WO2023217733A1

WO2023217733A1 - Apparatuses and methods for network slice pre-emption

Info

Publication number: WO2023217733A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/062191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Srinivas Bandi; Subramanya CHANDRASHEKAR; Srinivasan Selvaganapathy; Saurabh Khare; Malathi PONNIAH
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2022-05-10
Filing date: 2023-05-09
Publication date: 2023-11-16

Abstract

An apparatus includes means for receiving a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice, means for determining from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, and means for, in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communications device indicating that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

Description

APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Field of the disclosure

Example embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program and in particular, but not exclusively to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program which relate to network slices.

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations/access points and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet. In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station or access point, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier.

The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a required standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Another example of an architecture that is known as the long-term evolution (LTE) or the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio- access technology. Another example communication system is so called 5G radio or new radio (NR) access technology.

Summary

According to an aspect, there is provided, an apparatus comprising: means for receiving a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; means for determining from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; and means for, in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communications device indicating that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving prediction information for the communication device with information about the second network slice.

The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and/or at a particular time.

The particular location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas. The location may comprise a cell.

The particular time may be associated with an offset.

The particular time may be associated with a configurable offset.

The apparatus may be provided in a session management function or be a session management function.

According to another aspect, there is provided, an apparatus comprising: means for receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; means for determining that the communication device has an on-going packet data unit session using the first network slice; and means for causing the on-going packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

The packet data session using the second network slice may be created before the on-going packet data unit session is released. The apparatus may comprise means for receiving prediction information for the communication device with information about the second network slice.

The particular location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas.

The location may comprise a cell.

The particular time may be associated with an offset.

The particular time may be associated with a configurable offset.

According to another aspect, there is provided, an apparatus comprising: means for causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be transmitted from the communications device; means for receiving a packet data unit creation context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and means for causing a packet data unit creation context request associated, with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

The packet data unit creation context response may comprise information identifying the second slice.

The packet data unit creation context response may be received in response to a determination, from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and/or at a particular time.

The particular location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas. The packet data unit creation context response may further indicate that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

The first network slice may be configured to utilize a first radio resource at a first location of the communication device and a second radio resource at a second location of the communication device, the first location of the communication device being different than the second location of the communication device.

The communication device may be predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice based on at least one of: an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of the first radio resource at the first location by the first slice, and an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of the second radio resource at the second location by the first slice.

The first radio resource may be different from the second radio resource.

The first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

The apparatus may be provided in the communications device or be the communications device.

According to another aspect, there is provided, an apparatus comprising: means for establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; means for receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and means for causing a packet data unit creation context request, associated with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

The packet data session using the second network slice may be created before the packet data unit session using the first network slice is released.

The packet data unit context release request may comprise information identifying the second network slice.

The packet data unit context release request may be received in response to a determination, from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

The prediction information may indicate that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and/or at a particular time. The particular location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas. The apparatus may be provided in the communications device or be the communications device.

According to another aspect, there is provided, an apparatus comprising: means for using prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice to determine a second network slice for the communication device.

The particular location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas. The apparatus may comprise means for storing information relating to the second network slice.

The apparatus may comprise means for retrieving information relating to the second network slice from a session management function.

The apparatus may be provided in user data management entity or be a user data management entity.

According to another aspect, there is provided, an apparatus comprising: means for determining prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

The means for determining prediction information may identify the one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority or a quality of service associated with the respective network slice.

The means for determining prediction information may identify the one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority and/or quality of service associated with the respective network slice.

The means for determining prediction information may identify the one or more communication devices using the allocation retention priority of the one or more communication devices as compared to one or more other communication devices associated with the respective network slice.

The means for determining prediction information may provide the prediction information for the one or more communication devices associated with the respective network slice, the respective location and, optionally, a respective time.

The respective time may be a timeslot.

The respective location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas.

The means for determining prediction information may determine the prediction information based on at least one of: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the respective area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; or quality of service information associated with the service associated with the network slice.

The means for determining prediction information may determine the prediction information based on: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the respective area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; and/or quality of service information associated with the service associated with the network slice.

The quality of service information may comprise a quality of service indicator.

The means for determining prediction information may determine the predication information based on at least one of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The apparatus may comprise means for causing the prediction information to be provided to one or more of an access management function and a session management function. The means for causing the prediction information to be provided to one or more of the access management functions and the session management function may provide the information in response to a request for the prediction information.

The means for causing the prediction information to be provided to one or more of the access management functions and the session management function may push the information the access management function and the session management function.

The apparatus may be provided in an analytics function or be an analytics function. The analytics function may a be a network data analytics function or a management data analytics service function.

According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

The apparatus may comprise means for causing a request for the prediction information to be sent, said predication information being received in response to the request for the predication information.

The prediction information may be pushed to the apparatus.

The apparatus may be an access management function or provided in an access management function. The apparatus may be a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity. The apparatus may be a base station or provided in a base station. The base station may for example be a gNB.

