Wireless residential gateway and indoor base station

Abstract

This patent document describes, among other things, techniques and apparatus for providing residential gateways and / or indoor base stations to improve wireless network efficiency and performance. In an aspect, a method of wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a wireless device, base station information including an identifier from a base station, where the base station information indicates that the base station is an indoor small cell. The method also includes determining, at the wireless device, whether the indoor small cell can be accessed based on the identifier. The method includes triggering, by the wireless device, a registration procedure or a service request procedure to a network based on the identifier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent document generally relates to wireless communication technology. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication technology is driving the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. The rapid growth and technological advancements in mobile communications have led to greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other aspects, such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Various technologies, including new approaches to providing higher service quality, longer battery life, and improved performance, are under discussion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This patent document specifically describes technologies and apparatus for providing residential gateways and / or indoor base stations to improve the efficiency and performance of wireless networks.

[0004] On one hand, a wireless communication method is disclosed. The method includes: receiving base station information, including an identifier, from a base station at a wireless device, wherein the base station information indicates that the base station is an indoor small cell base station. The method further includes: determining, at the wireless device, whether access to the indoor small cell base station is possible based on the identifier. The method also includes: triggering a registration process or a service request process from the network by the wireless device based on the identifier.

[0005] On the other hand, another method for wireless communication is disclosed. This method includes setting indoor small cell base station information from network nodes in system information. The method further includes sending system information from the network node to a wireless device, indicating that the network node is the indoor small cell base station.

[0006] In another aspect, a wireless communication device is disclosed, including a processor configured to implement the methods described herein.

[0007] In another aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed, comprising executable instructions for implementing the methods described herein.

[0008] This document describes the above and other aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 An example of interaction between the access layer (AS) and the non-access layer (NAS) is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 An example of an abstract syntax symbol 1 (ASN.1) for system information is shown according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0011] Figure 3An example of an ASN.1 codec used to include network name strings in system information blocks is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 An example of a message stream used to determine the type of wireless device based on the authentication result is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 An example of the message flow for UAC method 1 is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 An example of the message flow for UAC method 2 is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 An example of the message flow for UAC method 3 is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 Another example of a message flow is shown.

[0017] Figure 9 An example of a typical registration process for a type 4 wireless device is shown.

[0018] Figure 10 An example of a key distribution and key derivation scheme is shown.

[0019] Figure 11 An example of the authentication process is shown.

[0020] Figure 12 An example of message exchange for a verification method is shown.

[0021] Figure 13 An example of a security header is shown.

[0022] Figure 14-15 An example of the steps is shown.

[0023] Figure 16 An example of a wireless communication system in which one or more embodiments of the present technology may be applied is shown.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a block diagram representation of a part of a radio station in which one or more embodiments of the present technology may be applied. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Examples using fifth-generation (5G) wireless protocols describe certain characteristics. However, the applicability of the disclosed technologies is not limited to 5G wireless systems.

[0026] Many cellular network operators operate both mobile and fixed network services. Many operators offer services combining mobile communications, fixed-line telephone, and broadband internet; some also offer television services. Operators can differentiate themselves by providing optimal integration between these different services. With the trend towards wired / wireless convergence, operators are consolidating their fixed and mobile networks into a single core network with both fixed and mobile access networks.

[0027] To accommodate the increasing amount of data transmitted using 5G, higher frequencies are required, and providing outdoor-to-indoor coverage in residential areas is becoming increasingly difficult. This paper discloses a solution using small indoor base stations that can provide / improve coverage within the home. These small indoor base stations can be operated in partnership with fixed network operators or independently.

[0028] Currently, fixed broadband and mobile services operate under different conditions. Each device using mobile service is known and identifiable within the mobile network. Service can then be provided to a specific device rather than others. With fixed broadband service, operators provide internet access to residential gateways. Behind a residential gateway is typically a local area network (LAN), but individual devices on that LAN are unknown or unidentifiable within the core network. For integrated fixed broadband / mobile residential 5G systems, devices behind the residential gateway can also be known or identifiable within the core network. Through wired / wireless convergence, fixed broadband access can also be controlled using a single 5G core network.

[0029] The proposed indoor small cell base station can be used to enhance indoor small cell base stations, including evaluating existing concepts to identify how to improve their use in 5G residential use cases, and determining the applicability of concepts used with indoor small cell base stations in 5G residential use cases, such as private slices, stand-alone non-public networks (SNPNs), and closed access groups (CAGs) for non-public networks. The residential gateway and indoor small cell base station are described below.

[0030] User equipment (UE) can be categorized into the four types described below. Service priority can be assigned based on the UE type.

[0031] Type 1: UEs that share the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) with indoor base stations and are billed for services at the base stations.

[0032] Type 2: UEs from the visited PLMN (VPLMN) and for which service billing is performed at the base station.

[0033] Type 3: UEs that can access the indoor base station network but are billed independently of the indoor base station.

[0034] Type 4: Devices without a User Identification Module Card (SIM card).

[0035] Initial Access

[0036] For initial access, the question is whether legacy UEs can access indoor small cell base stations. If legacy UEs are allowed access, it will not affect initial access. Legacy UEs will treat indoor small cell base stations as normal base stations and attempt normal access. Access control can be performed at the Residential Gateway (RG). One advantage of this is that access is not limited by UE version. The UE may only need to download an application (APP), and then the RG may be able to authenticate the UE using a shared key. However, as more indoor base stations are deployed, it will have a significant impact on cell selection and initial access for non-member UEs. These UEs do not have information indicating the indoor base station until authentication fails from the RG.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, the indoor small cell base station only supports UEs that support indoor small cell base station access functionality. Access to the indoor small cell base station is blocked for other UEs. To ensure that the indoor small cell base station can only be accessed by UEs that support indoor small cell base stations, the indoor small cell base station can broadcast an identity indication and set the "legacy" field to "barred". For example, cellBarred in the MIB or cellReservedForOtherUse / CellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in SIB1 can be set to "barred". Then, for UEs that support indoor small cell base stations, the legacy field can be ignored, and the identity of the indoor small cell base station can be checked.

