Network Slice Selection via Local Subscription Data Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slice selection methods in mobile communications, such as those used in Evolved Packet Core (EPC) networks, lead to signaling storms and excessive signaling load when user equipment (UE) needs to be migrated due to changes in the dedicated core network, requiring cumbersome relocation procedures and subscription data updates across all registered UEs.
Innovation Solution
A method that simplifies the selection of a network slice by matching the service requirements of user equipment with the capabilities of available network slices using service requirement lists and capability lists, allowing for dynamic selection and management of network slices without the need for extensive relocation and subscription data updates, leveraging software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the HSS initiates a subscription data update procedure to update subscription data of all UEs registered on the DECOR, then the UE can be migrated to a new DECOR, but the signaling load on the HSS becomes excessively heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the subscription data from the HSS and stores it locally in the MME. When DECOR changes occur, the MME can directly use the stored subscription data to migrate UEs without contacting the HSS, thereby eliminating the signaling load on the HSS while maintaining migration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The subscription data is updated and stored in the MME in advance before any DECOR changes occur. This preliminary action allows the MME to handle future DECOR changes independently without needing to contact the HSS, thus preventing signaling storms
2Reliability
If the MME initiates a paging procedure to restore a channel between the MME and the UE, then the UE can be migrated, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MME proactively establishes and maintains the paging channel with UEs before DECOR changes occur, storing the subscription data and channel information locally. This preliminary channel establishment eliminates the need for reactive paging procedures during migration, reducing signaling overhead
3Reliability
If the original DECOR finds a new DECOR and initiates a re-guidance procedure to instruct the RAN node to resend the UE request, then the UE migration is completed, but the signaling storm is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DECOR selection logic and subscription data from the HSS and places them in the MME. The MME independently determines the target DECOR using stored subscription data and directly communicates with the RAN node, eliminating the need for re-guidance procedures and preventing signaling storms
Solution Approach 2:
The MME acts as an intermediary that has direct access to both the subscription data and the RAN node. It mediates the DECOR migration process by independently selecting the target DECOR and instructing the RAN node, eliminating the need for the HSS to intervene and thus preventing signaling storms
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, a RAN node, and UE for selecting a service network, and a management device. The method includes: determining a service requirement list of the UE, where the service requirement list includes at least one service required by the UE; determining a service capability list set including a service capability list of at least one service network, where each service capability list includes an identifier of a service network corresponding to the service capability list and includes at least one service supported by the service network; and determining, according to the service requirement list and the service capability list set, a first identifier of a first service network that provides a service for the UE, where a service capability list of the first service network includes all or part of the service in the service requirement list, and the first service network corresponding to the first identifier is used to provide a service for the UE. According to technical solutions of the present invention, a process of selecting a service network when a service network dynamically changes can be simplified, and signaling can be saved.