Slice-Aware Pre-Emption Signaling for 5G Session Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current admission control mechanisms in 5G networks lack flexibility and do not account for slice prioritization, leading to inefficient pre-emption processes when congestion occurs, as they fail to discriminate among numerous slices and prioritize calls based on slice-specific requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a slice-aware pre-emption process by introducing a new slice-based pre-emption information element (IE) in the allocation retention priority (ARP) mechanism, allowing operators to define which slices can pre-empt others, thereby enhancing the flexibility and accuracy of pre-emption decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current admission control mechanisms are used, then the pre-emption process is simple, but it lacks flexibility and cannot account for slice prioritization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pre-emption mechanism by introducing slice-specific information elements (IEs) that allow different slices to have different pre-emption characteristics. Each slice can be configured with specific pre-emption capabilities, vulnerabilities, and priorities, enabling differentiated treatment of various network slices while maintaining the overall pre-emption framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different pre-emption properties to different slices. The slice information element allows specific slices to have customized pre-emption configurations, such as pre-emptable or non-pre-emptable status, enabling critical slices to be protected while allowing less critical slices to be pre-empted when needed.
2Measurement precision
If slice-based pre-emption information elements are introduced, then pre-emption decisions become more precise and flexible, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing ARP mechanism universal by extending it to support multiple slice types. The slice information element is integrated into the existing ARP signaling framework, allowing the same signaling structure to handle both traditional single-network slicing and the new multi-slice scenarios, thereby reducing the need for entirely new signaling protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the slice information element within the existing ARP signaling structure. The slice IE is embedded as part of the ARP parameters, allowing slice-specific pre-emption information to be carried within the established signaling framework rather than requiring separate dedicated signaling messages.
3Reliability
If operators can define slice-specific pre-emption policies, then critical sessions are prioritized better, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operator control by introducing configurable parameters within the slice information element. Operators can set specific parameters such as pre-emptable flag, non-pre-emptable slice lists, and priority levels for each slice, allowing flexible policy definition while maintaining a structured configuration framework that prevents excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus and computer program product for slice aware pre-emption signaling. A method include receiving (500) at a network node, a first session setup or modification request message for a first user equipment setting up a first session flow. The method also includes receiving (505) at the network node, a second session setup or modification request message for a second user equipment setting up a second session flow. The method further includes receiving (510) at the network node, a third session setup or modification request message for a third user equipment setting up a third session flow. In addition, the method includes pre-empting (515) the first session flow or the second session flow based on a pre-emptable information element or a non-pre-emptable information element.