Network selection for a roaming user equipment

Abstract

In summary, the various forms of this application relate to wireless communication. In some forms, a user equipment (UE) may receive indications of one or more Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the UE, and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE. The UE may determine whether a transmission from an SNPN identifies an SNPN roaming group identifier associated with one of the SNPN roaming groups, or an SNPN identifier associated with one of the SNPNs. The UE may register with an SNPN based at least in part on the determination of the transmission identifying the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier. Numerous other forms are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In summary, the contents of this case pertain to wireless communications and to technologies and apparatuses for network selection for roaming user equipment (UE). Prior Technology

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiplexing access technologies that support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmission power). Examples of such multiplexing access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), and Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Enhanced is an enhancement set of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile service standard released by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0003] A wireless communication network may include multiple base stations (BSs) capable of supporting communication for multiple user equipments (UEs). UEs can communicate with the base stations (BSs) via downlinks and uplinks. A downlink (or forward link) represents the communication link from the BS to the UE, while an uplink (or reverse link) represents the communication link from the UE to the BS. As will be described in more detail herein, a BS may be referred to as a Node B, gNB, Access Point (AP), Radio Headend, Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP), New Radio (NR) BS, 5G Node B, etc.

[0004] The above multiplexing access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that enables different user equipment to communicate at the city, country, region, and even global levels. New Radio (NR) (also known as 5G) is an enhancement set of the LTE mobile service standard released by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR is designed to better integrate with other open standards by improving spectrum efficiency, reducing costs, improving service, utilizing new spectrum, and using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with Cyclic Prefix (CP) on the downlink (DL) and CP-OFDM and / or SC-FDM (e.g., also known as Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink (UL), thereby better supporting mobile broadband internet access, and supporting beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technologies and carrier aggregation. However, with the continued growth in demand for mobile broadband access, there is a need for further improvements to LTE and NR technologies. Preferably, these improvements should be applicable to other multiplexing access technologies and telecommunications standards that employ such technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some forms, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) may include the following steps: receiving an indication of one or more Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the UE and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE; determining that a transmission from the SNPN identifies an SNPN roaming group identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPN roaming groups or identifies an SNPN identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPNs; and registering with the SNPN at least in part based on the determination that the transmission identifies the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier.

[0006] In some cases, a method of radio communication performed by a UE may include the following steps: receiving an indication of a network type preference associated with a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or SNPN; and deciding to register with the network based at least in part on the network type preference.

[0007] In some configurations, a UE for wireless communication may include memory and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory. The memory and the one or more processors may be configured to: receive indications of one or more SNPN roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the UE and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE; determine whether a transmission from an SNPN identifies an SNPN roaming group identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPN roaming groups or identifies an SNPN identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPNs; and register with the SNPN at least in part based on the determination that the transmission identifies the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier.

[0008] In some configurations, a UE for wireless communication may include a memory and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory. The memory and the one or more processors may be configured to: receive an indication of a network type preference associated with a PLMN or SNPN; and determine network registration based at least in part on the network type preference.

[0009] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store one or more instructions for wireless communication. When executed by one or more processors of the UE, these instructions may cause the processors to: receive instructions for one or more SNPN roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the UE and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE; determine that a transmission from an SNPN identifies an SNPN roaming group identifier associated with one of the SNPN roaming groups or identifies an SNPN identifier associated with one of the SNPNs; and register with the SNPN at least in part based on the determination that the transmission identifies the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier.

[0010] In some configurations, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store one or more instructions for wireless communication. When executed by one or more processors of the UE, the one or more instructions may cause the processors to: receive an indication of a network type preference associated with a PLMN or SNPN; and determine, at least in part, to register with the network based on the network type preference.

[0011] In some forms, an apparatus for wireless communication may include: means for receiving an indication of one or more SNPN roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the apparatus and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the apparatus; means for determining a transmission from an SNPN that identifies an SNPN roaming group identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPN roaming groups or an SNPN identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPNs; and means for registering with the SNPN at least in part based on the determination that the transmission identifies the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier.

[0012] In some forms, an apparatus for wireless communication may include: a component for receiving an indication of a network type preference associated with a PLMN or SNPN; and a component for determining, at least in part, to register with a network based on the network type preference.

[0013] In general, the categories include methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, base stations, wireless communication equipment and / or processing systems as fully described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and description.

[0014] The foregoing has provided a fairly broad overview of the features and technical advantages of examples based on the content of this application, in order to better understand the following detailed description. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose as the content of this application. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein (both their organization and operation) and the associated advantages will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, based on the following description. Each of the accompanying drawings is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to define or limit the claims. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0015] To gain a full understanding of the aforementioned features of this invention, a more specific description of the invention, briefly summarized above, can be obtained by referring to various embodiments (some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings). However, it should be noted that the drawings only illustrate certain typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as other equally valid embodiments are permissible. Identical element symbols in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates examples of various types of wireless communication systems according to the content of this case.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of communication between a base station and a UE in a wireless communication network of various forms according to the contents of this case.

[0018] Figure 3 is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates examples of various states of SNPN according to the content of this case.

[0019] Figures 4A-4C are diagrams illustrating examples of SNPN accesses for various states according to the content of this case.

[0020] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating examples of SNPN roaming according to various states of the case.

[0021] Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the exploration and selection of one or more instances of SNPN based at least in part on SNPN roaming groups according to various states of the case content.

[0022] Figures 7 and 8 are illustrations of various network selection examples for roaming UEs according to the contents of this case.

[0023] Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating exemplary processes performed by a UE, for example, according to various states of the present case. Implementation

[0024] The various forms of the present invention are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any particular structure or function presented throughout the present invention. Rather, these forms are provided so that the present invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the present invention is intended to cover any form of the present invention disclosed herein, whether that form is implemented independently of any other form of the present invention or in combination with any other form. For example, an apparatus or a method can be implemented using any number of forms set forth herein. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to cover such an apparatus or method implemented using structures, functions, or structures and functions other than or different from the various forms of the present invention set forth herein. It should be understood that any form of the present invention disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of the claim.

[0025] Various devices and technologies will now be used to provide several prototypes of telecommunications systems. These devices and technologies will be described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in the form of various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether such an element is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0026] It should be noted that although the terms commonly associated with 3G and / or 4G wireless technologies may be used in this document to describe the various forms, the various forms of the content of this document may be applied to communication systems based on other generations (e.g., 5G and later (including NR technology)).

