Tethered UE Network Slicing for Concurrent Client Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tethering technologies do not support multiple concurrent network slices for tethered connections, leading to inefficient utilization of network resources and services, as they typically establish a single common network slice for all client devices, disregarding their specific requirements.
Innovation Solution
A host UE device selects and maintains multiple concurrent network slices for tethered client devices by obtaining network slice information, applying network slice selection policies, and establishing separate upstream links for each client device based on their context and requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single common network slice is established for all tethered client devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and service quality for diverse applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connection by establishing separate upstream links for different tethered client devices instead of using a single common network slice. Each upstream link is associated with a specific client device and can be configured with appropriate network slice parameters, thereby dividing the monolithic network connection into manageable segments that can be optimized individually for each device's requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network slice selection by determining network slice parameters based on the specific requirements of each tethered client device. The system dynamically adjusts and configures upstream links according to real-time device context, service requirements, and network conditions, allowing the network configuration to adapt flexibly rather than remaining static.
2Device complexity
If a single common network slice is established for all tethered client devices, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different service requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The host user equipment device performs multiple functions by both tethering to a cellular network and simultaneously functioning as a client device. The system universally handles different types of tethered client devices (wireless and wired) through a common mechanism that dynamically determines appropriate network slice parameters, allowing the same device to serve diverse service requirements without requiring separate specialized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic network slice selection by determining network slice parameters based on the specific requirements of each tethered client device. The system dynamically adjusts and configures upstream links according to real-time device context, service requirements, and network conditions, allowing the network configuration to adapt flexibly rather than remaining static.
3Productivity
If separate upstream links are established for each tethered client device based on their specific requirements, then network resource utilization efficiency is improved and service quality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host user equipment device automatically performs network slice determination and upstream link configuration based on the requirements of tethered client devices. The system self-services by autonomously selecting appropriate network slice parameters, establishing suitable upstream links, and managing multiple concurrent connections without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration, thereby managing complexity internally while maintaining simplicity for the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate upstream links are established for each tethered client device, then adaptability to different service requirements is improved, but the complexity of network management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host user equipment device automatically performs network slice determination and upstream link configuration based on the requirements of tethered client devices. The system self-services by autonomously selecting appropriate network slice parameters, establishing suitable upstream links, and managing multiple concurrent connections without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration, thereby managing complexity internally while maintaining simplicity for the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first user equipment (UE) (102) is configured to establish a first tethered connection (114-1) with a second UE 104 and a second tethered connection (114-2) with at least a third UE (104-2). The first UE (102) identifies a plurality of network slices (118) provided by a network (100). The first UE (102) selects at least a first network slice (118-1) for the second UE (104-1) and selects at least a second network slice (118-2) for the at least third UE (104-2). The first UE (102) wirelessly communicates data for the second UE (104-1) over the at least first network slice (118-1) using a first upstream link (116-1). The first UE (102) wirelessly communicates data for the at least third UE (104-2) over the at least second network slice (118-2) using a second upstream link (116-2). The first upstream link (116-1) and the second upstream link (116-2) are concurrently maintained.