Adaptive network slice selection

Disclosed herein is a method and a function entity for selecting a core network slice (NS), for serving a wireless communication device (WCD) 530 in a core network 500 comprising at least one a Management Function (MF) entity 530 serving the WCD 530 and at least one Repository Function (RF) entity (NRF1, NRF2) serving a plurality of core NSs (NSI #1, NSI #2) each comprising a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities the method being performed by a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity 510 operative in the core network 500, the method comprising: obtaining 612, 616 NSI running status information indicating NSI miming status for each NS to be monitored; receiving 622 a NSI selection request comprising NSI selection information indicating at least one of NS (NSI #1, NSI #2) for serving the WCD and selecting 624, based on the NSI selection information and the NSI running status information, a selected NS (NSI #2) for serving the WCD.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and functions for selecting a core network slice for serving a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system.

BACKGROUND

In Fifth Generation (5G) networks, a Network Slice is introduced as a logical network that provides specific network capabilities and network characteristics. An instance of a network slice (e.g. a network slice instance, NSI) is a set of Network Function (NF) instances and the required resources (e.g., compute, storage, and networking resources) which form a deployed Network Slice. A NF is a 3GPP adopted or 3GPP defined processing function in a network, which has defined functional behaviour and 3GPP defined interfaces. A NF can be implemented either as a network element on dedicated hardware, a software instance funning on a dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized functional instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g., on a cloud infrastructure.

The network slicing concept is used to fulfill rich requirements from various 5G use cases. Various network services with different characteristics can be exposed to third party applications/users/operators as capabilities to enable various new business models. A specific network service can be instantiated in a Network Slice (NS) by means of one or more NFs according to on demand requirements for third party users/operators and the business policy between the network service providers and network the service consumers.

It is expected that there will be many different types of NSs for different usages in future. The relation between specific usage and the network service with special characteristics may be dynamic and flexible to support flexible/agile business model. For example, during initial period of special usage, it is possible that special usage traffic is still served by a common network and/or a common NS for basic network service. With the increased numbers of special users or VIP users, a dedicated network service is instantiated in a dedicated NS to support required features and enable the flexible business model. In addition, as mentioned by 3GPP, usually one default core NS is associated with one or more dedicated core NSs. In case the dedicated core network for the usage is not available or if there is insufficient information for selecting a dedicated NS, a special usage UE can be directed to the default core NS for basic network service, or steered to a dedicated core NS using serving operator specific policies.

In the 5G core network, the core network slice isolation requirement requires that the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) is a single function across all core Network Slices (NSs). With regarding to the NF Repository Function (NRF), a layered NRF structure is defined in 3GPP to assist the NF routing information (e.g. address resolution) in each specific isolated domain. The NSSF is used to select and decide the Network Slice Instances (NSIs) that serves a UE for a specific network service.

SUMMARY

It is noted that the existing method for selecting a Network Slice (NS) for serving a Wireless Communication Device (WCD), e.g. such as a UE, does not consider the availability etc. of a requested or desired NS, particularly not during the slice selection stage. Hence a UE may suffer service disruption in later stage e.g. when setting up a Packet Data Unit (PDU) connection when the Session Management Function (SMF) or User Plane Function (UPF) resources within the selected NS is exhausted. Typically, the availability etc. depends on the running status of the requested or desired NS. Thus, a question is how the running status of potential NSs should be monitored, obtained and taken into account during a NS selection procedure?

One embodiment accomplishes at least a part of this by being directed to a method for selecting a core NS for serving a WCD in a core network comprising at least one Management Function (MF) entity serving the WCD and at least one Repository Function (RF) entity serving a plurality of core NSs each comprising a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities. The method being performed by a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity operative in the core network, the method comprising:obtaining NSI-running-status information indicating NSI-running-status for each NS to be monitored;receiving a NSI-selection request comprising NSI-selection information indicating at least one of NS for serving the WCD;selecting, based on the NSI-selection information and the NSI-running-status information, a selected NS for serving the WCD.

