Network Slice Switching via Remote Trigger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies in 5G systems face challenges in efficiently managing mutually exclusive network slices, where devices cannot concurrently access multiple slices, leading to service disruptions and resource conflicts during maintenance or mode changes, such as shifting from an Ultra-Reliable, Low Latency Communication (URLLC) slice to a diagnostics slice.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to enable a remote application function to trigger User Equipment (UE) to switch between mutually exclusive network slices by storing device mode and network slice mappings, determining the current mode and slice, and sending notifications to initiate session changes, ensuring seamless transitions without impacting ongoing services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device operates on a first network slice (e.g., URLLC slice), then service reliability is maintained, but the device cannot access a second mutually exclusive network slice (e.g., diagnostics slice) simultaneously, causing service disruption during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The network exposure function receives and processes a trigger from a remote application function before the device needs to switch slices. The system proactively initiates the slice switching process by sending a notification to the device, ensuring the transition is completed before maintenance or mode changes are required, thus avoiding service disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The network exposure function acts as an intermediary between the remote application function and the user device. It receives triggers from remote applications, determines the appropriate slice switching actions, and communicates with the device to initiate the transition, coordinating the switch between mutually exclusive slices without service impact
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device switches between mutually exclusive network slices, then adaptability and service flexibility are improved, but service disruption and resource conflicts occur during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and processing the slice switching trigger in advance. The network exposure function determines the appropriate target slice and sends notifications to the device before the actual switching is needed, ensuring the transition is completed proactively without disrupting ongoing services
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network exposure function monitors device status and slice availability. When a trigger is received, the function determines the appropriate switching action and communicates it to the device, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures reliable transitions between mutually exclusive slices
Data Source
AI summary
A user device operates a first data session using a first network slice. The user device obtains a trigger notification from a remote application that identifies a second network slice, and the user device determines that the first network slice and the second network slice are mutually exclusive. The user device ends the first data session on the first network slice and initiates a second data session on the second network slice.