Method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network and a network alliance implementing the method

Abstract

A method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G and / or 5G network comprises the following steps: Step a): preparing a plurality of isolated 4G and / or 5G networks (1) suitable for defining a network alliance (9), each of the networks (1) comprising at least a radio access network (3), a PDN gateway node (4) or a user plane function (UPF), and an application server (5). Step b): preparing a plurality of mobile devices (7); step c): connecting the mobile devices (7) to the network (1) to exchange data traffic with an application server (5) via at least the RAN (3) and the PDN gateway (4) or UPF node; step d): preparing a connection network (8) designed to selectively connect networks (1) to each other; step e): selecting a reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node associated with a network (1) of an alliance (9); and step f): migrating data traffic associated with all mobile devices (7) connected to a network (1) other than the reference network to an application server (5) associated with the reference network (1) including the PDN gateway (4) or UPF node selected in step e). During the execution of step e), the data traffic is forwarded via the connection network (8) and the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node, respectively. A network alliance is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention can be applied to the technical field of telecommunication networks and devices, and relates to a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network.

[0002] Moreover, another subject matter of the invention is a 4G or 5G network alliance implementing the above method. Background Art

[0003] As we all know, 4G or 5G networks represent the current generation of broadband cellular network technology, which is designed to provide faster data connections between digital mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, IoT devices, etc.

[0004] More specifically, compared to previous network standards, the 4G / 5G standards improve network performance through wider bandwidth, lower latency, and very high integration of all devices.

[0005] In short, the key feature of current 4G and 5G networks is the ability to more flexibly connect a large number of devices that need to exchange high data traffic and their suitability for connecting these devices.

[0006] In the application field, all components of a 4G or 5G network (including applications, radio, and core network) are usually concentrated in a single device, sometimes called a Network-In-a-Box.

[0007] In particular, the apparatus integrates all software and hardware components required for a mobile network in a single physical device implementing a core network according to 3GPP standards.

[0008] A network in a box refers to a single physical device used to provide connectivity to multiple mobile devices associated with multiple users.

[0009] Networks in a box are used, for example, to provide basic connectivity in emergency situations, or to provide data connectivity between mobile devices associated with first responders, such as during a rescue mission.

[0010] Users need to communicate with each other to coordinate operations between subgroups of the same consortium. In addition, they may need to communicate with a central support station or headquarters for supervisory requests.

[0011] Such networks are also called Tactical Networks (TNs), and their main advantage is that they provide dedicated, secure and flexible data transfer between users belonging to a specific team (eg first responders).

[0012] To do this, individual users of the team have personal mobile devices that can exchange data with the tactical network.

[0013] In the field of telecommunications networks, the expressions network in a box and tactical network are often used as synonyms.

[0014] Typically, the reduced size and weight of the tactical networking device allows the tactical networking device to be placed in a backpack provided to a soldier or officer.

[0015] The main 4G / 5G components incorporated into the tactical network are: Radio Access Network RAN ​​and components of 4G or 5G, such as Serving Gateway (SGW), PDN Gateway (PGW) and Application Server (AP). The tactical network may also optionally include MME, HSS and PCRF for autonomous operation in 4G and / or equivalent operation in 5G core network functions. Moreover, routers for external connections may also be included.

[0016] The RAN includes all technologies that enable connectivity to the 4G and / or 5G core networks.

[0017] The function of the node S-GW is to route and forward IP data packets between the P-GW and the RAN; according to the 3GPP standard, this component represents the node closest to the radio system.

[0018] In contrast, the P-GW is the node closest to the software application or the Internet.

[0019] The main function of the P-GW is to connect the LTE network (and user equipment connected to such a network) to application servers or other external packet data networks (PDNs).

[0020] Thus, the P-GW is able to assign an IP address to a mobile device associated with a user (i.e., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) and, based on a request from the mobile device, route data traffic from the device to an application server or a different destination.

[0021] The equivalent 5G components of S-GW and P-GW are SMF and UPF, where UPF is the component that routes data packets within the 5G core network and connects radio and application servers.

[0022] The expression "application server" used in this context is generic and refers to any software application that can be used by a user via a mobile device.

