Network Slice Quota Management for Controlled UE Registration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in managing network slice quotas efficiently, leading to potential service quality degradation due to uncontrolled access by user equipment (UEs) on network slices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Network Slice Quota (NSQ) node to manage and enforce quotas on the number of UEs per network slice, including mechanisms for querying available quota, preemptive quota claiming, and timer-based retention of quota during deregistration to prevent immediate release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network slice quota is not managed, then network access is more flexible and easier, but service quality degrades due to uncontrolled access and potential overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing quota management mechanisms before network slice access occurs. The NSQ node pre-configures maximum UE numbers for each network slice, and the NSACF node checks quota availability before allowing UE registration. This proactive approach ensures service quality is maintained while preserving access flexibility, as UEs can still freely attempt to access slices but are only blocked when actual quota limits are reached, not due to arbitrary restrictions.
2Reliability
If network slice quota management is implemented, then service quality is maintained, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into distinct functional components for quota management: the NSQ node that maintains quota configurations, the NSACF node that performs access control decisions, and the AMF that handles UE registration. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific, simplified role, reducing overall management complexity while maintaining service quality through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the NSACF node as an intermediary between the AMF and the network slice resources. The NSACF receives registration requests from the AMF, checks quota availability with the NSQ node, and makes access decisions. This intermediary simplifies management by centralizing quota logic in a dedicated component, preventing the AMF from needing complex quota management capabilities while ensuring service quality through systematic quota enforcement.
3Productivity
If quota is immediately released upon deregistration, then resource allocation is more efficient, but service continuity is disrupted for temporarily disconnected UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a timer mechanism that delays quota release after UE deregistration. When a UE disconnects, the timer starts and prevents immediate quota release. If the UE reconnects before the timer expires, the quota is still available, ensuring service continuity. This cushioning mechanism protects against premature resource reallocation while maintaining overall efficiency by eventually releasing quotas for truly disconnected UEs.
Data Source
AI summary
A Public Land Mobile Network includes a network slice quota (NSQ) node to implement a quota on the number of user equipments (UEs) or (UE, PDU_Session) pairs that may be registered on a network slice. An access and mobility management function (AMF) queries the NSQ on whether quota is available for registration of a UE on a network slice in response to a notification of successful authorization and/or authentication (AAA) of the UE. Alternatively, the AMF may preemptively capture one or more units of network slice quota for the UE prior to initiation of the AAA procedure. The AMF may start a timer after UE deregistration is initiated, and not relinquish the quota unit held by the UE until after the timer's expiration. The network may also include a session management function (SMF) that provides UE identification as well as PDU Session ID when requesting registration of a UE.