[0038] In some example implementations, indoor small cell base stations set the legacy field to TRUE to disable UEs that do not support or have indoor small cell functionality disabled (e.g., cellBarred in MIB, or cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in SIB1).

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE supports and enables indoor small cell base stations, ignores the legacy field, and checks the identity of the indoor small cell base station.

[0040] If the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) instructs the UE to search for indoor small cell base stations, the Access Stratum (AS) will begin searching for indoor small cell base stations. The AS may ignore the legacy field (cellBarred in the MIB, or cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in SIB1). Otherwise, the AS will treat the indoor small cell base station function as disabled, and the UE will check the legacy field normally.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE enables the indoor small cell function after receiving an indoor small cell selection instruction from the NAS layer.

[0042] Interaction between the Access Layer (AS) and the Non-Access Layer (NAS)

[0043] Figure 1 An example of interaction between AS and NAS is shown. At 115A, UE NAS 110 sends an indoor small cell indication and cell name to UE AS 120. At 115B, UE AS 120 sends the indoor small cell indication and / or indoor small cell name of the searched cell to NSA 110.

[0044] Private slicing, SNPN, and CAG schemes require the UE to have a relevant subscription. For owners of indoor small cell base stations or smart home devices belonging to indoor small cell base stations, customer subscription is inconvenient. Furthermore, subscription is impractical for visitors. However, some SNPN / CAG concepts can be used, such as broadcasting an indoor small cell base station indication and a predefined network name for the UE. Then, a UE supporting indoor small cell base stations can match the network name to determine whether the indoor small cell base station can be accessed.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, an indoor small cell base station may broadcast an indoor base station indication (which may be implicit) and / or a network name as an identifier. A UE that supports and has enabled the indoor small cell base station function can match the network name to determine whether the indoor small cell base station can be accessed.

[0046] Abstract syntax notation for system information (ASN.1)

[0047] Figure 2 An example of an abstract syntax symbol 1 (ASN.1) for system information is shown according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0048] exist Figure 2In this context, for indoor small cell base stations, CellReservedForOtherUse and cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 are set to TRUE to disable UEs that do not support indoor small cell base station functionality or have this functionality disabled.

[0049] A small cell identifier (e.g., SmallCellIdentity) can be a bit string indicating the identifier of an indoor small cell / base station, or a single bit indicating that the base station is an indoor small cell / base station.

[0050] The network name string for indoor small cells / base stations is smallCellname.

[0051] In a non-public network (NPN), the network name can be broadcast in a separate message and can be used in manual mode. For indoor small cells, system configuration can be simpler than in a regular cell, typically requiring only a network name. When broadcasting the network name in SIB1, this offers practical benefits in terms of fast access.

[0052] For quick access, the network name can be broadcast in SIB1.

[0053] The network name string is included in the System Information Block (SIB).

[0054] Figure 3 The ASN.1 codec for including network name strings in SIB1 is shown. For UEs of type 1, 2, or 3, the UE can directly input the preferred network name. For type 4 devices, the device can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and set the preferred network name through the smartphone.

[0055] If the NAS layer instructs the selection of an indoor small cell, the AS will use the indoor small cell information in the system information as a factor in cell selection and reselection.

[0056] Access control

[0057] For access control, it must be determined whether a unified access control (UAC) is required for small cells. Considering that a typical small cell can serve a limited number of UEs (e.g., 50), UAC may not be necessary, but it can be used. Furthermore, it would be inconvenient for customers to configure UAC parameters.

[0058] In most cases, UAC is not needed. Even if it is needed, there is no need to change the UAC structure.

[0059] Type 3 UEs can access the network, but are billed independently of indoor base stations. To illustrate, consider Dr. Joe's clinic; many patients might attempt to access the network via an indoor small cell. This could lead to congestion at Dr. Joe's UEs or the medical equipment in the office. To avoid this type of congestion, the number of UEs connecting to the network and the service priority of Type 3 UEs can be controlled by the network.

[0060] Even though different UAC parameters can be configured for different UE types, a UE may still request information about its own type before initial access. How a UE determines its type before establishing a connection is a challenge. Typically, type 1, 2, or 4 UEs will have credentials / passwords for the indoor small cell base station, while type 3 UEs do not. In other words, type 1, 2, and 4 UEs can be authenticated by the indoor small cell base station / RG, while type 3 UEs cannot. The indoor small cell base station / RG can determine the UE type based on the authentication result. This example will be discussed in more detail below.

[0061] The type of wireless device is determined by the authentication results.

[0062] Figure 4 An example message flow for determining the UE type based on the authentication result is shown. At 402, the RG registers with the 5GRAN. At 405, an NG interface can be established via IP address. At 410, UE 1 establishes initial access as a type 1 or 2 UE. At 420, an initial message is sent. At 430, the RG authenticates the UE. At 440, the UE NAS determines the UE type based on the authentication result.

