DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1-2, 4-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee et al (US 20220286895 A1) in view of Cao et al (US 20240196355 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Lee et al, discloses a wireless communication method (a data rate control method of a terminal in an access and mobility management function device of a wireless communication system; abstract, paragraph 0015) comprising : receiving (receive a protocol data unit session create request message including network slice information for the UE and UE information from an access and mobility function device through the network interface; paragraph 0013), by an access and mobility management node (an access and mobility management function device of a wireless communication system; receiving subscription information, including network slice information which can be allocated to the terminal ; paragraph 0011, 0013), information of a network slice maximum bit rate (read as: the QoS information comprises a slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) specific to the slice; furthermore, the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with the network slice may include, for example, an aggregate maximum bit rate per network slice; in addition, it determines an aggregate maximum bit rate of single network slice selection assistance information of the PDU Session for the UE, based on the SM policy association, establishes an N4 session with the AMF, based on the SM policy association and the S-NSSAI-AMBR, and informs the AMF device of the session establishment with the UPF; it means that the information of a network slice maximum bit rate for the user equipment can be received by the policy control node or the access and mobility management function (AMF) (see paragraph 0011, 0051, 0275, 0277 for details) for a wireless communication terminal (SMF1 200 may authenticate the UE request received in operation 214 on the basis of the UE subscription information; for example, SMF1 200 may identify whether the S-NSSAI and the DNN requested by the UE included in the PDU session create request message are included in the UE subscription information; in addition, the PCF 103 may determine an authorized slice-AMBR of the received subscribed slice-AMBR and the serving network slice-AMBR ; paragraph 0044, 0054, 0056, 0058). Note that the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with the network slice may include, for example, an aggregate maximum bit rate per network slice (per S-NSSAI aggregate maximum bit rate, hereinafter referred to as slice-AMBR or S-NSSAI-AMBR, NSSAI-AMBR, SST-AMBR, S-AMBR, or slice-MBR). The slice-AMBR may be divided into a subscribed slice-AMBR, a serving network slice-AMBR, and an authorized slice-AMBR according to the NF storing and managing the slice-AMBR (paragraph 0051-0052). Furthermore, the AMF 102 may transmit the slice-AMBR received from SMF1 200 in operation 1007 to the RAN 101. For instance, the RAN 101 may control a sum of maximum uplink data rates (maximum uplink data throughput) of one or more non-GBR QoS flows associated with S-NSSAI up to the slice-AMBR; the RAN 101 may control a sum of maximum downlink data rates (maximum downlink data throughput) of one or more non-GBR QoS flows associated with S-NSSAI up to the slice-AMBR (paragraph 0088-0089, 0116, 0273-0277).
However, Lee et al, does not specifically teach that the wireless communication terminal is authorized by an “ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting-Server from a network slice specific authentication and authorization node.
On the other hand, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor, teaches that a user equipment is authorized by an “ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting-Server from a network slice specific authentication and authorization node to access network resources (read as: the UE indicates a new NSSAA procedure that can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice ; it means that the AAA server identifies the user terminal, by verifying credentials (user identities) like username/password; paragraph 0014-0015). Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). It means that the AAA server handles user requests for access to computer resources and, provides authentication, authorization, and accounting services. Note that AAA servers are usually used by Internet service providers to effectively manage subscriber services by authenticating and authorizing customers to connect to their networks. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claim 2, Lee et al, discloses everything claimed as explained in claim 1, except the features of the access and mobility management node is configured to transmit the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S to a policy control node to acquire the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the policy control node.
However, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor discloses an access and mobility management node is configured to transmit the information of the network slice maximum bit rate (configuring aggregate maximum bit rate; provide additional information to the AMF) for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S to a policy control node to acquire the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the policy control node (the UE may control a sum of the maximum uplink data rates of non-GBR QoS flows of all PDU sessions associated with S-NSSAI up to the slice; furthermore, the AMF 102 can determine whether to add a single network slice selection assistance information the QoS information comprises a slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rate specific to the slice; procedure for retrieving slice information from an authentication, authorization, and accounting server (paragraph 0089, 0124-0125). Note that the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized. Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claim 4, Lee et al, discloses everything claimed as explained in claim 1, except the features of the access and mobility management node is configured to receive the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S during a network slice specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA) procedure for a piece of Single-Network Slice Selection Assistant Information (S-NSSAI) for the network slice.
However, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor discloses an access and mobility management node that is configured to transmit the information of the network slice maximum bit rate (configuring aggregate maximum bit rate; provide additional information to the AMF) for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S during a network slice specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA) procedure (performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to a first network slice of the communication network ; paragraph 0011-0012, 0027-0028) for a piece of Single-Network Slice Selection Assistant Information (S-NSSAI) for the network slice (Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). In addition, Cao et al, determines that the stored status for the UE indicates that a new NSSAA procedure should be executed and can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice (paragraph 0014-0015). Note that the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized. Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claims 5, 6, Lee et al, discloses everything claimed as explained in claim 1, except the features of the access and mobility management node that is configured to subscribe updates of the information of the network slice for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S from the network slice specific authentication and authorization node
, wherein the access and mobility management node are configured to receive the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S after a successful NSSAA procedure for a piece of S-NSSAI for the network slice.
However, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor discloses a method that includes performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to a first network slice of the communication network (paragraph 0011-0012, 0027-0028). In addition, Cao et al, determines that the stored status for the UE indicates that a new NSSAA procedure should be executed and can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice (paragraph 0014-0015). Note that the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized. Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). Note that the AMF can select an access type to be used to perform the NSSAA procedures based on network policies (paragraph 0112-0116). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claim 7, Lee et al, discloses a wireless communication method (a data rate control method of a terminal in an access and mobility management function device of a wireless communication system; abstract, paragraph 0015) comprising: receiving (receive a protocol data unit session create request message including network slice information for the UE and UE information from an access and mobility function device through the network interface; paragraph 0013), by a network slice specific authentication and authorization node (an access and mobility management function device of a wireless communication system; receiving subscription information, including network slice information which can be allocated to the terminal ; paragraph 0011, 0013), information of a network slice maximum bit rate (read as: the QoS information comprises a slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) specific to the slice; furthermore, the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with the network slice may include, for example, an aggregate maximum bit rate per network slice; in addition, it determines an aggregate maximum bit rate of single network slice selection assistance information of the PDU Session for the UE, based on the SM policy association, establishes an N4 session with the AMF, based on the SM policy association and the S-NSSAI-AMBR, and informs the AMF device of the session establishment with the UPF; it means that the information of a network slice maximum bit rate for the user equipment can be received by the policy control node or the access and mobility management function (AMF) (see paragraph 0011, 0051, 0275, 0277 for details) for a wireless communication terminal (SMF1 200 may authenticate the UE request received in operation 214 on the basis of the UE subscription information; for example, SMF1 200 may identify whether the S-NSSAI and the DNN requested by the UE included in the PDU session create request message are included in the UE subscription information; in addition, the PCF 103 may determine an authorized slice-AMBR of the received subscribed slice-AMBR and the serving network slice-AMBR ; paragraph 0044, 0054, 0056, 0058). Note that the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with the network slice may include, for example, an aggregate maximum bit rate per network slice (per S-NSSAI aggregate maximum bit rate, hereinafter referred to as slice-AMBR or S-NSSAI-AMBR, NSSAI-AMBR, SST-AMBR, S-AMBR, or slice-MBR). The slice-AMBR may be divided into a subscribed slice-AMBR, a serving network slice-AMBR, and an authorized slice-AMBR according to the NF storing and managing the slice-AMBR (paragraph 0051-0052). Furthermore, the AMF 102 may transmit the slice-AMBR received from SMF1 200 in operation 1007 to the RAN 101. For instance, the RAN 101 may control a sum of maximum uplink data rates (maximum uplink data throughput) of one or more non-GBR QoS flows associated with S-NSSAI up to the slice-AMBR; the RAN 101 may control a sum of maximum downlink data rates (maximum downlink data throughput) of one or more non-GBR QoS flows associated with S-NSSAI up to the slice-AMBR (paragraph 0088-0089, 0116, 0273-0277).
