Roaming UE Slice Selection for 5G Network Slice Admission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation method for managing the number of User Equipments (UEs) allowed for each network slice in the 5G System (5GS) is not clear, which is essential for providing specific network functions and characteristics for various services.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided to support Enhanced Network Slicing (eNS) in the 5GS, enabling effective management of the number of UEs per slice through specific network functions and characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented to provide specific network functions for different services, then service differentiation is improved, but the complexity of managing network resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple network slices, each dedicated to specific services or user groups. This segmentation allows independent management of resources for different services while maintaining overall network control, thereby improving service differentiation without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces parameters such as maximum number of UEs per slice and slice-specific QoS settings. By changing and monitoring these parameters, the system can dynamically adjust network resource allocation across slices, making resource management more manageable despite the increased number of slices.
2Reliability
If the number of UEs per slice is managed to ensure quality of service, then service reliability is improved, but the complexity of tracking and controlling UE numbers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors the actual number of UEs connected to each slice and compares it against predefined maximum thresholds. When the threshold is approached or exceeded, the network automatically adjusts admission control policies, thereby ensuring QoS reliability through automated feedback-based management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes maximum UE limits for each slice in advance during network configuration. By pre-defining these limits and implementing them through admission control functions, the system avoids the need for complex real-time tracking and adjustment, simplifying UE management while ensuring service reliability.
3Extent of automation
If enhanced network slicing functions are added to manage UE numbers and session connections, then network control capability is improved, but the complexity of the core network architecture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the enhanced network slicing functionality to be integrated within existing core network components, particularly the Session Management Function (SMF). By making these components multi-functional (handling both traditional session management and slice-specific UE counting), the system achieves improved network control capability without proportionally increasing architectural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A User Equipment (UE) includes a transmission and reception unit, a controller, and a storage unit. The transmission and reception unit receives allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI). In a case that the UE is roaming, the controller deletes mapped Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) of the allowed NSSAI from pending NSSAI stored by the storage unit.