[0063] Another method for determining the UE type is based on whether the UE has a password. Another approach is to only employ UAC after the UE has determined its type (e.g., indoor small cell / RG authentication failed), at which point the UE can then set itself as a type 3 UE and begin using UAC parameters based on the UE type. If all the aforementioned methods fail, to avoid congestion, the network can release one or more connected type 3 UEs when congestion occurs.

[0064] For Type 3 UE access control, the following three methods can be considered.

[0065] cryptography

[0066] The UE can determine its type based on whether it has a password (or other attributes), and can also determine the UAC parameters. A category can be defined for cases where the UE does not have a password or does not have permission to enter the indoor small cell. Unified connection User Access Control (UAC) Method 1

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, after the UE determines its own type, it can use a UAC based on the UE type. For example, after RG authentication fails, the UE will regard itself as a type 3 UE and use the corresponding UAC parameters.

[0068] UAC Method 2

[0069] Figure 6 An example message flow for UAC method 2 is described. This message flow is similar to... Figure 4 Except at point 640, the NAS determines the UE type based on the authentication result and indicates the corresponding type to the AS, and the AS selects a new UAC based on that type. There is no UAC (Initial Access Control) based on the UE type, and in the event of congestion, the small base station can release the connected type 3 UE.

[0070] UAC Method 3

[0071] exist Figure 7 In the UAC method 3 shown, the message flow is similar to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Except at 740, RG determines the UE type based on the authentication result, and the network releases type 3 UEs first in the event of congestion.

[0072] Registration process for different types of wireless devices

[0073] Below is a brief preliminary discussion based on the general NAS registration procedure. For the basic registration procedure of 5G-RG, the following requirements should be considered:

[0074] The devices behind RG should be known and identifiable in the core network.

[0075] Mobility requirements: Mobility between indoors and outdoors should be considered.

[0076] From the 5GC perspective, the traditional UE registration process can serve as a baseline, but there may be some differences depending on the UE type:

[0077] Type 1: Ordinary UEs that share the same PLMN with indoor base stations and are billed on indoor base stations.

[0078] Type 2: UEs originating from VPLMN and billed at indoor base stations.

[0079] Type 3: UEs that can access the network but should be billed independently of the indoor base station (including both PLMN and VPLMN users).

[0080] Type 4: Devices without a SIM card.

[0081] General registration procedures for Type 1, 2, and 3 wireless devices

[0082] For the first two UE types, billing is based on the RG (Registry Register); for the third type of UE, billing will be based on the UE individually. Generally, the 5G-RG will first authenticate the UE. If authentication is successful, billing will be based on the RG; otherwise, it will be based on the UE individually. Therefore, the registration process for the first three types of UEs can be as follows: (For the fourth type of UE, which may not even have a SIM card, it will be discussed separately).

[0083] Figure 8 An example message flow is shown. At 802, the RG registers as a UE at the 5GC. At 805, the RG establishes an NG interface as a gNB via an IP address. At 810, the UE establishes initial access. At 829, the indoor small cell sends an initial message. At 830, the RG authenticates the UE. At 835, the RG determines whether to continue the process based on the UE's indication. This indication can be included in the NAS message. At 840, if authentication fails and the UE indicates that the process should end once authentication fails, the connection is released. At 842, if authentication fails and the process continues, the RG can forward the initial message to the 5GC and complete the registration process, and the RG operates as a relay base station node. At 845, if authentication succeeds, the RG can forward the initial message to the 5GC and complete the registration process. The RG can: (1) operate as a UE, where both CP and UP data can be treated as IP packets; or, (2) operate as a relay base station node, but the indication will be based on RG billing, which can be achieved through signaling between the RG and the 5GC. The general process of introducing changes to the UE NAS and core network CN at 835 and 845 has been detailed above.

[0084] For Type 3 UEs (UEs without a password or with failed authentication), the indoor small cell and RG can function as relays and may not require further authentication from the indoor small cell / RG. For some UEs, authentication from the indoor small cell is not required.

[0085] As an optimization, such UEs can indicate their UE type to the indoor small cell / RG in either a NAS message or an AS message. If indicated in a NAS message, the RG decodes the NAS message; if indicated in an AS message, only an indication needs to be added to message 5, and the indoor small cell / RG can directly forward the NAS message to the 5GC. Therefore, for the first three types, the network can distinguish the UE type through the authentication result and the indication in message 5.

[0086] The UE can indicate the target node type (5GC / RG) in message 5 or message 3 (cause value). If the target node is 5GC, the indoor small cell base station / RG can directly forward messages to the 5GC.

[0087] General registration procedure for Type 4UE

[0088] For devices without a SIM card, a process similar to joining an NPN network can be used:

[0089] Step 1: Subscribe by joining the network download subscription.

[0090] Step 2: Register using the downloaded subscription.

[0091] For step 1, the subscription can be stored in the RG or downloaded from the 5GC via an IP connection between the 5GC and the RG. Each RG can first authenticate the device using a default or pre-configured key, and then, for a successfully authenticated UE, the RG can configure the subscription for the UE.

[0092] For step 2: Once the device has a subscription, the following actions can be considered the same as for type 1 UE.

[0093] Type 4 UEs behave differently from Types 1, 2, and 3. For Type 4 UEs, such UEs explicitly or implicitly indicate in NAS or AS messages that they are not subscribed.

