Network Slice Quota Control for User and PDU Session Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network slicing standards lack mechanisms to monitor and control the number of terminals or connections for a network slice, leading to potential overutilization and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a Network Slice Control Function (NSCF) that interacts with AMF and SMF to monitor and control the number of users and PDU sessions, enforcing quotas through network slice control information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing is implemented without monitoring mechanisms, then network flexibility and customization are improved, but network resource overutilization and inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network node monitors the number of terminals and PDU sessions for each network slice, compares these values against predefined thresholds, and sends notifications to the NSCF when thresholds are approached or exceeded. This continuous feedback loop enables dynamic resource management while preserving network slicing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The Network Slice Control Function (NSCF) acts as an intermediary between the network nodes and the network slice management system. The NSCF receives threshold information from the management system, collects monitoring data from network nodes, and enforces quota control based on predefined thresholds, thereby mediating between resource allocation and actual usage.
2Ease of manufacture
If maximum number of connections or terminals is defined by NEST, then network slice configuration is simplified, but no mechanism exists to monitor or control actual usage
Solution Approach 1:
The network node automatically performs monitoring of terminal and PDU session counts for each network slice without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by collecting usage data, comparing it against thresholds, and triggering notifications autonomously, thereby maintaining configuration simplicity while enabling automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and control mechanisms with automated electronic monitoring and quota enforcement. The system uses automated counting of terminals and PDU sessions, automatic threshold comparison, and electronic notification mechanisms, substituting manual operational procedures with automated systems.
3Productivity
If network slice quotas are enforced through NSCF interaction with AMF and SMF, then network resource allocation efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Network Slice Control Function (NSCF) is designed as a multi-functional network element that handles threshold management, quota enforcement, and coordination with multiple network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF). By consolidating these control functions in a single universal entity, the system improves resource allocation efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanism is provided to monitor and control the number of terminals (100) or number of PDU sessions for a network slice, or both. A new network function called the Network Slice Control Function (NSCF) (85) is defined that interacts with an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (40) and/or Session Management Function (SMF) (45) to monitor and control a number of users for a network slice, a number of PDU sessions for a network slice, or both. The NSCF (85) determines per slice quotas for the number of users and/or number of session for network slices and interacts with the AMF (40) and/or SMF (45) to enforce the quotas.