Network Slice Selection via Identity Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile communication networks, deploying multiple network slices poses a challenge as existing technologies fail to select the appropriate network slice for a mobile terminal, leading to inefficient service provision.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for selecting a network slice by determining the network slice identity information based on mobile terminal identity, using techniques such as receiving network slice identity information in NAS or RRC messages, configuring allowed network slice information in the mobile terminal, and querying mapping relations to identify the appropriate network slice and service node.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network slices are deployed to meet diverse service demands, then network adaptability and service versatility are improved, but the complexity of network slice selection and service node routing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice adaptabilityVSAvoidslice selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network selection function as an intermediary component that mediates between the terminal and multiple network slices. This function receives terminal identity information, determines the appropriate network slice identity, and selects the corresponding service node, thereby simplifying the selection process while supporting multiple network slices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures mapping relations between terminal identity information and network slice identities, and between network slice identities and service node identities. These preliminary mappings enable rapid slice selection without complex real-time decision-making, resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple slices and maintaining selection simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If network slice identity determination is based on terminal identity information, then service provision efficiency is improved, but the requirement for identity mapping information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provision efficiencyVSAvoididentity mapping information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary identity information from terminal data (such as IMSI or temporary identities) to determine network slice identity. This selective extraction approach maintains service provision efficiency while minimizing the quantity of mapping information required, as only critical identity fields are processed and stored

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3327992B1Method of selecting network slice and system utilizing same

Publication Date: 2019.09.18 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

Provided are a method and system for selecting a network slice. In the method, a network selection function may determine a network slice identity of a network slice to which a mobile terminal is accessed; and the network selection function may select a service node for the mobile terminal based on the network slice identity information.