Network Slice Remapping for Seamless 5G Handover Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, handover procedures involving network slicing can cause service interruptions due to target nodes not supporting the same slices as source nodes, leading to the need for re-starting PDU sessions and disrupting service continuity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing slice remapping, where a network slice supported by a radio access node is temporarily mapped to another slice on a neighboring node, ensuring service continuity without interruption by using a slice remapping table and protocols like NG Path Switch Request or NG Handover Notify to manage slice transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handover procedure is performed in 5G networks with network slicing, then mobility between nodes is enabled, but service continuity is disrupted when target node does not support the same slices as source node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slice remapping mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the source node and target node during handover. When a target node does not support a specific network slice, the system remaps the PDU session from the original slice to an alternative slice that is supported by the target node, thereby maintaining service continuity without interrupting the handover process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the slice identifier parameter during handover when the target node does not support the original slice. The system identifies an alternative slice with compatible characteristics and remaps the PDU session to this new slice, allowing the handover to proceed while maintaining service functionality through parameter substitution
2Adaptability or versatility
If target node does not support the same network slices as source node, then handover to diverse nodes is enabled, but PDU sessions must be re-started causing service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs slice compatibility checking and remapping preparation in advance during the handover preparation phase. By identifying potential slice incompatibility issues before the handover executes and pre-configuring the remapping relationships, the system avoids service interruptions that would occur if remapping had to be performed after handover
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous PDU session functionality during handover by implementing seamless slice remapping. The system ensures that the PDU session remains active and functional throughout the handover process by transitioning from the source slice to the target slice without breaking the data transmission flow, thus eliminating service interruption
Data Source
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Figure 4B~4C
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for improving service continuity are disclosed. The solution comprises storing (300) information on slice remapping describing how a given net-work slice may be mapped to another network slice, receiving (302) a first message from an access node, that the node serves a terminal or has received a request to serve a terminal utilising a network slice not supported by the node and transmitting (304) based on the first message a message to a network entity responsible for session management to control the connection of the terminal, with the information on slice remapping and/or activity status of the packet data unit sessions associated with the slice not supported by the node.