[0023] Thus, an application server can vary depending on the requirements and it can refer to a single application (or a limited list of applications) or an Internet network without limitation.

[0024] The 4G / 5G network used to generate a tactical network associated with a particular user is substantially isolated from the 4G / 5G network used to generate a tactical network associated with a different user.

[0025] However, during a mission or in an emergency situation, communication between different users is an important requirement, since establishing connections to different application servers associated with different users is useful during a mission.

[0026] To solve this problem, a network connection can be provided between the routers of each tactical network so that the application server parts of different tactical networks can communicate.

[0027] In particular, this type of connection may be suitable for connecting client applications installed in mobile devices of various users if the network connection is enabled by a corresponding application server installed in the tactical network.

[0028] This inter-application server communication requires data to be exchanged between the application client / server via the network; such data may refer to the current location of the user's other devices, the user's access controls, etc.

[0029] The data traffic associated with this additional information can be very high, and connecting networks are typically not designed to support high ramp peaks in data exchange that would ensure fast convergence of the necessary communication flows.

[0030] The main disadvantage of this configuration is that during a connection between two or more application servers / clients, the state of the connecting network (and the condition of the 4G / 5G network) may deteriorate rapidly and become extremely unstable as the number of connected application servers increases.

[0031] As a result, connections between user devices will be frequently interrupted or affected by high latency.

[0032] Furthermore, connectivity between user devices is strictly dependent on the characteristics of the application server, but there is no universally accepted standard to align the connectivity capabilities of this software into a single solution.

[0033] As a result, there are currently several different and fragmented solutions on the market, each with varying degrees of harmfulness and inefficiency.

[0034] For these reasons, LTE tactical networks developed to date are not as flexible as the market requires and cannot provide effective connectivity between user devices.

[0035] Document EP 3 142 321 relates to tactical networks and deals with the problem of mutual communication between terminals located in different networks; document EP 2 282 465 discloses a similar solution of an edge gateway connecting multiple tactical networks, and document US 2009 / 073994 discloses the problem of address selection and routing of a gateway connecting each of multiple tactical networks via a satellite backbone. However, these documents have the same drawbacks as those listed above. Summary of the invention

[0036] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an innovative method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network.

[0037] More specifically, a main object of the present invention is to provide a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network, which is suitable for reducing the complexity of the network.

[0038] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network, which can improve the efficiency and stability of data traffic exchanged between the devices.

[0039] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network, which method is able to ensure a high level of security in data communications between the devices.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network, wherein the plug-and-play step is fully automatic and transparent to the user.

[0041] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network, wherein applications associated with the user can exchange data independent of the dedicated cellular network to which they are connected.

[0042] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network, wherein applications associated with a user can exchange data independently of the application being used.

[0043] Another but not last object of the present invention is to provide a method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network, which method is capable of connecting / disconnecting the device to the network independently of the type of application server and application client associated with the user.

[0044] These objects together with other objects highlighted in more detail below are achieved by a method of the type claimed in claim 1 for selectively connecting a mobile device in a 4G or 5G network.

[0045] The further objects better described below are achieved by the method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G or 5G network as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, the subject matter of the invention comprises a 4G or 5G Network Alliance according to claim 12. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The advantages and features of the present invention are clearly illustrated in the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of a method for selective plug-and-play control of a mobile device in a 4G or 5G network, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dedicated 4G or 5G cellular network consisting of a core network and application servers; and

[0049] Figures 2 to 8 It is a schematic diagram of the steps disclosed in the method of the present invention and applied to the 4G or 5G network alliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention relates to a method for selectively connecting one or more mobile devices of a user to a wireless 4G and / or 5G network.

[0051] More specifically, the present method is particularly suitable for application to multiple 4G and / or 5G private cellular networks (or p-networks), as will be explained below.

[0052] A tactical p-network according to the scope of the present invention is an independent 4G and / or 5G network suitable for providing connectivity to one or more users.

[0053] This type of network is used in emergency situations when the standard network is unavailable and the user needs to establish a high-speed connection.

[0054] The group of p networks disclosed in this patent application consists of multiple independent and isolated 4G and / or 5G p networks. In particular, each 4G and 5G p network can provide connectivity to one or more users without cooperating with other p networks.

