Processing Method and Device for Closed Access Group

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for enhancing closed access groups (CAGs). For example, the apparatus may include a non-volatile memory, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, and a processing circuit. The receiving circuit may be configured to receive a configuration update command message and a registration accept message, each of which includes a CAG information list IE having a CAG information list. The transmitting circuit may be configured to send a configuration update complete message and a registration request message. The processing circuit may be configured to store the CAG information list in the CAG information list IE in the non-volatile memory and select a PLMN based on the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 841,880, filed May 2, 2019, entitled “Enhancement for Closed Access Groups (CAG),” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for enhancing closed access groups (CAGs). Background Art

[0004] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the content of the present invention. To the extent that the work described in this background section is not qualified as prior art by the inventors currently named and the aspects of the specification that were not qualified as prior art at the time of filing, no admission is made, either explicitly or implicitly, as prior art with respect to the present invention.

[0005] Wireless communication networks have experienced rapid growth in recent years. Long-term evolution (LTE) systems offer high data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and low operating costs. In LTE systems, the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) consists of multiple evolved Node Bs (eNBs) that communicate with multiple mobile stations, also known as user equipment (UE). 5G New Radio (NR) is a new radio access technology (RAT) that surpasses LTE. For example, NR peak rate requirements can reach up to 20 Gbps, which is 10 times higher than LTE.

[0006] During the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection and cell search process, the UE scans all RF channels in the frequency band to find available PLMNs and suitable cells, depending on its capabilities. The network may provide the UE with a list of Closed Access Group (CAG) information, and the UE performs the PLMN selection and cell search process based on this CAG information list. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects of the present invention provide a method for receiving and storing a closed access group (CAG) information list. The method may include, at a user equipment (UE), receiving a configuration update command message including a closed access group (CAG) information list information element (IE), wherein the CAG information list IE includes a CAG information list; and storing the CAG information list in a non-volatile memory. The method further includes sending a configuration update complete message, via the UE, and selecting a cell in a public land mobile network (PLMN) based on the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0008] Aspects of the present invention provide another method for receiving and storing a CAG information list. The method may include, via a UE, sending a registration request message indicating that the UE supports CAG; receiving a registration accept message including a CAG information list IE, wherein the CAG information list IE includes a CAG information list; and storing the CAG information list in the CAG information list IE in a non-volatile memory. The method may further include selecting a cell in a PLMN based on the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the CAG information list includes only a CAG indicator, and the method may further include setting the CAG-only indicator of the CAG information list to a first value when the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory does not include any CAG indicator for a PLMN. Furthermore, the CAG information list includes only a CAG indicator, and the method may further include setting the CAG-only indicator of the CAG information list to a second value, and when the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory does not include any CAG indicator for the PLMN, selecting a normal cell associated with the selected PLMN.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include receiving a cause value from a CAG cell, wherein the cause value indicates that the UE is not authorized to reside in the CAG cell, and the CAG cell is associated with the CAG identifier included in the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory; and deleting the CAG identifier included in the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0011] The non-volatile memory may be installed in the UE or in a USIM inserted into the UE. When the non-volatile memory is installed in the UE, the method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: deleting the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory when a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) is removed from the UE, or deleting the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory when a user permanent identifier (SUPI) provided from the USIM inserted into the UE does not match the SUPI stored in the non-volatile memory, and selecting a cell in the PLMN based on the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory when the SUPI provided from the USIM inserted into the UE matches the SUPI stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0012] Aspects of the present invention also provide an apparatus, which may include a non-volatile memory, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit. The transmitting circuit may be configured to transmit a configuration update complete message and a registration request message indicating that the apparatus supports CAG. The receiving circuit may be configured to receive a configuration update command message and a registration accept message, each of which includes a CAG information list IE having a CAG information list. The apparatus may further include a processing circuit configured to store the CAG information list in the CAG information list IE in the non-volatile memory and select a cell in a PLMN based on the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0013] The CAG information list includes only a CAG indicator, and when the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory does not include any CAG indicator, the processing circuit may be further configured to set the CAG-only indicator of the CAG information list to a first value, or to set the CAG-only indicator of the CAG information list to a second value and select a normal cell in the selected PLMN.