Another embodiment accomplishes at least a part of this by being directed to a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity configured to operatively select a core Network Slice (NS) for serving a wireless communication device (WCD) in a core network, which core network comprises at least one Management Function (MF) entity for serving the WCD and at least one Repository Function (RF) entity for serving a plurality of core NSs each comprising a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities; where said SSF entity comprises at least one processor and memory comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor whereby the SSF entity is operable to:obtain NSI-running-status information indicating NSI-running-status for each NS to be monitored;receive a NSI-selection request comprising NSI-selection information indicating at least one of NS for serving the WCD;select, based on the NSI-selection information and the NSI-running-status information, a selected NS for serving the WCD.

Another embodiment accomplishes at least a part of this by being directed to a method for selecting a core Network Slice (NS) for serving a wireless communication device (WCD) in a core network comprising a plurality of core NSs, each comprising a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities, the method being performed by a Management Function (MF) entity operative in the core network, the method comprising:receiving a registration request originating from the WCD530, which registration request comprises requested NSI-selection information indicating one or more requested NSIs for serving the WCD;sending a NSI-selection request towards a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity, which NSI-selection request comprises NSI-selection information indicating at least one NS for serving the WCD530;receiving a NSI-selection response comprising NSI-selection-information indicating a selected NS for serving the WCD.

Another embodiment accomplishes at least a part of this by being directed to a Management Function (MF) entity configured to operatively select a core Network Slice (NS) for serving a wireless communication device (WCD) in a core network, which core network comprises a plurality of core NSs, each comprising a plurality of Network Function, (NF) entities; where said MF entity comprises at least one processor and memory comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor whereby the MF entity (500) is operable to:receive a registration request originating from the WCD, which registration request comprises requested NSI-selection information indicating one or more requested NSIs for serving the WCD;send a NSI-selection request towards a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity, which NSI-selection request comprises NSI-selection information indicating at least one NS for serving the WCD;receive a NSI-selection response comprising NSI-selection-information indicating a selected NS for serving the WCD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates one example of a wireless communication system100in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The wireless communication system100may be a cellular communications system such as, for example, a 5G New Radio (NR) network or an LTE cellular communications system. As illustrated, in this example, the wireless communication system100includes a plurality of radio access nodes120(e.g., eNBs, 5G base stations which are referred to as gNBs, or other base stations or similar) and a plurality of wireless communication devices140(e.g., conventional UEs, Machine Type Communication (MTC)/Machine-to-Machine (M2M) UEs). The wireless communication system100is organized into cells160, which are connected to a core network180via the corresponding radio access nodes120. The radio access nodes120are capable of communicating with the wireless communication devices140(also referred to herein as wireless communication device140or UEs140) along with any additional elements suitable to support communication between wireless communication devices or between a wireless communication device and another communication device (such as a landline telephone). The core network180includes one or more network node(s) or function(s)210. In some embodiments, the network nodes/functions210may comprise, for example, any of the network functions shown inFIGS. 2-3.

FIG. 2illustrates a wireless communication system200represented as a 5G network architecture composed of core Network Functions (NFs), where interaction between any two NFs is represented by a point-to-point reference point/interface.

Seen from the access side the 5G network architecture shown inFIG. 2comprises a plurality of User Equipment (UEs) connected to either a Radio Access Network (RAN) or an Access Network (AN) as well as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). Typically, the R(AN) comprises base stations, e.g. such as evolved Node Bs (eNBs) or 5G base stations (gNBs) or similar. Seen from the core network side, the 5G core NFs shown inFIG. 2include a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Unified Data Management (UDM), an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), an Application Function (AF).

Reference point representation of the 5G network architecture are used to develop detailed call flows in the normative standardization. The N1 reference point is defined to carry signaling between UE and AMF. The reference points for connecting between AN and AMF and between AN and UPF are defined as N2 and N3, respectively. There is a reference point, N11, between AMF and SMF, which implies that SMF is at least partly controlled by AMF. N4 is used by SMF and UPF so that the UPF can be set using the control signal generated by the SMF, and the UPF can report its state to the SMF. N9 is the reference point for the connection between different UPFs, and N14 is the reference point connecting between different AMFs, respectively. N15 and N7 are defined since PCF applies policy to AMF and SMP, respectively. N12 is required for the AMF to perform authentication of the UE. N8 and N10 are defined because the subscription data of UE is required for AMF and SMF.