[0094] The general registration process for Type 4 UE is as follows: Figure 9 As shown. At 902, the RG registers as a UE at the 5GC. At 905, the RG establishes an NG interface as a gNB via IP address. At 910, initial access is initiated and indicates no SIM via a new reason, a separate indication, or a NAS message. At 920, an initial message is sent and indicates no SIM via a new reason, a separate indication, or a NAS message. At 930, the RG authenticates the UE with a default / pre-configured key. The default key can be set via Bluetooth connection to a smartphone. At 940 (optional step), a subscription can be saved at the RG, and the 5G gateway can then assign the correct subscription based on the device type, and the device type can be included in the NAS / AS message. If the subscription is not saved locally at the RG, the RG can perform a subscription download process via the IP address between the RG and the 5GC. At 950, the registration process is completed using the default key. At 960, after downloading the subscription, the RG is deregistered and registered to the 5GC as a type 1 or 2 UE. From the above description, we can see that for a type 4 UE, the RG authenticates the UE device without a SIM card.

[0095] Residential gateway authentication process

[0096] According to the registration process, RG requires UEs with authentication types 1, 2, and 4, and an example of a suitable authentication and security structure is shown below.

[0097] Figure 10 An example of a 5G key distribution and key derivation scheme for a UE is shown. The key (CK / IK) can be generated using an algorithm in the USIM, such as... Figure 10 As shown at position 1010. Then, for the following signal / data transformation, the UE will use the key from the USIM as the root key.

[0098] Figure 11 An example of the authentication process is shown.

[0099] exist Figure 11 The response message shown may include an authentication response message. The following describes the algorithm used for authentication responses, specifically the RES* and XRES* derived functions.

[0100] When deriving RES* from the service network name in RES, RAND, and UE, and deriving XRES* from the service network name in XRES, RAND, and ARPF, the following parameters should be used to form the input S of the KDF.

[0101] -FC = 0x6B

[0102] -P0 = Service network name,

[0103] -L0 = Length of the service network name (variable length, as specified in 24.501

[35] ),

[0104] -P1 = RAND,

[0105] -L1 = the length of RAND (i.e., 0x00 0x10),

[0106] -P2 = RES or XRES,

[0107] -L2 = the length of RES or XRES (i.e., the variable length between 0x00 0x04 and 0x00 0x10).

[0108] The input key KEY should be equal to the concatenation of CK and IK: CK||IK.

[0109] The service network name shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of Clause 6.1.1.4.

[0110] (X)RES* is the 128 least significant bits of the identifier output by KDF.

[0111] Therefore, the algorithm for the authentication response parameters is based on CK / IK. The UE and RG can save / store either K or CK / IK for authentication.

[0112] For UEs without a SIM card, the RG will first authenticate the UE using a pre-configured key, and then download the subscription. Regarding the credential information in the subscription, such as the root K, there are two options:

[0113] Option 1: Send K directly to the UE.

[0114] Option 2: The root key is not sent to the UE. Instead, once the 5GC sends the authentication request message, the RG calculates the CK / IK and then sends the authentication response message to the network simultaneously with sending the CK / IK to the UE. The advantage of this solution is that the root key is not sent through the air interface between the UE and the RG. This is more secure from a security perspective. Furthermore, the algorithm for deriving the CK / IK from the root key is quite complex (35.206), and this solution can also reduce complexity from the UE side.

[0115] Figure 12 An example of message exchange for an authentication method is shown. At 1210, the UE without a SIM completes the subscription (except for credential information) download process. At 1220, the UE triggers the registration process. At 1230, the 5GC sends an authentication request. At 1240, the UE RG calculates CK / IK and RES. At 1250, the RG sends the CK / IK integrity-protected / encrypted previous key to the UE. At 1255, the RG sends an authentication response message to the 5GC. At 1260, the UE completes the registration process. For credential subscription download, for credential information (such as the root key), the root key or only the CK / IK can be downloaded. Option 1 above reduces UE complexity compared to option 2.

[0116] Other security issues

[0117] During the initial attach registration process, the network authenticates the UE, and the UE stores the key. For the second registration, the UE can add integrity protection using the stored key. Then, on the network side, if the integrity check succeeds, the 5GC will no longer authenticate the UE. Based on the aforementioned process, for the second access, the RG can determine whether another authentication failure is necessary. (Additional steps are possible.) Figure 13 The new security header shown is used for RG checks. The security header can include fields such as a security header for RG, a security header for 5GC, and registration message content.

[0118] Figure 14An example of a method 1400 for wireless communication is shown. At 1410, in some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the method includes: receiving base station information including an identifier from a base station at a wireless device, wherein the base station information indicates that the base station is an indoor small cell base station. At 1420, the method includes: determining, at the wireless device, whether the indoor small cell base station can be accessed based on the identifier. At 1430, the method includes: triggering a registration process or a service request process to the network by the wireless device based on the identifier.

[0119] Figure 15 Another example of a method 1500 for wireless communication is shown. At 1510, in some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the method includes setting indoor small cell information from network nodes in system information. At 1520, the method includes sending system information from the network node to a wireless device indicating that the network node is the indoor small cell.

[0120] Figure 16 An example of a wireless communication system 1600 in which one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system 1600 may include one or more base stations (BS) 1605a, 1605b, one or more wireless devices 1610a, 1610b, 1610c, 1610d, and a core network 1625. Base stations 1605a, 1605b may provide wireless services to wireless devices 1610a, 1610b, 1610c, and 1610d in one or more wireless sectors. In some embodiments, base stations 1605a, 1605b include directional antennas to generate two or more directional beams, thereby providing wireless coverage in different sectors. Base stations 1605a, 1605b may communicate wirelessly with each other or directly via a wired interface including a direct wired interface, a wired network, or the Internet.