According to another aspect, there is provided, a method comprising: receiving a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; determining from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; and in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communications device indicating that the communication device is to use a second network slice. The method may comprise receiving prediction information for the communication device with information about the second network slice.

The location may comprise a cell.

The particular time may be associated with an offset.

The particular time may be associated with a configurable offset.

The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in a session management function or be a session management function.

According to another aspect, there is provided, a method comprising: receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; determining that the communication device has an on-going packet data unit session using the first network slice; and causing the on-going packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

The packet data session using the second network slice may be created before the on-going packet data unit session is released

The method may comprise receiving prediction information for the communication device with information about the second network slice.

The particular time may be associated with an offset.

The particular time may be associated with a configurable offset.

The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in a session management function or be a session management function. According to another aspect, there is provided, a method comprising: causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be transmitted from the communications device; receiving a packet data unit creation context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and causing a packet data unit creation context request, associated with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

The first radio resource may be different from the second radio resource.

The first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in the communications device or be the communications device. According to another aspect, there is provided, a method comprising: establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

The method may comprise creating the packet data session using the second network before the packet data unit session using the first network slice is released.

The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in the communications device or be the communications device.

According to another aspect, there is provided, a method comprising: using prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice to determine a second network slice for the communication device.

The particular location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas. The method may comprise storing information relating to the second network slice. The method may comprise retrieving information relating to the second network slice from a session management function.

The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in user data management entity or be a user data management entity.

According to another aspect, there is provided, a method comprising: determining prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

The method may comprise determining prediction information by identifying the one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority or a quality of service associated with the respective network slice.

The method may comprise determining prediction information by identifying the one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority and/or quality of service associated with the respective network slice.

The method may comprise determining prediction information by identifying the one or more communication devices using the allocation retention priority of the one or more communication devices as compared to one or more other communication devices associated with the respective network slice.

The method may comprise providing the prediction information for the one or more communication devices associated with the respective network slice, the respective location and optionally a respective time.

The respective time may be a timeslot.

The method may determine the prediction information based on at least one of: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the respective area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; and quality of service information associated with the service associated with the network slice. The method may comprise determining the prediction information based on: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the respective area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; and/or quality of service information associated with the service associated with the network slice.

The quality of service information may comprise a quality of service indicator.

The method may comprise determining prediction information based on at least one of artificial intelligence and machine learning..

The method may comprise causing the prediction information to be provided to one or more of an access management function and a session management function.

The method may comprise providing the prediction information to one or more of the access management functions and the session management function in response to a request for the prediction information.

The method may comprise pushing the prediction information to one or more of the access management functions and the session management function.

The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in an analytics function or be an analytics function. The analytics function may a be a network data analytics function or a management data analytics service function.

According to another aspect, there is provided method comprising receiving prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

The method may comprise causing a request for the prediction information to be sent, said predication information being received in response to the request for the predication information.

The prediction information may be pushed to the apparatus. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be an access management function or provided in an access management function. The apparatus may be a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity. The apparatus may be a base station or provided in a base station. The base station may for example be a gNB.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; determine from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; and in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, cause a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communications device indicating that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive prediction information for the communication device with information about the second network slice.

The location may comprise a cell.

The particular time may be associated with an offset.

The particular time may be associated with a configurable offset.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice; determine that the communication device has an on-going packet data unit session using the first network slice; and cause the on-going packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

The packet data session using the second network slice may be created before the on-going packet data unit session is released.

The location may comprise a cell.

The particular time may be associated with an offset.

The particular time may be associated with a configurable offset.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: cause a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be transmitted from the communications device; receive a packet data unit creation context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and cause a packet data unit creation context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be transmitted from the communications device. The packet data unit creation context response may comprise information identifying the second slice.

The packet data unit creation context response may further indicate that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

The first radio resource may be different from the second radio resource.

The first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: establish a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; receive a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and cause a packet data unit creation context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be transmitted from the communications device.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: use prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be preempted from the first network slice to determine a second network slice for the communication device.

The particular location may be, for example, one or more cells, one or more cell tracking areas, one or more slice serving areas, or a part of one or more slice serving areas. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: store information relating to the second network slice.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: retrieve information relating to the second network slice from a session management function.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: determine prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine prediction information by identifying the one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority or a quality of service associated with the respective network slice.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine prediction information by identifying the one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority and/or quality of service associated with the respective network slice.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine prediction information by identifying the one or more communication devices using the allocation retention priority of the one or more communication devices as compared to one or more other communication devices associated with the respective network slice.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: provide the prediction information for the one or more communication devices associated with the respective network slice, the respective location and optionally a respective time.

The respective time may be a timeslot.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine prediction information based on at least one of: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the respective area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; or quality of service information associated with the service associated with the network slice.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine prediction information based on: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the respective area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; and/or quality of service information associated with the service associated with the network slice.

