Dedicated core networks (dcn) selection

Abstract

The invention provides for a method of selecting a Dedicated Core Network (DCN) based on assisting indication by mobile terminals, and including the step of configuring the RAN Nodes of the mobile network with the DCN Types of the serving EPC Nodes so that the RAN Nodes can map the DCN selection assisting information from the connecting mobile terminals with the right dedicated EPC Node. This allows for the RAN Node to connect the mobile terminals with EPC Node of the mobile terminal's dedication at initial attach and then keep the mobile terminals on the same DCN. Thus, a re-routing of mobile terminals NAS message from one EPC Node to another EPC node is avoided. The invention also allows for a flexible and dynamic change of the EPC Nodes dedication based on operator's configuration and policy. Additionally, the invention allows for DCN access restriction control by broadcasting of the supported DCN Types by the RAN Node.

1 . A radio access network node comprising:
 a memory configured to store instructions; and   a processor configured to execute the instructions to:
 receive, from a core network node, an overload message indicating a first network slice, the overload message being based on one of a failure and an overload, 
 receive, from a User Equipment (UE), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message indicating a second network slice, and 
 send, to the UE, when the second network slice comprises the first network slice, a message rejecting the RRC message slice. 
   
     
     
         2 . The radio access network node according to  claim 1 , wherein the message rejecting the RRC message comprises a timer to restrict further RRC message transmission. 
     
     
         3 . A communication method of a radio access network node, the method comprising:
 receiving, from a core network node, an overload message indicating a first network slice, the overload message being based on one of a failure and an overload;   receiving, from a User Equipment (UE), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message indicating a second network slice; and   sending, to the UE, when the second network slice comprises the first network slice, a message rejecting the RRC message.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the message rejecting the RRC message comprises a timer to restrict further RRC message transmission. 
     
     
         5 . A User Equipment (UE) comprising:
 a memory configured to store instructions; and   a processor configured to execute the instructions to:
 send, to a radio access network node, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message indicating a second network slice, wherein the radio access network node receives, from a core network node, an overload message indicating a first network slice, the overload message being based on one of a failure and an overload, and 
 receive, from the radio access network node, when the second network slice comprises the first network slice, a message rejecting the RRC message. 
   
     
     
         6 . The UE according to  claim 5 , wherein the message rejecting the RRC message comprises a timer to restrict further RRC message transmission. 
     
     
         7 . A communication method of a User Equipment (UE), the method comprising:
 sending, to a radio access network node, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message indicating a second network slice, wherein the radio access network node receives, from a core network node, an overload message indicating a first network slice, the overload message being based on one of a failure and an overload; and   receiving, from the radio access network node, when the second network slice comprises the first network slice, a message rejecting the RRC message.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the message rejecting the RRC message comprises a timer to restrict further RRC message transmission. 
     
     
         9 . A communication method for a User Equipment (UE), the method comprising:
 receiving, over a Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) from a radio access network node, access control information related to a first network slice; and   sending, to the radio access network node, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) setup complete message comprising network slice information related to a second network slice,   wherein the radio access network node selects a mobility management node based on the network slice information and sends an initial UE message to the mobility management node.   
     
     
         10 . A communication method in a radio access network node, the method comprising:
 sending, over a Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) to a User Equipment (UE), access control information related to a first network slice;   receiving, from the UE, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) setup complete message comprising network slice information related to a second network slice;   selecting a mobility management node based on the network slice information; and   sending an initial UE message to the mobility management node.