5G Network Slice Selection via Segmented RAN and CN Instance Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G standards do not define what a network slice instance is composed of or how it is constructed, nor include a procedure for associating network slice instances with constituting components such as network functions and resources.
Innovation Solution
A method for network slice selection and configuration, where a User Equipment (UE) requests a network slice instance, involving Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) interactions to select and configure Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core Network (CN) slice instances, ensuring appropriate adaptation for communication services, with verification and authorization based on subscription information and operator policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented without defined construction procedures, then network flexibility and service support are improved, but system reliability and standardization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice selection process into distinct phases: UE network slice instance selection, RAN network slice instance selection, and CN network slice instance selection. Each phase handles specific components independently, providing structured reliability while maintaining overall flexibility. The AMF and NSSF interact through defined interfaces to manage these segmented selection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of network slice instances at the UE, RAN, and CN levels before actual service deployment. Subscription information and operator policies are pre-configured to define available network slice instances, enabling reliable and standardized selection while maintaining adaptability for different service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slice instances are configured at multiple levels (UE, RAN, CN), then service adaptability is improved, but device and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSF acts as an intermediary between the AMF and the network slice configuration data. It receives the requested NSSAI from the AMF, translates it into the appropriate network slice instance identifiers, and returns the selected network slice instances. This intermediary simplifies the complexity by providing a centralized translation and selection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal network slice instance identification mechanism that works across UE, RAN, and CN levels. The S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) serves as a universal identifier that can represent different network slice instances at different network levels, reducing configuration complexity through standardized identification.
3Reliability
If operator policies and subscription verification are implemented, then network control and security are improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Operator policies and subscription information are pre-configured and stored in the network before service requests arrive. The NSSF has ready access to subscription data and operator policies, enabling rapid verification during the network slice selection process without requiring real-time policy retrieval or complex authentication sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The NSSF performs automatic verification of subscription information and operator policy compliance during the network slice selection process. The system self-services by internally validating the requested NSSAI against stored subscription data and policies, eliminating the need for separate authentication procedures and reducing processing time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and associated method for enabling end-to-end (E2E) network slicing in a 5G network are disclosed. The system and associated method are based on a (Radio) Access Network-Network Slice Selection Function ((R)AN- NSSF) configured to receive a (R)AN slice selection request and to select, from a pool of (R)AN slice instances, a (R)AN network slice instance including one or more (R)AN slice components; a Core Network-Network Slice Selection Function (CN-NSSF) configured to receive a CN slice selection request to select, from a pool of CN slice instances, a CN network slice instance including one or more CN slice components; and a Network Slice Policy Control (NSPC) function configured to verify that the selected (R)AN slice instance and CN slice instance are consistent with operator policies.