5G Network Slice Selection With Multi-PLMN Load Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face difficulties in selecting suitable network slices in an optimized manner, particularly in 5G networks, which support diverse services like massive machine type communication, ultra-reliable low latency communication, and enhanced mobile broadband, without effective methods for slice selection, multi-PLMN support, subscriber barring, and load balancing.
Innovation Solution
A micro-service-based network slice selection function (NSSF) node that supports slice selection based on tracking area identity, public land mobile network, requested and subscribed network slice selection assistance information, and integrates with network data analytics for load balancing, while allowing subscriber barring and optimizing slice instance loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional systems are used for network slice selection, then basic network services can be provided, but the selection of suitable network slices cannot be performed in an optimized manner
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSF is divided into multiple network slice selection functions distributed across different locations or domains. Each NSSF instance handles specific slice selection tasks independently, enabling parallel processing and improving overall selection efficiency without creating a single point of failure or bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
The NSSF acts as an intermediary function between the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and the network slice instances. It receives slice selection requests from the AMF, processes them according to configured criteria, and returns selected slice information, thereby optimizing the selection process while maintaining system modularity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PLMN configurations are supported, then network versatility is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSF is designed with multi-PLMN support as a universal capability. It can handle slice selection requests from multiple different PLMNs simultaneously using a unified configuration framework, allowing the same system to serve diverse network operators without requiring separate specialized instances for each PLMN.
Solution Approach 2:
The system supports dynamic configuration of PLMN-specific parameters such as allowed NSSAI, mapping between PLMN and slice identifiers, and subscriber-specific slice permissions. These parameters can be modified without changing the underlying system architecture, enabling flexible multi-PLMN support through parameter management rather than structural complexity.
3Productivity
If load balancing is implemented across slice instances, then resource utilization is optimized, but selection process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSF implements load balancing by incorporating feedback mechanisms that monitor the current state of network slice instances. Based on this feedback information regarding slice loading conditions, the NSSF dynamically adjusts its selection decisions to distribute traffic evenly across available slices, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Load balancing is achieved by dynamically changing selection parameters such as slice capacity thresholds, load weights, and priority levels. The NSSF adjusts these parameters based on real-time network conditions and historical data, enabling adaptive load distribution without requiring complex manual intervention or rigid selection algorithms.
4Reliability
If subscriber barring and slice barring are supported, then network control capability is improved, but authorization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NSSF implements selective barring capabilities that apply different authorization rules to different subscribers and different network slices. Instead of uniform authorization policies, the system applies localized control measures where specific subscribers can be barred from specific slices based on their profiles, service agreements, or network conditions, enabling fine-grained control without requiring complex global authorization logic.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides system and method for network slicing at a network slice selection function (NSSF) network node, a 3GPP-defined 5G network function for selection of one of many slice instances available in an operator network, as per the user's service access request. The NSSF of a serving public land mobile network (PLMN) interfaces with access and mobility function (AMF) node of the serving PLMN and NSSF of home PLMN to service a set of functionalities including selecting a list of network slice instances serving a user equipment (UE), fetching the list of mapped network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) for the given list of subscribed NSSAI from home NSSF of the subscriber, fetching the list of mapped NSSAI for the given list of configured NSSAI from home NSSF of the subscriber, and determining the list of AMFs to serve the UE based on tracking area wise AMF configuration.