NETWORK SELECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS

Description

1 / 83 NETWORK SELECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to the technical field of communications and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for network selection. BACKGROUND

[002] A Non-Public Network (NPN) is a fifth-generation non-public communication network (5GS system) used to provide network services to specific users. An NPN can be implemented with or without the support of a Public Terrestrial Mobile Network (PLMN). An NPN implemented without PLMN support is called an independently deployed NPN (Autonomous NPN, SNPN) (it can also be simply called a private network, proprietary network, or non-public network). SUMMARY

[003] The embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a network selection apparatus, in which a terminal device can simultaneously consider a validity condition during a network selection procedure, thereby improving the efficiency of network selection.

[004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a network selection method. The method is performed by a terminal device. The method includes: obtaining network information from at least one optional Autonomous Non-Public Network (SNPN); and, according to the network information of the optional SNPN and selection policy information, determining a target SNPN to be selected for registration; The selection policy information includes at least one of the following: a first list, where the first list includes identifiers Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 6 / 201 2 / 83 of the network of first candidate SNPNs controlled by the user, first priority information and first validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs; a second list, where the second list includes network identifiers of second candidate SNPNs controlled by the credential holder, second priority information and second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs; A third list, where the third list includes GINs of candidate group identities controlled by the credential holder, third priority information, and third validity conditions corresponding to the candidate GINs.

[005] In this technical solution, a terminal device obtains network information from at least one optional SNPN and determines a target SNPN that is selected for registration according to the optional SNPN's network information and the selection policy information. The selection policy information includes at least one from a first list, a second list, and a third list. Thus, the terminal device can simultaneously consider a validity condition during network selection, thereby improving network selection efficiency.

[006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides another method of network selection. The method is performed by an access network device. The method includes: sending indication information to a terminal device, where the indication information is used to indicate network information of at least one optional SNPN, and the indication information is used for the terminal device to obtain network information of at least one optional SNPN. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 7 / 201 3 / 83

[007] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication apparatus that has some or all of the functions of the terminal device for implementing the method described in the first aspect above. For example, the functions of the communication apparatus may include some or all of the functions in the embodiments of the present invention or may include the implementing functions of any of the embodiments of the present invention separately. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware running corresponding software. Hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[008] In one implementation, the communication device structure may include a transceiver module and a processing module. The processing module is configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the methods mentioned above. The transceiver module is configured to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module and stores computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[009] In one implementation, the communication device includes: a processing module configured to obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN; the processing module is further configured to determine a target SNPN that is selected for registration based on the optional SNPN's network information and selection policy information; The selection policy information includes at least one of the following: a first list, where the first list includes identifiers Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 8 / 201 4 / 83 of the first candidate SNPN network controlled by the user, first priority information and first validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs; a second list, where the second list includes network identifiers of second candidate SNPNs controlled by the credential holder, second priority information and second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs; A third list, where the third list includes GINs of candidate group identities controlled by the credential holder, third priority information, and third validity conditions corresponding to the candidate GINs.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides another communication device that has some or all of the functions of the access network device for implementing the example method described in the second aspect above. For example, the functions of the communication device may include some or all of the functions in the embodiments of the present invention or may include the implementing functions of any of the embodiments of the present invention separately. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware running corresponding software. Hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0011] In one implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module. The processing module is configured to support the communication module in executing the corresponding functions of the method described above. The transceiver module is configured to support communication. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 9 / 201 5 / 83 connection between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module and stores computer programs and data necessary for the communication device.

[0012] In one implementation, the communication apparatus includes: a transceiver module configured to send indication information to a terminal device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate network information from at least one optional SNPN, and the indication information is used for the terminal device to obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication apparatus, which includes a processor. When the processor invokes a computer program in a memory, the method described in the first aspect is implemented.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication apparatus, which includes a processor. When the processor invokes a computer program in a memory, the method described in the second aspect is implemented.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication apparatus, which includes a processor and a memory. A computer program is stored in the memory. The processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication apparatus executes the method described in the first aspect above.

[0016] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication apparatus, which includes a processor and a memory. A computer program is stored in the memory. The processor executes the computer program stored in Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 10 / 201 6 / 83 memory to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the second aspect above.

[0017] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication apparatus, which includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute the code instructions to make the device perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0018] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication apparatus, which includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute the code instructions to make the apparatus perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0019] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a network selection system, which includes the communication apparatus described in the third aspect and the communication apparatus described in the fourth aspect, or the system includes the communication apparatus described in the fifth aspect and the communication apparatus described in the sixth aspect, or the system includes the communication apparatus described in the seventh aspect and the communication apparatus described in the eighth aspect, or the system includes the communication apparatus described in the ninth aspect and the communication apparatus described in the tenth aspect.

[0020] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage means for storing instructions used by the terminal device mentioned above. When the instructions are executed, the terminal device is triggered to execute the method described in the first aspect. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 11 / 201 7 / 83 above.

[0021] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a readable storage medium for storing instructions used by the aforementioned access network device. When the instructions are executed, the access network device is triggered to execute the method described in the second aspect above.

[0022] In a fourteenth aspect, the present invention further provides a computer program product including a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is forced to execute the method described in the first aspect above.

[0023] In a fifteenth aspect, the present invention further provides a computer program product including a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is forced to execute the method described in the second aspect above.

[0024] In a sixteenth aspect, the present invention provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface to support a terminal device in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the methods mentioned above. In a possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may consist of a chip or may include a chip and other distinct component(s).

[0025] In a seventeenth aspect, the present invention provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface to support network access devices in the implementation. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 12 / 201 8 / 83 of the functions involved in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the aforementioned methods. In a possible design, the chip system also includes memory to store computer programs and data necessary for the network access device. The chip system may consist of a chip or may include a chip and other distinct component(s).

[0026] In an eighteenth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is forced to execute the method described in the first aspect above.

[0027] In a nineteenth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is forced to execute the method described in the second aspect above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To illustrate more clearly the technical solutions in embodiments of the present invention or prior technology, the drawings necessary for use in embodiments of the present invention or prior technology will be described below.

[0029] FIG. 1 is an architectural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 is an architectural diagram of another communication system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a consortium provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a network selection method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another network selection method provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 13 / 201 9 / 83

[0034] FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to better understand the network selection method and apparatus described in embodiments of the present invention, a communication system to which embodiments of the present invention are applicable is first described.

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers or equal numbers throughout the text represent the same elements or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, are illustrative and are intended to explain the present invention and should not be interpreted as limitations to the present invention. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, “7” means “or”. For example, A / B may mean A or B. The expression “and / or” here is merely a description of an association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various communication systems, such as: a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) LTE system, a Time Division Duplex (TDD) LTE system, a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5a Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 14 / 201 10 / 83 generation, 5G) or a New Radio (NR) system, or the embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a future communication system or to other similar communication system(s), etc.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communications system to which the present invention is applicable. According to the requirements of a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) protocol standard, the network architecture includes four constituent parts: a terminal device (User Equipment, UE), an Access Network (AN) device, a core network, and a Data Network (DN). The access network device may be a Radio Access Network (RAN) device.

[0041] The terminal device, the access network device (radio), and the core network are the main constituent parts of the network architecture described above. Logically, they can be divided into two parts: a user plane and a control plane. The control plane is responsible for managing the mobile network, and the user plane is responsible for transmitting service data. For example, as shown in Figure 1, in a 5G communication system, the next-generation (NG) reference point 2 is located between the access network device (radio) control plane and the core network control plane, the NG3 reference point is located between the access network device (radio) user plane and the core network user plane, and the NG6 reference point is located between the core network user plane and the data network.

[0042] A detailed introduction to the various constituent parts of the network architecture above follows.

[0043] 1. The terminal device is a device with wireless transmission and reception functions. The terminal device is the entry point for a mobile user to interact with the network. The terminal device can provide basic computing and storage resources, display a Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 15 / 201 11 / 83 service window for the user and accept user operation input(s). The terminal device can communicate with the main network or the data network via the access network device (radio) and exchange voice and / or data with the access network device (radio). For example, in a 5G communication system, the next-generation terminal device (NextGen UE, NG UE) can use New Radio (NR) technology to establish a signal connection and a data connection with the access network device (radio), thereby transmitting control signals and service data to the network.

[0044] As an example, the terminal device may include a wireless terminal device, a mobile terminal device, a Device-to-Device (D2D) terminal device, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal device, a machine-to-machine / machine-type (M2M / MTC) communications terminal device, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, an Access Point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, or a user device, etc. For example, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a portable, pocket, handheld, or computer-integrated mobile device, etc.For another example, the terminal device could be a Virtual Reality (VR) terminal device, an Augmented Reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart network, a wireless terminal in transportation security, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a terminal device in a future Public Terrestrial Mobile Network (PLMN), or a vehicular device in V2X, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), etc. For another. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 16 / 201 12 / 83 For example, the terminal device could be a Personal Communication Service (PCS) phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc.

[0045] By way of example, but not limitation, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. A wearable device, also known as a smart wearable device or intelligent wearable device, is a general term for wearable devices developed through the application of wearable technology to intelligently design everyday wearable items such as eyeglasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes, etc. The wearable device is a portable device that is worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. The wearable device is not merely a hardware device; the wearable device can achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction.In general terms, smart wearable devices include fully functional, large-scale devices that can implement complete or partial functions independently of a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, etc., as well as devices that focus on a specific application function and require integration with other devices such as a smartphone, for example, various smart bracelets for monitoring vital signs, smart helmets, or smart jewelry, etc. The various terminal devices described above, if located in a vehicle (e.g., placed inside or installed in a vehicle), can be considered vehicle-mounted terminal devices. A vehicle-mounted terminal device may also be called an On-Board Unit (OBU).

[0046] The terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor environments, portable, wearable, or mounted on Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 17 / 201 13 / 83 vehicle. The terminal device can also be deployed in water (such as ships, etc.). The terminal device can also be deployed in the air (such as aircraft, balloons and satellites, etc.). The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific technology, device form, application scenario or the name used for the terminal device.

[0047] 2. The access network device (radio) is deployed close to terminal devices, provides network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and determines variable quality transmission tunnels to transmit user data based on user level or service requirements, etc. The access network device (radio) can rationally manage and utilize its own resources, provide access services to terminal devices on demand, and is responsible for routing control signals and service data between terminal devices and the main network.

[0048] A radio access network device is deployed in the radio access network to connect terminal devices to the radio network. The radio access network device is usually connected to the main network via a wired link (e.g., fiber optic cable). The radio access network device is also called a RAN device / node or base station.

