Network Slice Access Control via Region-Based Usage Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to effectively manage and control the usage of network slice resources to prevent excessive use, ensure service quality, and optimize resource utilization in 5G mobile communications.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where a first network element receives messages requesting access to a target network slice, which covers multiple regions. The element determines whether to allow access based on conditions such as service usage limits in the current region and overall network usage, thereby implementing region-based control to prevent congestion and ensure quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If terminal devices are allowed to access network slice without region-based control, then access simplicity is improved, but network congestion and service quality degradation occur in dense regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network slice into multiple regions (first region, second region, etc.) and applies different access control policies to each region. The network element determines whether to allow terminal device access to the network slice based on the specific region the terminal is located in, thereby preventing congestion in dense regions while maintaining access in sparse regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements region-specific access control policies where different regions have different service usage limits and access requirements. Each region is evaluated independently based on its characteristics (terminal density, resource availability), allowing optimized local control strategies that balance service quality and accessibility.
2Device complexity
If network slice resources are not monitored and controlled by region, then system simplicity is maintained, but excessive resource consumption and inefficient utilization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a monitoring and feedback mechanism where the network element continuously monitors service usage data from terminal devices in different regions. Based on this feedback, the network element dynamically adjusts access decisions and resource allocation to prevent excessive consumption and optimize overall resource utilization efficiency.
3Device complexity
If uniform access control is applied across all regions, then control complexity is reduced, but congestion in dense regions and resource waste in sparse regions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static uniform access control to dynamic region-based access control. The network element dynamically determines access permissions based on real-time service usage data, terminal location, and regional characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and optimize resource allocation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling use of a network slice, an apparatus, and a system, to limit excessive use of network slice resources by a customer, ensure service quality of a network slice, and improve network resource utilization efficiency. The method includes: A first network element receives a first message used to request access of a terminal device to a target network slice. The target network slice covers a plurality of regions including a first region, and the first region is a region in which the terminal device is currently located. Further, the first network element determines, based on a first condition, whether to allow the terminal device to access the target network slice. The first condition includes: whether a service usage of the target network slice in the first region exceeds a first service limit. Optionally, the first condition further includes: whether an overall service usage of the target network slice exceeds an overall limit. This application is applicable to the field of communications technologies.