Network Slice Admission Control via NSSF Pre-Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slice admission control in telecommunication systems leads to resource wastage and increased signaling overhead when the limit of registered users is reached, as existing methods involve extensive authentication and checking processes involving multiple network functions.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves sending a terminal device registration request to a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), which determines and responds with admission or rejection, allowing selective initiation of registration based on availability, thereby optimizing resource use and reducing signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional network slice admission control procedures are performed when user limit is reached, then authentication and registration processes are completed, but resource wastage and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing admission control checks before initiating authentication and registration procedures. The AMF queries the NSACF to determine whether the network slice has reached its user limit prior to proceeding with full registration, thereby preventing wasteful execution of subsequent authentication steps when admission would be rejected anyway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by proactively checking admission availability and preparing rejection responses before the terminal device completes authentication. By determining admission status in advance and preparing appropriate rejection messages, the system prevents the terminal from investing resources in authentication that will ultimately fail
2Reliability
If conventional network slice admission control procedures are performed when user limit is reached, then authentication and registration processes are completed, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the admission control decision-making process from the traditional authentication flow and places it at the beginning of the procedure. By separating the admission check from the authentication sequence, the system can make early termination decisions without executing unnecessary authentication signaling between AMF, AUSF, and UDM
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary admission control queries to the NSACF before initiating full authentication signaling. This preliminary action allows the system to determine early whether the network slice has reached capacity, preventing subsequent unnecessary signaling exchanges for authentication and registration when rejection is predetermined
3Loss of energy
If early rejection control is implemented by querying NSSF before authentication, then resource wastage is reduced, but additional signaling messages are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the NSACF as an intermediary component between the AMF and the authentication infrastructure. This mediator handles admission control queries and returns admission status, allowing the AMF to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with authentication without directly managing the complex admission control logic itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the AMF query the NSACF for admission availability before initiating authentication procedures. This preliminary check provides the AMF with admission status information that guides subsequent decision-making about whether to proceed with resource-intensive authentication and registration processes
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for handling rejection and admission of a terminal device to a core network, CN, of a telecommunication system is provided. As to a method aspect, a method comprises a step of receiving a terminal device registration request indicative of the terminal device requesting access to the telecommunication system. The method further comprises the step of sending, to a network slice selection function, NSSF, of the CN, a CN registration request message indicative of the terminal device registration request. The CN registration request message comprises an identifier of the terminal device. The CN registration request message is further indicative of at least one network slice of the telecommunication system. The method further comprises the step of receiving, from the NSSF, a CN response message indicative of rejection or admission to at least one network slice regarding the terminal device based on the identifier of the terminal device.