RAN Node Slice Support for AMF Dual Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In current 5G network slicing, a UE may request a network slice not supported by the Master Node (MN) in Dual Connectivity (DC), but supported by the Secondary Node (SN), leading to service unavailability due to lack of slice support information sharing between the MN and SN.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a RAN node apparatus acting as a Master Node in Dual Connectivity sending slice support information to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) about network slices supported by a Secondary Node, allowing the AMF to determine allowed network slices for a UE.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the Master Node does not support a network slice, then the AMF rejects the slice request, but the Secondary Node may support the same slice

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice availabilityVSAvoidslice support information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the AMF as an intermediary that collects slice support information from both the Master Node and Secondary Node, and makes informed decisions about allowing network slices. The AMF acts as a mediator that aggregates information from multiple sources (MN and SN) and determines the final slice allocation, ensuring that slices supported by any node in the DC configuration are made available to the UE.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the slice support capabilities of both the Master Node and Secondary Node into a unified decision-making process at the AMF. By combining the slice support information from both nodes, the system creates a comprehensive view of available network slice capabilities, allowing the AMF to make informed decisions about which slices to allow for a given UE in a dual connectivity configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If slice support information is not shared between Master Node and Secondary Node, then the AMF cannot make informed decisions, but sharing the information increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAMF decision-making capabilityVSAvoidinformation sharing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AMF receives slice support information from both the Master Node and Secondary Node, processes this information, and uses it to make informed decisions about network slice allocation. The AMF sends back decisions about which slices to allow, creating a feedback loop that enables adaptive and informed network slice management in dual connectivity scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12219471B2Radio access network node apparatus, AMF apparatus, and methods therefor

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 NEC CORP

AI summary

A RAN node apparatus (1) sends to, an AMF (3) in a core network, slice support information indicating a network slice supported by another RAN node (2) that can be used as a secondary node in dual connectivity in which the RAN node apparatus (1) acts as a master node. This can contribute, for example, to allowing the AMF to determine a network slice allowed to a UE, while taking into account a network slice supported by a secondary node of dual connectivity.