The 5G core network aims at separating user plane and control plane. The user plane carries user traffic while the control plane carries signaling in the network. InFIG. 2, the UPF is in the user plane and all other NFs, i.e., AMF, SMF, PCF, AF, AUSF, and UDM, are in the control plane. Separating the user and control planes guarantees each plane resource to be scaled independently. It also allows UPFs to be deployed separately from control plane functions in a distributed fashion. In this architecture, UPFs may be deployed very close to UEs to shorten the Round Trip Time (RTT) between UEs and data network for some applications requiring low latency.

The core 5G network architecture is composed of modularized functions. For example, the AMF and SMF are independent functions in the control plane. Separated AMF and SMF allow independent evolution and scaling. Other control plane functions like PCF and AUSF can be separated as shown inFIG. 2. Modularized function design enables the 5G core network to support various services flexibly.

Each NF interacts with another NF directly. It is possible to use intermediate functions to route messages from one NF to another NF. In the control plane, a set of interactions between two NFs is defined as service so that its reuse is possible. This service enables support for modularity. The user plane supports interactions such as forwarding operations between different UPFs.

FIG. 3illustrates a 5G network architecture using service-based interfaces between the NFs in the control plane, instead of the point-to-point reference points/interfaces used in the 5G network architecture ofFIG. 2. However, the NFs described above with reference toFIG. 2correspond to the NFs shown inFIG. 3. The service(s) etc. that a NF provides to other authorized NFs can be exposed to the authorized NFs through the service-based interface. InFIG. 3the service-based interfaces are indicated by the letter “N” followed by the name of the NF, e.g. Namf for the service-based interface of the AMF and Nsmf for the service-based interface of the SMF etc. The Network Exposure Function (NEF) and the Network Repository Function (NRF) inFIG. 3are not shown inFIG. 2discussed above. However, it should be clarified that all NFs depicted inFIG. 2can interact with the NEF and the NRF ofFIG. 3as necessary, though not explicitly indicated inFIG. 2.

Some properties of the NFs shown inFIGS. 2-3may be described in the following manner. The AMF provides UE-based authentication, authorization, mobility management, etc. A UE even using multiple access technologies is basically connected to a single AMF because the AMF is independent of the access technologies. The SMF is responsible for session management and allocates IP addresses to UEs. It also selects and controls the UPF for data transfer. If a UE has multiple sessions, different SMFs may be allocated to each session to manage them individually and possibly provide different functionalities per session. The AF provides information on the packet flow to PCF responsible for policy control in order to support Quality of Service (QoS). Based on the information, PCF determines policies about mobility and session management to make AMF and SMF operate properly. The AUSF supports authentication function for UEs or similar and thus stores data for authentication of UEs or similar while UDM stores subscription data of UE. The Data Network (DN), not part of the 5G core network, provides Internet access or operator services and similar.

An NF may be implemented either as a network element on a dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on a dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g., a cloud infrastructure.

The Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) shown inFIGS. 2-3is an example of a Slice Selection Function that is configured to operatively select a network slice instance (NSI) or similar in the core network for serving a UE or similar. The NSI selection is preferably done based on Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) associated with a session requested by and/or for a UE or similar. In addition, the NSI selection may be based on other parameters such as e.g. Data Network Name (DNN) associated with the requested session and possibly UE subscription data etc. However, the particular NSSF510shown inFIGS. 5-6is further configured according to embodiments of the present solution to operatively select a NSI for serving a wireless communication device (e.g. a UE) based on the running status of a number of relevant NSIs or similar, as will be further described below with reference toFIGS. 5-6.

Preferably, the Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) comprises selection assistance parameters that can be used by the NSSF510or similar when selecting a NSI for serving the UE or similar with respect to a session requested by the UE or similar. The NSSAI may be a collection of Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAIs). There may be a maximum number S-NSSAIs in a NSSAI that is sent in a signalling message from a UE or similar towards the core network.

