Network Slice Selection via Common Control Plane Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly with new radio access technologies (RAT), there is a challenge in how a radio access network (RAN) node determines the final selected network slice and authorizes the requested network slice for user equipment (UE) services, given the complexity of network slicing and the need for efficient resource allocation across multiple core network instances.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a method where a RAN node receives a service request with slice information from a UE, determines the appropriate slice, and receives an authorization indication from a common control plane function (C-CPF), enabling it to perform corresponding actions for the selected slice. This includes sharing common C-Plane functions across multiple core network instances and utilizing the NSSF/CPSF to select the appropriate core network instance and C-Plane functions for UE connectivity and service provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented across multiple core network instances, then service diversity and adaptability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slicing functionality by introducing a dedicated NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) that operates independently from other core network functions. This segmentation allows the complex task of slice selection and authorization to be handled by a specialized component, reducing the complexity burden on the overall system while maintaining service diversity across multiple core network instances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authorization mechanism where the NSSF communicates with other core network functions through standardized interfaces. This intermediary approach allows different network slice instances to be managed independently while maintaining coordinated authorization, thus enabling service diversity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Speed
If RAN node determines final selected slice autonomously, then response speed is improved, but authorization reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the NSSF perform slice selection and authorization decisions in advance, before the RAN node needs to execute services. The authorization indication is pre-computed and stored, allowing the RAN node to quickly retrieve and act on authorized slice information without performing complex authorization checks in real-time, thus maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the NSSF provides authorization indications to the RAN node, and the RAN node can report back on service execution status. This feedback loop ensures that autonomous RAN node operations remain aligned with centralized authorization decisions, maintaining authorization reliability while enabling fast local response.
3Reliability
If centralized authorization is implemented, then authorization reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the NSSF compute and cache authorization indications in advance, before they are needed by the RAN node. This pre-computation approach allows centralized authorization to be performed ahead of time, reducing the processing time impact when services need to be executed, while maintaining the reliability benefits of centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by having the NSSF provide specific authorization indications for particular slices rather than performing complete re-authorization for every service request. This partial authorization approach reduces processing time by avoiding redundant authorization checks, while maintaining reliability through selective centralized control over critical authorization decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
For supporting selection/authorization of network slicing, a radio access network (RAN) node in a new radio access technology (RAT), e.g. gNB, receives a service request including slice information from a user equipment (UE), and determines a slice based on the slice information. The RAN node forwards the service request including the slice information to a common control plane function (C-CPF), and then, the C-CPF checks whether the UE is authorized for a specific slice. The RAN node receives a service response including an authorization indication for the specific slice from the C-CPF, and performs a corresponding action for the specific slice.