Network Slice Selection Assistance Information Management in Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to manage user plane network functions and PDU session status in mobile communication systems, including controlling data transmission links between terminals and base stations, and defining service-specific network slices in 5G mobile communication systems, particularly for supporting operator-specific network slices in roaming networks.
Innovation Solution
The establishment of allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) for terminals, enabling efficient management and sharing of network resources and slice information across different networks, including roaming scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network slices are defined for service-specific requirements in roaming networks, then network resource management efficiency is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network slice information into multiple components: allowed NSSAI (network slices the terminal can use), configured NSSAI (network slices pre-configured for the terminal), and requested NSSAI (network slices the terminal wants to use). This segmentation allows the terminal to handle only relevant slice information rather than processing all possible network slice data, reducing complexity while maintaining efficient resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring allowed NSSAI and configured NSSAI information in the terminal before roaming. The home network provides terminal-specific network slice information in advance through subscription data, so the terminal already has the necessary network slice configuration before entering a roaming network, eliminating the need for complex real-time discovery and negotiation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If terminal-specific network slice information is managed across home and visited networks, then network adaptability is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal framework where a single allowed NSSAI configuration serves multiple functions: it identifies network slices the terminal is authorized to use, provides slice selection criteria for roaming networks, and enables service continuity across different operators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate management mechanisms for different network scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) as an intermediary that mediates between the terminal and the core network for network slice management. The AMF receives slice information from the UDM (Unified Data Management), translates it into terminal-specific configurations, and manages the terminal's NSSAI during mobility. This intermediary handles the complexity of information translation and coordination, keeping the terminal relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication scheme and system for converging a 5th generation (5G) communication system for supporting a data rate higher than that of a 4th generation (4G) system with an internet of things (loT) technology. The present disclosure is applicable to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars, connected cars, health care, digital education, retails, and security and safety-related services) based on the 5G communication technology and the loT-related technology. The present disclosure provides a method performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) as well as a method performed by a terminal in a communication system.