Slice-Based Network Selection for Roaming UEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communication technologies do not effectively address the selection of network slices across multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs) for user equipment (UE), leading to inefficiencies and potential denial of desired network services.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves providing user equipment (UE) with enhanced slice-aware information to select the highest priority public land mobile network (PLMN) that supports the required network slices, thereby minimizing ping-ponging between PLMNs and optimizing network resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PLMN selection methods are used, then UEs can connect to available networks, but UEs cannot effectively select specific network slices across multiple PLMNs leading to service denial and unnecessary PLMN searches
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the PLMN selection process by introducing slice-aware information that divides PLMNs into priority-ranked groups based on their network slice support capabilities. This allows UEs to selectively target specific PLMNs that support required slices rather than performing exhaustive searches across all available PLMNs.
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs preliminary actions by providing UEs with enhanced slice-aware information before the UE attempts PLMN selection. This pre-configured information includes priority rankings and slice support details, enabling the UE to make informed selection decisions without extensive trial-and-error searching.
2Reliability
If UEs perform extensive PLMN searches to find suitable networks, then service availability improves, but battery consumption increases and roaming charges accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides UEs with pre-configured slice-aware information and priority rankings before PLMN selection occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for extensive trial-and-error searching, significantly reducing battery consumption while ensuring reliable service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables UEs to self-select appropriate PLMNs using the provided slice-aware information and priority rankings. This self-service capability allows UEs to autonomously make optimal selection decisions without requiring extensive network-assisted searching, reducing both energy consumption and roaming charges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UEs frequently switch between PLMNs to find optimal network slices, then service quality improves, but network stability deteriorates due to ping-ponging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides UEs with stable, pre-configured slice-aware information and priority rankings before PLMN selection. This preliminary configuration establishes a stable reference framework that prevents frequent PLMN switching and ping-ponging, while still allowing UEs to adapt to available slices through informed selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where UEs report their slice selection status and experience to the network. This feedback allows the network to update and refine priority rankings and slice-aware information, improving service quality over time while maintaining network stability through data-driven optimization rather than frequent UE-initiated switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for slice based public land mobile network selection. An example method includes a network node of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) transmitting configuration information to a user equipment (UE) to configure the UE to receive enhanced slice-based steering of roaming (SoR) information during a registration process with a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN). The method further includes the network node determining that the UE is registering with the VPLMN. The method further includes the network node transmitting the enhanced slice-based SoR information to the UE based on the determination that the UE is registering with the VPLMN.