RAN Network Slice Identifier Mapping for 5G Signaling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications systems face inefficiencies in meeting diverse quality of service requirements due to all services being placed on a common transmission channel, leading to challenges in improving communication efficiency in next-generation 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of RAN network slice identifiers, which correspond to core network slice identifiers, allows for improved communication efficiency by classifying and aggregating network slices within the radio access network, reducing air interface overheads and enhancing security through reduced exposure of core network identifiers in air interface transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If core network network slice identifiers are used directly in radio access network communication, then network slice identification is accurate, but air interface overheads increase and security is compromised due to exposure of core network identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a RAN network slice identifier as an intermediary that maps to core network network slice identifiers. This intermediary identifier enables communication in the radio access network without directly exposing core network identifiers on the air interface, thus reducing overhead while maintaining identification accuracy through the mapping relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network slice identification function into two parts: RAN network slice identifiers for radio access network communication and core network network slice identifiers for core network communication. This segmentation allows each identifier type to be optimized for its specific context, reducing air interface overhead while maintaining accurate identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple core network network slice identifiers are broadcast for different services, then service differentiation is achieved, but broadcast content increases and communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple core network network slice identifiers that share common RAN communication requirements into a single RAN network slice identifier. This consolidation reduces the number of identifiers that need to be broadcast on the air interface while maintaining the ability to differentiate services through the mapping relationship between RAN and core network identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The RAN network slice identifier serves multiple functions: it identifies network slices for radio access network communication, maps to one or more core network identifiers, and enables service differentiation without requiring separate broadcast of each core network identifier. This multi-functionality reduces broadcast content while maintaining adaptability.
3Loss of information
If core network network slice identifiers are transmitted over the air interface, then network slice information is accurately conveyed, but security is compromised due to exposure of core network identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The RAN network slice identifier acts as a security intermediary that conveys network slice information accurately without exposing core network identifiers on the air interface. The mapping relationship between RAN and core network identifiers is maintained securely within the network infrastructure, eliminating the security risk of air interface exposure while preserving information accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to support diverse services, then service range is extended, but signaling content in random access process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signaling process by using RAN network slice identifiers specifically for random access communication in the radio access network. This segmentation allows the random access process to use simplified identifiers rather than full core network identifiers, reducing signaling content and time while maintaining the ability to support diverse services through the identifier mapping.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a communication method, a network device, a terminal device, and a system. The communication method includes: obtaining, by a RAN device, information about at least one RAN network slice identifier; and sending, by the RAN device, first information to a terminal device, where the first information includes the at least one RAN network slice identifier, and there is a correspondence between the at least one RAN network slice identifier and a core network network slice identifier. In embodiments of this application, RAN network slice identifier information is used for communication, to improve communication efficiency.