UE Network Slice Management via NSSAI Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G System (5GS) faces challenges in managing and restricting the simultaneous use of network slices, which is essential for providing specific network functions and characteristics for various services, including those for low-delay terminals and IoT devices, as studied in the Enhancement of Network Slicing (eNS) phase 2.
Innovation Solution
A User Equipment (UE) is equipped with a transmission and/or reception unit and a controller that sets identification information in 5GMM capability information to support the function of restricting network slices, and stores second identification information associated with configured NSSAI to determine requested NSSAI, enabling the UE to manage and restrict simultaneous use of network slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE supports multiple network slices simultaneously, then the network service diversity and functionality are improved, but the complexity of managing and controlling simultaneous slice usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network side performs preliminary configuration of the NSSAI set before the UE actually uses the network slices. The AMF configures the allowed NSSAI and restricted NSSAI based on subscription information and network policies in advance, so that when the UE requests slice usage, the management decisions have already been prepared, reducing real-time management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The AMF acts as an intermediary between the UE and the network slice resources. It receives slice usage requests from the UE, checks them against the pre-configured allowed and restricted NSSAI sets, and makes authorization decisions. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by centralizing slice management logic in the AMF rather than distributing complexity across multiple components
2Reliability
If the network restricts simultaneous use of certain network slices, then the network control and service quality are improved, but the flexibility of UE to access multiple slices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network applies different quality characteristics to different network slices through the allowed NSSAI and restricted NSSAI mechanisms. Each slice can be configured with specific authorization rules, allowing the network to optimize control for critical slices (like emergency services) while maintaining flexibility for non-critical slices. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying strict control only where necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The slice authorization configuration is dynamic rather than static. The AMF can update the allowed NSSAI and restricted NSSAI sets based on current network conditions, UE subscription status, and service requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while preserving flexibility when conditions permit
3Reliability
If the UE determines requested NSSAI based on stored second identification information, then the slice restriction management is improved, but the UE processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary storage of the second identification information (restricted NSSAI) when receiving configuration from the network. By having this information pre-stored and organized, the UE can efficiently determine the requested NSSAI by simple comparison operations rather than complex real-time analysis, reducing processing overhead while maintaining reliable slice restriction management
Solution Approach 2:
The UE creates a local copy of the restricted NSSAI configuration information received from the network and stores it in its memory. This copying mechanism allows the UE to perform local determination of requested NSSAI without repeatedly querying the network or performing complex calculations, thereby reducing processing overhead and energy consumption while ensuring accurate slice restriction enforcement
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication unit for implementing a function related to management of information related to network slices in a 5GS. Provided are a method and a communication unit for an initial registration procedure of a UE and a periodic or movement-based registration procedure for implementing management of information related to network slices in a 5GS. Furthermore, provided are a method and communication unit for a UE configuration update procedure after completion of a registration procedure and for a de-registration procedure, and a method and a unit for updating information related to NSSAI stored in a UE in each procedure.