[0121] The core network 1625 can communicate with one or more base stations 1605a and 1605b. The core network 1625 provides connectivity with other wireless communication systems and wired communication systems. The core network may include one or more service subscription databases to store information related to subscribed wireless devices 1610a, 1610b, 1610c, and 1610d. The first base station 1605a can provide wireless services based on a first wireless access technology, while the second base station 1605b can provide wireless services based on a second wireless access technology. Depending on the deployment scenario, base stations 1605a and 1605b can be located in the same location or can be installed separately in the field. Wireless devices 1610a, 1610b, 1610c, and 1610d can support a variety of different wireless access technologies. The technologies and embodiments described herein can be implemented by the base stations or wireless devices described herein.

[0122] Figure 17 This is a block diagram representation of a portion of a radio station according to one or more embodiments of the present technology to which it may be applied. The radio 1705, such as a base station or wireless device (or UE), may include electronics 1710, such as a microprocessor implementing one or more wireless technologies presented herein. The radio 1705 may include transceiver electronics 1715 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals via one or more communication interfaces, such as antenna 1720. The radio 1705 may include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. The radio 1705 may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some embodiments, processor electronics 1710 may include at least a portion of transceiver electronics 1715. In some embodiments, at least some of the disclosed technologies, modules, or functions are implemented using the radio 1705. In some embodiments, the radio 1705 may be configured to perform the methods described herein.

[0123] The technical solutions described in the following clauses can preferably be implemented through some embodiments.

[0124] Article 1. A wireless communication method, comprising: receiving base station information including an identifier from a base station at a wireless device, wherein the base station information indicates that the base station is an indoor small cell base station; determining, at the wireless device, whether the indoor small cell base station can be accessed based on the identifier; and triggering a registration process or a service request process to a network by the wireless device based on the identifier.

[0125] Article 2. In the wireless communication method described in Article 1, the indoor small base station information is a one-bit indication that the base station is the indoor small base station, or the indoor small base station information is the name string of the indoor small base station.

[0126] Article 3. The wireless communication method according to Article 2 further includes: broadcasting the network name or the one-bit indication in the first system information block (SIB1) for fast access.

[0127] Article 4. The wireless communication method according to Article 1, wherein, after determining that the wireless device is interoperable with the indoor small base station, communication between the wireless device and the indoor small base station is realized.

[0128] Article 5. The wireless communication method according to Article 4, wherein the access layer (AS) of the wireless device determines that the wireless device is interoperable with the indoor small base station after receiving an indoor small base station selection indication from the non-access layer (NAS).

[0129] Article 6. The wireless communication method according to Article 1 further includes: the wireless device blocking the wireless device based on determining that the wireless device cannot interoperate with the indoor small base station.

[0130] Article 7. The wireless communication method according to Article 1 further includes: a wireless device that cannot interoperate with the indoor small base station determines whether to prohibit access to the network based on conventional system information, wherein the conventional system information includes cellBarred in the main information block (MIB) or cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in system information block 1 (SIB1).

[0131] Article 8. The wireless communication method according to Article 1 further includes: having a wireless device capable of interoperating with the indoor small base station ignore legacy field checks, the legacy fields including cellBarred in the main information block (MIB) and cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in System Information Block 1 (SIB1); and having the wireless device check whether the network can be accessed based on the identity of the indoor small base station.

[0132] Article 9. The wireless communication method according to Article 1, wherein after receiving an indoor small cell base station selection instruction from the NAS, the AS uses the base station information in the system information when performing cell selection or cell reselection.

[0133] Article 10. The wireless communication method according to Article 9 further includes: the wireless device providing a frequency indicating the highest priority indoor small base station.

[0134] Article 11. The wireless communication method according to Article 10 further includes: the wireless device performing cell reselection based on the indoor small base station, the indoor small base station supporting indication of each frequency including intra-frequency and inter-frequency.

[0135] Article 12. The wireless communication method according to Article 1 further includes: the wireless device receiving access control parameters of different types of wireless devices from the indoor small base station; the wireless device determining the type of the wireless device based on the configuration of the wireless device or upper-layer instructions; and the wireless device adopting corresponding access control parameters according to the type.

[0136] Article 13. The wireless communication method according to Article 12, wherein the type is one of the following: a first type of wireless device that is capable of sharing the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) with a network node and that the wireless device subscribes to the network node; a second type of wireless device that is capable of forming an accessed Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) and that the wireless device subscribes to the network node; a third type of wireless device that is capable of accessing the network node and that the wireless device does not subscribe to the network node; or a fourth type of wireless device that does not have a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.

[0137] Article 14. The wireless communication method according to Article 13, wherein the wireless device determines the type based on whether the wireless device has the password of the indoor small base station or whether the wireless device has authorization to enter the indoor small base station.

[0138] Article 15. The wireless communication method according to Article 14 further includes: when the wireless device does not have the password of the indoor small base station or the wireless device is not authorized to enter the indoor small base station, the wireless device assigns type 3 to the wireless device.

[0139] Article 16. The wireless communication method according to Article 13, wherein, after the residential gateway (RG) authentication fails, the wireless device determines that the type of the wireless device is type 3.

[0140] Article 17. The wireless communication method according to Article 12, wherein once the wireless device type is determined, the UE selects access control parameters and performs access control based on the access control parameters of the wireless device type.

[0141] Article 18. The wireless communication method according to Article 12 further includes: a wireless device determining target node type information based on the upper-layer instruction and the configuration; and the wireless device sending the target node type to the network node.

[0142] Article 19. The wireless communication method according to Article 18, wherein the target node type is a 5G core network or a residential gateway.

[0143] Article 20. The wireless communication method according to Article 18, wherein the UE transmits the target node type to the network via an AS signal or a NAS signal.

