Network Slice Traffic Remapping During Unsupported RAN Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3GPP network deployments, when a User Equipment (UE) is handed over to a target cell that does not support one or more of its currently used network slices, the services for those unsupported slices are interrupted.
Innovation Solution
Implement procedures for remapping traffic between network slices by buffering data traffic of a first network slice during handover and forwarding it over a second network slice, involving UE, source RAN, and target RAN, with the RAN nodes exchanging information on supported and alternative network slices and UE requesting establishment of a second connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a UE is handed over to a target cell that does not support one or more of its currently used network slices, then the handover can be completed, but the services for those unsupported slices are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffering mechanism as an intermediary between the data traffic and the network slice. When a network slice is unsupported in the target cell, the data traffic is buffered in the source cell or core network, then forwarded through alternative network slices or after the UE re-establishes connection, thereby maintaining service continuity without blocking the handover process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing alternative data paths or buffering data traffic before the handover is fully completed. The source RAN or core network proactively sets up forwarding paths through alternative network slices or buffers data in advance, so that when the handover occurs and the original slice becomes unavailable, the data is already prepared for transmission through alternative routes
2Reliability
If data traffic is buffered and forwarded over alternative network slices, then service continuity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the source RAN and core network entities multi-functional by enabling them to perform both normal data forwarding and buffering/forwarding operations. The same network infrastructure is used for both standard traffic flow and alternative path forwarding, eliminating the need for separate dedicated buffering systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the buffering and forwarding functions into existing network entities rather than creating separate systems. The source RAN combines its normal data transmission function with buffering capability, and the core network integrates alternative slice forwarding with standard routing, thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for remapping traffic between network slices during handover. One apparatus includes a processor and a transceiver that receives a first message indicating that a first connection is not supported in a target RAN. Here, the first connection is established with a first network slice and the first message indicates that buffering-and-forwarding of data traffic of the first connection is supported. The transceiver transmits a request to establish a second connection with a second network slice over the Target RAN and receives a second message from the Target RAN for establishing the second connection, where the second message includes an identifier of the first connection. The processor communicates at least one buffered data packet of the first connection over the second connection.