Network Slice Selection Using UE History to Cut Paging Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slicing technologies in 5G mobile networks struggle to efficiently assign network slices to user equipment (UE) based on diverse application needs and UE behavior, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and increased paging overhead.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining allowed network slices for UE by selecting from multiple network slice selection options based on historical UE behavior, including options for UEs that frequently activate/deactivate sessions and those that infrequently move between tracking areas, optimizing slice assignment to reduce paging overhead and improve resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If network slices are assigned based on traditional methods without considering UE behavior patterns, then network slice assignment can be simplified, but paging overhead increases and resource allocation becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of UE behavior patterns (mobility characteristics, session activation/deactivation frequency) before assigning network slices. This advance preparation allows the network to proactively select appropriate slice selection options, avoiding the need for frequent paging and reducing overhead while maintaining optimized resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network slice selection by adapting the slice assignment strategy based on real-time UE behavior patterns. The system continuously monitors and responds to changes in UE mobility and session behavior, dynamically adjusting which slice selection option to apply, thereby reducing paging overhead while maintaining optimal resource utilization.
2Productivity
If multiple network slice selection options are implemented to handle different UE behavior patterns, then resource allocation optimization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice selection process into distinct options (first option, second option, third option), each tailored to specific UE behavior patterns. By dividing the monolithic slice assignment function into specialized segments, the system can efficiently match UEs to appropriate selection strategies without requiring a single complex algorithm to handle all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (UE behavior characteristics, mobility patterns, session activation frequency) to determine which network slice selection option to apply. By monitoring and responding to parameter changes in UE behavior, the system can switch between different slice selection strategies, optimizing resource allocation without requiring permanent complexity in all system components.
3Ease of operation
If network slices are assigned without considering UE mobility patterns, then assignment process is simpler, but paging overhead increases for mobile UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of UE mobility characteristics before network slice assignment. By advance determining whether a UE is mobile or stationary based on historical behavior patterns, the network can pre-select the appropriate slice selection option, avoiding subsequent paging overhead while maintaining simple and efficient assignment processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device, implementing a network function, receives a network slice request from a user equipment device (UE) that includes a requested network slice set in a network. The network device determines a first set of allowed network slices for the UE based on at least one of first network slices supported by a Radio Access Network (RAN), second network slices supported by the network function, third network slices to which the UE subscribes, or fourth network slices configured by a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) in the network. The network device obtains historical behavior data associated with the UE, and determines a second set of allowed network slices for the UE based on the first set and the historical behavior data associated with the UE. The network device returns the second set of allowed network slices to the UE.