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating various forms of wireless network 100 in which the present invention can be implemented. Wireless network 100 can be an LTE network or some other wireless network (e.g., a 5G or NR network). Wireless network 100 can include multiple BS 110s (shown as BS 110a, BS 110b, BS 110c, and BS 110d) and other network entities. A BS is an entity that communicates with a user equipment (UE) and can also be referred to as a base station, NR BS, Node B, gNB, 5G Node B (NB), Access Point, Transmitter-Receiver Point (TRP), etc. Each BS can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" can represent the coverage area of ​​a BS and / or the BS subsystem serving that coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0028] A BS can provide communication coverage for macrocells, picocells, femtocells, and / or another type of cell. Macrocells can cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and allow unrestricted access by UEs with a service subscription. Picocells can cover a relatively small geographic area and allow unrestricted access by UEs with a service subscription. Femtocells can cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a residential area) and allow restricted access by UEs associated with that femtocell (e.g., UEs in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG)). A BS for macrocells can be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for picocells can be referred to as a pico BS. A BS for femtocells can be referred to as a femto BS or a home BS. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, BS 110a can be a macro BS for macrocell 102a, BS 110b can be a pico BS for picocell 102b, and BS 110c can be a femto BS for femtocell 102c. A BS can support one or more (e.g., three) cells. The terms “eNB”, “base station”, “NR BS”, “gNB”, “TRP”, “AP”, “node B”, “5G NB” and “cell” are used interchangeably in this document.

[0029] In some states, cells may not be stationary, and the geographic area of ​​a cell may move depending on the location of the active BS. In some states, BSs may interconnect with each other and / or with one or more other BSs or network nodes (not shown) in the wireless network 100 via various types of backhaul interfaces (e.g., direct physical connections, virtual networks, and / or similar interfaces using any suitable transport network).

[0030] Wireless network 100 may also include a relay station. A relay station is an entity that can receive data transmissions from an upstream station (e.g., a BS or a UE) and send data transmissions to a downstream station (e.g., a UE or a BS). A relay station may also be a UE capable of relaying transmissions for other UEs. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, relay station 110d can communicate with macro BS 110a and UE 120d to facilitate communication between BS 110a and UE 120d. A relay station may also be referred to as a relay BS, relay base station, repeater, etc.

[0031] Wireless network 100 can be a heterogeneous network comprising different types of Base Stations (BSs) (e.g., macro BSs, pico BSs, femto BSs, repeater BSs, etc.). These different types of BSs can have different transmission power levels, different coverage areas, and different effects on interference in wireless network 100. For example, macro BSs can have high transmission power levels (e.g., 5 to 40 watts), while pico BSs, femto BSs, and repeater BSs can have lower transmission power levels (e.g., 0.1 to 2 watts).

[0032] Network controller 130 can be coupled to a group of base stations (BSs) and can provide coordination and control for those BSs. Network controller 130 can communicate with the BSs via backhaul. The BSs can also communicate with each other via wireless or wired backhaul (e.g., directly or indirectly).

[0033] UE 120 (e.g., 120a, 120b, 120c) may be distributed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE may be stationary or mobile. UE may also be referred to as an access terminal, terminal, mobile station, user unit, station, etc. UE may be a cellular telephone (e.g., a smartphone), personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless modem, wireless communication device, handheld device, laptop, wireless telephone, wireless loopback (WLL) station, tablet device, camera, gaming device, laptop, smart computer, ultrabook, medical device or apparatus, biometric sensor / device, wearable device (smartwatch, smart clothing, smart glasses, smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., smart ring, smart bracelet, etc.)), entertainment device (e.g., music or video device, or satellite radio unit, etc.), vehicle component or sensor, smart instrument / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, GPS device, or any other suitable device configured to communicate via wireless or wired media.

[0034] Some UEs can be considered Machine-Type Communication (MTC) or Evolved or Enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC) UEs. MTC and eMTC UEs include, for example, robots, drones, remote devices, sensors, meters, monitors, location tags, etc., which can communicate with a base station, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. Wireless nodes can provide connectivity to or to a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or cellular networks) via wired or wireless communication links, for example. Some UEs can be considered Internet of Things (IoT) devices and / or can be implemented as NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) devices. Some UEs can be considered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). UE 120 can be included within a housing that houses the components of UE 120 (such as processor components, memory components, etc.). In some configurations, the processor components and memory components can be coupled together. For example, processor elements (e.g., one or more processors) and memory elements (e.g., memory) can be operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electrically coupled, electronically coupled, and so on.

[0035] Typically, any number of wireless networks can be deployed in a given geographical area. Each wireless network can support a specific Radio Access Technology (RAT) and can operate on one or more frequencies. RAT can also be referred to as a radio technology, air interface, etc. Frequency can also be referred to as a carrier, channel, etc. Each frequency can support a single RAT in a given geographical area to avoid interference between wireless networks using different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks can be deployed.

[0036] In some configurations, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without using base station 110 as an intermediary for communication with each other). For example, UE 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocols (e.g., which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocols, mesh networks, etc.). In this case, UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described herein as being performed by base station 110.

[0037] As noted above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the design 200 of base station 110 and UE 120 (base station 110 and UE 120 can be one of the base stations in Figure 1 and one of the UEs). Base station 110 can be equipped with T antennas 234a to 234t, and UE 120 can be equipped with R antennas 252a to 252r, where generally, T ≥ 1 and R ≥ 1.

[0039] At base station 110, transmission processor 220 can receive data for one or more UEs from data source 212, select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for that UE based at least in part on Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) received from each UE, process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for that UE based at least in part on the MCS selected for each UE, and provide data symbols for all UEs. Transmission processor 220 can also process system information (e.g., semi-static resource allocation information (SRPI), etc.) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, permission, upper-layer signaling, etc.), and provide management burden symbols and control symbols. Transmission processor 220 can also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). The Transmit (TX) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) processor 230 can perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding, if applicable) on data symbols, control symbols, management burden symbols, and / or reference symbols, and can provide T output symbol streams to T modulators (MODs) 232a to 232t. Each modulator 232 can (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) process its corresponding output symbol stream to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 can further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The T downlink signals from modulators 232a to 232t can be transmitted via T antennas 234a to 234t respectively. According to the various states described in more detail below, position coding can be used to generate synchronization signals to transmit additional information.

[0040] At UE 120, antennas 252a to 252r can receive downlink signals from base station 110 and / or other base stations, and can provide the received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a to 254r respectively. Each demodulator 254 can adjust (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) the received signal to obtain an input sample. Each demodulator 254 can further process the input sample (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. MIMO detector 256 can obtain received symbols from all R demodulators 254a to 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (if applicable), and provide the detected symbols. Receiver processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for UE 120 to data slot 260, and provide decoded control information and system information to controller / processor 280. The channel processor can determine the Received Reference Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Received Reference Quality (RSRQ), Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), etc. In some configurations, one or more components of the UE 120 may be included in the housing.

