UPF Selection for Isolated Network Slice Service Continuity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless devices face difficulties in obtaining desired services due to network slices not being 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

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless device requests services requiring an isolated network slice, then the service requirements may be fulfilled, but network devices that do not accommodate certain network slices cause service disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice accommodationVSAvoidservice delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network slice selection process by introducing a dedicated network slice selection function (NSSF) that operates independently from other network functions. This NSSF specifically handles the selection of user plane functions for isolated network slices, separating the selection logic from general network management to ensure proper accommodation of slice-specific requirements while maintaining reliable service delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network slice selection function (NSSF) as an intermediary component between the wireless device and the user plane functions. This NSSF acts as a mediator that receives service requests, determines the appropriate isolated network slice requirements, and selects suitable user plane functions that can accommodate those specific slice requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If user plane functions are not configured for isolated network slices, then device complexity is reduced, but wireless devices cannot obtain desired services

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser plane configurationVSAvoidservice support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network slice selection function (NSSF) pre-determine and select appropriate user plane functions that are configured for isolated network slices before service requests are made. This pre-selection ensures that when a wireless device requests services, the suitable user plane function is already identified and ready, eliminating the need for complex real-time configuration while maintaining service support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network slice selection function (NSSF) performs self-service by autonomously determining which user plane functions are suitable for isolated network slices without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The NSSF maintains knowledge of which user plane functions support which slice types and automatically makes appropriate selections, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12550206B2User plane function selection for isolated network slice

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 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.