Network Slice Selection Entity for Multi-Slice Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently selecting and managing network slices to cater to diverse service requests and user needs, particularly in supporting multiple network slices simultaneously and ensuring robust network operations.
Innovation Solution
A network slice selection entity is introduced within the cellular network, interfaced with both the radio access network node and user data repository, to select appropriate network slices based on service types, user subscription information, and operator policies, allowing wireless devices to connect to multiple slices and store control plane entry point addresses for routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network slice selection entity stores address information for control plane entry points of multiple network slices, then network robustness and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice selection entity is segmented into functional modules: a storage module for maintaining address information of control plane entry points, a selection module for choosing appropriate network slices, and a routing module for directing traffic. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple network slices without proportionally increasing overall complexity, as each module has a specific, simplified function.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice selection entity acts as an intermediary between wireless devices and multiple network slices. By storing and managing control plane entry point addresses, it mediates the complex routing requirements, allowing devices to connect to multiple slices without each device needing to manage the complexity independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network slice selection entity handles selection based on multiple criteria (service type, user subscription, operator policy), then service customization and adaptability are improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice selection entity pre-stores address information and control plane entry points for multiple network slices before actual service requests occur. This preliminary preparation allows the entity to quickly match service requests with appropriate slices by comparing against pre-organized criteria (service type, user subscription, operator policy) rather than processing everything in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection entity applies different evaluation criteria locally based on the specific service request type. Rather than uniformly applying all criteria to every request, it selectively applies relevant criteria (service type matching, user subscription verification, operator policy checks) based on the particular needs of each service, reducing unnecessary processing overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices can connect to multiple network slices simultaneously, then network functionality and user experience are improved, but network management complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice selection entity serves as a central intermediary that manages multiple network slice connections for wireless devices. It maintains the address information and control plane entry points for each slice, coordinating the complex multi-slice connectivity requirements centrally rather than requiring each device to independently manage multiple slice connections, thus reducing overall network management complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the network slice selection entity provides detailed address information to radio access network nodes, then routing precision and network performance are improved, but information security risks and exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice selection entity extracts and stores only the essential address information and control plane entry points needed for routing, separating this critical routing data from other detailed network configuration information. This extraction provides sufficient routing precision while minimizing the exposure of sensitive network information, reducing security risks by limiting what information is stored and shared.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to techniques for network slice selection. A network slice selection function of a cellular network may receive a network slice selection request from a radio access network node of the cellular network. The network slice selection request may be received by the radio access network node from a wireless device. A core network slice (and possibly a radio access network slice) of the cellular network may be selected for the service request. A network slice selection response may be provided to the radio access network node, indicating a control plane entry point address for the selected core network slice. The selected radio network slice may also be indicated in the network slice selection response.