[0041] On the uplink, at UE 120, transmission processor 264 can receive and process data from data source 262 and control information from controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reports including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI, etc.). Transmission processor 264 can also generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. Symbols from transmission processor 264 can be pre-encoded (if applicable) by TX MIMO processor 266, further processed by modulators 254a to 254r (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM, CP-OFDM, etc.), and transmitted to base station 110. At base station 110, uplink signals from UE 120 and other UEs can be received by antenna 234, processed by demodulator 232, detected by MIMO detector 236 (if applicable), and further processed by receiver processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 120. The receiver processor 238 can provide decoded data to the data slot 239 and decoded control information to the controller / processor 240. The base station 110 may include a communication unit 244 and communicates with the network controller 130 via the communication unit 244. The network controller 130 may include a communication unit 294, a controller / processor 290, and memory 292.

[0042] The controller / processor 240 of base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of UE 120, and / or any other element in FIG. 2 may perform one or more technologies associated with network selection for the roaming UE, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of UE 120, and / or any other element in FIG. 2 may perform or direct operations such as process 900 of FIG. 9, process 1000 of FIG. 10, and / or other processes as described herein. Memory 242 and 282 may store data and program code for base station 110 and UE 120, respectively. In some embodiments, memory 242 and / or memory 282 may include non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more instructions for wireless communication. For example, one or more instructions may be executed or direct the operation of processes such as process 900 of FIG. 9, process 1000 of FIG. 10, and / or other processes as described herein, when executed by one or more processors of base station 110 and / or UE 120 (e.g., directly or after compilation, translation, interpretation, etc.). In some cases, the executed instructions may include execution instructions, translation instructions, compilation instructions, interpretation instructions, etc. Scheduler 246 may schedule the UE for data transmission on downlink and / or uplink.

[0043] In some configurations, UE 120 may include: means for receiving an indication of one or more SNPN roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by UE 120 and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by UE 120; means for determining a transmission from an SNPN to identify an SNPN roaming group identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPN roaming groups or to identify an SNPN identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPNs; means for registering with an SNPN at least in part based on the determination of the transmission to identify the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier; means for receiving an indication of network type preference associated with a PLMN or SNPN; and means for determining to register with a network at least in part based on the network type preference. In some configurations, such a component may include one or more elements of the UE 120 described in conjunction with FIG 2, such as controller / processor 280, transmission processor 264, TX MIMO processor 266, MOD 254, antenna 252, DEMOD 254, MIMO detector 256, receiver processor 258, etc.

[0044] As noted above, Figure 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figure 2.

[0045] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating various forms of SNPN according to the content of this case. SNPN is a dedicated private wireless network (e.g., a 5G network or another type of wireless network) that can be associated with a business, facility, or other entity or website. For example, SNPN can be associated with a specific corporate campus, a specific factory, a specific industrial facility, etc.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the SNPN (e.g., referred to as SNPN X in Figure 3) can be in and implemented by a radio network, which can be referred to as the home service provider (home SP) radio network of the UE (e.g., UE 120). In this case, the core network and radio access network (RAN) of the home SP can be configured to provide the SNPN to the UE and / or other UEs that are allowed to access the SNPN.

[0047] The core network may include one or more network controllers 130 providing various core network functions, such as Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Communication Period Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Interoperability Function (IWF), etc. The RAN may include one or more network controllers 130 and / or one or more BS 110 providing radio coverage to UEs accessing Home Service SPs.

[0048] In some cases, access to the SNPN may be limited to UEs that have subscribed to the SNPN. In such cases, the UE may be supplied and / or otherwise configured with subscription information associated with the SNPN, enabling the UE to register with the SNPN using the subscription information. As shown in Figure 3, the subscription information may include a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier associated with the home SP and an SNPN identifier associated with the SNPN (e.g., it may be referred to as a Network Identifier (NID)). In some cases, the SNPN (e.g., one or more BS 110s within the SNPN) may configure the UE with the subscription information as part of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Over-the-Air (OTA) update procedure and / or another type of provisioning procedure. The UE may receive the subscription information and may store it in a SIM element, a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) element, and / or another element configured to store the subscription information. In some cases, the UE may be deployed with a SIM element or UICC element that has already been configured with the subscription information.

[0049] To access the SNPN, the UE can scan or monitor transmissions that identify the SNPN's PLMN identifier and NID. For example, the SNPN (e.g., one or more BS 110s within the SNPN) can broadcast and / or otherwise transmit its PLMN identifier and NID, allowing the UE to explore the SNPN. The UE can determine whether the PLMN identifier and NID identified in the broadcast or transmission from the SNPN matches the PLMN identifier and NID in the subscription information stored by the UE. If the PLMN identifier and NID match, the UE can attempt to register with the SNPN. Once the UE has registered with the SNPN, the SNPN can grant the UE access to various non-public network services managed by the SNPN.

[0050] As noted above, Figure 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figure 3.

[0051] Figures 4A-4C are diagrams illustrating examples 400, 410, and 420 of SNPN access according to various states of the present invention. Specifically, Figures 4A-4C, in conjunction with the UE (e.g., UE 120) registration procedure, illustrate communication between the elements (e.g., implementing various network functions) of the subscribed wireless network (e.g., home SP) and the SNPN. Therefore, as part of the UE's registration procedure, the SNPN (e.g., one or more devices and / or elements implementing the SNPN) can establish a connection to the subscribed wireless network (e.g., one or more devices and / or elements implementing the subscribed wireless network). For example, based at least in part on an identifier provided by the UE as part of the registration procedure (e.g., Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Subscription Hidden Identifier (SUCI), etc.), the device implementing one or more elements of the SNPN can determine the identity of the subscribed wireless network, and therefore can determine (e.g., using mapping) the address of the subscribed wireless network that can be reached.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4A, the SNPN can communicate with the subscribed radio network to perform UE authentication and obtain the UE's subscription information. Specifically, the SNPN's AMF can communicate with the subscribed radio network's AUSF to authenticate the UE. For example, the AMF can transmit the UE's identification code provided with the UE's registration request. Additionally, the SNPN's AMF and SMF can communicate with the subscribed radio network's UDM function to obtain the UE's subscription information. For example, the AMF and / or SMF can transmit the UE's identifier (e.g., SUPI or SUCI) provided with the UE's registration request. As shown in Figure 4A, after registration, the UE can communicate with the data network (e.g., a data network providing non-public network services) via the SNPN's UPF.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4B, the SNPN can communicate with the subscribed radio network to perform UE authentication and obtain the UE's subscription information, as described above. Specifically, the SNPN's AMF can communicate with the subscribed radio network's AUSF to authenticate the UE, as described above. Additionally, the AMF can communicate with the subscribed radio network's UDM element to obtain the UE's subscription information, as described above. As shown in Figure 4B, after registration, the UE can communicate with the data network (e.g., the Internet) via the subscribed radio network. For example, the SNPN's UPF can forward the UE's communication period (e.g., Entity Data Unit (PDU) communication period) to the subscribed radio network's UPF so that it can be terminated at the data network via the subscribed radio network.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4C, the SNPN can communicate with the subscribed wireless network to perform UE authentication and obtain the UE's subscription information, as described above. Specifically, the SNPN's AMF can communicate with the subscribed wireless network's AUSF to authenticate the UE, as described above. Additionally, the SNPN's AMF and SMF can communicate with the subscribed wireless network's UDM element to obtain the UE's subscription information, as described above. As shown in Figure 4C, after registration, the UE can communicate with the data network (e.g., the Internet) via the SNPN's UPF. Further shown in Figure 4C, the UE can establish an interworking function (IWF, denoted as N3IWF) tunnel to the subscribed wireless network via the data network, thereby enabling the UE to access the data network (e.g., for file retrieval) via the subscribed wireless network's UPF.

