UE Configured NSSAI Update Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In some scenarios, the Configured NSSAI for a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) in a UE cannot be updated successfully, leading to outdated network slice configuration information.

Innovation Solution

The UE obtains information about updated Subscribed Network Slices, sets a flag for the affected PLMN, and during registration, sends a notification to the network to provide updated network slice identifiers, ensuring the Configured NSSAI is up-to-date.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the network sends configuration updates to the UE, then the Configured NSSAI is updated, but data transmission over the air increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfigured NSSAI update statusVSAvoidUE battery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The UE autonomously determines whether its Configured NSSAI is outdated by checking local flags and subscription data, and self-initiates updates only when necessary. This eliminates the need for continuous network-driven configuration updates, reducing air interface data transmission and conserving UE battery life while ensuring information accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If the network stores multiple Configured NSSAI versions, then update accuracy improves, but storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfigured NSSAI version accuracyVSAvoidUDM storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential update status information (flags indicating whether Configured NSSAI is outdated) from the complete configuration data, storing minimal metadata in the UDM rather than full Configured NSSAI versions. This reduces UDM storage requirements while maintaining sufficient information to determine when updates are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of information

If the UE frequently checks for configuration updates, then information freshness improves, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfigured NSSAI freshnessVSAvoidNetwork signaling energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The UE performs preliminary actions by setting local flags and storing subscription data locally, enabling it to determine update needs without frequent network communication. The UE only initiates update requests when local indicators suggest the Configured NSSAI is outdated, significantly reducing signaling overhead and network energy consumption while maintaining information freshness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250088955A1Network slice configuration update

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Network slice configuration update methods for providing a user equipment (UE) registered with (or attempting to register with) a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) the most up-to-date Configured NSSAI for the PLMN.