WLANSP Rule-Based Network Slice Selection for 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for a UE to connect to a non-3GPP network assume all access networks support specific S-NSSAIs, which may not be correct, leading to the need for selecting a non-3GPP access network that can support a specific S-NSSAI.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a UE receives WLANSP rules containing a list of S-NSSAIs and preferred SSIDs, allowing it to select a WLAN access network that supports the required S-NSSAI for establishing a data connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the UE assumes all non-3GPP access networks support all S-NSSAIs, then the connection establishment process is simplified, but the connectivity reliability deteriorates because the assumption may not be correct
Solution Approach 1:
The network provides WLANSP rules to the UE in advance, containing S-NSSAI lists and preferred SSID lists. The UE uses these pre-configured rules to select appropriate WLAN access networks before attempting connection, avoiding the need to assume all networks support all slices. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple operation while ensuring reliable connectivity through informed selection.
Solution Approach 2:
WLANSP rules act as an intermediary between the network and UE, providing structured information about which SSIDs support which S-NSSAIs. This intermediary mechanism enables the UE to make informed decisions about access network selection without requiring complex real-time queries or assumptions, thus maintaining both operational simplicity and connectivity reliability.
2Speed
If the UE selects a non-3GPP access network without verifying S-NSSAI support, then the selection process is faster, but the adaptability deteriorates because the selected network may not support the required slice
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-configures WLANSP rules containing S-NSSAI lists and preferred SSID lists before the UE needs to connect. This allows the UE to quickly match its required S-NSSAI against pre-provided information, maintaining fast selection speed while ensuring adaptability to the specific slice requirements. The preliminary provision of slice-specific information resolves the speed-adaptability contradiction.
3Device complexity
If the UE uses generic access network selection without slice-specific information, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates because the selection cannot accurately match slice requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a universally complex selection mechanism for all UEs, the solution provides localized slice-specific information through WLANSP rules tailored to each UE's requirements. The UE only needs to match its specific S-NSSAI against the provided preferences, achieving high slice matching precision without increasing overall device complexity. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for access network selection using a selection policy rule with network slice selection assistance information. One apparatus includes a processor and a transceiver that communicates with a mobile communication network via at least one access network. The processor receives at least one WLANSP rule, the at least one WLANSP rule containing a S-NSSAI list and a selection criteria set containing at least one SSID in a preferred SSID list. The processor detects a request to establish a data connection with a first network slice in the mobile communication network over a WLAN access network. The processor selects a first WLAN access network identified by a first SSID based on the at least one WLANSP rule and establishes a data connection with the first network slice in the mobile communication network over the first WLAN access network.