Network Slice Steering for Event UE in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks struggle to efficiently support the strict bandwidth and latency requirements of event devices, leading to degraded user experiences due to inadequate RAN support.
Innovation Solution
Implementing slice-based steering in wireless communication networks, where the control plane detects event UE and selects a network slice to support the traffic type, then directs the RAN to broadcast a slice ID, allowing the event UE to wirelessly attach and exchange data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication networks use conventional RAN support, then network coverage and basic connectivity are provided, but the strict bandwidth and latency requirements of event devices cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different network slices, each optimized for specific traffic types and requirements. Event devices are steered to specific slices that guarantee bandwidth and latency performance, while other devices use standard slices. This segmentation allows conventional RAN infrastructure to support both general connectivity and high-performance event device traffic simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated service quality to different devices based on their traffic requirements. Event devices receive enhanced service quality (guaranteed bandwidth, low latency) through slice-based steering, while other devices receive standard service. This is achieved by locally optimizing the RAN configuration for each slice rather than uniformly improving the entire network.
2Reliability
If network slices are implemented to support event devices, then traffic requirements are met, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling event devices to autonomously detect broadcasted slice identifiers, match them with their required traffic type, and self-attach to the appropriate RAN without manual network configuration. The control plane automatically steers devices based on pre-configured slice parameters, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically assigning and broadcasting slice identifiers that encode traffic type information. The control plane modifies RAN configuration parameters to broadcast appropriate slice IDs, and devices respond by changing their attachment state. This parameter-based approach simplifies network management compared to complex manual steering mechanisms.
3Productivity
If RANs broadcast slice identifiers to enable UE steering, then event devices can be efficiently directed to optimal RANs, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the slice identifier broadcast serve multiple functions: it identifies the network slice, indicates supported traffic types, and provides steering information for event devices. This multi-functional broadcast reduces the need for separate signaling messages, improving UE steering efficiency while minimizing additional signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the control plane with slice parameters and traffic type mappings before event devices need service. The RAN is pre-instructed to broadcast specific slice identifiers based on device detection, so when event devices arrive, steering can be executed immediately without real-time complex calculations or extensive signaling exchanges.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments comprise a wireless communication network to perform slice-based steering for User Equipment (UE). In some examples, a control plane detects an event UE and responsively selects a network slice to support the traffic type for the event UE. The control plane selects a Radio Access Network (RAN) to serve the event UE based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the RAN and directs the RAN to broadcast a slice Identifier (ID) for the selected slice. The RAN receives the direction from the control plane and responsively broadcasts the slice ID for the event UE. The event UE detects the slice ID broadcast by the RAN, matches the slice ID to a provisioned slice ID, and responsively attaches to the RAN. The event UE wirelessly exchanges user data over the RAN.