Network Slice Replacement via AMF Authentication Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing network slices, particularly in scenarios where slices become congested or unavailable, leading to potential service disruptions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity that performs network slice-specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA) procedures to manage slice replacements. This includes performing a first NSSAA procedure for a selected network slice, receiving notifications for slice replacement, determining alternative slices, and performing a second NSSAA procedure for the alternative slice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slice replacement is performed during ongoing NSSAA procedure, then service continuity is maintained, but authentication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing the NSSAA authentication procedure before performing network slice replacement. The AMF waits for the NSSAA procedure to finish (either successfully or with failure) before initiating slice replacement, ensuring authentication reliability is maintained while still enabling service continuity through sequential processing
2Reliability
If network slice replacement is delayed until NSSAA completion, then authentication reliability is maintained, but service disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent minimizes service disruption by initiating network slice replacement immediately after NSSAA completion rather than waiting for additional confirmation. This preliminary action approach ensures that the replacement process starts as soon as authentication is complete, reducing the overall time the network slice is unavailable while maintaining authentication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies skipping by rapidly processing the network slice replacement procedure immediately after NSSAA completion. The AMF quickly transitions from authentication to replacement without unnecessary delays, rushing through the necessary steps to minimize service disruption time while ensuring the authentication outcome is properly accounted for
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. Disclosed is a method of performing slice management in a telecommunication network, wherein if a current slice is to be replaced by a replacement slice via a replacement procedure, the telecommunication network verifies if the current slice is undergoing or scheduled to undergo an authentication procedure, and if so, the replacement procedure is halted and the authentication procedure is progressed.