[0055] To this end, each 4G and / or 5G p-network is isolated from other p-networks and it can autonomously provide connectivity to users.

[0056] Users can move between p-networks, and their connection will be provided by the 4G and / or 5G p-network they are connected to at that particular moment.

[0057] 4G and / or 5G p-networks are typically generated by a single device designed to be worn by a user; for example, the device may include a single housing suitable for placement into a backpack provided to the user.

[0058] The invention disclosed in this specification relates to a method for selectively connecting one or more mobile devices associated with a user to a 4G and / or 5G p-network. However, the same method can also be applied to provide a connection between mobile devices associated with a general 4G and / or 5G network, which may not be a p-network.

[0059] Firstly, the method comprises a first step a) of preparing a plurality of isolated 4G and / or 5G p-networks 1 suitable for defining a network group 2 .

[0060] This situation is Figure 2 Shown in.

[0061] Step a) makes it possible to provide a network group 2 formed by a plurality of isolated and independent 4G and / or 5G p networks 1 .

[0062] Each 4G and / or 5G private cellular network 1 comprises at least the following components:

[0063] - Radio access network 3;

[0064] - 4G and / or 5G core network CN, which includes at least a PDN gateway node 4 (in the case of a 4G network) or a UPF node (in the case of a 5G network);

[0065] - Application Server 5.

[0066] All these layers are designed to comply with 3GPP standards.

[0067] The function of the radio access network 3 is to provide a wireless connection between the p-network and the applications running in the mobile device.

[0068] The component comprises all hardware / software technologies suitable for providing radio access to user equipment through transmission / reception of wireless signals.

[0069] In this specification, the expressions "data packet" and "data traffic" have the same meaning as they refer to a stream of digital data exchanged between two or more components of a 4G and / or 5G network.

[0070] In the 4G core network, the PDN gateway 4 (in the 4G core network) or UPF node (in the 5G network) represents a node designed to connect the p network to an external network or external service. In the 5G core network, the PDN gateway function is served by the SMF (session management function) and the UPF (user plane function) for signaling and forwarding data traffic.

[0071] The function of the PDN gateway node 4 is to assign IP addresses to various devices connected to the 4G and / or 5G p-network and to forward data traffic between the latter and external networks / services.

[0072] The PDN gateway node 4 can forward data traffic to different external services, such as Internet services, voice services, etc.

[0073] The core network of a 4G p-network may also include a service gateway node, which represents a local anchor point for user equipment and whose main function is to route and forward data traffic. This node is usually located between a router and a PDN gateway node. In a 5G network, the service gateway is replaced by an SMF node.

[0074] Figures 2 to 7 The steps of the method according to the invention are shown, the method being applied to a group / consortium of 4G p networks used. In these figures, PDN network nodes 4 and serving gateways or SMF nodes are schematically represented and the latter are assigned reference numeral 6.

[0075] In addition, the 4G core network of the p network 1 may include optional components such as an MME node, an HSS node or a PCRF node, where the 5G equivalent nodes are AMF, AUSF, UDM, PCF, etc.

[0076] These optional components are typically used in public safety LTE networks that require user access management with a high level of security.

[0077] The application server 5 associated with the 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 is a generic expression used to refer to all types of software applications suitable for exchanging data traffic with user equipment.

[0078] The method comprises a step b) of preparing a plurality of mobile devices 7 associated with one or more users and a step c) of connecting said devices 7 to a 4G and / or 5G network 1 .

[0079] In particular, individual devices 7 may be connected to a single 4G and / or 5G p-network, but the same 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 may provide connectivity to more devices 7 associated with the same user or different users.

[0080] Figure 3The connection of a user equipment 7 to a respective 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 is shown.

[0081] The device 7 is suitable for exchanging data traffic with an application server 5 associated with the same 4G and / or 5G p-network to which the device is connected.

[0082] From the user's perspective, the 4G and / or 5G network 1 is a "wireless bubble" that allows data exchange between a mobile device 7 and an application server 5 and, where applicable, communication between applications associated on one or more user devices connected to the same application server of the same "wireless bubble".

