Slice-Aware Cell Reselection Using Paging Messages in 5G/6G

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack efficient methods for cell reselection based on slice information, which is crucial for optimizing network performance and supporting diverse services in 5G and beyond.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for performing cell reselection and random access procedures using slice information transmitted in a paging message, enabling user equipment and base stations to make informed decisions based on slice-specific criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional cell reselection methods are used without slice information, then the cell reselection process is simple, but network efficiency and service optimization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidcell reselection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cell reselection process by introducing slice-specific information (S-NSSAI) that divides the network into multiple network slices. Each slice represents a distinct service type with specific requirements, allowing the UE to select cells based on slice compatibility. This segmentation enables targeted optimization for different services (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) without requiring complete redesign of the cell reselection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by including slice information in paging messages and system information blocks before the actual cell reselection occurs. The network pre-configures slice-specific cell reselection parameters and sends them to the UE in advance, enabling the UE to make informed cell selection decisions without real-time complex calculations during the reselection event itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If slice-aware cell reselection is implemented, then service quality and latency are improved, but the complexity of information transmission and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidinformation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional paging message structure that can carry both traditional paging information and slice-specific information (S-NSSAI, slice-specific cell lists). The same message framework serves multiple purposes: general network access, slice selection assistance, and cell reselection guidance, reducing the need for separate specialized protocols for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the paging message as an intermediary carrier that transports slice information from the network to the UE. This intermediary structure simplifies the information exchange by consolidating multiple data elements (paging cause, slice identifiers, cell lists) into a single standardized message format, reducing processing complexity compared to multiple separate signaling interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If slice information is transmitted in paging messages, then cell selection accuracy for specific services is enhanced, but the paging message size and transmission overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell selection accuracyVSAvoidpaging message size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by selectively including slice information in paging messages only when necessary. The network can choose to include S-NSSAI and slice-specific cell lists only for UEs that require slice-aware reselection, while omitting these elements for other cases. This selective approach provides enhanced cell selection accuracy where needed while minimizing the increase in average paging message size across the entire network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20260040158A1Method and device for slice-based cell reselection using paging message in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20260040158A1 patent drawing
  • US20260040158A1 patent drawing
  • US20260040158A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or 6th generation (6G) communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The disclosure relates to a method and device by which a user equipment (UE) performs cell reselection based on slice information. A UE according to an embodiment of the disclosure may receive a paging message including slice information from a base station. The UE may perform cell reselection based on the slice information and may perform a random access procedure based on a result of the cell reselection.