Roaming SSF Network Slice Selection Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In a scenario where user equipment (UE) roams, there is a need for network slice selection methods that enable proper joint provision of services by the visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) and home public land mobile network (HPLMN) to ensure seamless user experience when network slice technology is supported.
Innovation Solution
A network slice selection method and apparatus that involves a first slice selection function (SSF) device in the VPLMN receiving a service request from UE, obtaining roaming information, selecting a network slice instance, and sending a network slice selection request to an SSF device in the HPLMN to select a corresponding slice instance, allowing both networks to jointly provide services by interacting through session management functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UE roams to VPLMN and service is provided by both VPLMN and HPLMN, then service continuity and user experience are improved, but network slice selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roaming SSF (Subscription Profile Processor) as an intermediary entity that coordinates between VPLMN and HPLMN. The roaming SSF receives slice selection requests from the visiting network, queries the home network's slice instance information, and returns coordinated slice selection results. This mediator resolves the complexity by centralizing the coordination logic and enabling automated interaction between networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network slice technology is implemented to customize services, then service customization capability is improved, but network configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring slice instance information and service requirements in the HPLMN's subscription profiles before roaming occurs. When a UE roams, the VPLMN simply queries these pre-configured profiles rather than making complex real-time decisions. This advance preparation reduces runtime complexity while maintaining high customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the roaming SSF queries the home network for slice instance information, receives responses about available slices and their characteristics, and uses this feedback to make informed slice selection decisions. This closed-loop feedback enables automated adaptation to service requirements without manual configuration.
3Reliability
If joint slice selection by VPLMN and HPLMN is implemented, then service quality is improved, but signaling interaction overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex coordination logic into a dedicated roaming SSF entity that handles all signaling interactions between VPLMN and HPLMN. By separating the slice selection coordination function from general network operations, the system reduces overall signaling overhead while maintaining comprehensive service quality control through specialized processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A network slice selection method and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes: receiving, by a first SSF device of a VPLMN, a first service request message; obtaining, by the first SSF device, roaming information of UE according to the first service request message; selecting, by the first SSF device, a first network slice instance in the VPLMN for the UE based on the roaming information of the UE.