However, Lee et al, does not specifically teach that the wireless communication terminal is authorized by an “ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting-Server from a network slice specific authentication and authorization node.
On the other hand, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor, teaches that a user equipment is authorized by an “ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting-Server from a network slice specific authentication and authorization node to access network resources (read as: the UE indicates a new NSSAA procedure that can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice ; it means that the AAA server identifies the user terminal, by verifying credentials (user identities) like username/password; paragraph 0014-0015). Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). It means that the AAA server handles user requests for access to computer resources and, provides authentication, authorization, and accounting services. Note that AAA servers are usually used by Internet service providers to effectively manage subscriber services by authenticating and authorizing customers to connect to their networks. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claim 8, Lee et al, discloses everything claimed as explained in claim 7, except the features of the network slice specific authentication and authorization node is configured to receive the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S during a network slice specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA)procedure for a piece of Single-Network Slice Selection Assistant Information (S-NSSAI) for a network slice.
However, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor discloses an access and mobility management node that is configured to transmit the information of the network slice maximum bit rate (configuring aggregate maximum bit rate; provide additional information to the AMF) for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S during a network slice specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA) procedure (performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to a first network slice of the communication network ; paragraph 0011-0012, 0027-0028) for a piece of Single-Network Slice Selection Assistant Information (S-NSSAI) for the network slice (Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). In addition, Cao et al, determines that the stored status for the UE indicates that a new NSSAA procedure should be executed and can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice (paragraph 0014-0015). Note that the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized. Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claims 9, 10, Lee et al, discloses everything claimed as explained in claim 7, except the features of the network slice specific authentication and authorization node is configured to subscribe updates of the information of the network slice for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S from the AAA-SS or the AAA-P, wherein the network slice specific authentication and authorization is configured to receive the information of the network slice for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S after a successful NSSA procedure for a piece of Single-Network Slice Selection Assistant Information (S-NSSAI) for a network slice.
However, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor discloses a network slice specific authentication and authorization node (performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to a first network slice of the communication network (paragraph 0011-0012, 0027-0028) is configured to subscribe updates of the information of the network slice for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S from the AAA-SS or the AAA-P (the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized; in addition, Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S); paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125), wherein the network slice specific authentication and authorization is configured to receive (receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice ; paragraph 0014-0015) the information of the network slice for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S after a successful NSSA procedure for a piece of Single-Network Slice Selection Assistant Information (S-NSSAI) for a network slice (read as: determine that the stored status for the UE indicates that a new NSSAA procedure should be executed and can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice ; paragraph 0014-0015). Note that the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized. Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claim 11, Lee et al, discloses a wireless communication method (a data rate control method of a terminal in an access and mobility management function device of a wireless communication system; abstract, paragraph 0015) comprising: transmitting (the PCF 103 may transmit a policy association response message to SMF1 200 and establish policy association paragraph 0117), by an Authentication (read as: slice procedure for retrieving slice information from an authentication, authorization, and accounting server; furthermore, the PCF 103 may determine an authorized session-AMBR; the PCF 103 may transmit a policy association response message to SMF1 200 and establish policy association; the policy association response message may include at least one the authorized slice-AMBR and the authorized session-AMBR; paragraph 0089, 0117) information of a network slice maximum bit rate (read as: the QoS information comprises a slice-specific aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) specific to the slice; furthermore, the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with the network slice may include, for example, an aggregate maximum bit rate per network slice; in addition, it determines an aggregate maximum bit rate of single network slice selection assistance information of the PDU Session for the UE, based on the SM policy association, establishes an N4 session with the AMF, based on the SM policy association and the S-NSSAI-AMBR, and informs the AMF device of the session establishment with the UPF; it means that the information of a network slice maximum bit rate for the user equipment can be received by the policy control node or the access and mobility management function (AMF) (see paragraph 0011, 0051, 0275, 0277 for details) for a wireless communication terminal (SMF1 200 may authenticate the UE request received in operation 214 on the basis of the UE subscription information; for example, SMF1 200 may identify whether the S-NSSAI and the DNN requested by the UE included in the PDU session create request message are included in the UE subscription information; in addition, the PCF 103 may determine an authorized slice-AMBR of the received subscribed slice-AMBR and the serving network slice-AMBR ; paragraph 0044, 0054, 0056, 0058). Note that the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with the network slice may include, for example, an aggregate maximum bit rate per network slice (per S-NSSAI aggregate maximum bit rate, hereinafter referred to as slice-AMBR or S-NSSAI-AMBR, NSSAI-AMBR, SST-AMBR, S-AMBR, or slice-MBR). The slice-AMBR may be divided into a subscribed slice-AMBR, a serving network slice-AMBR, and an authorized slice-AMBR according to the NF storing and managing the slice-AMBR (paragraph 0051-0052). Furthermore, the AMF 102 may transmit the slice-AMBR received from SMF1 200 in operation 1007 to the RAN 101. For instance, the RAN 101 may control a sum of maximum uplink data rates (maximum uplink data throughput) of one or more non-GBR QoS flows associated with S-NSSAI up to the slice-AMBR; the RAN 101 may control a sum of maximum downlink data rates (maximum downlink data throughput) of one or more non-GBR QoS flows associated with S-NSSAI up to the slice-AMBR (paragraph 0088-0089, 0116, 0273-0277).
However, Lee et al, does not specifically teach that the wireless communication terminal is authorized by an “ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting-Server from a network slice specific authentication and authorization node.
On the other hand, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor, teaches that a user equipment is authorized by an “ Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting-Server from a network slice specific authentication and authorization node to access network resources (read as: the UE indicates a new NSSAA procedure that can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice ; it means that the AAA server identifies the user terminal, by verifying credentials (user identities) like username/password; paragraph 0014-0015). Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). It means that the AAA server handles user requests for access to computer resources and, provides authentication, authorization, and accounting services. Note that AAA servers are usually used by Internet service providers to effectively manage subscriber services by authenticating and authorizing customers to connect to their networks. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claim 12, Lee et al, discloses everything claimed as explained in claim 11, except the features of the AAA-S is configured to transmit the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S during a network slice specific authentication and authorization (NSSAA) procedure for a piece of Single-Network Slice Selection Assistant Information (S-NSSAI) for a network slice
However, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor discloses a method that includes performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to a first network slice of the communication network (paragraph 0011-0012, 0027-0028). In addition, Cao et al, determines that the stored status for the UE indicates that a new NSSAA procedure should be executed and can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice (paragraph 0014-0015). Note that the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized. Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). Note that the AMF can select an access type to be used to perform the NSSAA procedures based on network policies (paragraph 0112-0116). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Regarding claims 13, 14, Lee et al, discloses everything claimed as explained in claim 11, except the features of the AAA-S is configured to receive a subscription for updates of the information of the network slice for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S from the AAA-P or the network slice specific authentication and authorization node,
wherein the AAA-S is configured to transmit the information of the network slice maximum bit rate for the wireless communication terminal authorized by the AAA-S after a successful NSSAA procedure for a piece of S-NSSAI for a network slice.
