UPF Selection for Isolated Network Slice Service Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices face difficulties in obtaining desired services due to network slices that are not accommodated by one or more network devices, leading to service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device requests a packet data unit (PDU) session with a parameter for an isolated network slice, and a session management function selects a user plane function to accommodate the requested services, establishing a PDU session using the selected user plane function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wireless device requests services requiring an isolated network slice, then the service quality is improved, but service accessibility deteriorates because some network devices cannot accommodate certain network slices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidservice accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network slice selection process by introducing a session management function that independently selects user plane functions based on network slice parameters. This segmentation allows different network devices to handle different network slice types, improving both service quality for isolated slices and overall service accessibility across diverse network devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The session management function acts as an intermediary between the wireless device and user plane functions. It receives service requests, determines the required network slice parameters, and selects appropriate user plane functions that can accommodate the isolated network slice requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between service quality and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If user plane functions are selected based on isolated network slice parameters, then service requirements are met, but device complexity increases due to the need for parameter-based selection logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice requirement fulfillmentVSAvoidselection logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The session management function implements self-service by autonomously determining user plane function selection based on network slice parameters contained in packet data unit session requests. The system automatically matches service requirements with appropriate user plane functions without external intervention, reducing operational complexity while ensuring service requirements are met.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting user plane functions based on specific parameters associated with isolated network slices. The session management function extracts and evaluates these parameters to make selection decisions, transforming complex service requirements into manageable parameter-based selection criteria that reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260095962A1User Plane Function Selection for Isolated Network Slice

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for wireless communications. A first message indicating a request to select a user plane function (UPF) device may comprise a network slice isolation information parameter and a network slice identifier associated with a wireless device. A second message comprising an identifier of a UPF device may be received.