Network Slicing Based VPLMN Prioritization for Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions fail to enable a roaming UE to find and register with a visited network that best serves its network slice requirements and geographic location, as they do not dynamically provide real-time information on supported S-NSSAIs and are not dynamic enough to cover varying network slice availability across different areas within a VPLMN.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) maintaining a list of VPLMNs and their supported S-NSSAIs, prioritizing and returning a list to the UE based on subscribed and requested S-NSSAIs, allowing the UE to select and register with networks that support the needed services, thereby enabling dynamic control of roaming partners and avoiding the need for extensive RRC SIB extensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses traditional PLMN selection information (HPLMN Selector, User Controlled PLMN Selector, Forbidden PLMNs, Equivalent HPLMN) for network selection, then the UE can maintain basic roaming connectivity, but the UE cannot dynamically select VPLMNs that support specific network slices required for particular services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PLMN selection process by introducing separate selection criteria for different network slices. The UE maintains multiple PLMN lists (equivalent HPLMN list, forbidden PLMN list) and can selectively apply different VPLMN preferences based on the required network slice, allowing granular control over network selection for different services without overhauling the entire selection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to PLMN selection by introducing VPLMN preference information associated with specific S-NSSAIs (network slices). Instead of selecting a PLMN based solely on general roaming agreements, the selection now considers slice-specific preferences, creating a multi-dimensional selection space that balances general connectivity with service-specific requirements
2Extent of automation
If the network provides static HPLMN selector information to the UE, then the UE can maintain stable roaming connections, but the network cannot dynamically control which VPLMNs the UE should use for specific network slices based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static PLMN selection information into dynamic data by introducing VPLMN preference information that can be updated based on network conditions, UE capabilities, and service requirements. The network can dynamically modify which VPLMNs are preferred for specific network slices, allowing real-time adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining structured control through the preference mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where the network receives information about UE capabilities, current location, and service requirements, then uses this feedback to determine appropriate VPLMN preferences for specific network slices. The network can adjust preferences based on observed UE behavior, network load, and slice availability, creating a responsive control system
3Reliability
If the UE registers with a VPLMN that does not support all subscribed S-NSSAIs, then the UE can maintain basic connectivity, but the UE cannot access network slices that are not available in the visited network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously select appropriate VPLMNs for specific network slices using preference information provided by the network. The UE automatically evaluates available networks against its subscribed S-NSSAIs and service requirements, selecting the most suitable VPLMN without manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains reliability by ensuring slice availability while simplifying operation through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for network slicing based visited or non-public network prioritization. In one embodiment, a method performed by a first Network Function (NF) in a home network of a wireless communication device in a roaming scenario comprises obtaining Steering of Roaming (SoR) information for the wireless communication device, the SoR information comprising a prioritized list of visited or non-public networks that are prioritized based on one or more network slices requested by the wireless communication device and/or one or more network slices to which the wireless communication device is subscribed. The method further comprises sending, towards the wireless communication device, a message comprising the SoR information. Embodiments of a first NF, embodiments of a second NF in the visited or non-public network and methods of operation thereof, and embodiments of a wireless communication device and method of operation thereof are also disclosed.