Non-uniform Slice Support in 5G Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G RAN architecture faces challenges in managing network slices, particularly in supporting non-uniform slice availability, which affects the ability to handle legacy and new UE types efficiently and ensure appropriate slice requests are not made for unavailable slices.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a method where wireless devices signal to the Core Network their support for non-uniform slice availability, allowing the RAN and CN to manage legacy UEs and configure new UEs to access only available slices, with the CN assigning appropriate Allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) and the UE determining the best cell for service based on slice availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network assumes uniform slice availability across all cells, then legacy UEs can be supported with simple configuration, but new UEs cannot efficiently access slices that are not uniformly available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UE population into two categories: legacy UEs that assume uniform slice availability and new UEs that support non-uniform slice availability. This segmentation allows the network to provide different configuration approaches for different UE types, enabling advanced slice management for capable devices while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices through the default uniform availability assumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing cell-specific slice availability information only to new UEs that have indicated support for non-uniform slice availability. Each cell can independently indicate which slices are available, and this information is selectively provided to appropriate UEs. This allows the network to optimize slice access for capable UEs without complicating the configuration for legacy UEs.
2Productivity
If new UEs are configured with information about non-uniform slice availability, then slice access efficiency is improved, but unnecessary slice requests from legacy UEs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having new UEs indicate their support for non-uniform slice availability during the initial registration process with the AMF. The AMF stores this capability information and uses it to selectively provide cell-specific slice availability information. This preliminary indication allows the network to prepare and provide slice availability information only to UEs that can utilize it, preventing legacy UEs from generating unnecessary slice requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where new UEs provide capability feedback to the AMF during registration. The AMF uses this feedback to determine whether to provide non-uniform slice availability information. This feedback loop ensures that slice availability information is efficiently managed and only provided to UEs that can properly interpret and act on it, reducing unnecessary signaling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the RAN and CN manage legacy and new UEs differently, then optimal slice access is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a management system that handles both legacy and new UEs through a unified framework. The AMF maintains a single capability indicator for each UE and uses this to selectively apply different management approaches. The same core procedures (registration, slice selection) are used for all UEs, but the system automatically adapts its behavior based on the UE's capability indication, avoiding the need for completely separate management paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for inhomogeneous slice support are provided. In some embodiments, a wireless device: signals an indication that it supports non-uniform slice availability and receives an information on how it may act based on the indicated slice support. In this way, some embodiments allow the Radio Access Network (RAN) and/or CN to correctly handle legacy and new UE types in a system where new UEs may be able to support non uniform slice availability. These may enable the CN to manage the legacy UEs in a way that their legacy behavior does not create unnecessary slice requests, e.g., for slices that are not available in a given cell. These systems and methods may allow new UEs to be configured with information for allowed slices that are not uniformly available, and that the UE may access upon detection of information expressing availability of such slices in a given cell/Tracking Area.