5G Network Slice Compatibility Signaling for Simultaneous Use Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G networks face challenges in managing simultaneous usage of network slices due to incompatibilities and constraints, leading to potential conflicts in performance criteria across diverse applications like eMBB and URLLC, without effective enforcement mechanisms in Rel-15 and Rel-16 specifications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing techniques to enforce constraints on simultaneous network slice usage by incorporating a new capability in the Registration Request message to indicate support for slice usage constraints, along with mechanisms to manage slice registration, establishment, and resource allocation based on compatibility rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network slices are allowed to operate simultaneously without constraints, then network versatility and service coverage are improved, but performance conflicts and resource allocation issues arise between incompatible slices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice compatibilityVSAvoidperformance criteria

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks during slice registration to determine compatibility with already registered slices. The AMF proactively identifies incompatible slice combinations before they can cause performance conflicts, preventing problematic configurations rather than reacting to failures after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the UE about slice compatibility status through registration rejection messages and compatibility information elements. This feedback mechanism allows the network to inform devices about which slices can and cannot operate simultaneously, enabling informed resource allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If constraints are enforced on simultaneous network slice usage, then performance conflicts are reduced, but network operation flexibility and service availability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance criteriaVSAvoidnetwork operation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slice compatibility management system is dynamic rather than static. Compatibility rules can be updated, and the system adapts to changing network conditions and slice configurations. The AMF continuously evaluates compatibility as slices are registered or released, allowing flexible response to operational changes without requiring complete system reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses configurable parameters such as compatibility information elements and slice compatibility rules that can be adjusted based on network requirements. These parameters allow operators to define specific compatibility criteria and modify them as needed, providing flexibility in enforcing constraints while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If compatibility checks are performed for each slice registration, then slice incompatibility management is improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslice incompatibility managementVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compatibility check functionality is merged into the existing slice registration流程. The AMF performs compatibility evaluations as part of the standard registration procedure rather than as separate operations. This integration reduces signaling overhead by combining multiple functions into a unified process flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service compatibility management where the AMF automatically evaluates and determines slice compatibility without requiring external intervention. The network autonomously manages compatibility checks, conflict detection, and resolution, reducing the need for complex external coordination and manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4197249B1Network (NW) techniques for constraints on simultaneous use of network slices

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 APPLE INC

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AI summary

Techniques discussed herein facilitate configuration of network slices for a User Equipment (UE) supporting constraints on simultaneous operation of slices. receiving a registration request message to request registration on a set of requested network slices; registering the UE to a set of allowed network slices; and generating a registration accept message for transmission indicating the UE is registered to the set of allowed network slices, wherein the registration accept message indicates slice compatibility information for each allowed network slice of the set of allowed network slices for the UE, wherein the slice compatibility information for each allowed network slice indicates whether or not other configured network slices of a set of configured network slices are compatible with the configured network slice for simultaneous operation by the UE.