Network Slice Usage Rules for QoS Optimization

The patent introduces a Slice Usage Function (SUF) as an intermediary entity that mediates between the application service requirements and the network slice selection process. The SUF receives information about application requirements from external sources, processes this information, and generates appropriate slice usage rules that guide the selection of suitable network slices. This intermediary approach enables optimized QoS and QoE without requiring direct integration between all network components, thus managing complexity while improving service quality.

The patent segments the network slice selection control into distinct functional components: the Slice Usage Function (SUF) that handles application-specific requirements, the Policy Control Function (PCF) that manages operator policies, and the User Equipment (UE) that executes slice selection. This segmentation allows third-party service providers to influence slice selection through the SUF while the operator maintains overall control through the PCF. The separated architecture enables both application optimization and operator policy enforcement to coexist without conflict.

The patent employs parameter changes by creating network slices with differentiated feature sets that are activated based on application requirements. Instead of permanently configuring all possible features in all slices, the system dynamically selects and activates specific feature parameters (such as bandwidth, latency requirements, security levels) based on the application service being executed. This approach allows specialized optimization for different applications while maintaining a manageable network configuration through on-demand feature activation rather than permanent complex setup.