The quality of service information may comprise a quality of service indicator.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine the prediction information based on at least one of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to cause the prediction information to be provided to one or more of an access management function and a session management function. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: provide the prediction information to one or more of the access management function and the session management function in response to a request for the prediction information.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: push the prediction information to the access management function and the session management function.

According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: cause a request for the prediction information to be sent, said predication information being received in response to the request for the predication information.

The prediction information may be pushed to the apparatus.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

In another aspect there is provided a computer program embodied on a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer program comprising program code for providing any of the above methods.

In another aspect there is provided a computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of any of the previous methods, when said product is run.

A computer program comprising program code means adapted to perform the method(s) may be provided. The computer program may be stored and/or otherwise embodied by means of a carrier medium.

In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

Brief Description of the Figures

Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a plurality of base stations and a plurality of communication devices;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

Figure 4 shows an example 5G NR architecture suitable for implementing some example embodiments;

Figure 5 shows a get procedure for an AMF/SMF (session management function/access management function) to obtain UE subscription data from a UDM (user data management);

Figure 6 which shows a signalling flow for a synchronous method;

Figure 7 which shows a signalling flow for an asynchronous method. Figures 8a and 8b show a schematic representation of a signalling diagram of a process for establishing a packet data unit session as per Figure 4.3.2.2.1-1 from TS 23.502;

Figure 9 shows a signal flow for redirection to a secondary slice at the time of PDU (packet data unit) session establishment;

Figures 10a and 10b show a schematic representation of a signalling diagram of a process for modifying a packet data unit session as per Figure 4.3.3.2-1 from TS 23.502;

Figure 11 shows a signal flow for redirection to a secondary slice for an ongoing PDU session;

Figure 12a which shows the use case scenario where network slices use different radio resources for different areas for some initial conditions;

Figure 12b which shows the use case scenario where network slices use different radio resources for different areas after a period of time;

Figure 13 shows a first method performed by an apparatus;

Figure 14 shows a second method performed by an apparatus;

Figure 15 shows a third method performed by an apparatus;

Figure 16 shows a fourth method performed by an apparatus;

Figure 17 shows a fifth method performed by an apparatus;

Figure 18 shows a sixth method performed by an apparatus;

Figure 19 shows a seventh method performed by an apparatus and

Figure 20 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Figures 13 to 19.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 2 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

In a wireless communication system 100, such as that shown in Figure 1 , mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one access point or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. An access point or base station is referred to as a Node B or generally NB (for example an eNB in LTE and gNB in 5G NR). Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus, so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. The controller apparatus may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central apparatus or its functionality may be distributed over several apparatus. In Figure 1 control apparatus 108 and 109 are shown to control the respective macro level base stations 106 and 107.

In Figure 1 base stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communications network 113 via gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

The smaller base stations (or relay nodes or RN) 116, 118 and 120 may also be connected to the network 113, for example by a separate gateway function and/or via the controllers of the macro level stations. The base stations 116, 118 and 120 may be pico orfemto level base stations or the like. In the example, station 118 is connected via a gateway 111 whilst station 120 connects via the controller apparatus 108. The station 116 may be connected via station 107. In some example embodiments, the smaller stations may not be provided.

A possible communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. The communication device 200 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, a Cellular Internet of things (CloT) device or any combinations of these or the like. A communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, machine data and so on. Services may be provided via the communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. A user may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

The communications device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

A communications device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204.

Optionally, a user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as keypad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally, one or more of a display 208, a speaker and a microphone may be provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may optionally comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

An example apparatus is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example of an apparatus provided in any of the various functions discussed later in relation to any one or more of Figures 13 to 19. The apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. The control apparatus 300 or processor 302/303 can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide the control functions. The memory may comprise at least one random access memory and/or at least on read only memory. The apparatus may provide a machine learning/artificial intelligence function in some example embodiments.

An example of wireless communication systems are architectures standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The currently being developed 3GPP based development, release 15, is often referred to as the 5G or NR standards part of long term evolution (LTE) or LTE Advanced Pro of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. Other examples of radio access system comprise those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). It should be understood that example embodiments may also be used with later standards.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS). The 5GS may comprises a terminal, a 5G radio access network (5GRAN), a 5G core network (5GCN), one or more application function (AF) and one or more data networks (DN).

The 5GRAN may comprise one or more gNodeB (GNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (GNB) centralized unit functions.

The 5GCN may comprise an access management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a user data management (UDM), a user plane function (UPF) and/or a network exposure function (NEF). The 5GCN may also comprise a network slice selection function (NSSF) and/or a policy control function (PCF), although they are not represented.

The 5GC 106 also comprises a network data analytics function (NWDAF). The NWDAF is responsible for providing network analytics information upon request from one or more network functions or apparatus within the network. Network functions can also subscribe to the NWDAF to receive information therefrom. Accordingly, the NWDAF is also configured to receive and store network information from one or more network functions or apparatus within the network. The data collection by the NWDAF may be performed based on at least one subscription to the events provided by the at least one network function.

