Network Slice Authorization Using Service Area and Slice-Specific AMBR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack the ability to retrieve slice-specific aggregated maximum bit rate (AMBR) and service area information for network slicing, leading to inadequate access control and rate management in wireless communication networks.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves the mobility management function (AMF) receiving slice information, including QoS profiles and service areas, to authorize access and enforce slice-specific AMBR through the radio access network, ensuring accurate rate control and geographical access restrictions for network slices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slice information including QoS profile and service area is retrieved and enforced, then network slicing capability and access control accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network slicing into distinct functional components: slice identification (S-NSSAI), QoS profile management, service area definition, and rate control enforcement. Each component is handled by specific network functions (AMF for authorization, RAN for rate control), allowing modular implementation that reduces overall system complexity while improving access control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) as an intermediary that receives slice information from the network, determines authorization status, and forwards QoS profiles to the RAN. This intermediary layer simplifies the system by centralizing authorization logic and enabling distributed rate control enforcement without requiring direct complex interactions between all network components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If slice-specific AMBR and service area information are enforced, then rate control accuracy is improved, but network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate control accuracyVSAvoidnetwork overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring slice information including QoS profiles and service areas before actual data transmission occurs. The AMF determines authorization status and retrieves relevant slice information in advance, allowing the RAN to enforce rate control based on pre-established parameters rather than computing rates in real-time, thus reducing network overhead while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the AMBR (Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate) values based on slice-specific requirements and user authorization status. The system modifies rate control parameters according to the retrieved QoS profiles, enabling precise rate control that adapts to different network conditions and slice configurations without requiring excessive signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3994914B1Methods and apparatus of authorization for network slicing
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ZTE CORP
  • EP3994914B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3994914B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3994914B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods for wireless communications are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system and method are configured to receive, by a mobility management function (AMF) from a network function (NF), slice information including at least one of a quality of service (QoS) profile for a slice or a service area of the slice. The AMF can determine that a wireless communication device is authorized to access a slice based on the service area of the slice. The AMF can send the QoS profile comprising a slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) specific to the slice to the radio access network.