[0049] As an example, the access network (radio) device may include a base station, an evolved base station (evolved NodeB, eNodeB) in an LTE system or an evolved LTE system (LTEAdvanced, LTE-A), a next-generation base station (gNB, next-generation NodeB) in a 5G communication system, a Transmit Receive Point (TRP), a baseband unit (BBU), an Access Point (AP) in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a base station in Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 18 / 201 14 / 83 a future mobile communication system or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The radio access network device may also be a module or unit that performs a portion of the functions of a base station, such as a Central Unit (CU) or a Distributed Unit (DU).

[0050] For example, in a network structure, an access network device (radio) can be a CU node, a DU node, or an access network device (radio) including a CU node and a DU node. The CU node is used to support protocols such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), etc. The DU node is used to support the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer protocol, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocol, and the physical layer protocol.

[0051] The access network (radio) device can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor environments, portable, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; the access network (radio) device can also be deployed on water (such as ships, etc.); the access network (radio) device can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites, etc.). The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific technology, device form, application scenarios, and the name adopted for the access network (radio) device. In the embodiments of the present invention, the access network (radio) device can simply be referred to as an access network device (AN). Unless otherwise specified, the access network devices mentioned below can all be access network (radio) devices.

[0052] 3. The main network is responsible for maintaining the mobile network subscription data, managing the mobile network network elements. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 19 / 201 15 / 83 vel and provide terminal devices with functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, security authentication, etc. The functions may specifically include the following: When a terminal device connects, the main network provides network access authentication to the terminal device. When a terminal device has a service request, the main network allocates network resources to the terminal device. When a terminal device moves, the main network updates the network resources for the terminal device. When a terminal device is idle, the main network provides a quick recovery mechanism for the terminal device. When a terminal device disconnects, the main network releases network resources for the terminal device.When a terminal device has service data, the main network provides data routing functions to the terminal device, such as forwarding uplink data to the data network or receiving downlink data from the data network and forwarding it to the access network device (radio) in order to send the data to the terminal device.

[0053] 4. The data network is used to provide commercial services to users. In actual communication, a client end is typically located on a terminal device, while a server end is typically located on a data network. The data network can be a private network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), or it can be an external network not controlled by an operator, such as the Internet, or it can be a proprietary network deployed jointly by operators, such as a network that provides IP multimedia network subsystem services (IP multimedia core network subsystem, IMS).

[0054] Figure 2 illustrates a more specific network architecture to which embodiments of the present invention are applicable. The architecture Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 20 / 201 16 / 83 of the network can be a 5G communication system architecture. As shown in FIG. 2, the network architecture includes a terminal device, an access network device, various types of core network elements / functional entities, and a data network.

[0055] The main network user plane includes a User Plane Function (UPF). The main network control plane includes, but is not limited to: an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), a Network Exposure Function (NEF), a Network Role Repository Function (NRF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Management (UDM), and an Enforcement Function (AF).

[0056] The AMF is primarily responsible for access management and mobility management of endpoint devices. For example, the AMF is responsible for maintaining the status of endpoint devices, managing the accessibility of endpoint devices, forwarding Access-Based Mobility Management (MM NAS) messages, or forwarding N2 Session Management (SM) messages.

[0057] The SMF is primarily responsible for session management on a mobile network, including establishing sessions for terminal devices and allocating and releasing resources for sessions. Resources include session Quality of Service (QoS), session paths or forwarding rules, etc. For example, the SMF allocates Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminal devices and selects a UPF that provides a packet forwarding function.

[0058] The UPF is primarily responsible for connecting to an external network and forwarding user data packets according to the Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 21 / 201 17 / 83 SMF routing rules, for example, sending uplink data to the data network or other UPF(s) or sending downlink data to other UPF(s) or to the access network device.

[0059] The AUSF is primarily responsible for performing security authentication of terminal devices.

[0060] The NSSF is primarily responsible for selecting appropriate network slices for terminal services.

[0061] NEF exposes a portion of network functions for application(s) in a controlled manner.

[0062] The NRF is primarily responsible for providing storage and selection functions for network function entity information to other network element(s).

[0063] The PCF is primarily responsible for managing user policies, generating policy authorizations, quality of service, and billing rules, and the PCF sends corresponding rules to a UPF via the SMF to finalize the installation of corresponding policies and rules.

[0064] The UDM is primarily responsible for managing user data, including subscription information, context, policy information, etc. It should be noted that, although not shown in FIG. 2, the network architecture shown in FIG. 2 may also include a Unified Data Repository (UDR), and the functions of the UDM may be implemented through interaction with the UDR. The UDR is used to store data necessary for the UDM to perform its operations, and the UDM is used to interact with other network elements. In actual embodiments, the UDM and the UDR may be two independent physical entities, or the UDR may also be integrated into the UDM, and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose limitations on this.

[0065] AF is primarily responsible for providing service data from various applications to a network element of the control plane. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 22 / 201 18 / 83 of an operator's communication network or obtain data information and network control information from a network element of the communication network control plane.

[0066] As an example, in the network architecture shown in FIG. 2, the interface between the terminal device and the AMF is called interface N1, the interface between the access network device and the AMF is called interface N2, the interface between the access network device and the UPF is called interface N3, the interface between the UPF and the SMF may be called interface N4, and the interface between the UPF and the data network is called interface N6. Certainly, in future communication systems, the names of these interfaces may remain unchanged or may be replaced by other names, and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose limitations on this.

[0067] It should be noted that the core network control plane can adopt a service-based architecture, in which each control plane network element is connected to a service bus, and the interactions between the control plane network elements adopt service invocation, replacing a point-to-point communication mode in the traditional core network architecture. In a service-based architecture, a control plane network element exposes services to other control plane network element(s) for invocation by other control plane network element(s). In point-to-point communication, a communication interface between control plane network elements has a specific set of messages that can only be used by the control plane network elements at both ends of the interface.

[0068] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to illustrate more clearly the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 23 / 201 19 / 83 and does not constitute a limitation to the technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present invention. Those versed in this area may know that, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present invention are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0069] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the present invention, some terms involved in the embodiments of the present invention are briefly presented below. 1. Non-Public Network (NPN)

[0070] An NPN is a non-public 5G network that can be used in places such as businesses or factories. The NPN can be supported by the Public Terrestrial Mobile Network (PLMN) to implement a public network integrated NPN (PNI-NPN), or the NPN can be implemented as a Standalone Non-Public Network (SNPN) without relying on the network functions of the PLMN. 2. SNPN

[0071] An SNPN is deployed independently and does not depend on a PLMN. An SNPN is identified by a PLMN ID + a network identifier (NID). The PLMN ID can be an inherent value reserved by a third-party operator or it can be a value specific to a PLMN operator that deploys the SNPN.

[0072] The cell broadcast information sent by a cell on the SNPN includes the PLMN ID + NID. A terminal device selects an SNPN to access based on the cell broadcast information and the configured network selection information. If the terminal device finds that the PLMN ID + NID in the network selection information is different from the PLMN ID + NID sent by the network broadcast, the terminal device Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 24 / 201 20 / 83 does not select the SNPN for access. The PLMN ID + NID in the network selection configuration information being different from the PLMN ID + NID sent by the network broadcast means that the PLMN in the network selection configuration information is different from the PLMN sent by the network broadcast and / or the NID in the network selection configuration information is different from the NID sent by the network broadcast.

[0073] In the 3GPP Version 17 stage, the standard supports a terminal device using a Credential Holder (CH) credential to access an SNPN. If the CH provides a UDM or AUSF, the CH can be a PLMN or another SNPN; if the CH provides an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA-S) server, the CH can be a business or industrial entity. 3. Group IP for network selection (GIN)

[0074] If different CHs form a consortium, each consortium will be identified by a GIN.

[0075] When an SNPN has a connection or agreement with one or more consortia, a terminal device can access the SNPN using credentials from any CH in one or more consortia. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of consortia. A consortium contains one or more CHs, and each CH can be a PLMN, an SNPN, or a business or industrial entity. In FIG. 3, a CH being an SNPN is taken as an example.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 1, SNPNs A to E form consortium 1, and SNPNs F to J form consortium 2. Consortium 1 is identified by GIN 1 and consortium 2 is identified by GIN 2. Furthermore, SNPN X has a connection or agreement with consortium 1. Cellular transmission information sent by a radio access network device on SNPN X includes GIN 1, indicating that SNPN X supports consortium 1. SNPN Y has connections or agreements with the Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 25 / 201 21 / 83 consortium 1 and consortium 2. Cellular transmission information sent by a radio access network device on SNPN Y includes GIN 1 and GIN 2, indicating that SNPN X supports consortium 1 and consortium 2.

[0077] If a terminal device is configured with an identifier from any member of consortium 1, such as an identifier from SNPN A, the terminal device can select SNPN X and can select SNPN Y. If a terminal device is configured with an identifier from any member of consortium 2, such as an identifier from SNPN F, but the terminal device is not configured with an identifier from any member of consortium 1, the terminal device can select SNPN Y, but cannot select SNPN X. Furthermore, any member of a consortium, such as SNPN A or SNPN F, can dynamically update the network selection configuration information on a GIN on the terminal device.

[0078] In the CH-based architecture, a new SNPN selection mechanism is defined. In this mechanism, the network selection configuration information on a terminal device, the cellular transmission information sent by an access network device, and the scheme for the terminal device to select an SNPN are as follows:

[0079] 1) The network selection configuration information on the terminal device includes one or more of the following items a) ac):

[0080] a) User-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs

[0081] The SNPNs in the SNPN list can be configured or updated by a user.

[0082] b) Prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by CH

[0083] The SNPNs in the SNPN list are controlled by a CH and can be configured or updated by a Central Network (CN). Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 26 / 201 22 / 83

[0084] c) Prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by CH

[0085] Each GIN in the list of GINs is used to identify a group formed by several CHs, and the group is also called a consortium.

[0086] The GINs in the GINs list are controlled by a CH and can be configured or updated by a CN.

[0087] 2) The cellular transmission information sent by the access network device includes one or more of the following items a) ac:

[0088] a) First indication information, indicating whether an SNPN in which the access network device resides supports the terminal device accessing the SNPN using a CH credential;

[0089] b) The list of GINs supported by the SNPN in which the access network device resides.

[0090] The CHs that have SNPN support are the CHs identified by the GINs in the GINs list.

[0091] c) Second piece of information indicating whether a terminal device that is not explicitly configured to select the SNPN is allowed to attempt registration.