The network may further comprise a management data analytics service (MDAS) producer or MDAS Management Service (MnS) producer. The MDAS MnS producer may provide data analytics in the management plane considering parameters including, for example, load level and/or resource utilization. For example, the MDAS MnS producer for a network function (NF) may collect the NF’s load-related performance data, e.g., resource usage status of the NF. The analysis of the collected data may provide forecast of resource usage information in a predefined future time window. This analysis may also recommend appropriate actions e.g., scaling of resources, admission control, load balancing of traffic, and so forth.

Network Slices are logical entities which are split on the resource level to provide an end-to-end service. Each network slice connects to different network function optimizations. Network slices may be set up either to serve different sets of use cases or to serve the same service but for different set of users. For example a UE may have a first network slice between the UE and a UPF for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and a second network slice between the UE and a different UPF for ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). The respective network slices are from the UE to the respective UPF via the access node.

5GS supports user access to one or more applications. When, a user requests an application (service), the network maps to a slice fulfilling application SLA (service level agreement). The user service is mapped to a corresponding slice and this mapping is done as part of the URSP (UE Route Selection Policy) rules in a UE.

Consider the following scenario. The UE establishes a PDU (packet data unit) session with slice mapping as per URSP rules. If there is network congestion, a specific slice in a target area may be oversubscribed or have too many registered UEs, or the like. The ongoing bearers may be pre-empted based on the ARP (Allocation and Retention Priority) value. The UE tries to re-establish the connection again with the same or next preferred slice as defined by the URSP rules, which might result in call not getting established or established with a reduced SLA. This may result in a poor QoE(Quality of Experience).

This issue may be exacerbated when lots of UEs are gathered in a common area, for example due to an event. For example, 50,000 people/UEs may be gathered in a stadium.

Some example embodiments may aim to address one or more of these issues.

Some example embodiments may provide a better QoE for some UEs by providing an alternate slice.

In some example embodiments, this may be done in two steps.

Firstly, analytics is used to predict the vulnerable UEs that may be pre-empted. The analytics may predict the vulnerable UEs that may be pre-empted and the time of the day in a particular location. The particular location may be one or more cells, one or more tracking areas, or one or more slice serving areas. The particular location may alternatively be a part of one or more slice serving areas. . This pre-emption may be due to relatively high ARP (Allocation and Retention Priority) bearer requests from other users. In some embodiments this may be done at the NWDAF and/or MDAS and/or any other suitable network analytics function. This may be done using Al (artificial intelligence) I ML (machine learning) processes. The vulnerable UEs may be identified in any suitable way. For example, they may be identified using one or more of ARP and QoS (quality of service).

Secondly, the UEs may be configured with an alternate slice. The UEs may be configured with the alternate slice prior to or during the predicted pre-emption time for those UEs.

In some example embodiments, the UE will thus use the alternate slice during the predicted pre-emption time. This may avoid the user losing the connection with first slice and hence having a relatively poor user experience.

In some example embodiments, the 5G systems will provide analytics at the NWDAF/MDAS to predict one vulnerable UEs that may use a specific slice and specific 5QI for a specific time slot for which QoS flows may be pre-empted. This prediction may be performed for each cell of the gNB/RAN.

One or more of the following inputs are considered to derive the prediction: o UE mobility and communication analytics (e.g., per cell)

This may be any UE communication analytics that can be used to predict aggregate UE communications in terms of a traffic pattern generated by applications used by UEs in the specific area of interest from different slices during different times. This may be from all the applications used by all the UEs in the specific area of interest from different slices during different times. The area of interest may be one or more cells, one or more tracking areas, or one or more slice serving areas. The particular location may alternatively be a part of one or more slice serving areas. This may be any UE mobility analytics that can be used to predict the geographical area, e.g., TA or cells, where the UE or UE group may move into at different times. o Relevant UE's subscription data. For example, this may be one or more of subscribed slices, the subscribed applications, its associated 5QI(5G QoS Identifier) and its usage). Analytics may be used to predict all the UEs that may be present in a specific area. The NWDAF or other analytics function may use one or more of mobility analytics of a group of UEs, events information from the QAM (operations administration and management) and/or AF, and UE subscription data of the relevant UEs. The UE subscription data of the UEs that may be present in the area of interest may need to be retrieved from a data store. The data store may be the UDM. This subscription information may contain the subscribed S-NSSAI list and/or, a restricted area and/or the like. The NWDAF or other analytics function may use a Presence in AOI (area of interest) report at the AMF. The AMF may report if UEs enter and leave the specified area. o From one or more MnSs (management services), which can provide PM/KPI (performance management/key performance indicator) data related to a Cell performance KPI.

This may be aggregated calls which are dropped/failed at an area of interest (e.g., TAs/cells) from one slice to other slice, e.g. number of call drops/fail at TA1/TA2 mobility for slice x : X1 Alternatively or additionally, this may be the number of times a preconfigured congestion threshold is reached o QoS Sustainability Analytics. This may be per cell per slice per 5QI. This may include the 5Qls pre-emption information with a timestamp. This may be based on the ARP.