[0014] The CAG processing method and device provided by the present invention can help find available PLMNs and suitable cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention, presented as examples, will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 An example coded CAG information list information element (IE) is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 According to the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 The CAG Information List IE is encoded in entries.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example general UE configuration update process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process from initial registration to an exemplary registration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example method for receiving and storing a CAG information list according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing another example method for receiving and storing a CAG information list according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example method for controlling a UE to perform when a network provides only a CAG indicator to the UE and a CAG information list does not include a CAG identifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another example method for controlling a UE to perform when the network provides only a CAG indicator to the UE and the CAG information list does not include a CAG identifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus for receiving and storing a CAG information list according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] After a user equipment (UE) is turned on, the UE can perform network and cell selection to select the public land mobile network (PLMN) to which the UE will register and the cells belonging to the selected PLMN. The 5G System (5GS) deploys non-public networks (NPNs) for non-public deployments. Public network integrated NPNs are non-public networks deployed to support PLMNs. Closed Access Groups (CAGs) can optionally be used to prevent UEs that are not allowed to access public network integrated NPNs from accessing them. The network provides the UE with a CAG information list that includes an allowed CAG list, i.e., a list of CAG identifiers that the UE is allowed to access. The UE should store the latest available CAG information provided for each PLMN and maintain this storage when the UE is deregistered. However, after the UE is turned off, the UE will lose the CAG information. In this case, the network must provide the CAG information to the UE again after the UE is turned on. For example, saving the CAG information in the UE's non-volatile memory can prevent the loss of CAG information even after the UE is turned off. According to aspects of the present invention, CAG information received during a specific process (e.g., a general UE configuration update process and a registration process) is stored in a non-volatile memory, and after the UE is powered off and powered on again, the UE may select a public land mobile network (PLMN) based on the CAG information stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0027] In addition to the CAG information, the network may optionally provide a CAG-only indication, wherein the CAG-only indication relates to whether the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS through the CAG cell. Sometimes, the CAG information may be empty, that is, it does not contain any CAG identifier. In this case, the UE cannot perform the cell selection process. According to many aspects of the present invention, when the CAG information list does not contain any CAG identifier, the CAG-only indication of the CAG information list may be set to a first value. According to other aspects of the present invention, when the CAG information list does not contain any CAG identifier, the CAG-only indication of the CAG information list may be set to a second value, and a normal cell associated with the PLMN selected in the PLMN selection process may be selected.

[0028] Figure 1The figure shows an example Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, PLMN 100 is a network established and operated by a competent authority or recognized operating organization (ROA) for the specific purpose of providing land mobile communication services to the public. PLMN 100 provides communication capabilities for mobile users (e.g., UE 124). PLMN 100 can provide services in one frequency band or a combination of frequency bands. Each user has a relationship with their Home PLMN (HPLMN). If communications are handled through another PLMN, that PLMN is called a Visited PLMN (VPLMN). A PLMN area is a geographic area within which a PLMN provides communication services to mobile users in accordance with standards. Within this PLMN area, mobile users can establish calls with other users of the terminating network. The terminating network can be a fixed network, the same PLMN, another PLMN, or another type of PLMN. Users of the terminating network can also establish calls with the PLMN. The service provider determines the allocation of a PLMN area to a PLMN.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the application server 112 can communicate with multiple UEs (including UE 124) via a packet data network gateway (PDN GW) 114, a serving GW 132, and a base station (BS) (e.g., gNB) 122 to provide various services. Figure 1 In the example of FIG, an application server 112 and a PDN GW 114 belong to a core network (CN) 110, and a UE 124 and its serving BS 122 belong to a radio access network (RAN) 120. The RAN 120 may provide radio access for the UE 124 via a radio access technology (RAT). A mobility management entity (MME) or access and mobility management function (AMF) 130 may communicate with the BS 122 via an S1-MME interface, and may communicate with the serving GW 132 and the PDN GW 114 via an S11 interface for access and mobility management of radio access devices in the NR network 100. The serving GW 132 may communicate with the BS 122 via an S1-U interface, and may communicate with the PDN GW 114 via an S5 / S8 interface, depending on whether the PDN GW 114 is located in a home network or a visited network. According to various embodiments of the present invention, UE 124 may be a smartphone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a tablet computer, etc.