An S-NSSAI may e.g. comprise at least one of:A Slice/Service type (SST), which refers to the expected Network Slice behaviour in terms of features and services;A Slice Differentiator (SD), which is optional information that complements the Slice/Service type(s) to differentiate amongst multiple Network Slices of the same Slice/Service type.

The Network Repository Function (NRF) shown inFIGS. 2-3is an example of a Repository Function (RF) that is configured to operatively support service discovery functions etc. In particular, the NRF (or similar RF) is configured to operatively maintain relevant information of NF instances served by the NRF, e.g. such as at least one of the:NF instance IDNF typePLMN ID (i.e. Public Land Mobile Network ID)Network Slice related Identifier(s) e.g. S-NSSAI, NSI IDFQDN or IP address of NFNF capacity informationNames of supported servicesEndpoint information of instance(s) of each supported serviceOther service parameter, e.g., DNN

In the context of Network Slicing, based on network implementation, multiple NRFs can be deployed at different levels:Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) level (the NRF is configured with information for the whole PLMN),shared-slice level (the NRF is configured with information belonging to a set of Network Slices),slice-specific level (the NRF is configured with information belonging to an S-NSSAI).

When deploying a NF instance, the management system (e.g. the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) system) or similar of the network provides the information of the NF instance (e.g. NF type etc.) to the NRF. When the information of the NF instance is changed by the management system or similar provides the changed information to the NRF serving the NF. When the NF instance is removed, the management system or similar deletes the corresponding information of the NF instance in the NRF. However, the particularly Repository Functions (NRF1, NRF2) shown inFIGS. 5-6are further configured according to embodiments of the present solution to operatively determine the running status for one or more NSI(s) served by the NRF in question and then to report the running status(es) to the Service Selection Function500, as will be further described below with reference toFIGS. 5-6.

FIG. 4is a schematic illustration of a relationship between S-NSSAI, NSI and NF. As can be seen inFIG. 4, one S-NSSAI can be supported by multiple NSIs. Further, as can be seen, a NSI typically consist of multiple NFs, possibly with multiple instances such that several NFs of the same type are instantiated in the NSI. The NFs are defined as per 3GPP to fulfil certain functional behaviours. Different set of NFs within one NSI then correspond to various network services with different characteristics. Note, even though no NRF is shown in the figure, as per the definition of TS 23.501, it can be expected that some networks may have one NRF deployed in the same domain as the NSSF, i.e. served at Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) level, while other networks may have one or several NRF deployed within each NSI, i.e. at slice specific level.

FIG. 5shows an exemplifying layout schematically illustrating a method for selecting a core Network Slice Instance (NSI) for serving a wireless communication device (WCD)530(e.g. such as UE1, UE2or UE3) in a core network500. The core network500comprises a plurality of core network slice instances (NSIs), e.g. NSI #1, NSI #2to NSI # n. Each NSI comprises a plurality of Network Functions (NFs), e.g. such as SMF(s) and/or UPF(s) etc. The method is partly performed by a Slice Selection Function (SSF)510, e.g. a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) and partly by a Management Function (MF)520, e.g. an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), both operative in the core network500.

FIG. 6shows an exemplifying signalling diagram illustrating details of the method schematically illustrated inFIG. 5. The method comprises:

Action610. The SSF510may obtain slice-monitoring policy. In some embodiments, this action may be optional. The slice-monitoring policy may indicate the NSIs to be monitored and possibly also the NRF(s) or similar serving the indicated NSIs. It is preferred that the slice-monitoring policy indicates how the NSIs shall be monitored, e.g. indicates the NF types to be monitored in the NSI and/or that the number of NFs (e.g. number of NFs in general or only number of NFs of a particular type or particular types) currently instantiated in the NSI should be monitored and/or that the work load status per NF in the NSI (e.g. workload of NFs in general or only workload of NFs of a particular type or particular types) should be monitored.

The work load status may e.g. correspond to a Key Performance Indicator (KPI). The KPI may e.g. indicate at least one of the following NF properties: the accessibility of the NF, the retainability of the NF, the integrity of the NF, the availability of the NF and/or the mobility performance of the NF.