[0092] 3) The terminal device performs SNPN selection in the following order based on network selection configuration information from the terminal device:

[0093] a) select an SNPN in which an access network device that sends the first indication information resides, where the first indication information indicates that the SNPN in which the access network device resides allows the terminal device to access the SNPN using a CH credential;

[0094] If the cellular transmission information sent by multiple access network devices includes the first indication information, an SNPN is selected from the SNPNs in which the multiple Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 27 / 201 23 / 83 network access devices reside according to the following priority order:

[0095] Priority 1: select an SNPN from the user-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs (according to the priority order of the SNPNs in the user-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs);

[0096] Priority 2: select an SNPN from the prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by CH (according to the priority order of the SNPNs in the prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by CH);

[0097] Priority 3: select a GIN that is transmitted and is included in the prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by CH, and then select an SNPN in which an access network device that transmits the GIN resides (according to the priority order of the GINs in the prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by CH);

[0098] If no SNPN is selected using the method above, the following is executed:

[0099] b) select an SNPN on which an access network device transmitting the second indication information resides, where the second indication information indicates that a terminal device that is not explicitly configured to select the SNPN is permitted to attempt registration.

[00100] The description is given below with an example. Example 1:

[00101] It is assumed that the network selection configuration information on a terminal device 1 includes: a) User-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs: {SNPN#1, SNPN#2, SNPN#3}; b) Prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by CH: {SNPN#4, SNPN#5, SNPN#6}; Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 28 / 201 24 / 83 c) Prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by CH: {GIN#1, GIN#2, GIN#3}.

[00102] The network selection configuration information on a terminal device 2 includes: a) User-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs: {SNPN#7, SNPN#8, SNPN#9}; b) Prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by CH: {SNPN#10, SNPN#11, SNPN#12}; c) Prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by CH: {GIN#4, GIN#5, GIN#6}.

[00103] The cellular transmission information sent by an access network device 1 (corresponding to SNPN#1) includes: a) initial information indicating that SNPN#1 has terminal device support for using a CH credential to access SNPN#1; b) list of GINs that have SNPN#1 support: {GIN#1, GIN#2, GIN#3, GIN#4, GIN#5, GIN#6}; c) Second piece of information indicating that a terminal device that is not explicitly configured to select SNPN is not permitted to attempt registration.

[00104] The cellular transmission information sent by an access network device 2 (corresponding to SNPN#4) includes: a) initial information indicating that SNPN#4 supports a terminal device using a CH credential to access SNPN#4; b) list of GINs that have SNPN#4 support: {GIN#1, GIN#2, GIN#3, GIN#4}; c) Second piece of information indicating that a terminal device that is not explicitly configured to select SNPN is permitted to attempt registration. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 29 / 201 25 / 83

[00105] The cellular transmission information sent by an access network device 3 (corresponding to SNPN#10) includes: a) initial information indicating that SNPN#10 has terminal device support for using a CH credential to access SNPN#10; b) List of GINs that have SNPN#10 support: {GIN#1, GIN#2, GIN#3, GIN#4}; c) Second piece of information indicating that a terminal device that is not explicitly configured to select the SNPN is permitted to attempt registration.

[00106] It should be noted that for any list in the terminal device network selection configuration information mentioned above or in the cellular transmission information sent by the access network device(s), the order in which the elements appear in the list represents a priority level, where the first to appear has a higher priority and the last has a lower priority. For example, in {SNPN#1, SNPN#2, SNPN#3}, the priority, from highest to lowest, is: SNPN#1, SNPN#2, SNPN#3.

[00107] According to the SNPN selection mechanism above, terminal device #1 selects SNPN #1 from SNPN #1, SNPN #4 and SNPN #10, and terminal device #2 selects SNPN #10 from SNPN #1, SNPN #4 and SNPN #10.

[00108] In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the following points are explained.

[00109] First, in embodiments of the present invention, “used to indicate” may include being used for direct indication and being used for indirect indication. When describing that certain information is used to indicate A, it may include that the information carries A, or it may also include that the information directly indicates A or indirectly. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 30 / 201 26 / 83 indicates A, but this does not mean that the information necessarily carries A.

[00110] The information indicated by the information is called the information to be indicated. In a specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated. For example, but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be indicated directly, such as the information to be indicated itself or an index of the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can also be indicated indirectly by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed upon beforehand. For example, the indication of specific information can be obtained using the previously agreed-upon arrangement order of each piece of information (e.g., specified by a protocol), thus reducing the indication overhead to some extent.

[00111] The information to be indicated may be sent as a whole or as multiple sub-informations that are sent separately. The periods and / or timing of sending these sub-informations may be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in the present invention. The periods and / or timing of sending these sub-informations may be predefined, for example, they may be predefined according to a protocol.

[00112] Second, in the present invention, “first”, “second”, and various numerals (e.g., “#1”, “#2”) are used merely to distinguish objects for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention. For example, “first”, “second”, and various numerals (e.g., “#1”, “#2”) are used to distinguish different information, etc. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 31 / 201 27 / 83

[00113] Third, the embodiments of the present invention list multiple implementations to clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Certainly, those skilled in the art can understand that the multiple embodiments provided in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented individually, or can also be combined with the methods of other embodiments among the embodiments of the present invention, or can be implemented in combination with some methods in another related art after the embodiments are implemented individually or in combination, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this.

[00114] In related techniques, during a network selection procedure, a terminal device determines a priority order of at least one optional SNPN according to network selection configuration information on the terminal device and attempts registration sequentially.

[00115] However, the optional SNPN(s) is / are used to provide network services to specific terminal device(s), and there are corresponding validity conditions that need to be met. How to simultaneously consider the validity condition(s) during the network selection procedure is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[00116] In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention provide a network selection method in which a terminal device obtains network information from at least one optional SNPN; according to the network information of the optional SNPN and the selection policy information, the terminal device determines a target SNPN that is selected for registration. In this way, the terminal device can simultaneously consider the validity conditions during the Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 32 / 201 28 / 83 network selection procedure, thus improving the efficiency of network selection.

[00117] A method and apparatus for network selection provided by the present invention are described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[00118] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a network selection method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the method is performed by a terminal device. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[00119] In S41, network information from at least one optional SNPN is obtained.

[00120] In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device can obtain network information from at least one SNPN.

[00121] In some embodiments, obtaining network information from at least one optional SNPN by the terminal device includes: receiving indication information sent by an access network device; where the indication information is used to indicate the network information of at least one optional SNPN; and obtaining the network information from at least one optional SNPN in accordance with the indication information.

[00122] In embodiments of the present invention, the terminal device can receive indication information sent by the access network device, where the indication information is used to indicate the network information of at least one optional SNPN. Thus, the terminal device can obtain the network information of at least one optional SNPN according to the indication information.

[00123] The terminal device can receive the indication information sent by the access network device in a transmission manner.

[00124] Certainly, the terminal device can receive information Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 33 / 201 29 / 83 indication sent by the access network device in other ways, and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose specific limitations on this.

[00125] In S42, a target SNPN selected for registration is determined based on the network information of the optional SNPN(s) and the selection policy information.

[00126] In the embodiment of the present invention, in the case where the terminal device obtains at least one optional SNPN, the terminal device can determine the target SNPN selected for registration according to the network information of the optional SNPN(s) and the selection policy information.

[00127] The terminal device can determine the selection policy information. The selection policy information can be network selection configuration information on the terminal device, or it can also be part of the network selection configuration information, or it can also include network selection configuration information as well as other information besides network selection configuration information, etc.

[00128] The selection policy information includes at least one of the following:

[00129] a first list, wherein the first list includes network identifiers of first candidate SNPNs controlled by the user, first priority information and first validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs;

[00130] a second list, where the second list includes network identifiers of second candidate SNPNs controlled by the credential holder, second priority information and second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the second SNPNs; Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 34 / 201 30 / 83

[00131] a third list, where the third list includes GINs of candidate group identifiers controlled by the credential holder, third priority information and third validity conditions corresponding to the candidate GINs.

[00132] In the embodiment of the present invention, the selection policy information includes at least one from the first list, the second list, and the third list.

[00133] In the embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first list, the second list, and the third list may be a new list different from the list(s) in the network selection configuration information.

[00134] The first list includes the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs controlled by the user, the first priority information, and the first validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs.

[00135] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first list may reuse an existing list or may be a new list that includes the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs controlled by the user, the first priority information, and the first validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs.

[00136] In one implementation, the first list can be a new list, and information in the user-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs, such as the network identifiers of the first user-controlled candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, can be placed in the new first list.

[00137] In one implementation, the first list may reuse the user-controlled prioritized preferred SNPN list, and content may be added to the user-controlled prioritized preferred SNPN list, such as adding information about the first Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 35 / 201 31 / 83 validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs.

[00138] It can be understood that the information in the first list is maintained locally on the terminal device and can be updated and maintained based on information from the terminal device itself or based on a configuration of an access network device or a central network device.

[00139] The second list includes network identifiers of candidate second SNPNs controlled by the credential holder, the second priority information and the second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the second SNPNs.

[00140] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second list may reuse an existing list or may be a new list that includes the network identifiers of candidate second SNPNs controlled by the credential holder, the second priority information, and the second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the candidate second SNPNs.

[00141] In one implementation, the second list can be a new list, and information in the prioritized preferred SNPNs list controlled by the credential holder, such as the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs controlled by the credential holder and the second priority information, can be placed in the new second list.

[00142] In one embodiment, the second list may reuse the prioritized preferred SNPN list controlled by the credential holder, and content(s) may be added to the prioritized preferred SNPN list controlled by the credential holder, such as adding information about the second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs.

[00143] It can be understood that the information in the second list is Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 36 / 201 32 / 83 is maintained locally on the terminal device and can be updated and maintained based on information from the terminal device itself or based on a configuration from an access network device or a central network device.

[00144] The third list includes the GINs of candidate group identities controlled by the credential holder, the third priority information and the third validity conditions corresponding to the candidate GINs.

[00145] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third list may reuse an existing list or may be a new list that includes GINs of candidate group identities controlled by the credential holder, the third priority information, and the third validity conditions corresponding to the candidate GINs.

[00146] In one implementation, the third list can be a new list, and information in the prioritized preferred GINs list controlled by CH, such as the candidate group identity GINs controlled by the credential holder and the third priority information, can be placed in the new second list.

[00147] In one implementation, the third list may reuse the prioritized preferred GINs list controlled by CH, and content(s) may be added to the prioritized preferred GINs list controlled by CH, such as adding information about the GINs of candidate group identities controlled by the credential holder and the third validity conditions.

