NSSAI Configuration Delivery for Accurate Network Slice Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, devices often lack knowledge of the appropriate network slicing configuration to use, leading to inefficiencies in network slice selection.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where network units determine and provide configured and default network slice selection assistance information to remote units, utilizing functions like the Access and Mobility Management Function and Unified Data Management, ensuring proper network slice configuration based on subscription data and triggers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network slicing configuration is implemented in the network, then network performance and service differentiation are improved, but devices cannot select appropriate network slices without configuration information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork slice selection accuracyVSAvoiddevice knowledge of network slicing configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The network performs preliminary configuration by determining and providing configured NSSAI and default configured NSSAI to the device before the device attempts network slice selection. This preliminary provision of configuration information enables the device to make informed slice selection decisions without requiring complex real-time discovery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) acts as an intermediary between the Unified Data Management (UDM) and the device. The AMF receives configured NSSAI from UDM, determines the appropriate default configured NSSAI, and provides it to the device, thereby mediating the information flow and enabling slice selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If network units determine and provide configured NSSAI to remote units, then network slice selection accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork slice selection accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration management is segmented into distinct functional components: UDM stores the master configured NSSAI, AMF determines and manages default configured NSSAI, and devices receive and use the configuration. This segmentation allows each network unit to handle specific aspects of configuration management, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network provides not only the minimal required NSSAI but also a default configured NSSAI that can be used when specific configurations are unavailable. This partial provisioning approach ensures devices can always operate with some level of configuration, improving reliability without requiring complete configuration information in all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3729867B1Network slice selection assistance information configuration
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP3729867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729867B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729867B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for NSSAI configuration. One method (800) includes determining (802) a configured network slice selection assistance information for a public land mobile network for a remote unit in response to a trigger from an access and mobility management function. The access and mobility management function, a network slice selection function, or a combination thereof determines the configured network slice selection assistance information. The method (800) includes providing (804) the configured network slice selection assistance information to the remote unit via the access and mobility management function.