Network Slice Admission Control via Location-Based Granularity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the performance of network slices is affected by the number of users, leading to challenges in maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) and service level agreements (SLAs) due to resource sharing among multiple users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) that monitors and controls the number of user devices and protocol data unit (PDU) sessions per location, applying admission control policies to limit the number of devices and sessions, thereby ensuring that network slices do not exceed maximum capacity, and thus maintaining desired QoS and SLAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple users share network slice resources, then access for more users is enabled, but network performance deteriorates due to resource contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice admission control into location-based granularity (cell, sector, tracking area, registration area, service area) rather than treating all users uniformly. This allows different user groups in different locations to be managed separately, enabling more users overall while maintaining performance through localized resource allocation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different admission control policies based on local conditions (location-based parameters such as cell, sector, tracking area). Each location can have its own maximum number of users or sessions configured, allowing the network to optimize performance locally while accommodating more users globally where resources are available.
2Reliability
If admission control policies are applied to limit users per slice, then network performance is maintained, but access for users is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic admission control where the maximum number of users or sessions is not fixed globally but can be configured differently for each location (cell, sector, tracking area, registration area, service area). This allows the network to adaptively control access based on local resource availability and requirements, maintaining QoS while maximizing user access where possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of admission control from a single global limit to multiple location-specific parameters (maximum number of users/sessions per cell, sector, tracking area, registration area, or service area). This allows flexible configuration that balances performance requirements with user access needs across different network conditions.
3Measurement precision
If location-based admission control is implemented, then resource management granularity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal admission control function that handles multiple location types (cell, sector, tracking area, registration area, service area) through a single framework. The NSACF can monitor and control users/sessions across all these location parameters using the same basic mechanism, reducing the need for separate control systems for each location type while maintaining fine-grained management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include storing information identifying network slices associated with transmitting data in a network, information identifying a maximum number of user equipment (UE) devices that can be registered for each network slice and/or information identifying a maximum number of data sessions that can be established for each network slice based on locations or areas associated with the UE devices. The method may also include receiving, from a first UE device, a registration request or a request for a data session and identifying a first slice associated with the first UE device. The method may further include determining, based on a location or area associated with the first UE device, whether a maximum number of UE devices that can be registered for the first slice has been reached and/or a maximum number of data sessions that can be served by the first slice has been reached.