[00148] It can be understood that the information in the third list is maintained locally on the terminal device and can be updated and maintained based on information from the terminal device itself or based on the configuration of an access network device or a central network device. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 37 / 201 33 / 83

[00149] It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrations of a portion of the embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations to the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00150] In embodiments of the present invention, the terminal can obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN if a condition necessary for network selection is met, in order to determine the target SNPN that is selected for registration according to the network information of the optional SNPN(s) and the selection policy information.

[00151] The necessary condition for network selection may be a condition in the related art, or other condition(s), and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose specific limitations thereto.

[00152] In one possible implementation, if a terminal device supports access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services and an end user allows access to localized services, for automatic network selection, the terminal device may attempt registration with optional SNPNs in a specified order. The terminal device may obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN, determine the specified order according to the network information of the optional SNPN(s) and the selection policy information, and attempt registration with the optional SNPN(s) in the specified order to determine the target SNPN selected for registration.

[00153] Optionally, the terminal device may support access to an SNPN using credentials from a credential holder.

[00154] In some embodiments, a first validity condition includes first valid time information and / or the first information Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 38 / 201 34 / 83 valid location information; or a second validity condition includes the second valid time information and / or the second valid location information; or a third validity condition includes the third valid time information and / or the third valid location information.

[00155] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first validity condition may include the first valid time information and / or the first valid location information.

[00156] The first valid time information can be a time period in the first list during which access to a first candidate SNPN is allowed, and the time period is defined by a start time and an end time.

[00157] The first valid location information may be location information for an area in the first list where access to a first candidate SNPN is permitted, such as geographic location information and / or tracking area information for a service network, etc.

[00158] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second validity condition may include second valid time information and / or second valid location information.

[00159] The second valid time information may be a period of time during which access to a second candidate SNPN in the second list is permitted, and the time period is defined by a start time and an end time.

[00160] The second valid location information may be location information for an area where access to a second candidate SNPN in the second list is permitted, such as geographic location information and / or tracking area information for a service network, etc. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 39 / 201 35 / 83

[00161] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third validity condition may include the third valid time information and / or the third valid location information.

[00162] The third valid time information may be a period of time during which access to a third candidate SNPN in the third list is permitted, and the time period is defined by a start time and an end time.

[00163] The third valid location information may be location information for an area where access to a third candidate SNPN in the third list is permitted, such as geographic location information and / or tracking area information for a service network, etc.

[00164] In some modalities, the selection policy information also includes: the last registered SNPN and a corresponding fourth validity condition.

[00165] In the embodiment of the present invention, the selection policy information may also include: the last registered SNPN and the corresponding fourth validity condition.

[00166] It can be understood that the last registered SNPN is kept locally on the terminal device, and the terminal device can determine and register the last registered SNPN.

[00167] In some modalities, the fourth validity condition includes a fourth valid time information and / or a fourth valid location information.

[00168] In the embodiment of the present invention, the fourth validity condition may include the fourth valid time information and / or the fourth valid location information.

[00169] The fourth valid time information may be a period of time during which access to the last registered SNPN is permitted, Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 40 / 201 36 / 83 and the time period is defined by a start time and an end time.

[00170] The fourth valid location information may be location information for an area where access to the last registered SNPN is permitted, such as geographic location information and / or tracking area information for a service network, etc.

[00171] In some modes, the optional SNPN network information includes at least one of the following: an optional SNPN network identifier; an optional SNPN GIN.

[00172] In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that obtains network information from at least one optional SNPN may include obtaining the network identifier(s) from at least one optional SNPN.

[00173] In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that obtains network information from at least one optional SNPN may include obtaining the GIN(s) from at least one optional SNPN.

[00174] It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrations of a portion of the embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations to the scope of protection of the embodiments of this invention.

[00175] In some embodiments, determining, through the terminal device, the target SNPN that is selected for registration according to the network information of the optional SNPN(s) and the selection policy information, includes: determining if there is an optional SNPN in the first list and a corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN(s), the identifiers of Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 41 / 201 37 / 83 network of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information; according to the first priority order, determine sequentially whether a first validity condition of the optional SNPN in the first list is met; and determine a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the first optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the first list.

[00176] In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device can determine whether there is an optional SNPN in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information.

[00177] And, according to the first order of priority, the terminal device sequentially determines whether a first validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the first list is met; the first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met is determined to be the target SNPN, where the first optional SNPN is an optional SNPN existing in the first list.

[00178] In a first exemplary embodiment, the network identifiers of the optional SNPNs include an ID#1 identifier for SNPN#1, an ID#2 identifier for SNPN#2, and an ID#5 identifier for SNPN#5. The network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs include an ID#2 identifier for SNPN#2 and an ID#3 identifier for SNPN#3, and the first priority information indicates that SNPN#2 precedes SNPN#3.

[00179] Therefore, it can be determined that the optional SNPNs in the first list are SNPN #2 and SNPN #3, and the corresponding first priority order is SNPN #2 precedes SNPN #3.

[00180] According to the first order of priority, whether the first validity conditions of SNPN#2 and SNPN#3 are met is determined sequentially. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 42 / 201 38 / 83

[00181] In one case, if the first validity condition of SNPN#2 is met, the SNPN#2 with the first validity condition that is met is determined to be the target SNPN.

[00182] In another case, if the first validity condition of SNPN#2 is not met, the terminal device continues to determine whether the first validity condition of SNPN#3 is met. If the first validity condition of SNPN#3 is met, the SNPN#3 with the first validity condition met is determined to be the target SNPN.

[00183] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines whether there is an optional SNPN in the second list and a corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs and the second priority information, where a first condition is met; according to the second priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the second validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list is / are met; the terminal device determines a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met to be the target SNPN, where the second optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the second list.

[00184] The first condition includes at least one of the following: there are no optional SNPNs in the first list; none of the first validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the first list is / are met; All optional SNPNs that exist in the first list and whose first validity condition(s) are met fail to register during a registration procedure.

[00185] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the first condition may not have any optional SNPN in the first list. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 43 / 201 39 / 83

[00186] It can be understood that the terminal device can determine that there is no optional SNPN in the first list according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information.

[00187] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the first condition may be such that none of the first validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) in the first list are met.

[00188] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPN(s), and the first priority information; according to the first priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the first validity condition(s) of the optional SNPN(s) in the first list is / are met. It is possible that none of the first validity conditions of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the first list are met.

[00189] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the first condition may be such that all optional SNPN(s) that exist in the first list and whose first validity condition(s) is / are met fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00190] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPN(s), and the first priority information; according to the first priority order, the terminal device Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 44 / 201 40 / 83 sequentially determines whether the first validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the first list is / are met^) and determines a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN. It is possible that the optional SNPN(s) that exist in the first list and whose first validity condition(s) is / are met may all fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00191] It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrations of some embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations of the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00192] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the first condition is met, the terminal device can determine whether optional SNPN(s) exist in the second list and in the corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPN(s) and the second priority information.

[00193] And, according to the second order of priority, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the second validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list is / are met; the terminal device determines a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the second optional SNPN is an optional SNPN in the second list.

[00194] As an example, following the first example modality mentioned above, if the first validity condition of SNPN#3 is not met, the terminal device can determine if the optional SNPN(s) exist in the second list and the second order of Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 45 / 201 41 / 83 corresponding priority according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifier(s) of the second candidate SNPN(s) and the second priority information.

[00195] The network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs include an ID#1 identifier for SNPN#1 and an ID#4 identifier for SNPN#4, and the second priority information indicates that SNPN#4 precedes SNPN#1.

[00196] It can be determined that the optional SNPN existing in the second list is SNPN#1 and, since there is only one optional SNPN, its second priority order is that SNPN#1 is the first.

[00197] Based on this, the terminal device can determine whether the second validity condition of SNPN#1 is met.

[00198] In one case, if the second validity condition of SNPN#1 is met, the SNPN#1 with the second validity condition that is met is determined to be the target SNPN.

[00199] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines whether optional SNPN(s) exist in the third list and in the corresponding third priority order, according to the GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s), candidate GINs and the third priority information, where a second condition is met; according to the third priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the third validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the third list is / are met; the terminal device determines a third optional SNPN with a third validity condition that is met to be the target SNPN; where the third optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the third list.

[00200] The second condition includes at least one of the following: there is no optional SNPN in the second list; none of the second validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the second list are met; Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 46 / 201 42 / 83 all optional SNPNs, which exist in the second list and whose second validity condition(s) is / are met, fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00201] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the second condition may not have any optional SNPN existing in the second list.

[00202] It can be understood that the terminal device can determine that there is no existing optional SNPN in the second list according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPN(s), and the second priority information.

[00203] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the second condition may be such that none of the second validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the second list are met.

[00204] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the second list and corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPN(s), and the second priority information; according to the second priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the second validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list is / are met. It is possible that none of the second validity conditions of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list is / are met.

[00205] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the second condition may be that all the optional SNPN(s) that exist in the second list and whose second condition(s) Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 47 / 201 43 / 83 validity requirements are met, fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00206] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the second list and corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPN(s), and the second priority information; according to the second priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the second validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list is / are met, and determines a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met as the target SNPN. It is possible that all optional SNPNs that exist in the second list and whose second validity condition(s) are met may fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00207] It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrations of a portion of the embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations to the scope of protection of the embodiments of this invention.

[00208] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the second condition is met, the terminal device can determine whether optional SNPN(s) exist in the third list and in the corresponding third priority order according to the GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the candidate GINs and the third priority information.

[00209] And, according to the third order of priority, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the third validity condition(s) of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the third list is / are met; the terminal device determines a third SNPN. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 48 / 201 44 / 83 optional with a third validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the third optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the third list.

[00210] As an example, following the first example modality mentioned above, if the second validity condition of SNPN#1 is not met, the terminal device can determine if the optional SNPN(s) exist in the third list and the corresponding third priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the third candidate SNPN(s) and the third priority information.

[00211] The network identifiers of the third candidate SNPN(s) include an ID#5 for SNPN#5 and an ID#6 for SNPN#6, and the third priority information indicates that SNPN#5 precedes SNPN#6.

[00212] Thus, it can be determined that the optional SNPN existing in the third list is SNPN#5 and, since there is only one optional SNPN, its second priority order is SNPN#5 as the first.

[00213] Based on this, the terminal device can determine whether the third validity condition of SNPN#5 is met.

[00214] In one case, if the third validity condition of SNPN#5 is met, SNPN#5 with the third validity condition being met is determined to be the target SNPN.

