Network Slice Selection via Initial Attachment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the default network slice selected during initial connection may not be optimal for the type of network traffic initiated by user equipment (UE) devices, leading to less-than-optimal network performance due to the need for post-connection switchover to a more suitable slice, which consumes additional resources.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a slice ID into initial network attachment procedures to identify each slice's capabilities, characteristics, and availability, allowing UE devices or wireless stations to select an appropriate network slice during the initial connection based on the specific application requirements, thereby reducing the need for post-connection switchover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a default network slice is selected during initial connection, then the connection can be established quickly, but the network performance may be suboptimal for specific application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing network slice information (slice ID, characteristics, availability) to the wireless station before the UE device completes its initial connection. This allows the UE to make an informed slice selection decision during the attachment procedure rather than being assigned a default slice, thereby achieving both quick connection establishment and optimal performance for the specific application.
2Reliability
If post-connection switchover is performed to select an optimal network slice, then the network performance can be optimized, but additional network and device resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for post-connection switchover by performing slice selection in advance. The wireless station provides slice information to the UE device during the initial attachment procedure, enabling the UE to select the optimal slice before connection is established. This preliminary action avoids the resource-consuming switchover process while maintaining optimal network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the wireless station provide information about available network slices (including slice ID, characteristics, and availability status) to the UE device during the attachment procedure. This feedback mechanism enables the UE to make an informed selection decision based on real-time network conditions, avoiding the need for later switchover operations.
3Reliability
If network slice information is provided during initial attachment, then optimal slice selection is enabled, but the network procedures become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the network slice information provision into the existing initial attachment procedure. The wireless station provides slice information (including slice ID, characteristics, and availability) as part of the standard attachment process, making the procedure serve multiple functions: both establishing connection and enabling informed slice selection. This approach avoids adding separate complex procedures while maintaining optimal performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for network slice selection during an initial connection. A wireless station receives, from a core network device, network slice data for each network slice available via the wireless station, wherein the network slice data includes a slice identifier and corresponding slice characteristics for each network slice. The wireless station receives, from a user equipment (UE) device, a registration request message that indicates a network slice characteristic required by an application being executed on UE device. The wireless station selects, based on the network slice data from the core network device and the network slice characteristic from the UE device, one of the slice identifiers for servicing the UE device.