[0055] As noted above, Figures 4A-4C are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figures 4A-4C.

[0056] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example 500 of SNPN roaming according to various states of the present case. As shown in Figure 5, the UE can access an SNPN implemented by and / or managed by the radio network using a subscription to another radio network (e.g., the home SP). This can be referred to as SNPN roaming. In this case, the SNPN can be referred to as the visited SNPN (V-SNPN).

[0057] In some cases, the home SP can configure the UE with a list of one or more SNPNs (e.g., V-SNPNs) that the UE can access while roaming (e.g., according to the roaming agreement between the home SP and one or more SNPNs). Therefore, the V-SNPN can broadcast and / or otherwise transmit its identifier (e.g., the V-SNPN's PLMN identifier and NID), and the UE can compare the identifier with its SNPN list to determine if the UE can access the V-SNPN using a subscription to the home SP. When the comparison yields a match, the UE can attempt to register with the V-SNPN. In some cases, multiple V-SNPN cells may be available, and the UE can select the V-SNPN associated with the highest priority based on the list of SNPNs.

[0058] As noted above, Figure 5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figure 5.

[0059] Figures 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the exploration and selection of one or more instances 600 of SNPN based at least in part on SNPN roaming groups according to various states of the case content.

[0060] In some cases, the V-SNPN may broadcast and / or otherwise transmit (e.g., in the System Information Block (SIB)) identifiers (e.g., PLMN identifiers and / or NIDs) of the radio networks supported by the V-SNPN (e.g., the home SP) (e.g., the V-SNPN and its roaming-compliant radio networks). The UE can compare the identifier with an identifier associated with the UE's home SP subscription to determine whether the UE can access the V-SNPN using its home SP subscription. When the comparison yields a match, the UE can attempt to register with the V-SNPN. In some cases, multiple V-SNPN cells may be available, and the UE can select from multiple V-SNPNs. In some cases, if the comparison does not yield a match, the UE can select a V-SNPN that indicates support for access using an identity code of another network.

[0061] As the number of V-SNPNs and the number of home SPs they support continue to grow, the relationship between V-SNPNs and home SPs may lead to scalability issues. For example, V-SNPNs may need to maintain and update the ever-growing and / or changing list of supported home SPs, which may consume significant processing and memory resources of the various devices and / or components included in the V-SNPN. Furthermore, as V-SNPNs support a larger number of home SPs, the number of home SP identifiers broadcast or transmitted by the V-SNPN also increases, which may result in excessive information in the V-SNPN's SIB and / or potentially increased radio resource consumption.

[0062] In some cases, SNPN roaming groups can reduce the complexity of maintaining a list of home SPs supported for SNPN (e.g., V-SNPN) and increase scalability. SNPN roaming groups can be identified by a roaming group identifier (RGID) and can be configured to include multiple networks (e.g., home SPs).

[0063] As shown in Figure 6A, an SNPN roaming hub (e.g., implemented by network controller 130) can be used as a communication intermediary between the SNPN and the home SP. The SNPN roaming hub can be responsible for generating, configuring, and updating SNPN roaming groups and associated RGIDs for the SNPN and the home SP; it can be responsible for providing the SNPN and the home SP with indications of SNPN roaming groups and associated RGIDs; it can be responsible for providing the SNPN and the home SP with updated SNPN roaming groups and associated RGIDs, and so on.

[0064] An SNPN roaming hub can create and / or configure SNPN roaming groups to include a plurality of home SPs. In some cases, SNPN roaming groups can be subscription-based or roaming protocol-based. For example, an SNPN roaming hub can create and / or configure SNPN roaming groups for an SNPN, wherein the SNPN has roaming protocols with the home SPs included in the SNPN roaming group. In this case, a UE subscribed to the SNPN and any home SP can access the SNPN from the home SP subscribed to by the UE and via a different home SP that provides the SNPN (e.g., via the use of a roaming protocol).

[0065] As shown in Figure 6B, the home SP to which the UE is subscribed (e.g., BS 110 in the UE's home SP) can configure the UE to have a list of one or more SNPN roaming groups (e.g., one or more SNPN roaming groups including the home SP). This allows the UE to access the SNPN broadcast or transmitted with the RGID associated with the SNPN roaming group via a roaming agreement between the UE's home SP and another home SP included in the SNPN roaming group.

[0066] In some configurations, one or more SNPN roaming groups can be generated or configured by an SNPN roaming hub (if an SNPN roaming hub is included). The SNPN roaming hub can transmit indications of one or more SNPN roaming groups to the home SP. Furthermore, the SNPN roaming hub can transmit indications of the SNPN roaming groups supported by the SNPN to each SNPN, allowing the SNPN to broadcast the RGID of the SNPN roaming group along with the SNPN's SNPN identifier (e.g., NID).

[0067] Therefore, an SNPN (e.g., V-SNPN) can broadcast and / or otherwise transmit identifiers of SNPN roaming groups supported by the SNPN. The UE can compare these identifiers with its list of SNPN roaming groups to determine if the UE can access the V-SNPN using a subscription to its home SP. When the comparison yields a match, the UE can attempt to register with the SNPN.

[0068] As noted above, Figures 6A and 6B are provided as one or more examples. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0069] In some cases, the UE is configured with both an SNPN list (as described in conjunction with Figure 5) and an SNPN roaming group list (as described in conjunction with Figures 6A and 6B). In this case, the UE may not be configured to determine which list it will use to access the V-SNPN, nor may it be configured to determine the priority order among the V-SNPNs, etc. Some techniques and apparatuses described herein provide a combined list of one or more SNPNs and one or more roaming groups according to priority. This can reduce the consumption of memory and / or processing resources that would otherwise be used for multiple lists, reduce the complexity of the UE's V-SNPN selection, etc.

