Small Cell Slice Access for Non-Member UE Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-member user equipment devices in the vicinity of closed access group small cells experience connectivity issues due to inability to automatically select and attach, leading to poor or no connectivity, garbled audio, and video pixilation.
Innovation Solution
Implement systems and methods to manage network slice access exemptions, allowing non-member UE devices to access closed access group small cells based on network slice subscription, using UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) messages and core network updates to authenticate and authorize access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed access group small cells are deployed to improve network security and control, then network security and access control are improved, but non-member user equipment devices experience connectivity issues and poor service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network slice exemption mechanisms as an intermediary layer between closed access group small cells and non-member UE devices. The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) acts as a mediator to evaluate whether non-member UEs should be allowed to access specific network slices based on subscription information and policy rules, rather than completely blocking or allowing access to the entire cell. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining security at the cell level while enabling selective connectivity through the intermediary exemption evaluation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing slice-specific access policies rather than uniform cell-level access control. Different network slices can have different exemption rules, allowing the system to grant access to non-member UEs for specific services (e.g., emergency services, IoT) while maintaining restricted access for other services. This resolves the contradiction by applying different access qualities to different parts (slices) of the network rather than a blanket approach.
2Ease of operation
If automatic selection and attachment are enabled for small cells, then user experience is improved, but network complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring network slice exemption policies and subscription information in the core network (AMF and UDM) before UE devices need to access small cells. The system evaluates and determines slice exemptions in advance based on pre-stored policy rules and subscription data, rather than making complex real-time decisions when UEs attempt to connect. This resolves the contradiction by performing network management actions beforehand, simplifying both user experience and network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing UE devices to automatically present their subscription information and request slice exemptions without manual intervention. The AMF automatically evaluates the exemption requests based on pre-configured policies and subscription data stored in the UDM, enabling autonomous access decisions. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-managing, improving user experience through automatic access while reducing operational complexity through automated policy enforcement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network slice exemption policies are implemented, then access flexibility is improved, but policy management and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized, reusable framework for network slice exemption policies that can be applied across multiple small cells, network slices, and UE devices. The policy structure defined in the patent allows a single set of rules and evaluation mechanisms to handle diverse access scenarios (emergency services, IoT, enterprise services) through a unified approach. This resolves the contradiction by providing a universal policy management system that handles multiple access flexibility requirements through a single manageable framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a processor configured to determine that a user device is within a coverage area of a small cell connected to a base station associated with an application service; determine that the user device is not a member of the small cell; identify a network slice for the application service; determine whether a network services subscription for the small cell includes the network slice; perform, when the network services subscription for the small cell includes the network slice, an attachment procedure to the small cell; receive authorization for attaching to the small cell and accessing the application service via the network slice; and initiate a network session on the network slice.