[0030] When UE 124 is turned on, it searches for networks to connect to. Once UE 124 selects a desired network, it attempts to attach to the network and register with it. UE 124 supports both manual and automatic network selection mechanisms. The Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) securely stores the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and other related keys used to identify and authenticate users on mobile phone devices. UE 124 utilizes all network selection-related information stored in the USIM, such as the Home PLMN (HPLMN), the Operator Controlled PLMN Selector List, the User Controlled PLMN Selector List, and the Forbidden PLMN List. After successfully registering with a PLMN, UE 124 indicates that PLMN ("Registered PLMN") and is able to make and receive calls. If the network rejects a registration attempt on a PLMN, the PLMN ID is written to the Forbidden PLMN List stored in a data field on the USIM. If successful registration is successful with a PLMN on the Forbidden PLMN List, the PLMN ID of that PLMN is removed from the Forbidden PLMN List.

[0031] The 5G System (5GS) deploys non-public networks (NPNs) for non-public deployments. A public network integrated NPN is a non-public network provided through a PLMN (e.g., through a dedicated data network name (DNN) or through one or more network slice instances assigned to the NPN). Since network slicing cannot prevent a UE from attempting to access the network in an area where the UE is not allowed to use the network slice assigned to the NPN, a closed access group (CAG) can be optionally used to prevent UEs that are not allowed to access the public network integrated NPN from accessing the public network integrated NPN. A CAG identifies a group of users that are allowed to access one or more CAG cells associated with the CAG. CAG is used for a public network integrated NPN to prevent UEs that are not allowed to access the NPN via an associated cell from automatically selecting and accessing the associated cell.

[0032] Figure 2 An example encoding of a CAG information list information element (IE) is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network may provide a CAG information list IE 200 to the UE. In an embodiment, the CAG information list IE 200 may include a CAG information list IE identifier (IEI) 202, a CAG information list content length 204, and entries 206-1 through 206-n. The CAG information list IE 200 has a minimum length of three octets: one octet for the CAG information list IEI 202 and two octets for the length of the CAG information list content 204. This means that entries 206-1 through 206-n are optional and are therefore marked with "*."

[0033] Figure 3According to an embodiment of the present invention, a coded entry 300 is displayed, for example, Figure 2 308-1 of the CAG information list IE 200. Entry 300 may include entry content length 302, PLMN ID 304, CAG-only bit 306, 7 spare bits, and CAG IDs 308-1 to 308-n. PLMN ID 304 includes a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC). CAG-only bit 306 indicates whether the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS via CAG cells (CAG only). For example, if the CAG-only bit 306 is set to "0", the "indicator that the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS via CAG cells" is not set, and the UE is allowed to access the 5GS via non-CAG cells. Conversely, the CAG-only bit 360 set to "1" indicates that the UE is not allowed to access the 5GS via non-CAG cells. CAG IDs 308-1 to 308-n are identifiers of CAG cells. A CAG is identified by a CAG identifier, wherein the CAG identifier is unique within the PLMN ID range. A CAG cell broadcasts one or more CAG identifiers per PLMN. The UE compares the CAG identifiers broadcast by the CAG cell with the CAG identifiers provided by the network and included in the CAG information list to determine whether the CAG cell is a CAG cell on which camping is permitted. When the CAG-only bit 306 is set to "1," the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS via the CAG cells associated with CAG IDs 308-1 to 308-n.