For example, the SSF510may be locally configured with slice-monitoring policy. For example, the SSF500may obtain slice-monitoring policy from a subscription data management function e.g. such as an Unified Data Management (UDM)540or a similar data base function in the core network500containing slice-monitoring policy. It is preferred that the slice-monitoring policy is configured by a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or similar operating at least a part of the core network500.

Action612. The SSF510sends a NSI-monitoring request towards one or more NRFs or similar serving the NSIs to be monitored. In the example shown inFIGS. 5-6it is assumed that the SSF500sends a first NSI-monitoring request towards a first NRF1serving a first NSI #1and a second NSI-monitoring request towards a second NRF2serving a second NSI #2. However, other embodiments may have only one NRF that serves all NSIs to be monitored. Moreover, some other embodiments may have two (2) or more NRFs that together serve all the NSIs to be monitored. Each NRF may serve a separate subset of the NSIs to be monitored. Each separate subset may comprise one or more NSIs to be monitored. Typically it is sufficient to send one NSI-monitoring request towards each NRF that serve at least one NSI to be monitored, e.g. a separate request to each NRF or a common request to each NRFs.

Preferably, the NSI-monitoring requests are at least partly based on the slice-monitoring policy obtained in Action610. Thus, it is preferred that the NSI-monitoring request indicates the NSI or NSIs to be monitored by the receiving NRF. Also, the NSI-monitoring request may comprise NSI-monitoring policy to be applied to the NSI(s) that shall be monitored by the receiving NRF. Preferably, the NSI-monitoring policy is at least partly based on the slice-monitoring policy obtained in Action610. Thus, the NSI-monitoring-policy may indicate how the NSIs shall be monitored, e.g. indicate the NF types to be monitored and/or that the number of NFs (e.g. number of NFs in general or only number of a particular NF type or particular NF types) currently instantiated in the NSI should be monitored and/or that the work load status per NF in the NSI (e.g. workload of NFs in general or only workload of a particular NF type or particular NF types) should be monitored.

Action614. Each NRF determines, based on the received NSI-monitoring policy and/or based on a locally configured default NSI-monitoring policy, a NSI-running-status for each NSI to be monitored by the NRF in question. In particular, the default NSI-monitoring policy may be used in case no NSI-monitoring policy is received by a NRF. For example, the determining may be done by the NRF requesting the relevant information from the relevant NFs served by the NRF in question, whereupon the NFs respond as requested. The NSI-running status may e.g. comprise the number of NFs currently instantiated in the NSI, e.g. number of NFs in general or the number of NFs of a particular type or particular types, e.g. as indicated by the NSI-monitoring policy. Alternatively or additionally, the NSI-running status may comprise the work load status per NF in the NSI, e.g. workload of NFs in general or only the workload of a particular NF type or particular NF types, e.g. as indicated by the NSI-monitoring policy.

Action616. Each NRF that receives a NSI-monitoring request in Action614sends a NSI-monitoring response towards the SSF510, which is received by the SSF510. The NSI-monitoring response(s) comprises NSI-running-status information indicating the NSI-running-status for each NSI that is monitored by the NRF in question. The NSI-running status may e.g. comprise the number of NFs currently instantiated in the NSI, e.g. number of NFs in general or the number of NFs of a particular type or particular types. Alternatively or additionally, the NSI-running status may comprise the work load status per NF in the NSI, e.g. the workload of NFs in general or only the workload of a particular NF type or particular NF types.

In the example ofFIGS. 5-6it is assumed that the SSF500receives a first NSI-monitoring response from a first NRF1serving a first NSI #1and a second NSI-monitoring response from a second NRF2serving a second NSI #2. Typically one NSI-monitoring response is received from each NRF that serve at least one NSI to be monitored. Each NRF may serve a separate subset of the NSIs to be monitored. Each separate subset may comprise one or more of the NSIs to be monitored. However, other embodiments may have only one NRF that serves all NSIs to be monitored, whereby only one NSI-status response is received by the SSF510.

Action618. The MF520receives a registration request originating from the WCD530or similar. It is preferred that the registration request comprises requested NSI-selection information—e.g. requested Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) or requested Single NSSAI (S-NSSAI) or similar—indicating one or more requested NSI(s) for serving the WCD, e.g. indicating a type of NF requested by the WCD530.

