PLMN Selection for Roaming Network Slice Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network slices identified by S-NSSAIs may not be supported by the visited Public Land Mobile Networks (VPLMNs) during roaming, leading to hindered functionality and user experience for roaming user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically select a non-preferred PLMN to support the required network slice by utilizing a network slice aware PLMN exceptions list, allowing user equipment to switch to alternate PLMNs that support the necessary S-NSSAIs, even if they are not in the preferred list, and prioritize these PLMNs based on predefined weights or user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user equipment follows the preferred PLMN list during roaming, then financial benefits and operator agreements are optimized, but network slice availability is compromised when required S-NSSAIs are not supported by preferred PLMNs
Solution Approach 1:
The PLMN selection mechanism is made dynamic by allowing the device to switch between following the preferred PLMN list and selecting from alternative PLMNs based on real-time network slice availability requirements. The system dynamically adjusts selection criteria depending on whether network slice support is the priority or financial optimization is the priority.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the selection parameter from static preference-based selection to dynamic capability-based selection. By introducing network slice support capability as a decisive parameter, the system can override financial preferences when specific S-NSSAIs are required, thus resolving the contradiction between financial benefits and slice availability.
2Ease of operation
If user equipment strictly adheres to preferred PLMN list, then operator agreements and financial benefits are maintained, but functionality is hindered when required network slices are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The user equipment performs self-service by automatically detecting whether required network slices are available on preferred PLMNs and autonomously switching to alternative PLMNs that support the required S-NSSAIs. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while ensuring both operational ease and reliable network slice support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring network slice availability on selected PLMNs and adjusting PLMN selection accordingly. When network slice support is detected as unavailable on preferred PLMNs, the system receives feedback and automatically switches to alternative PLMNs, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternative PLMNs supporting required network slices are selected, then network slice functionality is restored, but financial benefits from operator agreements are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The PLMN selection strategy dynamically adjusts between financial optimization and slice compatibility based on real-time requirements. When network slice support is critical, the system dynamically switches to alternative PLMNs despite financial loss; when slice requirements are met, it returns to preferred PLMNs to maximize financial benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the decision parameter from static financial preference to dynamic slice requirement assessment. By introducing slice compatibility as a conditional parameter, the system selectively overrides financial preferences only when necessary, thus minimizing financial loss while ensuring slice functionality when required.
4Productivity
If preferred PLMNs are used, then operational cost efficiency is improved, but network functionality is compromised when S-NSSAIs are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting network slice unavailability on cost-efficient preferred PLMNs and switching to alternative PLMNs that support required S-NSSAIs. This maintains operational autonomy while ensuring both cost efficiency and network functionality are preserved.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by proactively checking network slice availability before committing to a PLMN selection. By anticipating potential functionality issues, the system prevents operational disruptions while maintaining cost efficiency, switching to alternative PLMNs only when slice support is confirmed unavailable on preferred options.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for detecting and switching between locally available PLMNs accessible to a user equipment based on a Preferred PLMN List and a Network Slice Aware PLMN Exceptions List configured by a HPLMN. The user equipment connects to a preferred VPLMN. The user equipment determines that a particular network function is not supported by the connected preferred VPLMN. The user equipment determines that another VPLMN is required to support the particular network function. The user equipment then switches to a non-preferred VPLMN which supports the particular network function. Once the particular network function is no longer necessary for the user equipment to perform a required task, the user equipment switches back a preferred VPLMN.