[0034] The network (specifically, AMF 130) may provide the CAG information list to UE 124 in various ways. Figure 4An example general UE configuration update procedure 400 is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network initializes the general UE configuration update procedure 400 and allows the AMF 130 to update the UE configuration of access and mobility management related parameters by providing new parameter information in a configuration update command, where the access and mobility management related parameters are determined and provided by the AMF 130. The new parameter information may include 5G-GUTI, TAI list, service area list, MICO indicator, NITZ information, CAG information list, etc. The AMF 130 may request an acknowledgment response (e.g., configuration update complete) to ensure that the UE 124 has updated the parameters. The general UE configuration update procedure 400 may include steps S402 and S404, or only step S406. After initiating the general UE configuration update procedure 400, in step S402, the AMF 130 sends a configuration update command message, which may include one or more parameters, such as the CAG information list. If confirmation is requested from UE 124, AMF 130 shall indicate "Confirmation Requested" in the Confirmation bit of the Configuration Update Indicator IE in the Configuration Update Command message. Confirmation shall be requested for all parameters except when only NITZ is included in the Configuration Update Command message. Upon receiving the Configuration Update Command message, UE 124 shall send a Configuration Update Complete message in step S404. When only NITZ is included in the Configuration Update Command message, the general UE configuration update procedure 400 only includes step S406. That is, in step S406, AMF 130 only sends the Configuration Update Command message including NITZ information and does not further request UE 124 to send a Configuration Update Complete message.

[0035] Figure 5An example registration process 500 is shown for initial registration according to an embodiment of the present invention. UE 124 always initializes and uses registration process 500 for initial registration of 5GS services. During registration process 500, AMF 130 may also provide UE 124 with a CAG information list. In step S502, UE 124 may send a Registration Request message to AMF 130 to initialize registration process 500. The network may reject or accept the Registration Request message. In step S504, if the network rejects the Registration Request message, AMF 130 shall send a Registration Reject message including an appropriate 5GMM cause value (e.g., cause value #76 (CAG not authorized or only CAG cells authorized)) to UE 124; or if the network accepts the initial Registration Request message, AMF 130 shall send a Registration Accept message to UE 124. Mobility restrictions may be included in the Registration Accept message. To support CAGs, UE 124 may be pre-configured or (re)configured with an allowed CAG list, i.e., a list of CAG identifiers that UE 124 is allowed to access, as part of a mobile restriction subscription. Therefore, the Registration Accept message sent by AMF 130 to UE 124 during registration process 500 may also include a list of CAG information. Upon receiving the Registration Accept message, UE 124 may send a Registration Complete message to the network in step S506.

[0036] After being provided to UE 124 by AMF 130, the CAG information list may change. For example, when rejected during registration procedure 500 and receiving cause value #76 from a non-CAG cell (the CAG is not authorized or only CAG cells are authorized), UE 124 should store the "indicator that the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS via CAG cells" (i.e., only CAG bits 306) in entry 300 of the CAG information list IE 200 for the current PLMN. Alternatively, if a cause value #76 is received from a CAG cell, meaning that UE 124 is not allowed to access the CAG cell, UE 124 should remove the CAG ID associated with the CAG cell from the "Allowed CAG List" of the current PLMN. Sometimes, the "Allowed CAG List" may become empty.

[0037] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 600 for receiving and storing a CAG information list according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the method 600, the UE 124 may receive a CAG information list in the configuration update process 400 and store the CAG information list in a non-volatile memory.

[0038] In step S602, UE 124 receives a Configuration Update Command message from AMF 130. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the Configuration Update Command message may include a CAG Information List IE containing a CAG information list. In step S604, UE 124 may delete any stored CAG information lists. In step S606, UE 124 then stores the CAG information list in the CAG Information List IE in non-volatile memory. Therefore, even after UE 124 is turned off, the CAG information list is not lost. In step S608, UE 124 may send a Configuration Update Complete message to AMF 130 to notify AMF 130 that the UE has updated the CAG information list. After the UE is turned off and then turned on again, in step S610, UE 124 may select a PLMN and cell based on the CAG information list stored in non-volatile memory.

[0039] Figure 7 FIG2 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 700 for receiving and storing a CAG information list according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to method 700, UE 124 may receive a CAG information list during registration process 500 and store the CAG information list in non-volatile memory. According to various embodiments of the present invention, method 700 may include steps S702, S704, S604, S606, and S610.

[0040] In step S702, UE 124 initiates the registration process 500 and sends a Registration Request message to AMF 130 indicating that UE 124 supports CAG. In many embodiments of the present invention, UE 124 may set the CAG bit to "Supports CAG" in the 5GMM Capability IE of the Registration Request message. In step S704, UE 124 receives a Registration Accept message from AMF 130. According to embodiments of the present invention, the Registration Accept message may include a CAG Information List IE containing a CAG information list. In step S604, UE 124 may delete any stored CAG information list. In step S606, UE 124 then stores the CAG information list in the CAG Information List IE in non-volatile memory. Therefore, even after UE 124 is turned off, the CAG information list is not lost. After the UE is turned off and then turned on again, in step S610, UE 124 may select a PLMN and cell based on the CAG information list stored in non-volatile memory.