Action620. The MF520may obtain subscribed NSI-selection information for the WCD530, indicating one or more subscribed NSI(s) for serving the WCD. In some embodiments, this action may be optional. Preferably, the subscribed NSI-selection information comprises a subscribed NSSAI or subscribed S-NSSAI or similar indicating one or more subscribed NSI(s) for serving the WCD530, e.g. indicating the type of NF associated with the subscription for the WCD530, which NF type may be instantiated by one or more of monitored NSIs. The subscription information may be preconfigured in the MF520. However, it is preferred that the MF520obtains the subscription information from the core network500, preferably from a subscription data management function, e.g. such as the UDM540or similar. This may be done by sending a subscription information request to the UDM or similar, and then receiving a subscription information reply comprising the subscription information from the UDM or similar. It is preferred that the subscription information is configured by a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or similar operating at least a part of the core network500.

Action622. The MF520sends a NSI-selection request towards the SSF510, which is received by the SSF510. The NSI-selection request comprise NSI-selection information indicating one or more NSI(s) or similar for serving the WCD530, e.g. indicating the type or types of NSIs or similar for serving the WCD530. Preferably, the NSI-selection information indicates at least one of: 1) one or more requested NSI(s); 2) one or more subscribed NSI(s). Preferably, the NSI-selection information comprises the requested NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI. In some embodiments the NSI-selection information comprises the requested S-NSSAI or the subscribed S-NSSAI. In some embodiments, the NSI-selection information comprises both the requested NSSAI and the subscribed NSSAI, or both the requested S-NSSAI and the subscribed S-NSSAI. The NSI-request may comprise further information, e.g. such as the identity or similar of the WCD that originally sent the registration request towards the MF520in action618above.

Action624. The SSF520selects a selected NSI for serving the WCD530based on the NSI-selection information and the NSI-running-status information. Thus, a requested NSI (e.g. indicated by requested NSSAI/S-NSSAI) or a subscribed NSI (e.g. indicated by subscribed NSSAI/S-NSSAI) indicated by the NSI-selection information is preferably selected for serving the WCD530. Similarly, a NSI for serving the WCD530is preferably selected based on the NSI-running-status information, e.g. based on the:types of NFs available in the NSIs that are monitored;number of NFs in general or of a certain type that are instantiated in the NSIs that are monitored;work load status per NF in general or per NF of a certain type that are instantiated in the NSIs that are monitored etc.

For example, if there is a NSI among the monitored NSIs that corresponds to a requested NSI or a subscribed NSI and if this NSI fulfils the criteria applied with respect to the NSI-running-status information, then it is preferred that this NSI is selected for serving the WCD530. Should there be two (2) or more such NSIs among the monitored NSIs, then a selection among those will be done based on further criteria. Should there be no NSI among the monitored NSIs that corresponds to a requested NSI or a subscribed NSI, then a selection among may perhaps be done among the other monitored NSIs provided that they fulfil the criteria applied with respect to the NSI-running-status information.

Action626. The SSF510sends a NSI-selection response towards the MF520serving the WCD530, which is received by the MF520. The response comprises NSI-selection information indicating a selected NSI (e.g. NSI #2) for serving the WCD530. In addition, the NSI-selection information may comprise a selected NSSAI or selected S-NSSA. Preferably, the selected NSSAI/S-NSSAI is a result of the requested NSSAI/S-NSSAI or the subscribed NSSAI/S-NSSAI. Alternatively or additionally, the NSI-selection information may comprise any part of the NSI-running-status information received in Action616for the selected NSI, e.g. the number (e.g. one or more) of a certain NF type currently instantiated in the selected NSI etc.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating action610,612,616,622as performed by the SSF510, e.g. in the form of a NSSF. These actions correspond to the actions with the same reference number610,612,616,622described above with reference toFIGS. 5-6.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating action618,620,622,626performed by the MF520, e.g. in the form of an AMF. These actions correspond to the actions with the same reference number618,620,622,626described above with reference toFIGS. 5-6.

