Network Slice-Based High Priority Service Handling in RAT Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G Standalone networks face challenges in achieving full coverage due to the need for significant infrastructure development and costly cell site deployment, while also experiencing service interruptions during Radio Access Technology (RAT) switching, which negatively impacts high-priority, delay-sensitive applications like Over-the-Top voice/video services.
Innovation Solution
A service handling platform is implemented in a 5G SA gNodeB that configures dedicated end-to-end network slices for high-priority applications, allowing for prioritization and preventing unnecessary RAT switches by using measurement data to determine when a switch is critical, thus maintaining uninterrupted service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RAT switching is performed to maintain network coverage and capacity, then network reliability is improved, but service interruption increases for high-priority applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing dedicated network slices and configuring QoS parameters before RAT switching occurs. The network slice is pre-configured with prioritization rules and resource allocations, allowing high-priority applications to maintain continuous service while the network performs necessary RAT switching in the background without interrupting the application flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network traffic into different network slices based on application priority and requirements. By creating separate logical channels for high-priority applications (such as voice and video) versus other traffic, the system allows RAT switching to occur without affecting critical services. This segmentation isolates the impact of switching operations to non-critical traffic while maintaining stable connections for priority applications.
2Reliability
If dedicated network slices are configured for high-priority applications, then service quality is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice framework provides multi-functionality by serving multiple purposes through a single structural layer. The same network slice infrastructure handles QoS prioritization, traffic isolation, resource allocation, and RAT switching coordination simultaneously. This universal approach reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while delivering high service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network slices as intermediary logical structures between the physical network infrastructure and the applications. These slices act as mediators that translate complex network switching operations into simple prioritization rules for applications. The slice layer absorbs the complexity of RAT switching and presents simplified, stable connections to high-priority applications, reducing the complexity burden on the application layer while maintaining service quality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If RAT switching is prevented for ongoing high-priority services, then service continuity is improved, but network adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic behavior by continuously monitoring service status and network conditions. The network slice configuration dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time factors such as service completion state, network congestion levels, and signal quality. When a high-priority service completes or network conditions change significantly, the system automatically adapts by allowing or triggering RAT switching, thus maintaining both continuity during critical periods and adaptability when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors service status and network conditions, adjusting RAT switching decisions based on this feedback. The system receives feedback about service continuity requirements and network state, then adapts its switching policy accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that network adaptability is maintained by allowing switching when service continuity is no longer at risk, while preventing switching when service stability is critical.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting initiation of a service associated with a UE, where the service comprises an OTT voice/video call, facilitating, for the service, activation of an end-to-end network slice between a core network and the UE, detecting a RAT switch determination for the UE, where the RAT switch determination relates to communicative coupling of the UE with a second network node, and where the second network node is associated with a second RAT different from the first RAT, responsive to the detecting the RAT switch determination, determining whether the service is ongoing over the end-to-end network slice, and, based on a determination that the service is ongoing over the end-to-end network slice, preventing the UE from communicatively coupling with the second network node until the service is determined to be completed or until the end-to-end network slice is released. Other embodiments are disclosed.