[0070] A UE can access a PLMN implemented by and / or managed by a radio network using a subscription to another radio network (e.g., a home SP). This can be referred to as PLMN roaming. In this case, the PLMN can be called a visiting PLMN (V-PLMN). Therefore, a UE can be capable of both SNPN roaming (as described above) and PLMN roaming. However, when a UE is capable of both SNPN roaming and PLMN roaming, the UE may not be able to decide whether to access a V-SNPN or a V-PLMN. Furthermore, it may be preferable for a UE to access a V-SNPN in some scenarios and a V-PLMN in others. Some of the techniques and apparatus described herein provide network type preferences (e.g., related to V-SNPN or V-PLMN access), which the UE can use to decide whether to attempt to access a V-SNPN or a V-PLMN when it is capable of both SNPN roaming and PLMN roaming.

[0071] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating example 700 of network selection for a roaming UE according to various configurations of this case. As shown in Figure 7, example 700 may include one or more SNPNs (e.g., V-SNPN), one or more PLMNs (e.g., V-PLMN), a home SP, and / or a UE (e.g., UE 120). In some configurations, one or more of the SNPN, PLMN, or home SP may correspond to radio network 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the UE may explore SNPNs (e.g., V-SNPN) or PLMNs (e.g., V-PLMN) and register with them.

[0072] As shown in component symbol 705, the home SP to which the UE is subscribed (e.g., BS 110 in the UE's home SP) can transmit and the UE can receive indications for one or more SNPN roaming groups, (e.g., one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE), and / or (e.g., one or more PLMNs not subscribed to by the UE). That is, the home SP can configure the UE with a list of combinations (e.g., a list of preferred networks to visit) of one or more SNPN roaming groups, one or more SNPNs, and / or one or more PLMNs to be used by the UE during roaming. In some configurations, the indication may include one or more SNPN roaming groups and one or more SNPNs. In some configurations, the indication may include one or more SNPN roaming groups, one or more SNPNs, and one or more PLMNs.

[0073] The UE's home SP can be associated with one or more SNPN roaming groups. For example, the home SP can be included in each of one or more SNPN roaming groups. Additionally, an SNPN roaming group can include one or more other home SPs (e.g., other radio networks 100). In this case, the UE's home SP and the other home SPs associated with the SNPN roaming group can have a roaming agreement that allows the UE to access the supported SNPN by roaming on a home SP to which the UE has not subscribed. In some cases, one or more SNPN roaming groups can be generated or configured by an SNPN roaming hub, as described above in conjunction with Figures 6A and 6B.

[0074] The UE may not be subscribed to one or more SNPNs and / or one or more PLMNs. However, the UE's home SP may have a roaming agreement with the SNPN and / or PLMN. In this case, the UE may be allowed to access supported SNPNs and / or PLMNs (e.g., those not subscribed to by the UE) via roaming according to the roaming agreement.

[0075] In some configurations, the UE may receive indications for the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN as part of a SIM OTA update procedure, a 5G roaming bootstrapping (SoR) procedure, a UE configuration update procedure, in downlink non-access stratum (NAS) transmission messages (e.g., for SoR), etc. The UE may store information identifying the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN in the UE's SIM element or UICC element (e.g., along with the UE's subscription information). Alternatively, the UE may store this information in a different element (e.g., a hardware element) than the SIM element or UICC element (e.g., in the UE's mobile device element).

[0076] In some configurations, in addition to receiving and / or replacing instructions regarding the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN, the UE may be supplied with and / or deployed with configurations (e.g., SIM configuration, UICC configuration, mobile device configuration, etc.) that already include information identifying the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN. In this case, updates to the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN can be provided to the UE via SIM OTA update procedures, 5G SoR procedures, UE configuration update procedures, downlink NAS transmission messages, etc.

[0077] In some configurations, the indication of an SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN can identify the corresponding identifier of the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN. An SNPN roaming group can be identified by an RGID, an SNPN can be identified by a PLMN identifier (ID) and an NID, and a PLMN can be identified by a PLMN identifier. Therefore, the information stored by the UE that identifies the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN can include the corresponding identifier of the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN.

[0078] In some cases, the indication of SNPN roaming groups, SNPNs, and / or PLMNs can also identify the priority order of SNPN roaming groups, SNPNs, and / or PLMNs. In this case, if the UE can access multiple SNPNs and / or PLMNs, the UE can select and access the SNPN and / or PLMN associated with the highest-ranked SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN, or use other rules and / or parameters that are at least partially based on the priority order.

[0079] In some configurations, the indication may include and / or identify a list of SNPN roaming groups, SNPNs, and / or PLMNs in order of priority. Therefore, the information stored by the UE that identifies SNPN roaming groups, SNPNs, and / or PLMNs may be a list of SNPN roaming groups, SNPNs, and / or PLMNs in order of priority.

[0080] As indicated by component symbol 710, one or more SNPNs and / or one or more PLMNs (e.g., BS 110 in the SNPN and / or PLMN) may broadcast and / or otherwise transmit identifiers. For example, one or more SNPNs may broadcast and / or otherwise transmit SNPN roaming group identifiers (e.g., RGIDs) and / or SNPN identifiers. As another example, one or more PLMNs may broadcast or otherwise transmit PLMN identifiers.

[0081] As shown in component symbol 715, in order to register with an SNPN and / or PLMN, a UE can receive transmissions (e.g., broadcast, multicast, unicast, etc.) from an SNPN and / or PLMN, and can determine whether the transmission identifies an SNPN roaming group (e.g., RGID) in one or more SNPN roaming groups indicated for the UE, an SNPN (e.g., SNPN identifier) ​​in one or more SNPNs, and / or a PLMN (e.g., PLMN identifier) ​​in one or more PLMNs. As shown in component symbol 720, if the UE determines that a transmission from an SNPN or PLMN identifies an SNPN roaming group, SNPN, or PLMN indicated for the UE (e.g., in a list of SNPN roaming groups, SNPNs, and / or PLMNs stored by the UE), then the UE can register with the SNPN or PLMN.

[0082] In some configurations, if the UE receives transmissions from a plurality of SNPNs and / or PLMNs, and each transmission identification is indicated as a corresponding identifier for the UE's SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN, then the UE can select the SNPN or PLMN to register with, at least in part, based on the priority order of the SNPN roaming group, SNPN, and / or PLMN. For example, the UE can register with the SNPN or PLMN that transmits an identifier associated with the highest priority among the transmitted identifiers. For example, if the PLMN's transmission identification is PLMN ID B (associated with the second highest priority, as shown in the figure), and the SNPN's transmission identification is RGID RG1 (associated with the third highest priority, as shown in the figure), then the UE can register with the PLMN according to the priority order.

