Network Slice Selection Function for 5G Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network architectures lack efficient mechanisms for managing network slice instances and resource allocation across diverse services and devices, leading to scalability issues and inconsistent service delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Network Slicing Serving Function (NSSF) that maps slice-specific Network Slice Selection Assistant Info (S-NSSAI) to target network slice instances based on operational parameters, collects slice-level statistics, and supports policy identification, enabling efficient resource allocation and service optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional monolithic network architecture is used, then network management is simpler, but scalability and service delivery consistency deteriorate when supporting diverse services and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple network slice instances, each tailored to specific service requirements. The Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) acts as a segmentation controller that divides network resources into isolated slices, enabling diverse services to run independently on the same physical infrastructure without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization dimension by creating virtual network slices over the physical network infrastructure. This allows the network to support multiple services simultaneously by adding a logical layer of abstraction, transforming the traditional single-dimension network into a multi-dimensional architecture that can accommodate diverse service requirements.
2Reliability
If network slice instances are dynamically selected based on operational parameters, then service delivery consistency improves, but the complexity of network management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSF acts as an intermediary between the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and the network slice instances. It receives service requests, evaluates operational parameters, and selects appropriate network slices automatically. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of dynamic slice selection, shielding other network components from direct involvement in slice management decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the NSSF continuously monitors operational parameters and service performance. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts network slice selection to maintain consistent service delivery. The feedback loop ensures that slice selection decisions are optimized based on real-time network conditions and service requirements.
3Measurement precision
If network-wide AMF knowledge is distributed across all network functions, then service selection accuracy improves, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network-wide AMF knowledge and slice selection logic from distributed network functions and consolidates it into a dedicated NSSF. This centralization allows the NSSF to maintain accurate, up-to-date information about all network slices and AMFs without requiring continuous information exchange across the entire network, thereby reducing transmission overhead while preserving selection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing a network slice selection function are described. In one example aspect, a network slice instance request message is received for a user device. In response, the network slice selection function transmits a response message that includes information about allowed network slice instances for the user device. The allowed network slice instances include network slice instances that are available in the registration area of the user device.