5G Network Slice Selection via Underlay Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing multiple technologies and releases across a diverse set of wireless devices and base stations, particularly in supporting advanced features like network slicing and quality of service models, which are not adequately addressed by existing architectures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a service-based architecture within the 5G core network that enables flexible configuration and management of user plane and control plane functions, allowing for seamless communication across various wireless devices and base stations, including support for multiple technologies and releases, through the use of network functions like UPF, SMF, and PCF, which facilitate advanced features like network slicing and quality of service management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional network architecture is used, then device compatibility is maintained, but network slicing and quality of service management capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple independent network slices, each capable of providing specific services with dedicated resources. The system segments network functions into modular units that can be independently configured and managed, enabling multi-tenancy and service differentiation while maintaining overall network integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The network architecture implements universal service support through a common infrastructure that can simultaneously host multiple network slices with different service requirements. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including broadband, IoT, and low-latency services through a unified platform that adapts to diverse service needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced features like network slicing are implemented, then service differentiation is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A network slice management function acts as an intermediary between the infrastructure and multiple tenants, abstracting complex management operations. This mediator handles slice provisioning, configuration, and coordination, simplifying operations for individual tenants while maintaining comprehensive control over the multi-tenant environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-service capabilities where network slices can be dynamically provisioned, configured, and managed through automated processes. The architecture enables tenants to independently manage their slice parameters and resources through standardized interfaces, reducing manual intervention requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple technologies and releases are supported, then device diversity compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture provides universal support for multiple wireless technologies and device releases through a unified service-based framework. The system maintains compatibility across different generations and types of devices by implementing common service interfaces and adaptive resource allocation mechanisms that work across technological boundaries
Data Source
AI summary
An access and mobility management function of an overlay network can send, to a network slice selection function, a request for selection of one or more allowed network slices of a wireless device. The request for selection can indicate that an access of the wireless device to the overlay network is via an underlay network. The access and mobility management function can receive, from the network slice selection function, one or more network slice identifiers of the one or more allowed network slices for the access of the wireless device to the overlay network via the underlay network.