UE Permission Framework for Flexible Network Slice Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network slicing technologies assign network slices to user equipment in a fixed and inflexible manner, failing to account for the varying characteristics and requirements of different applications or users, leading to inefficient utilization and suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a permission-based framework at the user equipment (UE) that allows applications or users to request connections to specific network slices based on permission criteria, including user-based, enterprise-based, carrier-based, and application-based criteria, and providing a graphical user interface for slice selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network slices are assigned in a fixed and inflexible manner, then network infrastructure stability is maintained, but network slice utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network slice assignment that adapts to varying application requirements and network conditions. The system transitions from fixed assignment to flexible, on-demand slice selection based on real-time parameters such as application type, user preferences, and network status, thereby improving utilization efficiency while managing complexity through structured decision-making frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes assignment parameters dynamically based on application characteristics, user profiles, and network conditions. By adjusting slice selection criteria according to varying parameters rather than using static assignment rules, the system optimizes network slice utilization for different service requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through parameter-based control.
2Reliability
If network slices are assigned flexibly based on application requirements, then application performance is improved, but access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control framework into distinct modular components: permission criteria evaluation, network slice selection, and connection management. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of access control independently, improving application performance through targeted slice selection while reducing overall system complexity through modular design and clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary permission control framework that mediates between application requests and network slice assignment. This intermediary layer evaluates permission criteria and makes intelligent slice selection decisions, thereby improving application performance through optimized slice matching while managing access control complexity through a centralized decision-making mechanism that simplifies the interaction between applications and the network.
3Measurement precision
If multiple permission criteria are evaluated for slice selection, then access control precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary evaluation of permission criteria by pre-processing and caching user profiles, application characteristics, and network slice information. By performing preliminary actions such as pre-validating permissions and pre-matching applications with suitable slices, the system achieves high access control precision through comprehensive criteria evaluation while reducing connection establishment time through cached results and pre-computed matchings.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) is configured to request connection to a selected one of a plurality of available network slices of a network system. The UE implements a permission control framework that allows individual applications to request connection to the selected network slice, but establishes the connection only when the framework determines, based on any of a variety of permission criteria, that the application is permitted to access the requested network slice. The UE also supports user selection of the network slice via a graphical user interface that presents a selectable list of available network slices.