Network Slice Selection in RRC Inactive State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing network slices, particularly in selecting the appropriate network slice during cell reselection, RRC resume, and RRC reestablishment procedures, especially when transitioning between RRC inactive and connected states, due to lack of clear guidelines in 3GPP 5G NR specifications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods for user equipment (UE) to select an intended network slice based on lists of activated or allowed network slices, using slice priorities and slice-specific RACH resources/parameters, to perform cell reselection, RRC resume, and RRC reestablishment procedures, even in the absence of explicit network slice information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the UE enters RRC inactive state to save resources, then energy consumption is reduced, but network slice selection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network configures the UE with slice-specific RACH resources and activated network slice lists before the UE enters RRC inactive state. This preliminary configuration enables the UE to autonomously select network slices during cell reselection without needing to maintain full network slice selection capability, thus saving energy while preserving essential functionality.
2Measurement precision
If the UE maintains full network slice selection capability in inactive state, then network slice selection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network slice selection process is segmented into two parts: (1) The network performs comprehensive slice evaluation and configuration before UE enters inactive state, and (2) The UE in inactive state only performs simple autonomous selection based on pre-configured slice lists and priorities. This segmentation maintains selection accuracy while reducing UE complexity during inactive state.
3Speed
If the UE performs autonomous cell reselection in inactive state, then mobility speed is improved, but network slice compatibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network dynamically configures slice-specific parameters including RACH resources, priority values, and activated network slice lists tailored to each UE's service requirements. These parameter changes enable the UE to perform fast autonomous cell reselection while maintaining compatibility with the appropriate network slices through pre-configured selection criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to user equipment (UE) behavior for intended network slice selection in the radio resource control (RRC) inactive state or for RRC reestablishment. The intended network slice includes one or more single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAIs) utilized by the UE in a particular use case. Examples of use cases include cell reselection in the RRC inactive state, RRC reestablishment, or selection of a random access channel (RACH) resource and/or a RACH parameter to perform an RRC resume procedure in the RRC inactive state. Aspects further relate to UE behavior for selection of a RACH resource to perform a random access procedure when no network slice information is indicated.