FIG. 9ais a schematic block diagram of a network function20(e.g., core network function such as a NSSF, a AMF, a UPF, a NRF, a UDM, a AUSF or a radio access network function such as a RAN function, etc.) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the network function20includes a control system22that includes circuitry comprising one or more processors24(e.g., Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and/or the like) and memory26. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9a, the control system22also includes a network interface28. In embodiments in which the network function20is a RAN, the network function20also includes one or more radio units30that each include one or more transmitters32and one or more receivers34coupled to one or more antennas36. In some embodiments, the functionality of the network function20described above may be fully or partially implemented in software that is, e.g., stored in the memory26and executed by the processor(s)24.

FIG. 9bis a schematic block diagram of a network function20according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the network function20includes one or more modules38, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s)38provide the functionality of the network function20described herein.

FIG. 10is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a virtualized embodiment of the network function20(e.g., a radio access function12or a network function20) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, a “virtualized” network function36is a network function36in which at least a portion of the functionality of the network function36is implemented as a virtual component (e.g., via a virtual machine(s) executing on a physical processing node(s) in a network(s)). As illustrated, the network function36optionally includes the control system38, as described with respect toFIG. 9b. In addition, if the network function36is the radio access network function12, the network function36also includes the one or more radio units46, as described with respect toFIG. 9a. The control system38(if present) is connected to one or more processing nodes54coupled to or included as part of a network(s)56via the network interface44. Alternatively, if the control system38is not present, the one or more radio units46(if present) are connected to the one or more processing nodes54via a network interface(s). Alternatively, all of the functionality of the network function36(e.g., all of the functionality of the radio access network function12) described herein may be implemented in the processing nodes54. Each processing node54includes one or more processors58(e.g., CPUs, ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, and/or the like), memory60, and a network interface62.

In this example, functions64of the network function36(e.g., the functions of the radio access network function12) described herein are implemented at the one or more processing nodes54or distributed across the control system38(if present) and the one or more processing nodes54in any desired manner. In some particular embodiments, some or all of the functions64of the network function36described herein are implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in a virtual environment(s) hosted by the processing node(s)54. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, additional signaling or communication between the processing node(s)54and the control system38(if present) or alternatively the radio unit(s)46(if present) is used in order to carry out at least some of the desired functions. Notably, in some embodiments, the control system38may not be included, in which case the radio unit(s)46(if present) communicates directly with the processing node(s)54via an appropriate network interface(s).

FIG. 11ais a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device14according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the wireless communication device14includes processing circuitry40comprising one or more processors42(e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs, and/or the like) and memory44. The UE14also includes one or more transceivers46each including one or more transmitters48and one or more receivers50coupled to one or more antennas52. In some embodiments, the functionality of the wireless communication device14described above may be implemented in hardware (e.g., via hardware within the circuitry40and/or within the processor(s)42) or be implemented in a combination of hardware and software (e.g., fully or partially implemented in software that is, e.g., stored in the memory44and executed by the processor(s)42).

FIG. 11bis a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication device14according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The UE14includes one or more modules54, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s)54provide the functionality of the wireless communication device14described herein.

Some embodiments described above can be summarised in the following manner:

One embodiment is directed to a method for selecting a core Network Slice (NS) for serving a Wireless Communication Device (WCD)530in a core network500. The core network500comprises at least one a Management Function (MF) entity530serving the WCD530and at least one Repository Function (RF) entity NRF1, NRF2serving a plurality of core NSs that comprises a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities. The method is performed by a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity510operative in the core network500. The method comprises:obtaining NSI running status information that indicates NSI running status for each NS to be monitored;receiving a NSI selection request comprising NSI selection information indicating at least one of NS for serving the WCD530;selecting, based on the NSI selection information and the NSI running status information, a selected NS for serving the WCD530.

The obtaining may comprise:sending a NSI monitoring request towards each RF that serves at least one NS to be monitored, which request indicates the NSs to be monitored by the particular RF;receiving a NSI monitoring response originating from each RF serving at least one NS to be monitored, which NSI monitoring response comprises NSI information indicating NSI running status for each NS monitored by the particular RF.

The NSI monitoring request may further comprise a NSI monitoring policy indicating how each NS should be monitored by the particular RF.

