Network Slice Selection via NSSF Configuration Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G network systems, selecting a unique access and mobility management function corresponding to a network slice instance or subnet instance is a complex task due to varying service requirements across different application scenarios, necessitating a method to efficiently determine the appropriate access and mobility management function for user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A network management method and device that utilize a configuration parameter containing network slice instance and subnet instance identifiers, along with access and mobility management function identifiers, to efficiently select the corresponding access and mobility management function, leveraging assistance information such as priority, location, access technology, and traffic load to ensure optimal function selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to meet different service requirements, then service customization capability is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple virtual network slices, each tailored to specific service requirements. The NSSF function is segmented as a separate network element that independently handles slice selection, isolating the complexity of slice management from the core AMF functions and enabling independent optimization of slice selection logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The NSSF acts as an intermediary between the AMF and network slice instances. It receives slice selection requests from the AMF, determines the appropriate network slice instance based on configured criteria, and returns the selection result. This intermediary role simplifies AMF functionality while enabling sophisticated slice selection capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network slice instances are supported, then service diversity is improved, but selection process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Network slice selection criteria and mapping relationships are pre-configured in the NSSF before runtime operations. The NSSF stores predefined associations between slice types, services, and network slice instances, allowing rapid selection during runtime without complex real-time decision-making, thus supporting service diversity while maintaining simple selection processes.
3Measurement precision
If network slice selection function is introduced, then slice selection capability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slice selection determination logic is extracted from the AMF and placed in the NSSF. The AMF only needs to send a simple request containing the slice selection assistance information to the NSSF and process the returned result, rather than implementing complex selection algorithms locally. This extraction reduces AMF signaling overhead while maintaining precise slice selection capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If AMF selection is performed for each network slice instance, then service-specific management is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSF pre-configures and stores mapping relationships between network slice instances and suitable AMFs. When slice selection is performed, the NSSF quickly retrieves the appropriate AMF from pre-established mappings based on the selected network slice instance, avoiding time-consuming search and decision processes while ensuring service-specific AMF assignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network management method and a network device are provided. The method includes: obtaining, by a first network device, a configuration parameter, where the configuration parameter includes a network slice instance identifier and an access and mobility management function identifier corresponding to the network slice instance identifier, and/or a network slice subnet instance identifier and an access and mobility management function identifier corresponding to the network slice subnet instance identifier; and sending, by the first network device, the configuration parameter to a second network device. According to embodiments of the present invention, a unique access and mobility management function corresponding to a network slice instance and/or a network slice subnet instance can be selected.