[0083] In some scenarios, the UE may use one or more of the techniques described above in conjunction with Figures 4A-4C to register with the SNPN or PLMN. After registering with the SNPN or PLMN, the UE may be permitted to access and communicate with various data networks (such as data networks providing non-public network services, the Internet, etc.) provided via the SNPN or PLMN.

[0084] Thus, the list of combinations of SNPN roaming groups, SNPNs and / or PLMNs configured for the UE can be used to reduce the complexity associated with the selection of SNPNs and / or PLMNs.

[0085] As noted above, Figure 7 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figure 7.

[0086] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating example 800 of network selection for a roaming UE according to various configurations of this case. As shown in Figure 8, example 800 may include one or more SNPNs (e.g., V-SNPN), one or more PLMNs (e.g., V-PLMN), a home SP, and / or a UE (e.g., UE 120). In some configurations, one or more of the SNPN, PLMN, or home SP may correspond to radio network 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the UE may explore SNPNs (e.g., V-SNPN) or PLMNs (e.g., V-PLMN) and register with them.

[0087] As shown in component symbol 805, the home SP to which the UE subscribes (e.g., BS 110 in the UE's home SP) can transmit, and the UE can receive, an indication of network type preference. That is, the home SP can configure the UE with the network type preference to be used by the UE during roaming. The indication of network type preference can be related to either the SNPN or the PLMN. For example, the indication of network type preference can indicate that: the UE registers with the PLMN instead of the SNPN (this can be referred to as PLMN-only network type preference), the UE registers with the SNPN instead of the PLMN (this can be referred to as SNPN-only network type preference), the UE will prioritize registration with the PLMN over registration with the SNPN (this can be referred to as PLMN-preferred network type preference), or the UE will prioritize registration with the SNPN over registration with the PLMN (this can be referred to as SNPN-preferred network type preference).

[0088] In some scenarios, the UE may receive indications of network type preference as part of a SIM OTA update procedure, as part of a 5G SoR procedure, as part of a UE configuration update procedure, in downlink NAS transmission messages, etc., as described above. The UE may store the information identifying the network type preference in the UE's SIM element or UICC element (e.g., along with the UE's subscription information). Alternatively, the UE may store this information in a different element (e.g., a hardware element) than the SIM element or UICC element (e.g., in the UE's mobile device element).

[0089] In some configurations, in addition to receiving and / or replacing the instruction on network type preference, the UE may be supplied and / or deployed with a configuration that already includes information identifying the network type preference (e.g., SIM configuration, UICC configuration, mobile device configuration, etc.). In this case, the network type preference update can be provided to the UE via SIM OTA update procedure, 5G SoR procedure, UE configuration update procedure, downlink NAS transmission message, etc.

[0090] In some configurations, the UE may be configured with one or more lists of networks to be used for roaming. For example, the UE may be configured with lists identifying (e.g., in priority order) one or more SNPN roaming groups (e.g., RGIDs), one or more SNPNs (e.g., SNPN identifiers), and / or one or more PLMNs (e.g., PLMN identifiers). Alternatively, the UE may be configured with lists identifying (e.g., in priority order) one or more SNPNs (e.g., SNPN identifiers) and / or one or more PLMNs (e.g., PLMN identifiers) (e.g., a service provider-controlled network selector list). In some configurations, the home SP may transmit instructions for one or more network lists, and the UE may store information related to one or more network lists (e.g., in the SIM element, UICC element, mobile device element, etc.), as described above.

[0091] As indicated by component symbol 810, the UE may decide to register with a network (e.g., an SNPN or a PLMN) based at least in part on network type preferences. In some cases, the UE may decide to register with a network using network type preferences based at least in part on the decision that one or more networks identified by one or more network lists configured for the UE are unavailable. For example, the UE may determine that a corresponding identifier (as described above) that can be broadcast and / or otherwise transmitted by one or more available networks (e.g., one or more SNPNs and / or PLMNs) does not match the identifiers included in one or more network lists.

[0092] In some states, the indication of network type preference can be PLMN only or PLMN preference, as described above. In this case, the UE can decide to register with one or more PLMNs of the available network. In some states, if the available network includes multiple PLMNs, the UE can select a PLMN associated with high signal quality (e.g., signal quality that meets a threshold). In some states, the available network does not include PLMNs, and / or the UE cannot successfully register with a PLMN of the available network. In this case, if the indication of network type preference is PLMN preference, the UE can decide to register with one or more SNPNs of the available network (e.g., after determining that no available PLMN exists and / or after attempts to register with all available PLMNs have failed). In some states, the UE can decide to register with an SNPN that broadcasts and / or otherwise transmits an identifier associated with the UE's home SP, as described above in conjunction with Figures 6A and 6B.

[0093] In some configurations, the indication of network type preference can be either SNPN only or SNPN preference as described above. In this case, the UE can decide to register with one or more available network SNPNs. For example, the UE can decide to register with an SNPN that broadcasts and / or otherwise transmits an identifier associated with the UE's home SP. In some configurations, available networks do not include SNPNs and / or the UE cannot successfully register with an available network SNPN. In this case, if the indication of network type preference is SNPN preference, the UE can decide to register with one or more available network PLMNs (e.g., after determining that no available SNPN exists and / or after attempts to register with all available SNPNs have failed). In some configurations, if the available network includes multiple PLMNs, the UE can select a PLMN associated with high signal quality (e.g., signal quality that meets a threshold).

[0094] As shown in component symbol 815, if the UE determines whether to use the SNPN or PLMN for registration based on its network type preference, the UE can register with the SNPN or PLMN. In some cases, the UE can use one or more of the techniques described above in conjunction with Figures 4A-4C to register with the SNPN or PLMN. After registering with the SNPN or PLMN, the UE can be permitted to access and communicate with various data networks (such as data networks providing non-public network services, the Internet, etc.) provided via the SNPN or PLMN.

[0095] In this way, network connectivity of the UE can be improved during roaming, network performance can be improved by applying SNPN and / or PLMN service provider preferences related to the roaming UE, and so on.

[0096] As noted above, Figure 8 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to Figure 8.

[0097] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating, for example, an exemplary process 900 performed by a UE according to various states of the present case. Exemplary process 900 is an example in which a UE (e.g., UE 120, etc.) performs operations associated with network selection for a roaming UE.

[0098] As shown in Figure 9, in some configurations, process 900 may include receiving indications of one or more SNPN roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the UE and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE (block 910). For example, the UE (e.g., using antenna 252, DEMOD 254, MIMO detector 256, receiver processor 258, controller / processor 280, etc.) may receive indications of one or more SNPN roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the UE and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE, as described above.

