Network slice selection
Network nodes and methods for control thereof for dynamic network slice selection. An AMF receives a UE request originating from the UE, the UE request being any one of a registration request and a session request. A network slice requester controls a transmitter to transmit a network slice selection request to a PC_NSS. A selection data manager of the PC_NSS determines selection data specifying one or more UE specific parameters affecting network slice selection. A network slice selector selects a network slice assignable for the UE, based on the selection data, determines network slice data and a corresponding network slice routing rule, and transmits them to the AMF. A network slice manager of the AMF controls assignment of a network slice to the UE in dependence on the received network slice data and network slice routing rule.
1. A network node configured for use as a Policy Control Network Selection function, PC_NSS, of a telecommunications network, the PC_NSS for selecting one or more network slices assignable for a UE within the telecommunications network, the network node comprising:
a receiver configured to receive a network slice selection request from an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF;
a selection data manager configured to determine selection data specifying at least one UE specific parameter affecting network slice selection;
a network slice selector configured to select a network slice assignable for the UE, based on the selection data, and to determine network slice data identifying the assignable network slice and a corresponding network slice routing rule identifying the assignable network slice and a set of network functions forming the assignable network slice; and
the network slice selector being further configured to control a transmitter to transmit to the AMF the network slice data and the corresponding network slice routing rule for controlling assignment of a network slice for the UE based on the network slice data and network slice routing rule.
2. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the network slice data transmitted via the transmitter comprises an authorized network slice selection assistance information, NSSAI, representing at least one assignable network slice for the UE, and respectively corresponding at least one network slice routing rule.
3. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein each network slice routing rule further comprises a service scope at which the assignable network slide applies, wherein the service scope indicates any one of: a service, a service in a packet data network, PDN, and a service data flow in a PDN.
4. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the network slice routing rule further comprises data indicating at least one of:
at least one condition; and
events specifying when a further network slice selection request should be transmitted to the PC_NSS.
5. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the network slice selector is further configured to control the transmitter to transmit to the AMF redirect data for redirecting assignment of the network slice for the UE to a further AMF, and the network slice selector is configured to determine the redirect data based on whether the assignable network slice is supported by the further AMF.
6. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the selection data manager is configured to determine at least part of the selection data by controlling the transmitter to transmit at least one selection data request to at least one further network node in the telecommunications network, and the receiver is configured to receive the selection data from the at least one further network node.
7. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the selection data further comprises at least one of:
network slice data comprising at least one network slice attribute affecting network slice selection;
a time of day; and
at least one network operator specified condition.
8. A method for controlling a network node configured for use as a Policy Control Network Selection function, PC_NSS, of a telecommunications network, the PC_NSS for selecting one or more network slices assignable for a UE within the telecommunications network, the method comprising:
receiving, by a receiver, a network slice selection request from an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF;
determining, by a selection data manager, selection data specifying at least one UE specific parameter affecting network slice selection;
selecting, by a network slice selector, a network slice assignable for the UE, based on the selection data, and determining, by the network slice selector, network slice data identifying the assignable network slice and a corresponding network slice routing rule identifying the assignable network slice and a set of network functions forming the assignable network slice; and
controlling a transmitter, by the network slice selector, to transmit to the AMF the network slice data and the corresponding network slice routing rule for controlling assignment of a network slice for the UE based on the network slice data and network slice routing rule.