The output which is provide may be information about vulnerable UEs. This may be per cell, per timeslot, per slice and/or per 5QI.

It should be noted that the analytics can be made available based on a request/response (pull method) and/or a subscribe once and notify the clients periodically (push method) when there is a change.

The usage of secondary slice is configured in the UDM or other user data function. The UDM may store information relating to the second slice that can be retrieved from the SMF to take a decision. This may be based on the consent of the UE. For example, for UE1 , Nokia Slicel is a primary slice, and the secondary slice would be Broadband Slice2. It may be added as a slice SLA. In this example, Broadband Slice2 may be a secondary slice to Nokia Slice 1 .

The UDM/UDR or similar functions provides this information (secondary slice mapping) to the AMF and/or SMF.

The AMF provides the secondary slice details to the base station, e.g. the gNB.

The base station may use this information at the time of congestion (in a reactive manner) to choose a better RAN slice.

The SMF may subscribe to the analytics prediction as discussed previously.

The NWDAF or other analytics function may provide a notification with information about one or more of UEs, core slice IDs and QoS flow IDs that may be pre-empted. This may be provided along with the associated time period.

At the time of UE registration, the SMF may reject the PDU session creation request. The SMF may reject the PDU session creation request based on a UE QoS sustainability analytics report, (such as described previously). The SMF may reject the PDU session creation request if the UE is one of the vulnerable UEs in the current time period or in near future time. For example, this may be configured with predicted time +/- a defined margin. This margin may be of the order of 30 minutes but this will depend on the circumstances.

The time offset period may be configurable in some example embodiments. This time offset can be operator configurable to have control over minimum time before I after the prediction time to mark UE as vulnerable. In other example embodiments, the time offset period may be a system default value.

This configuration performed may be performed as part of an initial configuration or the configuration may be performed as part of a dynamic configuration. This configuration may be done by the operator.

In some example embodiments, the duration of the offset may be based on the analytics prediction confidence associated with the time period.

The SMF may send the PDU session creation response with a SM (session management) cause to instruct UE to use the secondary slice. This may provide a better QoE for the UE as an unexpected pre-emption is avoided and the alternate slice is given.

In case where the PDU sessions are already on-going and if the SMF receives the UE QoS Sustainability Analytics Report, then the SMF may dynamically release the PDU Session request to the UE with a cause to switch to the secondary slice. Upon receiving the request, the UE switches to secondary slice. The UE may then send the PDU Session Release ACK. This way service continuity may be enabled and a better QoE achieved.

In an alternative procedure for switchover, the SMF may inform the PCF about the vulnerability. This may be upon receipt and optionally further analysis of UE QoS sustainability report by the SMF.

The PCF updates the slice information. This may be by updating the URSP rule for the defined time interval (triggering part). This may use a procedure to update the slice information in UE. This may use a UE parameter update procedure I UE Configuration Update (NAS- non access stratum) procedure.

For the NWDAF or other analytics function to provide analytics information related to vulnerable UEs whose QoS flows can be pre-empted, some example embodiments provide an analytics ID. That ID is referred to as UE QoS Sustainability Analytics may be provided. Those parameters that are required to perform analytics to predict the list of UEs whose QoS flows may be pre-empted may be monitored as a part of this service.

Some example information to be collected for monitoring by NWDAF as a part of this service is as per below table.

Thus, example embodiments may collect UE subscription information as set out above. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, not all of the information set out in this table is required. In some example embodiments, alternative information may alternatively or additionally be used.

The output of the analytics may be the predicted values for the parameters below.

Some example embodiments may provide enhancements procedures to use the secondary slice. These slices may be 3GPP procedures or any other suitable procedure. Slice provision: Slice configurations at the network level are provisioned with secondary slice as backup slice as an optional entity.

In some example embodiments, the PLMN information and/or RRM (radio resource management) Policy member for a UE may comprise the PLMN ID, the sNSSAI information (the primary slice) and secondary sNSSAI information (the secondary slice). For example, this information may be summarised as set out below. This may be a modification of the information currently provided in TS 28.541 .

The configured secondary slice may be used as alternative slice at the time of congestion (re-active or predictive scenarios) and may provide a better QoE to the user. The UE subscription information may enable the use of the secondary slice. This information is provided in the UDM. The UE subscription database may be in the UDM.

The AMF and/or SMF may learn about UE subscription data as part of a Nudm_SDM_Get procedure from UDM. This is illustrated in Figure 5. The AMF or SMF sends a get request which is sent to the UDM. This request may request the subscribed primary slices (S-NSSAIs) and the secondary slices. The response from the UDM will provided information about the subscribed primary slices (S-NSSAIs) and the secondary slices,

The AMF updates the UE context details to the gNB to enable secondary slice mapping over a NG-AP (NG application protocol) (Initial context message) procedure as part of UE registration procedure.