[0099] As further shown in Figure 9, in some cases, process 900 may include: determining the SNPN roaming group identifier associated with a transmission identification from an SNPN and one of the SNPN roaming groups, or identifying the SNPN identifier associated with one of the SNPNs (block 920). For example, the UE (e.g., using receive processor 258, controller / processor 280, memory 282, etc.) may determine the SNPN roaming group identifier associated with a transmission identification from an SNPN and one of the SNPN roaming groups, or identify the SNPN identifier associated with one of the SNPNs, as described above.

[0100] As further shown in Figure 9, in some configurations, process 900 may include registering with the SNPN at least in part based on determining the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier (block 930). For example, the UE (e.g., using receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, controller / processor 280, memory 282, etc.) may register with the SNPN at least in part based on determining the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier, as described above.

[0101] Process 900 may include additional states, such as any single state or any combination thereof described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0102] In the first state, the indication of one or more SNPN roaming groups and one or more SNPNs identifies the corresponding roaming group identifier associated with one or more SNPN roaming groups, and identifies the corresponding SNPN identifier associated with one or more SNPNs.

[0103] In the second state sample, either alone or in combination with the first state sample, the indication of one or more SNPN roaming groups and one or more SNPNs includes a list identifying the priority order of the one or more SNPN roaming groups and one or more SNPNs.

[0104] In the third state sample, registration with the SNPN, either alone or in combination with one or more states in the first and second states, is based at least in part on determining the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier. This includes registering with the SNPN based at least in part on a list identifying one or more SNPN roaming groups and a priority order of one or more SNPNs.

[0105] In the fourth state sample, either alone or in combination with one or more states from the first to the third state samples, the indication of one or more SNPN roaming groups and one or more SNPNs also identifies one or more PLMNs that the UE has not subscribed to.

[0106] In the fifth state sample, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth state samples, process 900 includes: determining a transmission identifier from the PLMN associated with one of the one or more PLMNs, and when the indication assigns a higher priority to the PLMN than to the SNPN, the UE will register with the PLMN instead of the SNPN.

[0107] In the sixth state sample, receiving an indication for one or more SNPN roaming groups and one or more SNPNs, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth state samples, includes receiving the indication as part of a UE configuration update procedure for the UE or in a downlink NAS transmission message.

[0108] In the seventh state, receiving an indication for one or more SNPN roaming groups and one or more SNPNs, either alone or in combination with one or more states from the first to the sixth state, includes receiving the indication as part of the UE’s Subscriber Identity Module Over-the-Air Update or Roaming Guide.

[0109] Although Figure 9 illustrates exemplary blocks of process 900, in some versions, process 900 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged differently compared to those illustrated in Figure 9. Alternatively, two or more blocks in process 900 may be executed in parallel.

[0110] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating, for example, an exemplary process 1000 performed by a UE according to various states of the present case. Exemplary process 1000 is an example in which a UE (e.g., UE 120, etc.) performs operations associated with network selection for a roaming UE.

[0111] As shown in Figure 10, in some configurations, process 1000 may include receiving an indication of network type preference associated with a PLMN or SNPN (block 1010). For example, a UE (e.g., using antenna 252, DEMOD 254, MIMO detector 256, receiver processor 258, controller / processor 280, etc.) may receive an indication of network type preference associated with a PLMN or SNPN, as described above.

[0112] As further shown in Figure 10, in some cases, process 1000 may include: determining network registration based at least in part on network type preference (block 1020). For example, a UE (e.g., using a receiver processor 258, a transmitter processor 264, a controller / processor 280, memory 282, etc.) may determine network registration based at least in part on network type preference, as described above.

[0113] Process 1000 may include additional states, such as any single state or any combination thereof described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0114] In the first state, the indication of network type preference indicates one of the following: the UE will register with the PLMN instead of the SNPN; the UE will register with the SNPN instead of the PLMN; the UE will prioritize registration with the PLMN over registration with the SNPN; or the UE will prioritize registration with the SNPN over registration with the PLMN.

[0115] In the second state, the decision to register with a network, either alone or in combination with the first state, is also based at least in part on the decision that one or more networks available for registration are not included in the list of networks configured for the UE.

[0116] In the third state sample, receiving an indication of network type preference, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second state samples, includes receiving the indication as part of a UE configuration update procedure or roaming bootstrapping procedure for the UE.

[0117] In the fourth state sample, receiving an indication of network type preference, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third state samples, includes receiving the indication as part of the UE’s Subscriber Identity Module Over-the-Air Update or Roaming Guide.

[0118] Although Figure 10 illustrates exemplary blocks of process 1000, in some versions, process 1000 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged differently compared to those illustrated in Figure 10. Alternatively, two or more blocks of process 1000 may be executed in parallel.

[0119] The following provides a summary of some aspects of the case:

[0120] Sample 1: A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising the steps of: receiving an indication of one or more independent non-public network (SNPN) roaming groups associated with a network subscribed to by the UE and one or more SNPNs not subscribed to by the UE; determining that a transmission from the SNPN identifies an SNPN roaming group identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPN roaming groups or identifies an SNPN identifier associated with one of the one or more SNPNs; and registering with the SNPN at least in part based on the determination that the transmission identifies the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier.

[0121] State 2: According to the method of State 1, wherein the indication of the one or more SNPN roaming groups and the one or more SNPNs identifies a corresponding roaming group identifier associated with the one or more SNPN roaming groups, and identifies a corresponding SNPN identifier associated with the one or more SNPNs.

[0122] State 3: According to the method of any one of States 1-2, wherein the indication of the one or more SNPN roaming groups and the one or more SNPNs includes a list identifying the priority order of the one or more SNPN roaming groups and the one or more SNPNs.

[0123] State 4: According to the method of State 3, wherein registering with the SNPN based at least in part on determining the SNPN roaming group identifier or the SNPN identifier includes: registering with the SNPN based at least in part on the list identifying the one or more SNPN roaming groups and the priority order of the one or more SNPNs.

[0124] State 5: According to any one of the states 1-4, the indication of the one or more SNPN roaming groups and the one or more SNPNs also identifies one or more Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) that the UE has not subscribed to.

[0125] State 6: According to the method of State 5, it also includes the following steps: determining the transmission identification from the PLMN and the PLMN identifier associated with one of the one or more PLMNs, wherein when the indication assigns a higher priority to the PLMN than to the SNPN, the UE will register with the PLMN instead of the SNPN.

[0126] State 7: According to any one of the states 1-6, receiving the indication to the one or more SNPN roaming groups and the one or more SNPNs includes: receiving the indication as part of a UE configuration update procedure for the UE or in a downlink non-access stratum transport message.

[0127] State 8: According to any one of the states 1-6, receiving the indication to the one or more SNPN roaming groups and the one or more SNPNs includes: receiving the indication as part of the UE’s Subscriber Identity Module Over-the-Air Update or Roaming Guide.

[0128] Sample 9: A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising the steps of: receiving an indication of a network type preference related to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or an Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN); and deciding to register with a network based at least in part on the network type preference.