[0041] According to many embodiments of the invention, the non-volatile memory may be installed in a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) that may be inserted into the UE 124 .

[0042] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a non-volatile memory may be installed in UE 124, and when a USIM is removed from UE 124, UE 124 may delete the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory. In one embodiment of the present invention, when a user permanent identifier (SUPI) provided by a USIM inserted into UE 124 matches the SUPI stored in the non-volatile memory, a PLMN is selected based on the CAG information stored in the non-volatile memory. In another embodiment of the present invention, when the SUPI provided by a USIM inserted into UE 124 does not match the SUPI stored in the non-volatile memory, the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory is deleted.

[0043] Figure 8 The flowchart of the present invention illustrates an example method 800 for controlling UE 124 when the network provides the UE with only a CAG indicator and the CAG information list does not include a CAG identifier, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As previously mentioned, UE 124 may delete one or more CAG identifiers included in the CAG information list, and may delete all CAG identifiers. According to method 800, even if the CAG information list does not include any CAG identifiers, UE 124 may still operate normally when access to only CAG cells is permitted.

[0044] At step S802, a CAG information list is provided to UE 124, with the CAG-only ("indicator that the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS via CAG cells") bit set to "1," indicating that UE 124 is only allowed to access CAG cells whose CAG identifiers are included in the CAG information list. However, the CAG information list may initially contain no CAG identifiers, or may become empty after UE 124 deletes all CAG identifiers from the CAG information list. In this case, at step S804, method 800 may set the CAG-only bit to a first value (e.g., "0"). Thus, UE 124 can select any cell in the selected PLMN, without being restricted by the "indicator that the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS via CAG cells."

[0045] Figure 9 This flowchart illustrates another example method 900 for controlling UE 124 when the network provides the UE with only a CAG indicator and the CAG information list does not include a CAG identifier, according to an embodiment of the present invention. UE 124 may delete one or more CAG identifiers included in the CAG information list. According to method 900, even if the CAG information list does not include any CAG identifiers, UE 124 may still operate normally when access to only CAG cells is permitted. According to various embodiments of the present invention, method 900 may include steps S802, S903, and S904.

[0046] At step S802, a CAG information list is provided to UE 124, with the CAG-only ("indicator that the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS via CAG cells") bit set to "1," indicating that UE 124 is only allowed to access CAG cells whose CAG identifiers are included in the CAG information list. Similarly, the CAG information list may initially contain no CAG identifiers, or may become empty after UE 124 deletes all CAG identifiers from the CAG information list. In this case, at step S902, method 900 may set the CAG-only bit to a second value (e.g., "1"). In many embodiments of the present invention, the CAG-only bit remains unchanged because its value is already "1." At step S904, although the CAG-only bit is set to "1," meaning that UE 124 is only allowed to access CAG cells, UE 124 may still select a normal cell in the selected PLMN to camp on.

[0047] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an apparatus 1000 for receiving and storing a CAG information list according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 1000 may be UE 124. According to various embodiments of the present invention, apparatus 1000 may be a smartphone, a wearable device, an IoT device, a tablet computer, and the like. According to one or more embodiments or examples described herein, apparatus 1000 may be configured to perform various functions. Thus, apparatus 1000 may provide a means for implementing the techniques, processes, functions, components, and systems described herein. For example, in various implementations and examples described herein, apparatus 1000 may be used to implement the functions of UE 124. In various embodiments, apparatus 1000 may include a general-purpose processor and / or specialized circuitry to implement the various functions, components, or processes described herein. Apparatus 1000 may include non-volatile memory 1002, receiving circuitry 1004, processing circuitry 1006, transmitting circuitry 1008, and USIM 1110. In various other embodiments of the present invention, apparatus 1000 may optionally include other components, such as input / output devices and signal processing circuitry. Thus, the device 1000 can perform other additional functions, such as executing applications and processing alternative communication protocols.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the non-volatile memory 1002 may be a flash memory, a ferroelectric random access memory (RAM), a spin torque transfer random access memory (STTRAM), a resistive random access memory (RRAM), a conductive bridge random access memory (CBRAM), etc. In another embodiment of the present invention, a USIM 1010 may be inserted into the device 1000.

