Relay UE Slice Mapping for Overlay-Underlay 5G Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently identify and select multiple network slices for remote user equipment in 5G networks, particularly when accessing both an overlay and underlay network, as user equipment cannot determine if the required network slice support is available in the relay or underlay networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining a slice identifier set based on network identifier and requested slice information, involving communication with AMF and PCF to establish or modify PDU sessions, using slice mapping rules to ensure compatibility with the relay or underlay network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network slices are supported for remote user equipment, then network service diversity and adaptability are improved, but slice identification and selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay user equipment as an intermediary between the remote user equipment and the network. The relay UE receives slice information from the network, processes it through mapping rules, and provides simplified slice identification to the remote UE. This intermediary approach allows multiple network slices to be supported while reducing the complexity at the remote UE by centralizing the slice selection logic in the relay UE.
2Reliability
If slice mapping rules are implemented to ensure compatible network access, then network access reliability is improved, but processing overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements slice mapping rules that are pre-configured in the relay user equipment. These mapping rules establish predetermined relationships between remote UE slice identifiers and relay UE slice identifiers before actual network access occurs. By performing this mapping preparation in advance, the system ensures reliable network access while reducing real-time processing overhead during actual slice selection operations.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive slice information is provided to remote user equipment, then slice selection accuracy is improved, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the slice identification information into two parts: remote UE slice information (which the remote UE needs for service selection) and relay UE slice information (which the relay UE needs for network access). The relay UE receives comprehensive slice information from the network, processes it through mapping rules, and provides only the necessary remote UE slice information to the remote UE. This extraction approach maintains slice selection accuracy while reducing information transmission overhead to the remote UE.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for supporting the identification and selection of multiple network slices for remote user equipment. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving a first request from a remote user device, the request comprising a network identifier and requested slice information. The method also includes, based at least on the network identifier and the requested slice information, obtaining a slice identifier set comprising at least one slice identifier, and causing transmission of the slice identifier set to the remote user device for use in a session.