Network Slice Priority Access Control for Mobile Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control mechanisms in mobile communication networks, such as access classes and barring mechanisms, are inadequate in managing user equipment access during overload situations, especially in 5G systems with network slicing, as they do not effectively differentiate between network slices and prioritize user access based on specific service requirements.
Innovation Solution
Introducing network slice priority information to enhance unified access control by allowing prioritization of user equipment access within specific network slices, enabling higher or lower access probabilities and modifying access barring probabilities based on slice-specific conditions, thereby optimizing resource allocation and service availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional access control mechanisms (access classes and barring) are used, then network overload can be prevented, but network slice-specific access prioritization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified access control mechanism into network slice-specific access control. Each network slice is assigned a priority level, and the access control mechanism is divided into slice-specific components that can independently manage access probabilities. This allows different network slices (e.g., critical services vs. non-critical services) to have differentiated access control policies, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making access control parameters specific to each network slice rather than uniform across the entire network. Each network slice can have its own access probability, barring parameters, and priority level. This localized approach enables critical services to have guaranteed access while non-critical services can be restricted during overload, simultaneously achieving adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If access barring is applied to all user equipments, then network overload is prevented, but service differentiation between network slices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic access control where network slice priority information and access probabilities can be adjusted in real-time based on network conditions and service requirements. During overload, the system dynamically modifies barring parameters for different slices, allowing critical services to maintain access while restricting non-critical services. This dynamic approach prevents overload while preserving service differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes access control parameters (access probability, barring parameters) based on network slice priority. Each network slice is assigned specific parameters that can be modified independently. When overload occurs, parameters for low-priority slices are adjusted to restrict access, while high-priority slices maintain favorable parameters, achieving both network stability and service differentiation.
3Device complexity
If unified access control is used without network slice consideration, then implementation is simple, but network slice priority cannot be prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the access control mechanism universal by designing it to handle both traditional access control and network slice-specific access control through a unified framework. The same base mechanism (access probability calculation, barring parameters) serves multiple functions: traditional access control and slice-specific priority management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms while enabling slice priority support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning priority levels and access control parameters to each network slice before access attempts occur. Network slice priority information is configured in advance, and access control decisions are made based on these pre-established parameters. This preliminary configuration simplifies real-time access control while enabling slice priority differentiation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling the access of a user equipment to a mobile communication network, the mobile communication network comprising a plurality of radio cells as part of an access network of the mobile communication network, and the mobile communication network having at least one network slice, wherein the user equipment - being located, among other user equipments, in a specific radio cell of the plurality of radio cells - is attempting to gain access to the mobile communication network using the at least one network slice of the mobile communication network usable within the specific radio cell, -- wherein - in case that an access barring of user equipment attempts within the specific radio cell is applied based on access categories assigned to such user equipment attempts such that a predetermined barring probability is applied to such user equipment attempts - the access probability for the user equipment of gaining access to the mobile communication network using the at least one network slice is adapted compared to using a unified access control-mechanism, or -- wherein the access probability for the user equipment of gaining access to the mobile communication network using the at least one network slice is adapted in a network slice-specific manner, wherein the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, a network slice priority information is stored in or transmitted to the user equipment or a secure element of the user equipment, wherein the network slice priority information indicates an adaption of an access priority, regarding the user equipment attempting to gain access to the mobile communication network using the at least one network slice, -- in a second step, subsequent to the first step, the user equipment, using the at least one network slice, is provided access to the mobile communication network taking into account the adaption of the access priority.