Network Slice Quota Management for 5GS-EPS Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies do not effectively manage quotas for User Equipments (UEs) and Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions across interworking cellular communications systems, specifically between Fifth Generation Systems (5GS) and Evolved Packet Systems (EPS), leading to unclear behavior and inefficient quota management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that involves receiving messages for UE registration or session establishment across different systems, determining the need for quota checks, and updating counts at Network Functions (NFs) to efficiently manage and enforce quotas for network slices supporting interworking between 5GS and EPS, ensuring quotas are applied only when necessary and avoiding double counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quotas are applied to network slices in interworking systems between 5GS and EPS, then quota management becomes possible, but the complexity of quota tracking and counting increases due to multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the quota tracking functionality across 5GS and EPS by having the SMF+PGW-C act as a unified entity that maintains a single count for PDU sessions/PDN connections in both systems. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tracking mechanisms in each system, reducing overall complexity while ensuring reliable quota management.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMF+PGW-C performs multiple functions including session management, quota tracking, and interaction with the PCF. This multi-functional approach allows a single network function to handle quota management across both 5GS and EPS, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall architecture.
2Ease of operation
If quotas are enforced at each system boundary, then local control is improved, but double counting of UEs and sessions occurs leading to inaccurate quota enforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SMF+PGW-C receives quota information from the PCF, tracks sessions locally, and provides updates back to the PCF. This feedback loop ensures that quota counts remain accurate across interworking scenarios while maintaining local control at the SMF+PGW-C.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCF provides quota information to the SMF+PGW-C in advance before actual session establishment occurs. This preliminary action allows the SMF+PGW-C to pre-configure its tracking mechanisms and avoid double counting from the outset, ensuring measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate quota mechanisms are used for 5GS and EPS, then system independence is maintained, but global quota consistency across interworking systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges quota consistency across 5GS and EPS by having the SMF+PGW-C maintain a unified count that reflects the total number of PDU sessions and PDN connections in both systems. This single consolidated counting mechanism ensures global quota consistency while allowing each system to operate independently with its own session management procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a method for handling a quota(s) for a network slice that supports interworking between first and second cellular communications systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises, at a first Network Function (NF), receiving a message associated to: registration or attachment of a User Equipment (UE) with the first cellular communications system for a particular network slice that supports interworking, registration or attachment of the UE with the second cellular communications system for the particular network slice, establishment of a session in the first cellular communications system for the particular network slice, or establishment of a session in the second cellular communications system for the particular network slice. The method further comprises, at the first NF, determining that a quota check is needed and performing a procedure to check the quota for the particular network slice and, if needed, update an associated count.