Slice-Specific UPF Selection for 5G QoS Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in selecting user plane functions (UPFs) that are specific to network slices, leading to inefficient allocation of resources and quality of service (QoS) for diverse user equipment (UE) activities and services.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications network node, such as a session management function (SMF) or network repository function (NRF), selects UPFs based on slice-specific information like network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) and service differentiators (SD), using a configuration that maps UPFs to specific SST/SD combinations, ensuring dedicated resources for services like mobile broadband, high-speed Internet, IoT, and V2X.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UPF selection is based on general factors like tracking area codes, then UPF selection can be performed, but network slice-specific resource allocation and QoS cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UPF selection process by introducing slice-specific information (S-NSSAI) as a distinct selection criterion alongside traditional factors like TAC. This segmentation allows the system to handle different network slices with dedicated UPF mappings, ensuring that each slice receives appropriate resource allocation and QoS treatment while maintaining the overall selection framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by mapping specific network slices (identified by S-NSSAI) to specific UPFs based on slice characteristics. Each network slice receives customized UPF selection based on its specific requirements, rather than using a uniform selection approach for all slices. This ensures that local slice-specific quality requirements are met through dedicated resource allocation.
2Reliability
If slice-specific UPF mapping is implemented, then QoS for diverse services is enhanced, but configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the mapping relationships between network slices (S-NSSAI) and UPFs in the network repository function. This pre-establishment of slice-specific mappings allows the system to quickly and reliably allocate appropriate UPFs when slices are activated, without requiring complex real-time decision-making. The configuration is prepared in advance, simplifying operational management while ensuring QoS reliability.
3Productivity
If traditional UPF selection methods are used, then selection process is simple, but resource allocation efficiency for multiple services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new parameter (S-NSSAI - single network slice selection assistance information) to the UPF selection process, changing the selection criteria from purely location-based (TAC) to a combination of location and slice-specific parameters. This parameter change enables the system to efficiently allocate resources by matching slice requirements with appropriate UPF capabilities, significantly improving resource allocation efficiency for multiple services while maintaining a manageable selection process through standardized parameter handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a node of a telecommunications network configured to select a user plane function (UPF) to support a connection of the UE based on slice-specific information received by the node and associated with the connection. The node is also configured to select the UPF based on a configuration mapping UPFs to one or more values of information elements within the slice-specific information.