of at least one NSACF; wherein the service capability comprises at least one of: a first service capability that supports monitoring and controlling a number of registered UEs for the network slice, or a second service capability that supports monitoring and controlling a number of established PDU sessions for the network slice.