[00215] In some embodiments, determining, through the terminal device, the target SNPN that is selected for registration according to the network information of the optional SNPN(s) and the selection policy information, includes: determining if the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPN(s) and the first priority information; to determine if the optional SNPN(s) Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 49 / 201 45 / 83 exists in the second list and the corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPN(s) and the second priority information; determine if the optional SNPN(s) exists in the third list and the corresponding third priority order according to the GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the candidate GINs and the third priority information; according to the first priority order, determine sequentially if the first validity condition(s) of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the first list is / are met; determine a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the first optional SNPN is an optional SNPN in the first list.

[00216] In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device can determine whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPN and the first priority information; the terminal device can determine whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the second list and the corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPN(s) and the second priority information; The terminal device can determine if optional SNPN(s) exist in the third list and the corresponding third priority order according to the GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the candidate GINs, and the third priority information.

[00217] And, according to the first order of priority, the terminal device determines sequentially whether the first validity condition(s) of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the first list is / are met. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 50 / 201 46 / 83 is / are met; the terminal device determines a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the first optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the first list.

[00218] In a second exemplary embodiment, the network identifiers of the optional SNPNs include an ID#1 identifier for SNPN#1, an ID#2 identifier for SNPN#2, and an ID#5 identifier for SNPN#5. The network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs include an ID#2 identifier for SNPN#2 and an ID#3 identifier for SNPN#3, and the first priority information indicates that SNPN#2 precedes SNPN#3. The network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs include an ID#1 identifier for SNPN#1 and an ID#4 identifier for SNPN#4, and the second priority information indicates that SNPN#4 precedes SNPN#1. The network identifiers of the third candidate SNPNs include an ID#5 identifier for SNPN#5 and an ID#6 identifier for SNPN#6, and the third priority information indicates that SNPN#5 precedes SNPN#6.

[00219] Therefore, it can be determined that the optional SNPNs existing in the first list are SNPN#2 and SNPN#3, and the corresponding first priority order is SNPN#2 which precedes SNPN#3; the optional SNPN existing in the second list is SNPN#1, and the optional SNPN existing in the third list is SNPN#5.

[00220] According to the first priority order, the terminal device determines sequentially whether the first validity conditions of SNPN#2 and SNPN#3 are met.

[00221] In one case, if the first validity condition of SNPN#2 is met, SNPN#2 with the first validity condition that is met is determined as the target SNPN.

[00222] In another case, if the first validity condition of SNPN#2 is not met, the terminal device continues to determine Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 51 / 201 47 / 83 if the first validity condition of SNPN#3 is met. If the first validity condition of SNPN#3 is met, SNPN#3 with the first validity condition met is determined to be the target SNPN.

[00223] In some embodiments, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the second validity condition(s) of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the second list is / are met according to the second priority order, where the first condition is met; and the terminal device determines that a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition met is the target SNPN, where the second optional SNPN is an optional SNPN existing in the second list.

[00224] The first condition includes at least one of the following: there are no optional SNPNs in the first list; none of the first validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the first list are met; All optional SNPNs that exist in the first list and whose first validity condition(s) are met fail to register during a registration procedure.

[00225] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the first condition may not have any optional SNPN in the first list.

[00226] It can be understood that the terminal device can determine that there is no optional SNPN in the first list according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information.

[00227] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the first condition may be such that none of the first validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) in the first list are met. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 52 / 201 48 / 83

[00228] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPN(s), and the first priority information; according to the first priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the first validity condition(s) of the optional SNPN(s) in the first list is / are met. It is possible that none of the first validity conditions of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the first list are met.

[00229] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the first condition may be such that all optional SNPNs, which exist in the first list and whose first validity condition(s) are met, fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00230] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPN(s), and the first priority information; according to the first priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the first validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the first list is / are met^), and determines a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN. It is possible that the optional SNPN(s), present in the first list and whose first validity condition(s) is / are met, may fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00231] It should be noted that the above modalities are not exhaustive. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 53 / 201 49 / 83 are illustrative and are merely illustrations of a portion of the embodiments. The embodiments above may be implemented individually or in combination. The embodiments above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations of the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00232] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the first condition is met, the terminal device can sequentially determine, according to the second order of priority, whether the second validity condition(s) of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the second list is / are met; the terminal device determines a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the second optional SNPN is an optional SNPN existing in the second list.

[00233] As an example, following the second example mode above, if the first validity condition of SNPN#3 is not met, the terminal device can determine whether the second validity condition of SNPN#1 is met.

[00234] In one case, if the second validity condition of SNPN#1 is met, the SNPN#1 with the second validity condition met is determined to be the target SNPN.

[00235] In some modalities, according to the third order of priority, the terminal device determines sequentially whether the third^) validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the third list is / are met, where the second condition is met; the terminal determines a third optional SNPN with a third validity condition met as the target SNPN, where the third optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the third list.

[00236] The second condition includes at least one of the following: there is no existing optional SNPN in the second list; Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 54 / 201 50 / 83 none of the second validity conditions of the optional SNPNs existing in the second list is / are met; All optional SNPNs that exist in the second list and whose second validity condition(s) are met fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00237] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device meeting the second condition may not have any optional SNPN existing in the second list.

[00238] It can be understood that the terminal device can determine that there is no existing optional SNPN in the second list according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPN(s), and the second priority information.

[00239] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device meeting the second condition may be such that none of the second validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the second list are met.

[00240] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether there are no existing optional SNPNs in the second list and the corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifier(s) of the second candidate SNPN(s), and the second priority information; according to the second priority order, the terminal device then determines whether the second validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list is / are met. It is possible that none of the second validity conditions of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list are met.

[00241] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the second condition may be that all SNPN(s) Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 55 / 201 51 / 83 optional(s), which exist in the second list and whose second validity condition(s) are met, fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00242] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether any optional SNPN exists in the second list and the corresponding second priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs, and the second priority information; according to the second priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the second validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the second list is / are met^), and determines a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met as the target SNPN. It is possible that all optional SNPN(s) that exist in the second list and whose second validity condition(s) is / are met will fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00243] It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrations of a portion of the embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations of the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00244] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the event that the second condition is met, the terminal device can sequentially determine, according to the third order of priority, whether the third validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the third list is / are met; the terminal device determines a third optional SNPN with a third validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the third optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the third list. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 56 / 201 52 / 83

[00245] For example, following the second example mode above, if the second validity condition of SNPN#1 is not met, the terminal device can determine whether the third validity condition of SNPN#5 is met.

[00246] In one case, if the third validity condition of SNPN#5 is met, the SNPN#5 with the third validity condition that is met is determined to be the target SNPN.

[00247] In some modes, the terminal device determines that network selection fails where a third condition is met.

[00248] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device can determine that network selection fails if it is determined that the third condition is met.

[00249] The third condition includes at least one of the following: there is no existing optional SNPN in the third list; none of the third validity conditions for the optional SNPNs listed in the third list are met; All optional SNPNs that exist in the third list and whose third validity condition(s) are met fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00250] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device meeting the third condition may not have any optional SNPN existing in the third list.

[00251] It can be understood that the terminal device can determine that there is no existing optional SNPN in the third list according to the GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the candidate GINs and the third priority information.

[00252] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that meets the third condition may be such that none of the third validity conditions of the optional SNPN(s) existing in the third list are met. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 57 / 201 53 / 83

[00253] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether optional SNPN(s) exist in the third list and the corresponding third priority order according to the GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the candidate GINs and the third priority information, where the second condition is met; according to the third priority order, the terminal device subsequently determines whether the third validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the third list is / are met. It is possible that none of the third validity conditions of the existing optional SNPNs in the third list are met.

[00254] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device meeting the third condition may be one in which all optional SNPNs, which exist in the third list and whose third validity condition(s) are met, fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00255] It can be understood that the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the third list and the corresponding third priority order according to the GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s), candidate GINs and third priority information, where the second condition is met; according to the third priority order, the terminal device sequentially determines whether the third validity condition(s) of the existing optional SNPN(s) in the third list is / are met, and the terminal device determines a third optional SNPN with a third validity condition that is met as the target SNPN. It is possible that all optional SNPNs that exist in the third list and whose third validity condition(s) is / are met may fail to register during the registration procedure.

[00256] It should be noted that the above modalities are not exhaustive. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 58 / 201 54 / 83 are illustrative and are merely illustrations of a portion of the embodiments. The embodiments above may be implemented individually or in combination. The embodiments above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations of the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00257] As an example, following the second example mode above, if the third validity condition of SNPN#5 is not met, it is determined that the network selection has failed.

[00258] In some embodiments, the selection policy information also includes: the last registered SNPN and a corresponding fourth validity condition; wherein, before the terminal device determines whether optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPN and the first priority information, the method includes: determining, through the terminal device, whether there is an optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s) and the network identifier of the last registered SNPN; determining a fourth optional SNPN with a fourth validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the fourth optional SNPN is an optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN.

[00259] In the embodiment of the present invention, the selection policy information also includes: the last registered SNPN and the corresponding fourth validity condition.

[00260] Before the terminal device determines whether optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifier(s) of the first Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 59 / 201 55 / 83 Candidate SNPN(s) and the first priority information, the terminal device can also determine if there is an optional SNPN that is the same as or equivalent to the last registered SNPN according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s) and the network identifier of the last registered SNPN; the terminal device determines a fourth optional SNPN with a fourth validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the fourth optional SNPN is an optional SNPN that is the same as or equivalent to the last registered SNPN.

[00261] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines the cancellation of the execution of the determination of whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information.

[00262] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device determines a fourth optional SNPN with a fourth validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s) and the network identifier of the last registered SNPN. In the case where the fourth optional SNPN is an optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN, the terminal device determines the cancellation of the execution of the determination of whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and in the corresponding first priority order according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information.

[00263] It can be understood that the terminal device determines the fourth optional SNPN with the fourth validity condition that is met as the target SNPN according to the network identifier(s). Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 60 / 201 56 / 83 of the optional SNPN(s) and the network identifier of the last registered SNPN. If the fourth optional SNPN is an optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN, the terminal device's network selection is successful in this case, and the terminal device can cancel the execution of the determination of whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and in the first priority order corresponding to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs, and the first priority information.

[00264] In some embodiments, the terminal device determines whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and in the first order of priority corresponding to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, where a fourth condition is met.

[00265] The fourth condition includes at least one of the following: There is no optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN; A fourth condition for the validity of the optional SNPN, which must be equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN, is not met; An optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN fails to register during the registration procedure.

[00266] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the fourth condition is met, the terminal device can determine whether to perform the determination of whether the optional SNPN(s) exist in the first list and in the first priority order corresponding to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s), the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 61 / 201 57 / 83

[00267] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device determines that the fourth condition is met, and the fourth condition may include that there is no optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN.