[0144] Article 21. The wireless communication method according to Article 20, wherein the AS signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Request message, an RRCSetupComplete message, an RRCResumeRequest message, an RRCResumeComplete message, or an RRCReconfigurationComplete message.

[0145] Article 22. The wireless communication method according to Article 21 further includes: indicating the target node type as a reason in the request message or RRCResumeRequest message.

[0146] Article 23. The wireless communication method according to Article 18 further includes: the wireless device explicitly or implicitly indicating in a NAS message or AS message that the wireless device has not subscribed.

[0147] Article 24. The wireless communication method according to Article 1 further includes: downloading or storing information for authentication by the wireless device; and authenticating the network by the wireless device based on a key including the downloaded key or the stored key.

[0148] Article 25. The wireless communication method according to Article 24, wherein the wireless device has no SIM card, no USIM card, and no other type of SIM card.

[0149] Article 26. The wireless communication method according to Article 24, wherein the wireless device has the ability to store a pre-configured key or download the pre-configured key from the network.

[0150] Article 27. The wireless communication method according to Article 24, wherein the key is a root key used to derive other keys.

[0151] Article 28. The wireless communication method according to Article 24, wherein the key may be a cryptographic key (CK) and an integrity key (IK).

[0152] Article 29. The wireless communication method according to Article 1 further includes: the wireless device determining a security header for a residential gateway based on a stored security context; and the wireless device including the security header for the residential gateway after establishing a connection with the residential gateway.

[0153] Article 30. A wireless communication method, comprising: setting indoor small base station information by a network node in system information; and sending system information from the network node to a wireless device indicating that the network node is the indoor small base station.

[0154] Article 31. In the wireless communication method according to Article 30, the indication that the network node is the indoor small base station is a one-bit indication or name string of the indoor small base station.

[0155] Article 32. The wireless communication method according to Article 31 further includes: broadcasting the network name or the one-bit indication in the first system information block (SIB1) for fast access.

[0156] Article 33. The wireless communication method described in Article 31 further includes setting the conventional system information, including cellBarred in MIB or cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in SIB1, to true to prohibit wireless devices that cannot interoperate with indoor small base stations.

[0157] Article 34. The wireless communication method described in Article 31 further includes: an indoor small base station or dedicated RRC signaling at at least one frequency, including indications in the supporting system information.

[0158] Article 35. The wireless communication method according to Article 30 further includes: setting access control parameters for different wireless device types by a network node; and sending the access control parameters to the wireless device by the network node.

[0159] Article 36. The wireless communication method according to Article 35, wherein the different types of wireless devices include: a first type of wireless device that is capable of sharing the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) with a network node and that subscribes to the network node; a second type of wireless device that is capable of forming an accessed Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) and that subscribes to the network node; a third type of wireless device that is capable of accessing the network node and that does not subscribe to the network node; or a fourth type of wireless device that does not have a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.

[0160] Article 37, the wireless communication method described in Article 35, further includes: releasing one or more of the third type of wireless devices during network congestion.

[0161] Article 38. The wireless communication method according to Article 37 further includes: determining the wireless device as the third type based on the authentication result.

[0162] Article 39. The wireless communication method according to Article 30 further includes: receiving a message including a target node type indication from the wireless device by the network node; determining the target node type by the network node based on the received message; and processing or forwarding the received message by the network node.

[0163] Article 40. The wireless communication method according to Article 39, wherein the target node type is a 5G core network or a residential gateway, and wherein when the target node type is a 5G core network, the network node forwards the message to the 5G core network.

[0164] Article 41. The wireless communication method according to Article 39, wherein the received message including the target node type is a NAS message or an AS message.

[0165] Article 42. The wireless communication method according to Article 41, wherein the AS message is an RRC request message, an RRCSetupComplete message, an RRCResumeRequest message, an RRCResumeComplete message, or an RRCReconfigurationComplete message.

[0166] Article 43, the wireless communication method according to Article 41, further includes: indicating the target node type as a reason in a request message or an RRCResumeRequest message.

[0167] Article 44. The wireless communication method according to Article 39 further includes: receiving from a wireless device an indication in a NAS message or AS message that explicitly or implicitly indicates that the wireless device has not subscribed.

[0168] Article 45. The wireless communication method according to Article 30 further includes: a network node downloading or storing a key for authentication; and the network node authenticating the core network based on the downloaded key or the stored key.

[0169] Article 46. The wireless communication method according to Article 45, wherein the network node stores a pre-configured key or downloads the pre-configured key from the core network.

[0170] Article 47. The wireless communication method according to Article 45, wherein the key is a root key used to derive other keys.

[0171] Article 48. The wireless communication method according to Article 45, wherein the key is a cryptographic key (CK) and an integrity key (IK).

[0172] Article 49. A wireless communication method according to any one of Articles 30 to 48, wherein the network node is a small indoor base station or a residential gateway.

[0173] Article 50. The wireless communication method according to Article 30 further includes: receiving a security header for the residential gateway from a wireless device message; and checking the integrity protection of the wireless device based on the security header.

[0174] Article 51. The wireless communication method according to Article 30 further includes: authenticating the wireless device by a residential gateway via an indoor small base station; and, based on the result of the authentication, selectively relaying data from the wireless device to the core network by the residential gateway.

[0175] Article 52. The wireless communication method according to Article 51, wherein the wireless device is a third type of wireless device, which does not have a password for accessing the indoor small base station or residential gateway, or has failed authentication at the residential gateway.

[0176] Article 53. The wireless communication method according to Article 30 further includes: authenticating the wireless device by a residential gateway via an indoor small cell base station; performing a subscription download from a core network based on the authentication, wherein the subscription download is transmitted to the wireless device; and completing the registration of the wireless device at the residential gateway using the subscription download and a default key or a pre-configured key.