[0049] In many embodiments of the present invention, the configurable sending circuit 1008 sends the configuration update completion message in the configuration update process 400 and the registration request message in the registration process 500. In an embodiment, the registration request message indicates that the apparatus 1000 supports CAG.

[0050] In many other embodiments of the present invention, the configurable receiving circuit 1004 may receive the configuration update command message in the configuration update process 400 and the registration accept message in the registration process 500. In an embodiment, each of the configuration update command message and the registration accept message may include a CAG information list IE having a CAG information list.

[0051] In various embodiments of the present invention, the processing circuit 1006 may be configured to store the CAG information list of the CAG information list IE in the non-volatile memory 1002, and select a cell in the PLMN based on the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory 1002. In many embodiments of the present invention, the processing circuit 1006 may be further configured to delete any stored CAG information list.

[0052] According to many embodiments of the present invention, the non-volatile memory 1002 may be installed in the USIM 1010 .

[0053] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the non-volatile memory 1010 may be installed in the device 1000, and when the USIM 1010 is removed from the device 1000, the processing circuit 1006 may be further configured to delete the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory 1010. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the SUPI provided from the USIM 1010 inserted into the device 1000 matches the SUPI stored in the non-volatile memory 1002, the processing circuit 1006 may be further configured to select a PLMN based on the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory 1002. In another embodiment of the present invention, when the SUPI provided from the USIM 1010 inserted into the device 1000 does not match the SUPI stored in the non-volatile memory 1002, the processing circuit 1006 may be further configured to delete the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory 1002.

[0054] According to many embodiments of the present invention, the CAG information list includes only a CAG indicator, and when the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory 1002 does not include any CAG identifier, the processing circuit 1006 is further configured to set the CAG-only indicator of the CAG information list to a first value (e.g., “0”). According to various embodiments of the present invention, the CAG information list includes only a CAG indicator, and when the CAG information list stored in the non-volatile memory 1002 does not include any CAG identifier for a PLMN, the processing circuit 1006 is further configured to set the CAG-only indicator of the CAG information list to a second value (e.g., “1”), and select a normal cell in the selected PLMN.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the receiving circuit 1004, the transmitting circuit 1008, and the processing circuit 1006 may be a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital enhancement circuit, or similar devices, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiving circuit 1004 and the transmitting circuit 1008 may be integrated into a single transceiver.

[0056] The processes and functions described herein can be implemented as computer programs that, when executed by one or more processors, can cause the one or more processors to perform the corresponding processes and functions. The computer program can be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware. The computer program can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. For example, a computer program can be obtained and loaded into a device, including obtaining the computer program through a physical medium or a distributed system (including, for example, from a server connected to the Internet).

[0057] A computer program can be accessed from a computer-readable medium that provides program instructions for use by a computer or any instruction execution system or in combination with it. A computer-readable medium may include any device that stores, transmits, propagates, or sends a computer program for use by an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus or in combination with it. A computer-readable medium may be a magnetic, optical, electronic, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or device or apparatus) or a propagation medium. A computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, such as a semiconductor or solid-state memory, a magnetic tape, a removable computer disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may include all types of computer-readable media (including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, flash memory media, and solid-state storage media).

[0058] When implemented in hardware, the hardware may include discrete components, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the like.

[0059] Although various aspects of the present invention have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments of the invention set forth as examples, the examples may be substituted, modified, and varied. Therefore, the embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Changes may be made without departing from the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A closed access group processing method, comprising: At a user equipment, a configuration update command message including a closed access group information list information element is received, wherein: The closed access group information list information element includes a closed access group information list; storing the closed access group information list of the closed access group information list information element in a non-volatile memory in the user equipment; as well as When the user permanent identifier provided from the universal subscriber identity module inserted into the user equipment matches the user permanent identifier stored in the non-volatile memory, a cell in the public land mobile network is selected based on the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory.