The AMF updates the UE context details to the PCF to enable secondary slice mapping over the updated UE policy association establishment procedure as part of UE registration procedure.

The UE QoS Sustainability Analytics report is provided to the SMF. The SMF may get the UE QoS Sustainability Analytics described previously either via a synchronous procedure (e.g. a GET procedure) or via an asynchronous procedure (subscription) from NWDAF component.

Reference is made to Figure 6 which shows the signalling flow for the synchronous method. The SMF will send an analytics information request to the NWDAF. This may include the analytics ID - UE QoS sustainability analytics. This may be a Nnwdaf_Analyticslnfo_Request. The NWDAF will respond to the SMF with the requested analytics report. This may be a Nnwdaf_Analyticslnfo_Response.

Reference is made to Figure 7 which shows the signalling flow for the asynchronous method. The SMF will send an analytics information subscription request to the NWDAF. This may include the analytics ID - UE QoS sustainability analytics. This may be a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request. The NWDAF will respond to the SMF with the requested analytics report when there are changes to pushed to the SMF. This may be a Nnwdaf_Analyticslnfo_Response.

Figures 8a and 8b show a schematic representation of a signalling diagram of a process for establishing a packet data unit session as per Figure 4.3.2.2.1-1 from TS 23.502. Reference is made to Figure 9 which shows how some example embodiments may be used in conjunction with a signal flow such as shown in Figure 8a and 8b. In this example, there is forceful redirection to the secondary slice at the time of PDU session establishment.

1. The NWDAF provides to the SMF the UE QoS sustainability Analytics report.

2. The SMF receives a PDU session create request from the UE routed via AMF. This may be a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request. (This corresponds to step 3 of Figure 8a). The SMF checks if the PDU session is vulnerable for specific slice. This is based on the analytics report. A vulnerability can be determined based on location, time, and/or mobility pattern.

3. If the PDU session is found to be vulnerable, the SMF will instruct UE to use the secondary slice. The SMF will provide a PDU session create response with a SM cause which instruct the UE to use the secondary slice. This may be a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response. (This corresponds to step 5 of Figure 8a)

4. UE retries to create the new PDU session with secondary slice. This will be successful and may provide a better QoE. Effectively steps 1 to 5 of Figure 8a are carried out but using the secondary slice ID. (One or more of those steps may be omitted).

Figures 10a and 10b show a schematic representation of a signalling diagram of a process for modifying a packet data unit session as per Figure 4.3.3.2-1 from TS 23.502. Figure 11 which shows how some example embodiments may be used in conjunction with a signal flow such as shown in Figure 10a and 10b. In this example, there is dynamic redirection to the secondary slice for an ongoing PDU session.

1. The UE has established a PDU session with primary slice. This may have used at least some of the steps of the signal flow shown in Figure 8a and 8b.

2. The SMF receives the UE QoS sustainability Analytics report from the NWDAF. The SMF checks the ongoing PDU sessions to identify any vulnerable PDU sessions.

3. The SMF initiates a PDU session release request. This may be a with cause to switch to a secondary slice. The PDU session release request may be a Nsmf_PDUSession_Release request.

4. The UE to establish new PDU session with secondary slice before acknowledging the PDU session release request. This ensures “make before break” for application service and better QoE for user. 5. After the new PDU session with secondary slice has been established, the UE sends a PDU session release acknowledgment to the RAN. This may correspond to step 8 of Figure 10b. The PDU session release procedure with primary slice ID is performed.

In a one modification for a switchover, the SMF can inform PCF about the vulnerability upon receipt and/or further analysis of the UE QoS sustainability report.

The PCF updates using the URSP rule in the defined time interval (triggering part). The procedure to update the slice information in the UE (e.g. the UE Parameter update Procedure and/or the UE Configuration Update (NAS) procedure) will include information relating the second slice.

Some example embodiments may provide a better QoE to a user by enabling pro-active redirection to a secondary slice instead of service breakdown due to preemption.

Some example embodiments may provide a procedure which enables an opportunity to have “make before break” for service continuity.

Some example embodiments may be used with uniform slice deployment across the cells in a Tracking Area (TA), i.e. , meaning that all the cells that belong to this TA shall support a particular slice with the same resource allocation.

However, some example embodiments may be used in dynamic slicing scenarios.

A TA can support non-uniform slices across cells, i.e., a slice can be deployed in selected subset of cells that belong to a particular TA.

The same slice can use distinct set of resources, i.e., a different frequency bands in each TA.

If a Network Slice, S-NSSAI, is configured to be available only in TAs covering specific dedicated frequency band(s), then there may be a need to redirect the UE to the dedicated frequency band(s) when such S-NSSAI is requested. This redirection can be optimized using the methods of some example embodiments, such as previously described.

Reference is made to Figure 12a which shows the use case scenario where network slices use different radio resources for different areas with the initial conditions. In this example, it is assumed that UE A1 has a subscription to slice M and UEs A2, A3 and A4 have subscription to slice N. Frequency F1 is used at all areas. Frequency F2 is available only at area around GB, e.g. in a highly populated area. Due to high demand of applications related to Slice N, at the area around GB, frequency F2 is dedicated to serve the network slice N, and F1 is dedicated to serve other network slices such as network slice M.