[0177] Article 54. The wireless communication method described in Article 53, wherein the wireless device does not include a SIM card.

[0178] Article 55. The wireless communication method according to Article 30 further includes: receiving an authentication request from a core network by a residential gateway; sending an authentication response message to the core network by the residential gateway based on a cryptographic key (CK), an integrity key (IK), and a response token (RES); and sending a previously encrypted key using the CK and the IK to the wireless device by the residential gateway.

[0179] Article 56. The wireless communication method according to Article 55, wherein the residential gateway stores one or more of the cryptographic key (CK) and the integrity key (IK), or the encryption key used for authentication.

[0180] Article 57. A wireless communication method according to any one of Articles 1 to 56, wherein the indoor small base station is an outdoor base station of a cellular network.

[0181] Article 58. A wireless communication device configured to perform any one of Articles 1 to 57.

[0182] Article 59. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, perform any one of Articles 1 to 57.

[0183] In the technical solutions described in this document in the form of clauses, network nodes can be network devices or network-side devices such as base stations. Figure 16 An example hardware platform for implementing a network node or wireless node is shown.

[0184] It should be understood that this document discloses techniques that can be embodied in various embodiments for establishing and managing wireless networks, including residential gateways and small indoor base stations. The embodiments, modules, and functional operations disclosed herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits including the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, or in combinations thereof. The disclosed and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by or control of the operation of a data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a combination of substances affecting machine-readable propagation signals, or a combination of one or more of them. The term "data processing apparatus" includes all means, devices, and machines for processing data, such as programmable processors, computers, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the data processing apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, for example, code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination thereof. A propagation signal is an artificially generated signal, such as a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, which is generated to encode information so that the information can be transmitted to a suitable receiver device.

[0185] A computer program (also called a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages; and the computer program can be invoked in any form, including as a standalone program, or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored as part of a file containing other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple co-located files (e.g., multiple files containing one or more modules, one or more subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program can be invoked to execute on a single computer, or on multiple computers located at a single site and interconnected by a communication network, or on multiple computers distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0186] The processes and logic described herein can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic can also be executed by dedicated logic circuits, and the devices can be implemented as dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0187] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for receiving data from or transferring data to, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, such as: semiconductor memory devices, like erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM) and digital video disc-read-only memory (DVD-ROM). Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0188] Some embodiments may preferably implement one or more of the solutions listed in the terms. These terms are supported and further described in the foregoing examples and herein. As used in the terms and claims, a wireless terminal may be a user equipment, a mobile site, or any other wireless terminal including a fixed node such as a base station. A network node includes a base station, which includes a next-generation node B (gNB), an enhanced node B (eNB), or any other device operating as a base station. A resource range may refer to a range of time-frequency resources or blocks.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The system information, including base station information, is received from a network node at the wireless device. The base station information includes an identifier, wherein the base station information is a one-bit indication that the network node is an indoor small base station. At the wireless device, it is determined whether access to the indoor small base station is possible based on the identifier; and The wireless device triggers a registration process or a service request process to the network based on the identifier. The wireless device receives access control parameters for different types of wireless devices from the indoor small base station. The type of the wireless device is determined by the wireless device based on its configuration or upper-layer instructions; and The wireless device uses the corresponding access control parameters according to the type; Wherein, the access layer AS of the wireless device determines that the wireless device is capable of interoperating with the indoor small cell base station after receiving an indoor small cell base station selection instruction from the non-access layer NAS; and wherein the type is one of the following: a first type of wireless device that can share the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) with the network node and subscribes to the network node; a second type of wireless device that can form an accessed Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) and subscribes to the network node; a third type of wireless device that can access the network node and does not subscribe to the network node; or a fourth type of wireless device that does not have a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, After determining that the wireless device can interoperate with the indoor small base station, communication between the wireless device and the indoor small base station is realized.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: The wireless device blocks the wireless device based on the determination that the wireless device cannot interoperate with the indoor small base station.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: Wireless devices that cannot interoperate with the indoor small base station determine whether to prohibit access to the network based on legacy system information, which includes cellBarred in the main information block MIB or cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in system information block 1SIB1.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: The legacy field check is ignored by a wireless device capable of interoperating with the indoor small cell base station. The legacy fields include cellBarred in the main information block (MIB) and cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in system information block 1SIB1; and The wireless device checks whether the network can be accessed based on the identifier of the indoor small base station.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, After receiving an indoor small cell selection instruction from the NAS, the AS uses the base station information in the system information when performing cell selection or cell reselection.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 6, further comprising: The wireless device provides the frequency indicating the highest priority indoor small base station.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 7, further comprising: The wireless device performs cell reselection based on the indoor small cell base station, which supports indication of each frequency, including both same-frequency and different-frequency frequencies.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless device determines the type based on whether it has the password for the indoor small cell base station or whether it has authorization to access the indoor small cell base station.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, further comprising: When the wireless device does not have the password for the indoor small base station or the wireless device is not authorized to enter the indoor small base station, the wireless device assigns type 3 to the wireless device.

11. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, After the residential gateway (RG) authentication fails, the wireless device determines that the wireless device type is type 3.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, Once the wireless device type is determined, the UE selects access control parameters and performs access control based on the access control parameters for the wireless device type.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: The target node type information is determined by the wireless device based on the upper-layer instructions and the configuration; as well as The target node type is sent from the wireless device to the network node.

14. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein, The target node type is either a 5G core network or a residential gateway.

15. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, wherein, The UE sends the target node type to the network via AS or NAS signals.

16. The wireless communication method according to claim 15, wherein the AS signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) request message, an RRCSetupComplete message, an RRCResumeRequest message, an RRCResumeComplete message, or an RRCReconfigurationComplete message.

17. The wireless communication method according to claim 16, further comprising: In the request message or RRCResumeRequest message, indicate the target node type as the reason.

18. The wireless communication method according to claim 13, further comprising: The wireless device explicitly or implicitly indicates in a NAS message or AS message that it has not subscribed.

19. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: The information used for authentication is downloaded or stored by the wireless device; as well as The wireless device authenticates the network based on a key that includes a downloaded key or a stored key.

20. The wireless communication method according to claim 19, wherein, The wireless device does not have a SIM card, a USIM card, or any other type of SIM card.

21. The wireless communication method of claim 19, wherein the wireless device has the ability to store a pre-configured key or download the pre-configured key from the network.

22. The wireless communication method according to claim 19, wherein, The key is the root key used to derive other keys.

23. The wireless communication method according to claim 19, wherein, The key can be the cryptographic key CK and the integrity key IK.

24. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: The wireless device determines the security header for the residential gateway based on the stored security context; as well as The wireless device includes a security header for the residential gateway after establishing a connection with the residential gateway.

25. A wireless communication method, comprising: The network node sets the indoor small base station information as a one-bit indicator in the system information; The network node sends base station information, including an identifier, to the wireless device, wherein the base station information indicates that the network node is an indoor small base station; and Following the transmission, a registration process or a service request process with the wireless device is performed based on the identifier; The network node sets access control parameters for different wireless device types; and The network node sends the access control parameters to the wireless device; The different wireless device types include: a first type of wireless device that can share the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) with the network node and subscribes to the network node; a second type of wireless device that can form an accessed Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) and subscribes to the network node; a third type of wireless device that can access the network node but does not subscribe to the network node; or a fourth type of wireless device that does not have a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.

26. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: Setting legacy system information to true, including cellBarred in MIB or cellReservedForOtherUse / cellReservedForFutureUse-r16 in SIB1, disables wireless devices that cannot interoperate with indoor small cell base stations.

27. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: This includes indoor small base stations indicated in the support system information or dedicated RRC signaling for at least one frequency.

28. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: Release one or more third-type wireless devices during network congestion.

29. The wireless communication method according to claim 28, further comprising: Based on the authentication results, the wireless device is determined to be of the third type.

30. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: The network node receives a message from the wireless device including an indication of the target node type; as well as The network node determines the target node type based on the received message; as well as The received messages are processed or forwarded by the network nodes.

31. The wireless communication method of claim 30, wherein the target node type is a 5G core network or a residential gateway, and wherein when the target node type is a 5G core network, the network node forwards the message to the 5G core network.

32. The wireless communication method of claim 30, wherein the received message including the target node type is a NAS message or an AS message.

33. The wireless communication method according to claim 32, wherein the AS message is an RRC request message, an RRCSetupComplete message, an RRCResumeRequest message, an RRCResumeComplete message, or an RRCReconfigurationComplete message.

34. The wireless communication method according to claim 32, further comprising: The reason is indicated in the target node type as a request message or an RRCResumeRequest message.

35. The wireless communication method according to claim 30, further comprising: Receive from the wireless device an indication in a NAS message or AS message that explicitly or implicitly indicates that the wireless device has not subscribed.

36. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: The key used for authentication is downloaded or stored by the network node; The core network is authenticated by the network nodes based on downloaded or stored keys.

37. The wireless communication method according to claim 36, wherein, The network node stores the pre-configured key or downloads the pre-configured key from the core network.

38. The wireless communication method according to claim 36, wherein, The key is the root key used to derive other keys.

39. The wireless communication method according to claim 36, wherein, The keys are the cryptographic key CK and the integrity key IK.

40. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 25 to 39, wherein, The network nodes are small indoor base stations or residential gateways.

41. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: The residential gateway receives a security header from the wireless device message for the residential gateway. as well as The residential gateway checks the integrity protection of the wireless device based on the security header.

42. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: The wireless device is authenticated by the residential gateway via an indoor small cell base station; as well as Based on the authentication result, the residential gateway selectively relays data from the wireless device to the core network.

43. The wireless communication method according to claim 42, wherein, The wireless device is a third type of wireless device, which does not have a password to access the indoor small base station or residential gateway, or has failed authentication at the residential gateway.

44. The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: The wireless device is authenticated by the residential gateway via an indoor small cell base station; as well as Based on the authentication, a subscription download from the core network is performed, wherein the subscription download is transmitted to the wireless device; as well as Register your wireless device at your home gateway using a subscription download and either a default or pre-configured key.

45. The wireless communication method according to claim 44, wherein the wireless device does not include a SIM card.

46. ​​The wireless communication method according to claim 25, further comprising: The residential gateway receives authentication requests from the core network. The residential gateway sends an authentication response message to the core network based on the cryptographic key CK, the integrity key IK, and the response token RES. as well as The residential gateway sends the previously encrypted key, encrypted using the CK and the IK, to the wireless device.

47. The wireless communication method according to claim 46, wherein, The residential gateway stores one or more of the password key CK or the integrity key IK, or the encryption key used for authentication.

48. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein, The indoor small base station is an outdoor base station for a cellular network.

49. A wireless communication device including processor electronics configured to cause the device to perform any one of claims 1 to 48.

50. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor in a device, cause the device to perform any one of claims 1 to 48.

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