[00268] It can be understood that the terminal device can determine that there is no optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s) and the network identifier of the last registered SNPN.

[00269] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device determines that the fourth condition is met, and the fourth condition may include that the fourth validity condition of the optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN is not met.

[00270] It can be understood that the terminal device determines that there is an optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s) and the network identifier of the last registered SNPN. The terminal device may determine that the fourth validity condition of the optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN is not met.

[00271] It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrations of a portion of the embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations of the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00272] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device determines that the fourth condition is met, and the fourth condition may include that the optional SNPN is the same as or equivalent to the last Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 62 / 201 58 / 83 tima SNPN registered failure to register during the registration procedure.

[00273] It can be understood that the terminal device determines that there is an optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN according to the network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s) and the network identifier of the last registered SNPN; the terminal device determines the fourth optional SNPN with the fourth validity condition that is met as the target SNPN. It is possible that the optional SNPN (the fourth optional SNPN) that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN fails to register during the registration procedure.

[00274] In implementations or embodiments, unless there is any contradiction, the respective steps may be implemented independently, or may be arbitrarily combined, or the order of the steps may be altered, and optional methods or optional examples may be arbitrarily combined and may be arbitrarily combined with other implementations or embodiments.

[00275] By implementing the embodiments of the present invention, the terminal device obtains network information from at least one optional SNPN, and determines the target SNPN that is selected for registration based on the network information of the optional SNPN(s) and selection policy information, where the selection policy information includes at least one from the first list, the second list, and the third list. In this way, the terminal device can simultaneously consider the validity condition(s) during the network selection procedure, thereby improving the efficiency of network selection.

[00276] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another network selection method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the method is performed by an access network device. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps: Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 63 / 201 In S51, indication information is sent to a terminal device. This indication information is used to provide network information for at least one optional SNPN, and the indication information is used for the terminal device to obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN.

[00277] In the embodiment of the present invention, the access network device can send the indication information to the terminal device.

[00278] The indication information is used to indicate the network information of at least one optional SNPN, and the indication information is used for the terminal device to obtain the network information of at least one optional SNPN.

[00279] The access network device can send the indication information to the terminal device in a transmission format.

[00280] Certainly, the access network device can send the indication information to the terminal device in other ways, and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose specific limitations on this.

[00281] In some modes, the optional SNPN network information includes at least one of the following: network identifier(s) of the optional SNPN(s); GIN(s) of the optional SNPN(s).

[00282] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that obtains network information from at least one optional SNPN may include obtaining the network identifier(s) from at least one optional SNPN.

[00283] In one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device that obtains network information from at least one optional SNPN may include obtaining the GIN(s) from at least one optional SNPN. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 64 / 201 60 / 83

[00284] It should be noted that the above embodiments are not exhaustive and are merely illustrations of some embodiments. The above embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. The above embodiments are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be specific limitations of the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00285] In implementations or embodiments, unless there is any contradiction, the respective steps may be implemented independently, or may be combined arbitrarily, or the order of the steps may be changed, and optional methods or optional examples may be combined arbitrarily and may be combined arbitrarily with other implementations or embodiments.

[00286] Through the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention, the access network device sends the indication information to the terminal device, where the indication information is used to indicate the network information of at least one optional SNPN, and the indication information is used for the terminal device to obtain the network information of at least one optional SNPN. Thus, the access network device can send the indication information to the terminal device to indicate the network information of at least one optional SNPN.

[00287] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, an example embodiment is provided.

[00288] In the example of modality, a localized service is a service that is provided in a specific / limited area and / or that may be limited in time. The service may be performed through applications (e.g., live or on-demand audio / video streaming, electronic games, IMS, etc.) or connectivity (e.g., terminal device to terminal device, terminal device to data network, etc.). Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 65 / 201 61 / 83

[00289] A localized service provider is an application provider or network operator that localizes its services and offers them to an end user through a hosting network. A hosting network can be an SNPN or a PNI-NPN.

[00290] In some modes, the configuration and signature aspects of the terminal device: An SNPN-enabled terminal is configured with the following information for each subscribed SNPN: - PLMN ID and NID of the signed SNPN; - Signature identifier (SUPI) and credentials for the signed SNPN; - (optionally) an N3IWF FQDN and an identifier for the country / region where the configured N3IWF is located; - (Optionally) if the terminal device supports access to an SNPN using credentials from a Credential Holder: - User-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs; - prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by the Credential Holder, each entry in the list includes; - an SNPN identifier; and - (optionally) validity information (if the terminal device supports access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services) - Prioritized list of GINs controlled by the Credential Holder, each entry in the list includes: - a group identity for network selection; and - (optionally) validity information (if the terminal device supports access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services) - protection scheme to conceal SUPI, as defined Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 66 / 201 62 / 83 in TS 33.501

[29] ; NOTE: In addition, the terminal device can be configured to use anonymous SUCI as defined in TS 24.501

[47] ,

[00291] Validity information includes: - time validity information, that is, the period(s) of time (defined by the start and end times) during which access to the SNPN is permitted; and / or, - Location validity information, including - geolocation information and / or, - Service network tracking area information, i.e., lists of TACs by PLMN ID or by PLMN ID and NID. NOTE X: Location validity information is used to assist the terminal device in locating SNPNs in the prioritized list of SNPNs and GINs controlled by the Credential Holder and is not used for any area restriction application.

[00292] In some embodiments, whether the prioritized lists of preferred SNPNs / GINs controlled by the Credential Holder can be extended or whether 2) a new list type is defined to provide entries with validity information for the terminal device and whether any capability indications are required for a terminal device that supports these validity conditions is FFS and to be determined by CT1.

[00293] Question 1: For the purposes of selecting the SNPN hosting network, SA2 asks whether CT1 prefers to extend the existing prioritized list of preferred SNPNs / GINs controlled by CH with optional validity conditions or to define new prioritized lists of SNPNs / GINs controlled by CH including optional validity conditions?

[00294] CT1 reviewed the SA2 conditions regarding the use of these lists in the automatic selection of SNPN as in S2-2301443 and identified that: Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 67 / 201 63 / 83 - Entries from (a) a prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by CH and (b) a prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by CH are used in different SNPN selection steps, depending on whether the entry is subject to validity conditions or not. - Entries from (a) a prioritized list of CH-controlled preferred SNPNs and (b) a prioritized list of CH-controlled preferred GINs, with validity conditions, are used only when the terminal device supports access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services and the user allows access to localized services.

[00295] Based on the above, CT1 prefers to specify (a) a new prioritized list of CH-controlled preferred SNPNs for access to localized services and (b) a new prioritized list of CH-controlled preferred GINs for access to localized services. NOTE 1: If the terminal device has multiple SNPN signatures, the signature to be used for automatic selection is supposed to be determined by implementation-specific means before network selection.

[00296] In some embodiments, if the terminal device supports access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services and the end user allows access to localized services, for automatic network selection, the terminal device must select and attempt registration with an available SNPN in the following order: In some embodiments, (a) if the terminal device supports access to an SNPN using Credentials of a Credential Holder, then the terminal device continues to select and attempt registration with available and permitted SNPNs that transmit the indication that access using Credentials of a Credential Holder is supported in the following order: i. a SNPN with the validity information with which the UE was last registered (if the validity information is met); Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 68 / 201 64 / 83 Editor's note: if the equivalent SNPN(s) have the same validity information as the SNPN that provides access to localized services for which the UE was last registered, then SNPN(s) in the prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by the Credential Holder (in order of priority) are ignored if validity information is available and met; entries in the list of preferred SNPNs without validity information are ignored; iii. SNPN(s) that additionally transmit a GIN contained in the prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by the Credential Holder (in order of priority) if validity information is available and met; entries in the list of preferred GINs without validity information are ignored.

[00297] In some embodiments, (b) the SNPN without validity information with which the terminal device was last registered (if available) or the equivalent SNPN (if available);

[00298] In some modes, (c) the signed SNPN, which is identified by the PLMN ID and NID for which the user has SUPI and credentials;

[00299] In some modes, (d) the available and permitted SNPNs that transmit the indication that access is using credentials from a Credential Holder are supported in the following order: i. SNPNs in the user-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs (in order of priority) ii. SNPNs in the Credential Holder-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs (in order of priority) without validity information; iii. SNPNs, which additionally transmit a GIN contained in the prioritized list of preferred GINs controlled by the Credential Holder (in order of priority) without validity information; iv. SNPNs, which additionally transmit an indication Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 69 / 201 65 / 83 that the SNPN allows attempts to register terminal devices that are not explicitly configured to select the SNPN, i.e., the transmitted NID or GIN is not present in the prioritized lists of preferred SNPNs / GINs controlled by the Credential Holder on the terminal device.

[00300] In some embodiments, if the terminal device supports access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services and the end user allows access to localized services, the UE must periodically attempt to reselect and register with a higher priority SNPN 1) based on the order of sub-markers (i) to (iii) above marker (a), marker (c), sub-markers (i) to (iii) of marker (d) if the terminal device is not registered in sub-marker (i) of marker (a) or 2) based on the order of sub-markers (ii) to (iii) above marker (a), marker (c), sub-markers (i) to (iii) of marker (d) if the terminal device is registered in sub-marker (i) of marker (a) if either of the following conditions is met: - if there is one or more SNPNs with validity information that is met, and the terminal device is not registered in an SNPN that has the highest priority among one or more SNPNs; or - if there is no SNPN with validity information that is met, and there is one or more GINs with validity information that is met, and the terminal device is not registered with an SNPN that transmits a GIN that has the highest priority among one or more GINs; or - if there is no SNPN with validity information that meets the requirements, and there is no GIN with validity information that meets the requirements, and the terminal device is not registered in the signed SNPN. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 70 / 201 66 / 83

[00301] Otherwise, the terminal device does not trigger the new periodic selection and attempts registration in a higher priority SNPN NOTE: Network selection details (e.g., handling of validity information, periodicity determination) specified in TS 23.122

[17] ,

[00302] In some modes, if the terminal device does not support access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services, or the end user does not allow access to localized services, for automatic network selection, the terminal device must select and attempt registration with available and permitted SNPNs in the following order: - the SNPN without validity information with which the terminal device was last registered (if available) or the equivalent SNPN (if available); - a signed SNPN, which is identified by the PLMN ID and NID for which the terminal device has SUPI and credentials; - If the terminal device supports access to an SNPN using credentials from a Credential Holder, then the terminal device continues selecting and attempting registration with available and permitted SNPNs that transmit the indication that access using credentials from a Credential Holder is supported in the following order: - SNPNs in the prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by the user (in order of priority);

[00303] The embodiments of the present invention define a new list of preferred SNPNs with validity information for a terminal device to perform network selection for the hosting network to provide localized services. And the embodiments of the present invention define a new network selection based on the new list above. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 71 / 201 67 / 83

[00304] In some modes, a new list of SNPNs / GINs that supports localized services is defined as follows: - User-controlled prioritized list of preferred SNPNs with validity conditions; - prioritized list of preferred SNPNs controlled by the Credential Holder with validity conditions; - Prioritized list of GINs controlled by the Credential Holder with validity conditions.

