Network Slice Selection for 5G-EPS Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly 5G networks, face challenges in efficiently providing network slicing services that meet diverse service requirements, such as delay time, communication range, data rate, and reliability, especially when integrating with Evolved Packet Systems (EPS) networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for interworking between a 5G network system architecture with network slicing capabilities and an EPS network, where a control entity selects a suitable network slice based on subscriber information and slice supportability, including Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization (NSSAA) considerations, to ensure seamless service provision across different network environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented in 5G networks to meet diverse service requirements, then service customization and quality of service are improved, but network complexity and difficulty of integration with EPS networks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple independent network slices, each tailored to specific service requirements (e.g., enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, massive machine type communication). Each slice operates independently with dedicated resources, allowing customized QoS parameters while managing overall network complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network slice selection function (NSSF) and session management function (SMF) as intermediary components that coordinate between 5G core network and EPS network. These intermediaries handle slice identification, authentication, and resource allocation, simplifying the integration process between different network types.
2Reliability
If network slice selection is performed in EPS network, then service continuity during network transition is improved, but authentication and authorization complexity increase due to NSSAA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs network slice selection and authentication procedures in advance during the PDN connectivity establishment phase in EPS network. The SMF+PGW-C retrieves subscriber information including NSSAA status before actual data transmission begins, ensuring that authentication is completed proactively rather than reactively during network transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the SMF+PGW-C continuously monitors slice usage, authentication status, and network conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts resource allocation and triggers re-authentication only when necessary, reducing overall authentication complexity while maintaining service continuity.
3Productivity
If subscriber information including NSSAA status is managed centrally, then network slice management efficiency is improved, but information storage and retrieval complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and Unified Data Management (UDM) functions into a single integrated entity (HSS+UDM). This consolidation centralizes subscriber information storage including NSSAA status, allowing efficient retrieval by the SMF+PGW-C while reducing the number of separate database systems and interfaces that would otherwise increase complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selecting, by a control entity, a network slice is provided. The method includes receiving a create session request message from a Serving Gateway (S-GW) in response to a Packet Data Network (PDN) connectivity request message transmitted by a terminal, transmitting, to a storage entity, a request message for subscriber information including identification information of the terminal, receiving, from the storage entity, subscription data of the terminal corresponding to the identification information of the terminal, selecting at least one network slice based on the subscription data of the terminal and slice information supportable by the control entity, and transmitting a create session response message including information of the selected at least one network slice, wherein the subscription data of the terminal includes information about a subscribed network slice of the terminal and information regarding whether the subscribed network slice of the terminal is supported in an Evolved Packet Core (EPC).