Network Slice Quota Management for Roaming UE Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems lack the ability to enforce parameters such as the maximum number of UEs per network slice, maximum PDU sessions, and maximum data rates, which are defined in the Generic Slice Template (GST), leading to unmanaged network slice quotas during roaming.
Innovation Solution
A Network Function node for network slice quota management is introduced, which includes means for managing network slice quotas on the number of user equipment (UE) per network slice. This node sends requests to check availability and updates quotas accordingly, ensuring compliance with Service Level Agreement (SLA) quotas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slice quota management is implemented, then network slice integrity and service quality are ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Slice Quota Management function as an intermediary component that handles quota tracking and enforcement. This dedicated function acts as a mediator between the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and the network slice resources, centralizing the complexity in a manageable component while ensuring reliable quota enforcement across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The quota management functionality is segmented into distinct components: a Network Slice Quota Management function that tracks quotas, an AMF that checks availability before allowing UEs to access network slices, and enforcement points at the gNB (base station). This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple manageable components rather than concentrating it in a single complex system.
2Reliability
If quota checking is performed for each UE, then SLA compliance is ensured, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quota availability checking before allowing a UE to establish a PDU session or access a network slice. The AMF checks whether quota is available in the visited PLMN before proceeding with registration, and the gNB checks quota availability before allowing access. This preliminary action prevents subsequent quota violations and reduces the need for ongoing monitoring and correction signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The Network Slice Quota Management function provides feedback to the AMF about available quota in the visited PLMN. The AMF uses this feedback information to make admission decisions for UEs. This feedback mechanism ensures SLA compliance while optimizing signaling by providing advance information about quota status rather than requiring continuous verification.
3Reliability
If network slice parameters are enforced, then service quality is maintained, but system flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The quota management system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The Network Slice Quota Management function can track and enforce quotas based on actual usage patterns, and the system can adapt to changing network conditions. Quota limits can be adjusted based on SLA requirements, and the system can handle different types of UEs (roaming vs. non-roaming) with different quota enforcement strategies, maintaining flexibility while ensuring service quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes solutions for monitoring, controlling and enforcement the number of the UEs per Network Slice quota in roaming. It proposes new Network Slice Quota (NSQ) service and service operations for Network Slice quota subscription, monitoring, update and notification in both, the home network and in the visiting network.