Enforcing Maximum Data Rate Per Network Slice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems lack the capability to enforce maximum data rates per network slice per UE, particularly in uplink and downlink directions, leading to uncontrolled data flow and potential network overload.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an apparatus with processors and memory that checks and enforces maximum data rates per network slice by retrieving and providing context information for subscribers, monitoring data flows, and inhibiting grants when the total data rate exceeds the defined limit, ensuring compliance with UE-Slice-MBR across GBR and non-GBR sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum data rate per network slice per UE is enforced, then network overload is prevented and QoS is ensured, but device complexity and system overhead increase due to additional monitoring and enforcement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data rate enforcement mechanism by introducing separate maximum data rate parameters for each network slice (slice1-AMBR, slice2-AMBR, etc.) that a UE can access. The system maintains individual aggregate maximum bit rate limits for each slice while the UE can have multiple PDU sessions across different slices. This segmentation allows independent control of data rates per slice, ensuring QoS reliability without requiring complete system-wide redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing maximum data rate parameters for each network slice in advance during subscription data configuration. The UDM stores slice-specific AMBR values (slice1-AMBR, slice2-AMBR) as subscription data before the UE actually accesses the network. When the UE establishes PDU sessions, these pre-configured limits are automatically applied, eliminating the need for real-time negotiation and reducing enforcement overhead during actual data transmission.
2Manufacturing precision
If maximum data rate parameters are configured for each network slice, then data rate control precision is improved, but information management complexity increases due to multiple parameters per subscriber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the slice-AMBR parameter structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same parameter framework (slice-AMBR) is used across different network slices (slice1, slice2, slice3) and different UEs, providing a universal solution for data rate control. The UDM's subscription data structure universally accommodates multiple slice-AMBR parameters for each subscriber, allowing the system to manage precise data rates for multiple slices without creating separate management systems for each slice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating the AMBR parameter structure for each network slice. Instead of creating complex hierarchical or dynamic parameter systems, the solution copies the basic AMBR parameter format and instances it for each slice (slice1-AMBR, slice2-AMBR, slice3-AMBR). This copying approach maintains data rate control precision while simplifying information management, as each copied parameter follows the same structure and can be managed through standardized procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PDU sessions are allowed per network slice, then network versatility and service capability are improved, but data rate enforcement difficulty increases due to aggregate flow management across sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the aggregate data flow across all PDU sessions for each network slice and compares it against the configured slice-AMBR limits. The network infrastructure (gNB, AMF, SMF) provides feedback information about current data rates to the UDM and PCF, which can then adjust resource allocation or reject new sessions when limits are approached. This feedback loop enables versatile multi-session support while maintaining automated enforcement without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary functions through the AMF and SMF that mediate between the UE's multiple PDU sessions and the network's data rate enforcement mechanisms. The AMF receives slice-AMBR parameters from UDM and distributes them to appropriate SMFs, which then enforce the limits on their managed PDU sessions. This intermediary layer simplifies enforcement by distributing the control function across multiple network elements rather than requiring a single complex enforcement point, allowing versatile multi-session support while reducing individual component complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a method comprising: checking whether a maximum data rate for a subscriber for a network slice is received; monitoring, if the maximum data rate for the subscriber for the network slice is received, whether a hypothetical total data rate of all flows of the subscriber for the network slice would exceed the maximum data rate for the subscriber for the network slice if a grant to transmit data were provided for the subscriber for packets belonging to the network slice; inhibiting providing the grant for the subscriber if the hypothetical total data rate of all flows of the subscriber for the network slice exceeded the maximum data rate of the network slice if the grant were provided.