Network Control Node for QoS and Mobility Slice Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G network architectures face challenges in efficiently managing diverse use cases with extreme and inflexible service requirements due to the lack of flexibility in assigning network resources and discovering appropriate network slices for wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs).
Innovation Solution
A network control node receives service information from WTRUs, determines slice information, and selects an appropriate network slice based on QoS requirements, mobility characteristics, and subscriber information, or requests another node to provide the service, enabling dynamic network slice selection and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monolithic network framework is used, then network architecture simplicity is maintained, but network flexibility and ability to provide differentiated service to different WTRUs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple network slices, each tailored to specific service requirements and WTRU types. This segmentation allows the network to provide differentiated services while maintaining overall architectural manageability through the Network Slice Selection Function that coordinates slice selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is introduced to improve flexibility, then adaptability to diverse use cases is improved, but issues in discovering and selecting network slices arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the Network Slice Selection Function as an intermediary between WTRUs and network slices. This intermediary receives service requirements from WTRUs, matches them with appropriate network slices based on stored slice information, and facilitates connection, thereby simplifying the discovery and selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining network slice information including identifiers, service classes, QoS targets, and supported device types before WTRUs need to connect. This advance preparation enables rapid slice selection and connection establishment without complex real-time discovery procedures.
3Ease of operation
If uniform procedures are used for assigning network resources, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to meet extreme and inflexible service requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific service characteristics, QoS parameters, and resource allocation rules to each network slice based on its intended use case. This allows different parts of the network (slices) to have optimized properties for their specific functions while maintaining uniform management procedures through the selection function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are provided for a network control node for connecting a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) to a network slice in a network. The network control node may receive service information associated with a service being requested by the WTRU, wherein the service information comprises one or more of a service class, a quality of service (QoS) requirement, or a mobility characteristic. The network control node may determine slice information associated with a plurality of network slices, wherein the slice information comprises one or more of an identifier of the network slice, priority of the network slice, a service class served by the network slice, a target device class, a QoS target, mobility support, security service, charging information, and/or performance information. The network control node may determine subscriber information for the WTRU. The network control node may select at least a first network slice of the plurality of network slices to serve the WTRU, wherein the network control node selects the first network slice based on the service information, the slice information associated with the first network slice, and the subscriber information for the WTRU. The network control node may determine whether the network control node or another network control node should service the WTRU for accessing the first network slice. On condition that the network control node determines that the network control node should service the WTRU for accessing the first network slice, the network control node may provide at least one network service associated with the first network slice to the WTRU. Or, on condition that the network control node determines that the another network control node should service the WTRU for accessing the first network slice, the network control node may send a request to the another network control node that indicates that the another network control node should service the WTRU for accessing the first network slice.