Network Slice Selection via Unified Mapping Repository
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slice management in roaming scenarios is complex due to the need for frequent updates in roaming agreements and slice mapping information across multiple operators, leading to increased workload and complexity in managing slice mapping information.
Innovation Solution
A network slice selection method that uses a first identifier to search for mapping information managed by third-party service providers across different operators, allowing for the determination of allowed NSSAI for a terminal based on subscribed NSSAI and mapping information, thereby simplifying slice mapping management and enabling unified service experiences across multiple operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If roaming agreements between operators are updated to include slice mapping information, then terminals can obtain valid S-NSSAI in VPLMN, but workload and complexity in managing slice mapping information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network slice selection function network element as an intermediary that manages slice mapping information centrally. This mediator receives subscribed NSSAI from terminals, queries mapping information from a unified data repository, and determines allowed NSSAI without requiring operators to manually update roaming agreements with detailed slice mapping information, thus reducing management complexity while ensuring reliable slice access
Solution Approach 2:
The unified data repository serves as a universal storage mechanism that holds slice mapping information for multiple operators and third-party service providers. This single repository can be queried by any network slice selection function network element across different operators, eliminating the need for each operator to maintain separate slice mapping data and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized S-NSSAI is allocated by multiple operators to third-party service providers, then service coverage is expanded, but frequency of roaming agreement updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having third-party service providers pre-register their service information and slice mapping requirements with the unified data repository before actual roaming occurs. When terminals roam, the network slice selection function network element can immediately query pre-stored mapping information without waiting for roaming agreement updates, thus expanding service coverage while minimizing update time
Solution Approach 2:
Third-party service providers can independently register and update their own service information and slice mapping data in the unified data repository without requiring manual intervention from operators. This self-service mechanism allows service providers to rapidly adapt to different operators' network slices while reducing the time and effort required for roaming agreement updates
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a network slice selection method, device, and system, to reduce complexity in managing slice mapping information by an operator when S-NSSAI valid in a VPLMN and corresponding to S-NSSAI subscribed to by a terminal is obtained. The method includes: A network slice selection function network element receives a first message from a mobility management network element, where the first message includes network slice selection assistance information NSSAI subscribed to by a terminal and slice subscription information of n third-party service providers SPs corresponding to the NSSAI subscribed to by the terminal, and slice subscription information of each third-party SP comprises a first identifier; the network slice selection function network element obtains, based on the first identifier, first mapping information corresponding to each third-party SP; and the network slice selection function network element determines allowed NSSAI for the terminal based on the NSSAI subscribed to by the terminal and the first mapping information, where the allowed NSSAI is used to indicate one or more network slices that the terminal is allowed to access in a visited network of the terminal.