However, Cao et al, from the same field of endeavor discloses a method that includes performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to a first network slice of the communication network (paragraph 0011-0012, 0027-0028). In addition, Cao et al, determines that the stored status for the UE indicates that a new NSSAA procedure should be executed and can include receiving from an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting, AAA, Server, AAA-S, after a successful NSSAA procedure by the UE with respect to the first network slice, a request to revoke authorization for the UE with respect to the first network slice (paragraph 0014-0015). Note that the AAA-S may request the NSSAA Re- authentication or revocation for an S-NSSAI which had been previously successfully authenticated/authorized. Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). Note that the AMF can select an access type to be used to perform the NSSAA procedures based on network policies (paragraph 0112-0116). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to apply the technique of Cao to the communication system of Lee in order to provide a method for performing a network-slice-specific authentication and authorization procedure with respect to the first network slice of the communication network.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 3 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on June 26, 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant’s representative argues that Lee and Cao fail to teach or suggest an access and mobility management node receiving information of a network slice maximum bit rate for a wireless communication terminal authorized by an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting-Server from a network slice specific authentication and authorization node.
However, Lee discloses an access and mobility management function device (AMF 102) that receives from the NF the slice information, where the slice information includes at least one of a QoS profile for a slice. Note the NF is the PCF. The AMF 102 can initiate a CF interface N2 request that includes the updated slice-specific AMBR to the NR 202. In addition, the AMF 102 can notify the NR the updated slice-specific AMBR responsive to the AMF 102 receiving the updated slice-specific AMBR from the PCF 103 (paragraph 0013, 0035, 0134, 0174, 0234, 0246-0247). The NF may be at least one of the access and the mobile management function device, the session management device, and the network slice selection function device (read as : receiving, by an access and mobility management node); the NF is implemented as (AMF instance, SMF instance, or NSSF instance, the NF, NSSF or NSSAI as being a wireless communication node; information of a network slice maximum bit rate for a wireless terminal (read as: the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with S-NSSAI) used by the terminal may be defined; the aggregate rate limit QoS parameter associated with the network slice may include, for example, an aggregate maximum bit rate per network slice (per S-NSSAI aggregate maximum bit rate, hereinafter referred to as slice-AMBR or S-NSSAI-AMBR, NSSAI-AMBR, SST-AMBR, S-AMBR, or slice-MBR); the slice-AMBR may be divided into a subscribed slice-AMBR, a serving network slice-AMBR, and an authorized slice-AMBR according to the NF storing and managing the slice-AMBR ; paragraph 0051, 0273-0277). Note that the slice AMBR indicates an aggregated maximum uplink and/or downlink bit rate, to which a subscriber subscribes, for all GBR QoS flows and non-GBR QoS flows in the slice for the subscriber. An aggregated maximum bit rate (Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate, AMBR) parameter is defined. An AMBR can be used by an operator to limit a total rate of a subscriber. The AMBR is used to indicate a maximum value of a quantity of resources allowed to be used in the slice. Furthermore, SMF2 500 may authenticate the UE request received in operation 514 on the basis of the UE subscription information acquired from the UDM 104. For example, SMF2 500 may identify whether the S-NSSAI and/or the DNN requested by the UE included in the PDU session create request message are included in the UE subscription information (paragraph 0043, 0084, 0113-0114, 0165, 0198). The maximum bit rate is defined as the highest amount of data a system or file is permitted or able to process, transmit, or encode per second.
Cao et al also discloses the features of a “Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF)” that supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with a AAA Server (AAA-S). Furthermore, the UE sends a registration request including an NSSAI to the AMF/SEAF, where the UE, AMF/SEAF, and ARPF/UDM perform a primary authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF determines if the network slice identified by NSSAI requires a slice-specific authentication of the UE. The AMF/SEAF sends a registration accept message to the UE, which responds with a registration complete message; the UE and AAA-S run an EAP-based authentication via AMF (EAP Authenticator) and NSSAAF (paragraph 0084-0089, 0124-0125). It means that the AAA server handles user requests for access to computer resources and, provides authentication, authorization, and accounting services. It is shown above that Lee and Cao disclose the features of receiving information of a network slice maximum bit rate by the access and mobility management node from the network slice specific authentication and authorization node.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
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MARCEAU MILORD
Examiner
Art Unit 2641
/MARCEAU MILORD/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2641
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