[00305] The validity condition may include “expiration date” and / or “location information”.

[00306] It should be noted that the relevant steps in the example embodiments above have been described in detail in the embodiments above, and reference may be made to the relevant description in the embodiments above, and repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[00307] In the embodiments provided above in the present invention, the methods provided in the embodiments of the present invention are introduced from the perspective of the terminal device and the access network device, respectively.

[00308] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication apparatus 1 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The communication apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 6 may include a transceiver module 11 and a processing module. The transceiver module may include a transmitter module and / or a receiver module. The transmitter module is used to implement a sending function, and the receiver module is used to implement a receiving function. The transceiver module may implement the sending function and / or the receiving function.

[00309] Communication device 1 may be a terminal device, or it may be a device within the terminal device, or it may be a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 72 / 201 68 / 83 Alternatively, communication device 1 may be an access network device, or it may be a device within the access network device, or it may be a device that can be used in conjunction with the access network device.

[00310] Communication device 1 is configured on the terminal device side:

[00311] the device includes: a processing module 12.

[00312] Processing module 12 is configured to obtain network information from at least one optional Autonomous Non-Public Network (SNPN); and, based on the optional SNPN network information and selection policy information, determine a target SNPN to be selected for registration.

[00313] Where the selection policy information includes at least one of: a first list, wherein the first list includes network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs controlled by the user, first priority information and first validity conditions corresponding to network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs; a second list, wherein the second list includes network identifiers of second candidate SNPNs controlled by the credential holder, second priority information and second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs; A third list, in which the third list includes GINs of candidate group identities controlled by the credential holder, third priority information, and third validity conditions corresponding to the candidate GINs.

[00314] In some modalities, selection policy information also includes: a last registered SNPN and a fourth condition of Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 73 / 201 69 / 83 corresponding validity.

[00315] In some modalities, the first validity condition includes the first valid time information and / or the first valid location information; or the second validity condition includes the second valid time information and / or the second valid location information; or the third validity condition includes the third valid time information and / or the third valid location information.

[00316] In some modalities, the fourth validity condition includes a fourth valid time information and / or a fourth valid location information.

[00317] In some embodiments, the device also includes a transceiver module 11 configured to receive indication information sent by an access network device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the network information of at least one optional SNPN.

[00318] Processing module 12 is further configured to, according to the indication information, obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN.

[00319] In some modes, the optional SNPN network information includes at least one of the following: an optional SNPN network identifier; an optional SNPN GIN.

[00320] In some embodiments, processing module 12 is further configured to: according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, determine whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and a corresponding first priority order; according to the first priority order, determine sequentially whether a first optional SNPN validity condition Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 74 / 201 70 / 83 existing in the first list is met; and determine a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the first optional SNPN is the optional SNPN existing in the first list.

[00321] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to: according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs and the second priority information, determine whether the optional SNPN exists in the second list and in a corresponding second priority order, where a first condition is met, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: The optional SNPN does not exist in the first list; None of the first validity conditions for the optional SNPN listed in the first list are met; All optional SNPNs that exist in the first list and whose first validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure; According to the second priority order, determine sequentially whether a second validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the second list is met; and determine a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the second optional SNPN is the optional SNPN existing in the second list.

[00322] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to: according to the GIN of the optional SNPN, the candidate GINs and the third priority information, determine whether the optional SNPN exists in the third list and a corresponding third priority order, wherein a second condition is met, and the second condition includes at least one of the following: The optional SNPN does not exist in the second list; Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 75 / 201 71 / 83 none of the second validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the second list is met; All optional SNPNs that exist in the second list and meet a second validity condition will fail to register during a registration procedure. According to the third order of priority, determine sequentially whether a third validity condition of the optional SNPN in the third list is met; and determine a third optional SNPN with a third validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the third optional SNPN is the existing optional SNPN in the third list.

[00323] In some embodiments, processing module 12 is further configured to: according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, determine whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and in a corresponding first priority order; Based on the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs, and the second priority information, determine if the optional SNPN exists in the second list and in a corresponding second priority order; Based on the optional SNPN's GIN, the candidate GINs, and the third priority information, determine if the optional SNPN exists in the third list and in a corresponding third priority order; According to the first order of priority, determine sequentially whether a first validity condition of the existing optional SNPN in the first list is met; and determine a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 76 / 201 72 / 83 The first optional SNPN is the optional SNPN existing in the first list.

[00324] In some embodiments, processing module 12 is further configured to: according to the second priority order, determine sequentially whether a second validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the second list is met, where a first condition is met and the first condition includes at least one of the following: The optional SNPN does not exist in the first list; None of the initial validity conditions for the optional SNPN listed in the first list are met; all optional SNPNs that exist in the first list and whose first validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure; and determine a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the second optional SNPN is the optional SNPN existing in the second list.

[00325] In some embodiments, processing module 12 is further configured to: according to the third priority order, determine sequentially whether a third validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the third list is met, wherein a second condition is met and the second condition includes at least one of the following: The optional SNPN does not exist in the second list; None of the second validity conditions for the optional SNPN listed in the second list are met; all optional SNPNs that exist in the second list and whose second validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure; and determine a third optional SNPN with a third Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 77 / 201 73 / 83 validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the third optional SNPN is the existing optional SNPN in the third list.

[00326] In some embodiments, processing module 12 is further configured to: determine that network selection fails, where a third condition is met, and the third condition includes at least one of the following: The optional SNPN does not exist in the third list; None of the third validity conditions for the optional SNPN listed in the third list are met; All optional SNPNs that exist in the third list and meet a third validity condition will fail to register during a registration procedure.

[00327] In some modalities, the selection policy information also includes: a last registered SNPN and a corresponding fourth validity condition; before determining whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and in the first corresponding priority order according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, processing module 12 is further configured to: according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN and a network identifier of the last registered SNPN, determine whether there is an optional SNPN equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN; and determine a fourth optional SNPN with a fourth validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the fourth optional SNPN is the optional SNPN equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN.

[00328] In some modes, processing module 12 is further configured to: determine the cancellation of the execution of the determination of whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and in the corresponding first priority order according to the identifier of Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 78 / 201 74 / 83 optional SNPN network, network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information.

[00329] In some embodiments, processing module 12 is further configured to: determine the execution of the determination of whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and in the first priority order corresponding to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, wherein a fourth condition is met, and the fourth condition includes at least one of the following: There is no optional SNPN that is the same as or equivalent to the last registered SNPN; A fourth condition for the validity of the optional SNPN, which is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN, is not met; An optional SNPN equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN fails to register during a registration procedure.

[00330] Communication device 1 is configured on the access network device side: The device includes a transceiver module 11.

[00331] Transceiver module 11 is configured to: send indication information to a terminal device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate network information from at least one optional SNPN, and the indication information is used for the terminal device to obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN.

[00332] In some embodiments, the network information from the optional SNPN includes at least one of the following: an optional SNPN network identifier; an optional SNPN GIN.

[00333] With regard to communication device 1 in the above modes, the specific way in which each module performs the operations was Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 79 / 201 75 / 83 described in detail in the methods section, and repeated descriptions will be omitted here.

[00334] The communication apparatus 1 provided in the above embodiments of the present invention can obtain the same beneficial effects, or similar effects, as the network selection methods provided in some of the above embodiments, and repeated descriptions will be omitted here.

[00335] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication apparatus 1000 provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The communication apparatus 1000 may be a terminal device or may be an access network device or may be a chip, chip system or processor, and so forth, that supports the terminal device to implement the above methods or may be a chip, chip system or processor, and so forth, that supports the access network device to implement the above methods. The communication apparatus 1000 may be used to implement the methods described in the embodiments above. For details, see the descriptions in the embodiments above.

[00336] The communication device 1000 may include one or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be a general-purpose processor or a specific-purpose processor, etc. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processor. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processor may be used to control the communication device (such as the access network device, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute a computer program, and process data for a computer program.

[00337] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include one or more memories 1002, in which a program of Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 80 / 201 76 / 83 computer 1004 can be stored, and the processor executes the computer program 1004, so that the communication device 1000 executes the methods described in the method embodiments above. Optionally, data can also be stored in memory 1002. The communication device 1000 and memory 1002 can be provided separately or integrated.

[00338] Optionally, the communication apparatus 1000 may also include a transceiver 1005 and an antenna 1006. The transceiver 1005 may be called a transceiver unit, transceiver device or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to perform transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1005 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be called a receiver device or receiver circuit, etc., and is used to perform the reception function; the transmitter may be called a transmitter device or transmitter circuit, etc., and is used to perform the transmission function.

[00339] Optionally, the communication apparatus 1000 may also include one or more interface circuits 1007. The interface circuits 1007 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1001. The processor 1001 executes the code instructions to cause the communication apparatus 10000 to execute the methods described in the method embodiments above.

[00340] When communication device 1000 is the terminal device, processor 1001 is configured to execute S41 and S42 in FIG. 4.

[00341] When communication device 1000 is the access network device, transceiver 1005 is configured to run S51 in FIG. 5.

[00342] In one embodiment, a transceiver to implement reception and transmission functions may be included in processor 1001. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 81 / 201 77 / 83 For example, the transceiver can be a receiving circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver, interface, or interface circuit used to implement the receiving and transmitting functions can be separate or integrated. The transceiver, interface, or interface circuit mentioned above can be used for reading and writing codes / data, or the transceiver, interface, or interface circuit mentioned above can be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[00343] In one embodiment, processor 1001 can store a computer program 1003, and computer program 1003 is executed on processor 1001, causing communication device 1000 to execute the methods described in the method embodiments above. Computer program 1003 can be solidified on processor 1001, in which case processor 1001 can be implemented in hardware.

