5G Network Slice UE-Limit Management with S-NSSAI Timers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation method for managing the number of User Equipments (UEs) allowed for each network slice in the 5G System (5GS) is not clear, posing a challenge in network slicing management.
Innovation Solution
A User Equipment (UE) is equipped with a transmission and/or reception unit and a controller that processes Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) and associated information, including rejection causes, back-off timers, and application ranges, to manage the addition, deletion, and timing of S-NSSAIs in Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) based on control messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slicing management functions are added to manage the number of UEs per slice, then network slicing capability is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network slice management by introducing separate information elements for different S-NSSAIs within the Rejected NSSAI. Each S-NSSAI can have independent rejection causes, back-off timer values, and application scope indicators, allowing granular control over multiple network slices without managing them as a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to network slice management by introducing the fourth information element that indicates whether back-off timer application scope is limited to the current PLMN or extended to all PLMNs. This dimensional addition enables more flexible and versatile slice management capabilities without fundamentally redesigning the entire system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple rejection causes and back-off timer values are managed for different S-NSSAIs, then network slice control precision is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the Rejected NSSAI information into multiple independent information elements, each corresponding to a specific S-NSSAI. This segmentation allows the UE to precisely track rejection causes, back-off timer values, and application scopes for individual network slices, achieving fine-grained control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of rejection information by structuring it as a list of information elements before transmission. Each element pre-contains all necessary details (S-NSSAI, rejection cause, timer value, application scope), allowing the receiving system to process information efficiently without requiring complex post-processing or additional queries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If back-off timer application scope is extended to all PLMNs, then network slice management flexibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing an optional fourth information element that indicates whether the back-off timer applies to all PLMNs or only the current PLMN. The system can selectively use this element based on the specific scenario, applying the broader all-PLMN scope only when necessary rather than always transmitting the additional indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the back-off timer application scope into two distinct options (current PLMN only or all PLMNs) that can be independently selected and indicated. This segmentation allows the system to transmit only the necessary scope information for each specific rejection case, minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are procedures for initial UE registration and periodic or movement-based registration, and a communication unit to achieve management of the maximum number of UEs connected to each slice in 5GS. Furthermore, a method for managing a timer running after completion of the registration procedure, and a method of registration procedure and a communication unit for both a UE in which the timer is running and a UE in which the timer is not running are provided, thus providing a communication unit to implement functions related to the management of the maximum number of UEs connected to each slice in 5GS.