Network Slice Selection for User Equipment Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile networks lack flexibility in allowing users to select and attach to specific network slices based on their preferences or services, especially with the rise of virtual network providers and Over-the-top services, leading to limitations in Quality of Experience and service accessibility, particularly in scenarios involving credit card payments or non-SIM based authentication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable user equipment (UE) to receive and select from a list of network slice identities, allowing attachment to a specific network slice based on criteria such as user preferences, service types, or business purposes, using an anchoring application that communicates with a network node to facilitate initial access and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users attach to default network operator independently of traffic type or subscribed services, then network attachment is simple and reliable, but users cannot select specific network slices based on their preferences or services
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple network slices, each serving specific services or user groups. The attachment procedure is segmented into receiving available slices, selecting preferred slice, and attaching to selected slice. This allows users to attach to specific network slices based on their preferences or services while maintaining a structured and manageable process.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment procedure is made dynamic by allowing users to select from multiple available network slices based on their current needs, service requirements, or preferences. The system adapts to user choices and provides flexible attachment to different network slices rather than forcing a single default network attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual network providers use SIM authentication model, then authentication is standardized and reliable, but flexible authentication protocols like EAP or credit card payments cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The network attachment procedure is designed to support multiple authentication methods universally. The same attachment framework can accommodate SIM-based authentication, EAP protocols, credit card payments, or other free-form interaction methods. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different authentication requirements while maintaining reliability through standardized attachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication parameters are made changeable and configurable. Instead of being fixed to SIM authentication, the system allows parameters such as authentication method, authentication data, and authentication protocol to be changed based on the specific service or user requirements. This enables flexible authentication while maintaining system reliability through controlled parameter changes.
3Ease of operation
If OTT services are provided without network slice governance, then services are freely chosen by users, but Quality of Experience is best effort without reserved network resources
Solution Approach 1:
Network resources are segmented into dedicated network slices that can be reserved and governed for specific services. This allows OTT services to have dedicated network resources with guaranteed Quality of Experience while users still have freedom to select from multiple available slices. The segmentation enables both service freedom and resource governance to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
Network slices act as intermediaries between users and the core network infrastructure. Users can freely select OTT services and attach to appropriate network slices, while the slices themselves provide the governance and resource reservation mechanisms. This intermediary layer enables both user freedom and network governance without direct conflict.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method in a user equipment for attaching the user equipment to a mobile communications network comprises receiving a list of network slice identities, wherein a network slice identity identifies a portion of the mobile communications network that serves as a logical network to a set of user equipment (step 201). A network slice is selected based on one or more criteria (step 203). A network slice attachment request is sent to a network node (step 205), for requesting attachment of the user equipment to the selected network slice of the mobile communications network.