Network Slice Pending Removal for Multi-Access Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 4G/5G systems face challenges in efficiently managing network slices and user equipment (UE) connectivity, particularly in handling multiple access types and ensuring seamless service continuity and QoS across different network environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of enhanced network slicing and UE connectivity mechanisms, including the use of network functions like AMF, SMF, UPF, and PCF, which support unified policy frameworks, edge computing, and service-based architectures to manage network slices and ensure consistent QoS and service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support multiple access types and services, then service versatility and QoS are improved, but network complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple independent network slices, each optimized for specific services (e.g., enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, massive machine type communication). Each slice operates as a separate logical network with dedicated resources, allowing versatile service support while managing complexity through modular isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal service-based architecture where network functions can serve multiple slices and access types simultaneously. The service management framework provides multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse services (human communication, machine communication, IoT) through a unified interface, reducing overall network complexity despite serving multiple purposes.
2Reliability
If unified policy frameworks are implemented across multiple access types, then service continuity is improved, but policy management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal service-based policy framework is implemented that operates across all access types (5G NR, 4G E-UTRA, non-3GPP). The framework provides unified policy control for service continuity while maintaining access-specific optimizations, reducing management complexity through a single multi-functional policy engine rather than separate policies for each access type.
Solution Approach 2:
The Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) function acts as an intermediary between the policy framework and multiple access networks. It translates high-level service requirements into access-specific configurations, ensuring service continuity across different access types while simplifying policy management by providing a single point of control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service-based architectures with multiple network functions are deployed, then service management flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture is segmented into independent service-based network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, etc.), each with specific responsibilities. This modular segmentation allows flexible service management by enabling selective deployment and configuration of individual functions while reducing system complexity through clear separation of concerns and standardized interfaces between functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device receives, from a mobility management function, an indication that a network slice is pending. The wireless device sends, to the mobility management function based on the network slice being pending, an indication for removal of the network slice.