The following is a service flow for UEs A1 and A2 which move from area GA to area GC:

UE A1 and A2 are serviced with network slices over F1 at area GA.

UE A1 continues to be serviced with network slice M over F1 toward area GB. Because F1 at area GB does not support slice N, the network moves the UE A2 to F2 to provide service continuity for network slice N from the area near GD. While the frequency used for Slice N changes, the service interruption to applications over Slice N is minimized.

UE A1 continues to be serviced with network slice M over F1 toward area GC. UE A2 moves back to F1 to get network slice N from as the UE moves along from GB to GC. While the frequency used for Slice N changes, the interruption to application over Slice N is minimized.

The following is service flow for UE A3 which is stationary at area GD:

UE A3 is located at the boundary area where the used frequencies for a network slice N differ. To prevent unnecessary power consumption, service interruption and increased signalling, frequency change between F1 and F2 needs to be minimized, when the UE A3 is serviced with network slice N.

The following is a service flow for UE A4 which moves from area GA to area GB:

UE A4 is serviced with network slice N over F1 at area GA. When application ends, the user of UE A4 switches off the UE A4.

While the UE A4 is switched off, the user moves from the area GA to the area GB.

When the user arrives at the area GB, the user turns on the UE A4 and starts finding cells, beginning with F1 which is the last used frequency.

The UE A4 finds out that F1 does not support Slice N. In the end, the UE access cells on F2 and gets service for network slice N over F2 at area GB.

The end result of this is shown in Figure 12b. As can be seen the non-uniform slices across cells/TA, may increase the chances of problem occurrences (ongoing bearers are pre-empted based on ARP value). Some example embodiments may mitigate this. A method of some example embodiments will now be described with reference to Figure 13. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may, for example, be as shown in Figure 3. The apparatus may be provided in a session management function or be a session management function.

In A1 , the method comprises receiving a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice.

In A2, the method comprises determining from prediction information associated with the communication device that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

In A3, the method comprises in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communications device indicating that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

A method of some example embodiments will now be described with reference to Figure 14. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may, for example, be as shown in Figure 3. The apparatus may be provided in a session management function or be a session management function.

In B1 , the method comprises receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

In B2, the method comprises determining that the communication device has an on-going packet data unit session using the first network slice.

In B3, the method comprises causing the on-going packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

A method of some example embodiments will now be described with reference to Figure 15. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may, for example, be as shown in Figure 2 and/or Figure 3. The apparatus may be provided in a communications device or be a communications device.

In C1 , the method comprises causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be transmitted from the communications device. In C2, the method comprises receiving a packet data unit creation context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice.

In C3, the method comprises causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be transmitted from the communications device.

A method of some example embodiments will now be described with reference to Figure 16. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may, for example, be as shown in Figure 2 and/or Figure 3. The apparatus may be provided in a communications device or be a communications device.

In D1 , the method comprises establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice.

In D2, the method comprises receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice.

In D3, the method comprises causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with the communication device and the second network slice to be transmitted from the communications device.

A method of some example embodiments will now be described with reference to Figure 17. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may, for example, be as shown in Figure 2. The apparatus may be provided in a user data management entity or be a user data management entity.

In E1 , the method comprises using prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice to determine a second network slice for the communication device.

A method of some example embodiments will now be described with reference to Figure 18. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may, for example, be as shown in Figure 2. The apparatus may be provided in an analytics function or be an analytics function.

In F1 , the method comprises determining prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice providing an associated service and a respective location are predicted to be preempted from the respective network slice. A method of some example embodiments will now be described with reference to Figure 19. The method may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may, for example, be as shown in Figure 2. The apparatus may be an access management function or provided in an access management function. The apparatus may be a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity. The apparatus may be a base station or provided in a base station. The base station may for example be a gNB.

In G1 , the method comprises receiving prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

Where the apparatus is provided by access management function or provided in an access management function, the predication information may be provided by a SMF.

Where the apparatus is provided in a radio access network entity or provided in a radio access network entity, the predication information may be provided by an AMF.

Where the apparatus is provided in a base station or provided in a base station, the predication information may be provided by an AMF.

Figure 20 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1400a (e.g. computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 1400b (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and/or parameters 1402 which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Figures 13 to 19.

It is noted that while the above-described example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure.

It will be understood that although the above concepts have been discussed in the context of a 5GS, one or more of these concepts may be applied to other cellular systems.