[0129] State 10: According to the method of State 9, wherein the indication of network type preference indicates one of the following: the UE will register with the PLMN instead of the SNPN; the UE will register with the SNPN instead of the PLMN; the UE will prioritize registration with the PLMN over registration with the SNPN; or the UE will prioritize registration with the SNPN over registration with the PLMN.

[0130] State 11: According to the method of any one of States 9-10, the decision to register with the network is also based at least in part on the decision that one or more networks available for registration are not included in the list of networks configured for the UE.

[0131] State 12: According to any one of the states 9-11, receiving the indication of network type preference includes: receiving the indication as part of a UE configuration update procedure or roaming bootstrapping procedure for the UE.

[0132] State 13: According to any one of States 9-11, receiving the indication of network type preference includes: receiving the indication as part of a user identification module over-the-air update procedure or roaming bootstrapping procedure for the UE.

[0133] State 14: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to perform a method according to one or more of the states 1-8.

[0134] Sample 15: A device for wireless communication, comprising a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to perform a method according to one or more of the samples 1-8.

[0135] Format 16: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising at least one component for performing a method according to one or more formats 1-8.

[0136] Format 17: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code including instructions executable by a processor to perform methods according to one or more formats 1-8.

[0137] Sample 18: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions including one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to one or more of the samples 1-8.

[0138] Sample 19: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, comprising: a processor; memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to perform a method according to one or more of the samples 9-13.

[0139] State 20: A device for wireless communication, comprising a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to perform a method according to one or more states 9-13.

[0140] Format 21: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising at least one component for performing a method according to one or more formats 9-13.

[0141] Format 22: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code including instructions executable by a processor to perform methods according to one or more formats 9-13.

[0142] Sample 23: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions including one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to one or more of the samples 9-13.

[0143] The foregoing disclosure provides explanation and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the various forms to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing disclosure, or modifications and variations can be derived from practice with the various forms.

[0144] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be interpreted broadly as hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. As used herein, a processor is implemented using hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software.

[0145] As used in this article, depending on the context, satisfying a threshold can mean a value greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, etc.

[0146] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented using various forms of hardware, firmware, and / or combinations of hardware and software. The specific control hardware or software code used to implement such systems and / or methods is not intended to limit the variety. Therefore, while the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without referencing specific software code, it is to be understood that the software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods, at least in part, based on the descriptions herein.

[0147] Even if a specific combination of features is described in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, such combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of each variant. In fact, many features can be combined in a manner not specifically described in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of each variant includes the combination of each dependent claim with the other claims in each of the claim sets. The phrase "at least one of" in the list of items means any combination of those items, including single members. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination of multiples of the same element (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0148] None of the elements, actions, or instructions used herein should be construed as essential or necessary unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Additionally, as used herein, the terms “set” and “group” are intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is anticipated, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” and / or similar terms are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on.”

[0149] 100: Wireless Network 102a: Macrocell 102b: microcell 102c: femtocellular 110:BS 110a:BS 110b:BS 110c:BS 110d:BS 120:UE 120a:UE 120b:UE 120c:UE 120d:UE 120e:UE 130: Network Controller 200: Design 212: Source 220: Transmission Processor 230: Transfer (TX) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Processor 232a: Modulator / Demodulator 232t: Modulator / Demodulator 234a: Antenna 234t: Antenna 236: MIMO Detector 238: Receiver Processor 239: Data Slot 240: Controller / Processor 242: Memory 244: Communication Unit 246: Scheduler 252a: Antenna 252r: Antenna 254a: Demodulator / Modulator 254r: Demodulator / Modulator 256: MIMO Detector 258: Receiver Processor 260: Data Slot 262: Source 264: Transmission Processor 266:TX MIMO processor 280: Controller / Processor 282: Memory 290: Controller / Processor 292: Memory 294: Communication Unit 300: Instance 400: Instance 410: Example 420: Example 500: Examples 600: Instance 700: Instance 705: Component Symbol 710: Component Symbol 715: Component Symbol 720: Component Symbol 800: Instance 805: Component Symbol 810: Component Symbol 815: Component Symbol 900: Process 910: Square 920: Square 930: Square 1000: Process 1010: Square 1020: Square

[0150] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number) none

[0151] Overseas storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) none

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising the steps of: receiving an indication of a network type preference relating to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or a Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN); and determining, at least in part, to register with a network based on the network type preference, wherein the step of determining to register with the network is also based, at least in part, on a determination that one or more networks available for registration are not included in a network list configured for the UE.

2. According to the method of request item 1, wherein the indication of network type preference indicates one of the following: the UE will register with a PLMN instead of a SNPN; the UE will register with a SNPN instead of a PLMN; the UE will prioritize registration with a PLMN over registration with a SNPN; or the UE will prioritize registration with a SNPN over registration with a PLMN.

3. According to the method of request item 1, the step of receiving the indication of network type preference includes the following steps: receiving the indication as part of a UE configuration update procedure or a roaming bootstrapping procedure for the UE.

4. According to the method of request item 1, the step of receiving the indication of network type preference includes the following steps: receiving the indication as part of a user identification module over-the-air update procedure or a roaming setup procedure for the UE.

5. A UE for wireless communication, comprising: One memory; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to: receive an indication of a network type preference related to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or a Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN); and determine, at least in part, to register with a network based on the network type preference, wherein the decision to register with the network is also at least in part based on a decision that one or more networks available for registration are not included in a network list configured for the UE.

6. According to request item 5, the UE, wherein the indication of network type preference indicates one of the following: the UE will register with a PLMN instead of a SNPN; the UE will register with a SNPN instead of a PLMN; the UE will prioritize registration with a PLMN over registration with a SNPN; or the UE will prioritize registration with a SNPN over registration with a PLMN.

7. According to request item 5, in order to receive the indication of network type preference, the memory and the one or more processors are configured to receive the indication as part of a UE configuration update procedure or a roaming bootstrapping procedure for the UE.

8. According to request item 5, in order to receive the indication of network type preference, the memory and the one or more processors are configured to receive the indication as part of a Subscriber Identity Module Over-the-Air Update or a Roaming Guide for the UE.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions for wireless communication, the one or more instructions comprising: When executed by one or more processors of a user equipment (UE), one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: receive an indication of a network type preference related to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or a Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN); and decide to register with a network based at least in part on the network type preference, wherein the decision to register with the network is also based at least in part on a decision that one or more networks available for registration are not included in a network list configured for the UE.

10. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: A component for receiving an indication of a network type preference related to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN); and a component for deciding to register with a network based at least in part on the network type preference, wherein the decision to register with the network is also based at least in part on a decision that one or more networks available for registration are not included in a network list configured for the UE.

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