Wi-Fi Access Point Slice Mapping for 5G PDU Session Assurance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G network slicing framework does not cover Wi-Fi access segments in non-3GPP convergence networks, leading to the inability to ensure PDU session traffic flows in the corresponding network slice, thus failing to guarantee network characteristics required by end-to-end network slices in 5G convergence networks.
Innovation Solution
A Network Slice Instance (NSI) management object is created and managed on a wireless access point to align with the core network, allowing the access point to know network characteristics and reserve resources, and the wireless access point advertises its slicing capability information to terminal devices, enabling them to select appropriate networks and provide mapping information for data forwarding in the corresponding NSI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IPsec tunnel is used for transparent Wi-Fi network access, then the terminal device can access the 5G core network, but the Wi-Fi access AP devices have no available information related with 5G data plane PDU sessions, making it impossible to ensure the PDU session traffic flows forwarded in the corresponding network slice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (NSI management object and mapping information) that bridges the gap between the transparent IPsec tunnel and the network slice requirements. The NSI management object acts as a mediator that carries slice identification information through the Wi-Fi access network, enabling the AP to forward traffic to the correct network slice without breaking the transparency of the IPsec tunnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network slice management into multiple components: NSI management object creation at the core network, NSI capability information advertisement at the Wi-Fi access network, and mapping information exchange between terminal and access point. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall network slice assurance.
2Reliability
If the network slice framework does not cover Wi-Fi access segments, then the Wi-Fi network can operate independently with simple architecture, but the end-to-end network slicing cannot be ensured in the 5G convergence network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Wi-Fi access device multi-functional by enabling it to not only provide standard Wi-Fi access but also to create and manage NSI management objects, advertise NSI capability information, and forward traffic based on mapping information. This allows the same device to support both traditional Wi-Fi operations and 5G network slicing requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having the Wi-Fi access device create NSI management objects and advertise NSI capability information before actual PDU session establishment. This preparatory work ensures that when the terminal device connects, the network is already configured to properly handle and forward traffic to the correct network slice.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless access device advertises NSI capability information to terminal devices, then terminal devices can select appropriate networks, but the access point needs to acquire and manage additional NSI management objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling terminal devices to autonomously select networks based on advertised NSI capability information. The terminal device reads the capability information, determines compatibility with its service requirements, and autonomously initiates connection to the appropriate network, reducing the need for complex centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where terminal devices send mapping information back to the wireless access device after connection. This feedback loop allows the access device to learn about the terminal's specific PDU session requirements and configure appropriate NSI management objects for accurate traffic forwarding, creating a responsive adaptation system.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a Network Slice Instance (NSI) management object corresponding to an NSI managed by a core network is acquired at a wireless access device, the NSI management object having wireless network characteristics associated with the NSI; NSI capability information is advertised to a terminal device in a wireless network provided by the wireless access device, the NSI capability information at least indicating whether the wireless network supports a network slicing function; mapping information on the NSI and a transmission tunnel between the terminal device and the core network is received from the terminal device; and data passing through the transmission tunnel are forwarded in the corresponding NSI based on the mapping information, the NSI management object, and the wireless network characteristics associated with the NSI.