[00344] In one embodiment, the communication apparatus 1000 may include a circuit, and the circuit may implement the functions of sending, receiving, or communicating in the above method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in the present invention may be implemented in Integrated Circuit (IC), Analog IC, Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), Mixed Signal IC, Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Printed Circuit Board (PCB), electronic device, and so forth. The processor and transceiver may also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), n-Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS), Positive Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (PMOS), Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), Bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), Silicon Germanium (SiGe), Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[00345] The communication device described in the above versions Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 82 / 201 78 / 83 may be a terminal device or a network access device, but the scope of the communication apparatus described in the present invention is not limited to the same. Furthermore, the structure of the communication apparatus is not limited by Figure 7. The communication apparatus may be a stand-alone device or it may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication apparatus may be: (1) an independent integrated circuit (IC), a chip or a chip system or subsystem, (2) an assembly of one or more ICs; optionally, the IC assembly may also include a storage component configured to store computer data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem, (4) a module that can be incorporated into another device(s) (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a mobile phone, a wireless device, a portable device, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, an access network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[00346] For a case where the communication device is a chip or a system of chips, with reference to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[00347] The 1100 chip includes an 1101 processor and an 1103 interface. The processor number(s) may be one or more than one, and the interface number(s) may be more than one.

[00348] For a case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of the present invention:

[00349] Interface 1103 is configured to receive instructions from Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 83 / 201 79 / 83 code and transmit them to the processor.

[00350] Processor 1101 is configured to execute the code instructions to perform the network selection methods as described in a part of the above embodiments.

[00351] For a case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the access network device in the embodiments of the present invention:

[00352] Interface 1103 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor.

[00353] Processor 1101 is configured to execute the code instructions to perform the network selection method as described in one part of the embodiments above.

[00354] Optionally, the 1100 chip also includes an 1102 memory, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[00355] Those skilled in the art may also understand that the various logical blocks and illustrative steps listed in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the general system design requirements. Those skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be understood as being beyond the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00356] One embodiment of the present invention also provides a network selection system. The system includes a communication device as a terminal device and a communication device as an access network device in the embodiment of Figure 6, or the system includes a communication device as a terminal device. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 84 / 201 80 / 83 and a communication device such as an access network device in the mode of Figure 7.

[00357] The present invention also provides a readable storage medium in which instructions are stored and, when the instructions are executed by a computer, the functions of any of the embodiments of the above method are implemented.

[00358] The present invention also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the embodiments of the method above.

[00359] The above embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described according to the embodiments of the present invention are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device.A computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or it can be transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another; for example, a computer program can be transferred from one site, computer, server, or data center to another site, computer, server, or data center via wires (such as coaxial cable, fiber optics, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). A computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 85 / 201 81 / 83 data, etc., which contains one or more integrated available media. The available media may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., high-density DVD (Digital Video Disc)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., SSD (Solid State Disk)), etc.

[00360] Those skilled in the art may understand that first, second, and other numbers involved in the present invention are for convenience of description only and are not used to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention, nor to indicate a sequential order.

[00361] The term “at least one” in the present invention may also be described as one or more, and plurality may be two, three, four or more, and the present invention is not limited to them. In embodiments of the present invention, for a type of technical feature, “first”, “second”, “third”, “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”, etc., are used to distinguish technical features within the type of technical feature, and the described technical features associated with “first”, “second”, “third”, “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” are not in any specific sequential order or size order.

[00362] Depending on the context, the expressions “if” and “in a case” as used here can be interpreted as “when...” or “at the time of...” or “in response to the determination...”

[00363] The corresponding relationships shown in each table of the present invention can be configured or predefined. The information value(s) in each table are merely examples and can be configured as other values, which is not limited by the present invention. When configuring a corresponding relationship between information and each parameter, it is not necessarily necessary to configure all corresponding relationships shown in each table. For example, in a table in the present invention, a corresponding relationship shown in some rows may not be present. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 86 / 201 82 / 83 configured. For another example, appropriate modified adjustments can be made based on the table above, such as splitting, merging, etc. The parameter names shown in the table titles can also be other names understandable by a communication device, and the parameter values ​​or expressions can also be other values ​​or expressions understandable by the communication device. When implementing the tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structure bodies, classes, heaps, hash tables or lists, and so on.

[00364] Predefinition in the present invention can be understood as definition, advance definition, storage, pre-storage, pre-negotiation, pre-configuration, solidification or pre-recording.

[00365] Those skilled in the art will understand that the algorithm units and steps of each example described, together with the embodiments described herein, can be implemented with electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solutions. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present invention.

[00366] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for convenience and simplicity of description, the specific work processes of the systems, devices, and units described above may be referred to in the corresponding processes in the method embodiments above and will not be described again here. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 87 / 201 83 / 83

[00367] The above embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to them. Anyone skilled in the art can easily think of modifications or substitutions within the technical scope described in the present invention, and such modifications or substitutions fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 88 / 201

Claims

1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. A network selection method, performed by a terminal device, characterized in that it comprises: obtaining network information from at least one optional Autonomous Non-Public Network (SNPN); and according to the network information of the optional SNPN and selection policy information, determining a target SNPN to be selected for registration; wherein the selection policy information comprises at least one of the following: a first list, wherein the first list comprises network identifiers of first candidate SNPNs controlled by the user, first priority information and first validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs;a second list, wherein the second list comprises network identifiers of second candidate SNPNs controlled by the credential holder, second priority information and second validity conditions corresponding to the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs; a third list, wherein the third list comprises GINs of candidate group identities controlled by the credential holder, third priority information and third validity conditions corresponding to the candidate GINs.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection policy information further comprises: a last recorded SNPN and a corresponding fourth validity condition.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that one of the first validity conditions comprises valid first time information and / or valid first location information; or where one of the second validity conditions comprises valid second time information and / or valid second location information; or where one of the third validity conditions comprises valid third time information and / or valid third location information.

4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the fourth validity condition comprises a fourth valid time information and / or a fourth valid location information.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that obtaining network information from at least one optional SNPN comprises: receiving indication information sent by an access network device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the network information of at least one optional SNPN; and, based on the indication information, obtaining the network information from at least one optional SNPN.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the network information of the optional SNPN comprises at least one of: an optional SNPN network identifier; an optional SNPN GIN.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that determining the target SNPN that is selected for registration according to the network information of the optional SNPN and the selection policy information comprises: Petition 870250090483, dated 10 / 03 / 2025, page 90 / 201 3 / 8 according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, determining whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and a corresponding first priority order; according to the first priority order, sequentially determining whether a first validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the first list is met; and determining a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the first optional SNPN is an optional SNPN existing in the first list.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs and the second priority information, determining whether the optional SNPN exists in the second list and a corresponding second priority order, wherein a first condition is met, and the first condition comprises at least one of the following: the optional SNPN does not exist in the first list; none of the first validity conditions of the optional SNPN existing in the first list are met; all optional SNPNs existing in the first list and whose first validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure; according to the second priority order, sequentially determining whether a second validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the second list is met;and determine a second optional SNPN with a second Petition 870250090483, dated 10 / 03 / 2025, page 91 / 201 4 / 8 validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the second optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the second list.; 9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises: according to the GIN of the optional SNPN, the candidate GINs and the third priority information, determining whether the optional SNPN exists in the third list and a corresponding third priority order, wherein a second condition is met, and the second condition comprises at least one of the following: the optional SNPN does not exist in the second list; none of the second validity conditions of the optional SNPN existing in the second list are met; all optional SNPNs existing in the second list and whose second validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure; according to the third priority order, sequentially determining whether a third validity condition of the optional SNPN in the third list is met;and determine a third optional SNPN with a third validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the third optional SNPN is the existing optional SNPN in the third list.

10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the determination of the target SNPN that is selected for registration according to the network information of the optional SNPN and the selection policy information comprises: according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, determining whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and a corresponding first priority order; according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p.92 / 201 5 / 8 Network identifiers of the second candidate SNPNs and the second priority information, determine if the optional SNPN exists in the second list and a corresponding second priority order; according to the GIN of the optional SNPN, the candidate GINs and the third priority information, determine if the optional SNPN exists in the third list and a corresponding third priority order; according to the first priority order, determine sequentially if a first validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the first list is met; and determine a first optional SNPN with a first validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, where the first optional SNPN is an optional SNPN existing in the first list.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises: according to the second order of priority, sequentially determining whether a second validity condition of the optional SNPN existing in the second list is met, wherein a first condition is met, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: the optional SNPN does not exist in the first list; none of the first validity conditions of the optional SNPN existing in the first list are met; all optional SNPNs that exist in the first list and whose first validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure; and determining a second optional SNPN with a second validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the second optional SNPN is an optional SNPN existing in the second list.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: Petition 870250090483, dated 10 / 03 / 2025, page 93 / 201 6 / 8 according to the third order of priority, sequentially determining whether a third validity condition of the existing optional SNPN in the third list is met, wherein a second condition is met, and the second condition comprises at least one of the following: the optional SNPN does not exist in the second list; none of the second validity conditions of the existing optional SNPN in the second list are met; all optional SNPNs that exist in the second list and whose second validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure; and determining a third optional SNPN with a third validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the third optional SNPN is an existing optional SNPN in the third list.

13. Method according to claim 9 or 12, characterized in that it further comprises: determining that network selection fails, wherein a third condition is met, and the third condition comprises at least one of the following: the optional SNPN does not exist in the third list; none of the third validity conditions of the optional SNPN existing in the third list are met; all optional SNPNs that exist in the third list and whose third validity condition is met fail to register during a registration procedure.

14. Method, according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the selection policy information further comprises: a last registered SNPN and a corresponding fourth validity condition; wherein, before determining whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and in the first corresponding priority order according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, the method further comprises: according to the network identifier of the optional SNPN and a network identifier of the last registered SNPN, determining whether there is an optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN; determining a fourth optional SNPN with a fourth validity condition that is met as the target SNPN, wherein the fourth optional SNPN is the optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: determining the cancellation of the execution of the determination of whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and in the first order of priority corresponding to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information.

16. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: determining whether the optional SNPN exists in the first list and in the first priority order corresponding to the network identifier of the optional SNPN, the network identifiers of the first candidate SNPNs and the first priority information, wherein a fourth condition is met, and the fourth condition comprises at least one of the following: there is no optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN; a fourth condition of validity of the optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN is not met; the optional SNPN that is equal to or equivalent to the last registered SNPN fails to register during a registration procedure.

17. Network selection method, performed by an access network device, characterized in that it comprises: sending indication information to a terminal device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate network information of at least one optional SNPN, and the indication information is used for the terminal device to obtain network information from at least one optional SNPN.

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the network information of the optional SNPN comprises at least one of: an optional SNPN network identifier; an optional SNPN GIN.

19. Communication apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the apparatus to execute the method, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16, or the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the apparatus to execute the method, as defined in claim 17 or 18. Petition 870250090483, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, pp. 96 / 201

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