S-NSSAI AMBR Parameters for Cross-Slice QoS Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies lack efficient methods for configuring network slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rates (AMBRs), which are crucial for managing bit rates across different network slices to optimize resource allocation and quality of service.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for configuring network slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rates (AMBRs) by transmitting and limiting bit rates across network functions such as CU, DU, CP, UP, MN, and SN, using signaling messages like UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST, BEARER CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST, and S-NODE ADDITION REQUEST, to manage bit rates for non-GBR QoS flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network slice-specific AMBR configuration is implemented, then quality of service management is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of service managementVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the AMBR configuration by introducing network slice-specific AMBR parameters that are separately configured and managed for each network slice. This allows independent control of bit rate limits for different slices (e.g., eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) without affecting other slices, thereby improving QOS management while maintaining manageable complexity through modular configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the AMBR configuration by introducing slice identification parameters (S-NSSAI) alongside the traditional AMBR parameters. This dimensional extension allows the system to differentiate and manage bit rate limits across multiple network slices simultaneously, enabling sophisticated QOS management without requiring complete reconfiguration of existing AMBR mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If bit rate limiting is applied across multiple network slices, then resource allocation is optimized, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal AMBR configuration framework that can handle both traditional single-slice AMBR and new multi-slice AMBR scenarios. The same signaling messages and configuration procedures are reused across different slice types, reducing the need for separate signaling mechanisms and minimizing overhead while enabling optimized resource allocation across multiple slices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optional parameter extensions to existing AMBR configuration messages, allowing slice-specific AMBR to be configured by adding slice identification parameters to the existing AMBR structure. This parameter-based approach avoids creating entirely new signaling protocols, thereby optimizing resource allocation while keeping signaling overhead manageable through parameter reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4144124B1Network slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) configuration
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 ZTE CORP
  • EP4144124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4144124B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4144124B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to methods, systems, and devices related to digital wireless communication, and more specifically, to techniques related to configuring network slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rates (AMBRs). In one exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes obtaining, by a first network function, one or more maximum bit rates that are specific to network slices configured for a terminal. The method also includes transmitting, by the first network function, the one or more maximum bit rates to a second network function, wherein the second network function is configured to limit a bit rate of network flows for the terminal according to the one or more maximum bit rates.