Although the predicted pre-emption time has been described herein in terms of, e.g., a time of day in each cell, a time period within the analytics target period that the analytics applies to, a specific time slot for which QoS flows may be pre-empted, other implementations of the predicted pre-emption time may alternatively or additionally be used. In some example embodiments, the predicted pre-emption time may alternatively or additionally indicate one or more of a time at which the predicted preemption begins, a time at which the predicted pre-emption ends, a time during the predicted pre-emption, among others. Additionally or alternatively, the predicted preemption time may indicate a time offset (e.g., safety offset) from predicted pre-emption time which the predicted pre-emption time is intended to begin and/or end. Additionally or alternatively, the predicted pre-emption time may indicate one or more instances when the predicted pre-emption time is predicted to occur again (e.g., periodically, aperiodcially, etc.).

In some of the examples described, reference has been made to a UE. It should be appreciated that any other suitable communication device can alternatively be used. The communication device may for example be any of the communication devices discussed previously in relation to Figure 2.

The example embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some example embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. While various example embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The example embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures, e.g., as in Figures 11 to 13, may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Alternatively or additionally, some example embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and/or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and/or in the communications device.

As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and/or digital circuitry);

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as:

(i) a combination of analogue and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device.

The foregoing description has provided, by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples, a full and informative description of some example embodiments. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the example embodiments. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope of the example embodiments.

Claims

1 . An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; means for determining from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; and means for, in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communications device indicating that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

2. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; means for determining that the communication device has an on-going packet data unit session using the first network slice; and means for causing the on-going packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the packet data session using the second network slice is created before the on-going packet data unit session is released.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising receiving prediction information for the communication device with information about the second network slice.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the prediction information indicates that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and/or at a particular time.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the particular time is associated with a configurable offset.

7. An apparatus comprising: means for causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be transmitted from the communications device; means for receiving a packet data unit creation context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and means for causing a packet data unit creation context request, associated with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the packet data unit creation context response comprises information identifying the second slice.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the packet data unit creation context response is received in response to a determination, from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the prediction information indicates that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and/or at a particular time.

11 . The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the packet data unit creation context response further indicates that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 11 , wherein the first network slice is configured to utilize a first radio resource at a first location of the communication device and a second radio resource at a second location of the communication device, the first location of the communication device being different than the second location of the communication device.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice based on at least one of: an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of the first radio resource at the first location by the first slice, and an allocation and retention priority value associated with utilization of the second radio resource at the second location by the first slice.

14. The apparatus as claimed in 13, wherein the first radio resource is the different from the second radio resource.

15. The apparatus as claimed in 13, wherein the first radio resource is the same as the second radio resource.

16. An apparatus comprising: means for establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; means for receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and means for causing a packet data unit creation context request, associated with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the packet data session using the second network slice is created before the packet data unit session using the first network slice is released.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein packet data unit context release request comprises information identifying the second network slice.

19. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the packet data unit context release request is received in response to a determination, from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the prediction information indicates that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice when the communication device is associated with a particular location and/or at a particular time.

21 . An apparatus comprising: means for using prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice to determine a second network slice for the communication device.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the prediction information indicates that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice based on the communication device being associated with a particular location and/or at a particular time.

23. An apparatus comprising: means for determining prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the means for determining prediction information identifies the one or more communication devices using at least one of an allocation retention priority or quality of service associated with the respective network slice.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the means for determining prediction information identifies the one or more communication devices using the allocation retention priority of the one or more communication devices as compared to one or more other communication devices associated with the respective network slice.

26. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the means for determining prediction information provides the prediction information for the one or more communication devices associated with the respective network slice, the respective location and optionally a respective time.

27. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the means for determining prediction information determines the prediction information based on at least one of: mobility information associated with the one or more communication devices; subscription information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the one or more communication devices; priority information associated with the network slice; quality of service information associated with the respective area; quality of service information associated with the one or more communication devices; or quality of service information associated with the service associated with the network slice.

28. An apparatus comprising means for receiving prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice , the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

29. A method comprising: receiving a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice; determining from prediction information associated with the communication device, that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; and in response to determining that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice, causing a packet data unit creation context response to be routed to the communications device indicating that the communication device is to use a second network slice.

30. A method comprising: receiving prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice; determining that the communication device has an on-going packet data unit session using the first network slice; and causing the on-going packet data unit session to be released and a packet data session using a second network slice to be created.

31 . A method comprising: causing a packet data unit creation context request associated with a communication device and a first network slice to be transmitted from the communications device; receiving a packet data unit creation context response indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and causing a packet data unit creation context request, associated with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

32. A method comprising: establishing a packet data unit context associated with a communication device and a first network slice; receiving a packet data unit context release request indicating that the communication device is to change to a second network slice; and causing a packet data unit creation context request, associated with the communication device and the second network slice, to be transmitted from the communications device.

33. A method comprising: using prediction information associated with a communication device associated with a first network slice, the prediction information indicating that the communication device is predicted to be pre-empted from the first network slice to determine a second network slice for the communication device.

34. A method comprising: determining prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.

35. A method comprising receiving prediction information which indicates that one or more communication devices associated with a respective network slice are predicted to be pre-empted from the respective network slice, the respective network slice providing an associated service at a respective location.