The method may further comprise: obtaining, from a subscription data management function entity540in the core network500, a slice-monitoring policy indicating at least a part of the NSI monitoring policy for each NSI monitoring request to be sent towards each RF that serves at least one NS to be monitored.

The NSI selection information may comprises at least one of:a requested Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), originating from the WCD530and indicating one or more requested NS types; ora requested Single NSSAI (S-NSSAI) originating from the WCD530and indicating at least one requested NS type; ora subscribed NSSAI originating from a subscription data management function entity540in the core network500and indicating one or more subscribed NS types; ora subscribed S-NSSAI originating from the subscription data management function entity540and indicating at least one requested NS type.

The method may further comprise: sending towards the MF520serving the WCD530, a NSI selection response comprising NSI selection information indicating a selected NS for serving the WCD530.

Another embodiment is directed towards a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity510configured to operatively select a core Network Slice (NS) for serving a wireless communication device (WCD)530in a core network (500). The core network500comprises at least one a Management Function (MF) entity530for serving the WCD530and at least one Repository Function (RF) entity for serving a plurality of core NSs that each comprises a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities. The SSF entity510comprises at least one processor24and memory26comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor24whereby the SSF entity500is operable to:obtain NSI running status information indicating NSI running status for each NS to be monitored;receive a NSI selection request comprising NSI selection information indicating at least one of NS for serving the WCD (530);select, based on the NSI selection information and the NSI running status information, a selected NS for serving the WCD.

The NSI running status information may be obtained by the SSF entity500being operable to:send a NSI monitoring request towards each RF that serves at least one NS to be monitored, which request indicates the NSs to be monitored by the particular RF;receive a NSI monitoring response originating from each RF serving at least one NS to be monitored, which NSI monitoring response comprises NSI information indicating NSI running status for each NS monitored by the particular RF.

The NSI monitoring request may further comprise a NSI monitoring policy indicating how each NS should be monitored by the particular RF.

The SSF entity500may be is further operable to:

obtain, from a subscription data management function entity540in the core network500, a slice-monitoring policy indicating at least a part of the NSI monitoring policy for each NSI monitoring request to be sent towards each RF that serves at least one NS to be monitored.

The NSI-selection information may comprise at least one of:a requested Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) originating from the WCD530and indicating one or more requested NS types; ora requested Single NSSAI (S-NSSAI) originating from the WCD530and indicating at least one requested NS type; ora subscribed NSSAI originating from a subscription data management function entity540in the core network500and indicating one or more subscribed NS types; ora subscribed S-NSSAI originating from the subscription data management function entity540and indicating at least one requested NS type.

The SSF entity500may be further operable to:

send, towards the MF520serving the WCD530, a NSI selection response comprising NSI selection information indicating a selected NS for serving the WCD.

Another embodiment is directed towards a method for selecting a core Network Slice (NS) for serving a wireless communication device (WCD)530in a core network500that comprises a plurality of core NSs, that each comprises a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities. The method is performed by a Management Function (MF) entity530operative in the core network500. The method comprises:receiving a registration request originating from the WCD530, which registration request comprises requested NSI-selection information indicating one or more requested NSIs for serving the WCD530;sending a NSI-selection request towards a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity510, which NSI-selection request comprises NSI selection information indicating at least one NS for serving the WCD530;receiving a NSI-selection response comprising NSI-selection information indicating a selected NS for serving the WCD530.

Another embodiment is directed towards a Management Function (MF) entity530configured to operatively select a core Network Slice (NS) for serving a wireless communication device (WCD)530in a core network500that comprises a plurality of core NSs, that each comprises a plurality of Network Function (NF) entities. The MF entity530comprises at least one processor24and memory26comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor24whereby the MF entity500is operable to:receive a registration request originating from the WCD530, which registration request comprises requested NSI-selection information indicating one or more requested NSIs for serving the WCD530;send a NSI-selection request towards a Slice Selection Function (SSF) entity510, which NSI-selection request comprises NSI selection information indicating at least one NS for serving the WCD530;receive a NSI selection response comprising NSI selection information indicating a selected NS for serving the WCD530.