Network Slice Selection via User-Specific S-NSSAI Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slice selection methods in 5G systems fail to allow a terminal to access different network slices based on varying user requirements, leading to inadequate service delivery for multiple users sharing the same terminal.
Innovation Solution
A network slice selection system that determines and provides user-specific network slice access by obtaining user characteristic information, including S-NSSAI, and redirecting the terminal to a network device capable of supporting the required network slice capabilities, ensuring the terminal accesses the appropriate network slice based on the user's needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slice selection is based on terminal identity, then the selection process is simple and fast, but multiple users sharing the same terminal cannot access different network slices according to their individual requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice selection process into two independent dimensions: terminal identification and user identification. By introducing user-specific parameters (such as user ID, subscription information, or authentication data) as separate selection criteria, the system can independently determine both the terminal's eligibility and the specific user's requirements, enabling multi-user slice access without fundamentally redesigning the entire selection architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network slice selection by making the selection criteria flexible and adaptable. Instead of fixed terminal-based rules, the system dynamically adjusts selection parameters based on real-time user information, authentication results, and subscription data. This allows the network to dynamically assign different slices to different users on the same terminal based on their individual service requirements
2Ease of operation
If the network device determines allowed NSSAI based on subscribed NSSAI from subscription database, then the process is automated and requires minimal user input, but the system cannot distinguish between different users sharing the same terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user identification information as an intermediary element between the terminal and the network slice selection process. This intermediary (user ID, authentication data, or user profile) carries essential user-specific information through the signaling messages, allowing the network device to distinguish between different users while maintaining the automated determination process. The intermediary enables the system to retain user identity information throughout the selection process without manual user input
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single network slice is allocated to a terminal, then the network configuration is simple and stable, but the terminal cannot provide differentiated services to multiple users with different service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network slice selection mechanism universal by designing it to handle multiple selection criteria simultaneously. The same selection process can accommodate both terminal-based and user-based parameters, allowing a single mechanism to serve both simple single-user scenarios and complex multi-user scenarios. This multi-functional design enables the system to allocate different slices to different users on the same terminal while maintaining configuration simplicity through a unified selection framework
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a network slice selection method, a device, and a system, to select and access a corresponding network slice based on a user. The method includes: A first network device obtains user characteristic information of a current user of a first terminal, where the user characteristic information includes one or more pieces of single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the current user. The first network device determines, based on the user characteristic information, allowed NSSAI corresponding to the first terminal, where the allowed NSSAI includes the one or more pieces of S-NSSAI; or when the first network device does not support serving a network slice indicated in the one or more pieces of S-NSSAI, the first network device determines, based on the one or more pieces of S-NSSAI, a second network device that supports serving the network slice indicated in the one or more pieces of S-NSSAI.