2. The closed access group processing method according to claim 1, wherein: The closed access group information list includes only closed access group indicators, and the method further comprises: When the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory does not include any closed access group indicator, the closed access group-only indicator of the closed access group information list is set to a first value.

3. The closed access group processing method according to claim 1, wherein: The closed access group information list includes only closed access group indicators, and the method further comprises: setting the closed access group-only indicator of the closed access group information list to a second value; and When the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory does not contain any closed access group indicator for the public land mobile network, a normal cell associated with the selected public land mobile network is selected.

4. The closed access group processing method according to claim 1, wherein: Further including: receiving a cause value from a closed access group cell, wherein the cause value indicates that the user equipment is not authorized to camp on the closed access group cell, the closed access group cell being associated with a closed access group identifier included in the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory; and The closed access group identifier included in the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory is deleted.

5. The closed access group processing method according to claim 1, wherein: Further including: When the universal subscriber identity module is removed from the user equipment, the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory is deleted.

6. The closed access group processing method according to claim 1, wherein: Further including: When the user permanent identifier provided from the universal subscriber identity module inserted into the user equipment does not match the user permanent identifier stored in the non-volatile memory, the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory is deleted.

7. The closed access group processing method according to claim 1, wherein: The closed access group information list is configured to include closed access group identifiers of cells that the user equipment is allowed to access.

8. A closed access group processing method, comprising: Sending, by a user equipment, a registration request message indicating that the user equipment supports a closed access group; Receive a registration acceptance message containing a closed access group information list information element, wherein The closed access group information list information element includes a closed access group information list; storing the closed access group information list of the closed access group information list information element in a non-volatile memory in the user equipment; as well as When the user permanent identifier provided from the universal subscriber identity module inserted into the user equipment matches the user permanent identifier stored in the non-volatile memory, a cell in the public land mobile network is selected based on the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory.

9. The closed access group processing method according to claim 8, wherein: When the universal subscriber identity module is removed from the user equipment, the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory is deleted.

10. The closed access group processing method according to claim 8, wherein: Further including: When the user permanent identifier provided from the universal subscriber identity module inserted into the user equipment does not match the user permanent identifier stored in the non-volatile memory of the user equipment, the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory is deleted.

11. The closed access group processing method according to claim 8, wherein: The closed access group information list includes only closed access group indicators, and the method further comprises: When the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory does not include any closed access group indicator, the closed access group-only indicator of the closed access group information list is set to a first value.

12. The closed access group processing method according to claim 8, wherein: The closed access group information list includes only closed access group indicators, and the method further comprises: setting the closed access group-only indicator of the closed access group information list to a second value; and When the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory does not contain any closed access group indicator for the public land mobile network, a normal cell associated with the selected public land mobile network is selected.

13. The closed access group processing method according to claim 8, wherein: Further including: receiving a cause value from a closed access group cell, wherein the cause value indicates that the user equipment is not authorized to camp on the closed access group cell, the closed access group cell being associated with a closed access group identifier included in the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory; and The closed access group identifier included in the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory is deleted.

14. The closed access group processing method according to claim 8, wherein: The closed access group information list is configured to include closed access group identifiers of cells that the user equipment is allowed to access.

15. A user equipment for closed access group processing, comprising: Non-volatile memory; a sending circuit configured to send a configuration update completion message and a registration request message indicating that the user equipment supports a closed access group; The receiving circuit is configured to receive a configuration update command message and a registration acceptance message, wherein: Each of the configuration update command message and the registration accept message includes a closed access group information list information element having a closed access group information list; as well as and a processing circuit configured to store the closed access group information list of the closed access group information list information element in the non-volatile memory, and select a cell in the public land mobile network based on the closed access group information list stored in the non-volatile memory when a user permanent identifier provided from a universal subscriber identity module inserted into the user equipment matches the user permanent identifier stored in the non-volatile memory.

16. The user equipment for closed access group processing according to claim 15, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to execute the steps of the closed access group processing method according to any one of claims 2-7, 9-14.

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