RRC Message Network Slice Flag for LTE NR Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE eNBs cannot support network slicing, and NR gNBs and eLTE eNBs may not support all services, limiting service differentiation and network slice capabilities in 5G NR architecture, especially in standalone and non-standalone scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication method where user equipment (UE) transmits a radio resource control (RRC) message to a base station requesting a network slice, including a UE identifier and single network slice selection assistance information, and establishes an RRC connection upon receiving a response indicating the requested network slice is supported or performs handover to a suitable node that supports the requested slice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE eNB connects to EPC, then legacy network compatibility is maintained, but network slice support capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice support functionality by introducing a dedicated flag field in the RRC message that separately indicates whether the base station supports network slicing. This allows the LTE eNB to maintain legacy EPC connectivity while selectively enabling network slice support through this additional indicator, resolving the contradiction between legacy compatibility and slice capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station indicate its network slice support capability in advance through the flag field before the actual network slice establishment. This allows the UE to prepare and select appropriate network slices beforehand, ensuring that when network slicing is activated, the necessary capabilities are already in place, thus maintaining both legacy compatibility and slice support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NR gNB and eLTE eNB each have their own network slice capabilities, then service differentiation is improved, but interworking compatibility between different RATs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by introducing a common flag field in the RRC message that serves multiple purposes: it indicates network slice support capability, enables inter-RAT coordination between LTE and NR networks, and facilitates seamless handover. This single field provides multi-functional capability indication, reducing interworking complexity while maintaining service differentiation across NR gNB and eLTE eNB.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the flag field as an intermediary element that mediates between different RATs (LTE and NR). This intermediary indicator allows LTE eNB and NR gNB to understand each other's network slice capabilities without requiring complex direct interoperability protocols, thus simplifying interworking while enabling service differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If UE requests network slice through RRC message, then service selection precision is improved, but connection establishment reliability deteriorates when initial node does not support the slice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the base station include a flag field in the RRC message that provides information about its network slice support capability to the UE. This feedback mechanism allows the UE to receive real-time information about the base station's capabilities and adjust its network slice selection accordingly, ensuring both precise service selection and reliable connection establishment by avoiding requests to unsupporting nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The wireless communication method includes transmitting, to a first base station, a radio resource control (RRC) message indicating a requested network slice, the RRC message including a UE identifier (ID) and single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI); receiving, from the first base station, a network slice response indicating the requested network slice is rejected and a cause of the rejection; and establishing a first RRC connection with the first base station.