[0083] Traffic between the mobile device 7 and the application server 5 is forwarded via the radio access network 3 , the serving gateway 6 or SMF node and the PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 (and vice versa).

[0084] Figure 4 A plurality of isolated 4G and / or 5G p-networks 1 are shown, wherein respective devices 7 of users (associated with a predetermined p-network 1 ) communicate with application servers 5 installed in the same network 1 .

[0085] In order to provide connectivity between all isolated 4G and / or 5G p networks 1 , the method comprises a step d) of preparing and installing a connection network 8 .

[0086] In particular, the connection network 8 is capable of connecting all 4G and / or 5G p networks 1 to each other. A group of 4G or 5G p networks connected to each other via the connection network defines a network alliance.

[0087] Figure 5 This is shown in FIG. 4 , where the network alliance is indicated by reference numeral 9 .

[0088] The connection network 8 is selectively enabled / disabled depending on the situation: the state "enabled" defines an active connection network 8, and all networks 1 are connected to each other via the latter. The state "disabled" defines an inactive connection network 8, and the 4G and / or 5Gp networks 1 of the alliance 9 are generally isolated from each other.

[0089] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “disabled / deactivated / inactive” refers to the situation where one or more 4G and / or 5G p networks 1 of the Alliance 9 are unable to establish a connection with the connected network 8 (regardless of whether this situation is due to a complete deactivation of the network 8 or due to the inability of the 4G and / or 5G p network 1 to establish a connection with the latter).

[0090] The method comprises a step e) of selecting a PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 associated with a corresponding 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 of an alliance 9.

[0091] The selection performed in step e) makes it possible to select a single PDN gateway node (UPF node) 4 within the set of all PDN gateway nodes (all UPF nodes) 5 associated with the network 1 of the alliance 9. Therefore, the PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 selected during step e) becomes the reference PDN gateway node (or reference UPF node) 4 (or master PDN gateway / UPF node) of the alliance 9.

[0092] This situation is Figure 6 Shown in.

[0093] The corresponding 4G and / or 5G p network 1 associated with the PDN gateway (or UPF node) 4 selected in step e) becomes the reference 4G and / or 5G p network 1 of the alliance 9.

[0094] The method comprises a step f) of migrating data traffic associated with all mobile devices 7 connected to a 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 that is different and distinct from the reference network (or, in other words, the remaining p-networks other than the reference p-network) towards an application server 5 associated with the reference p-network, the reference p-network comprising the PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 selected in step e).

[0095] This situation is Figure 7 Shown in.

[0096] In particular, all data traffic generated by the mobile device 7 is forwarded via the connection network 8 and the reference PDN gateway node (or reference UPF node) 4 to the application server 5 contained in the reference 4G and / or 5G p network 1.

[0097] The purpose of the migration step f) is to connect all user equipment 7 (associated with different 4G and / or 5G p networks 1 ) to a single application server 5 associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G p network 1 .

[0098] In this way, all data traffic from all mobile devices 7 is addressed to a single application server 5 , which becomes the reference application server for the federation 9 .

[0099] At the end of step f), a single reference 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 comprising a reference PDN gateway node (or reference UPF node) 4 and a reference application server 5 may be identified.

[0100] In view of the above, all users can share data and information through a single application server 5 selected as a reference.

[0101] The selection of a reference PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 represents a new and creative way to provide connectivity to all devices 7 associated with these p-networks 1 via a single application server 5 selected as a reference and installed in one of the isolated 4G and / or 5G p-networks 1.

[0102] It is important to note that the connection between user equipment 7 provided by the present method is completely transparent to (or, in other words, completely independent of) the characteristics of the connecting network 8 .

[0103] The present method is intended to provide multi-user connectivity in a 4G and / or 5G p-network alliance based specifically on a data traffic forwarding method, the steps of which are independent of features associated with components used in individual 4G and / or 5G p-network alliances or application servers.

[0104] Preferably, steps d)-f) are performed whenever a 4G and / or 5G network 1 is added to the consortium 9 or whenever a 4G and / or 5G network 1 abandons the consortium.

[0105] In step a) a router 10 associated with the corresponding 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 of the alliance may be arranged.

[0106] Each router 10 may be adapted to forward data packets from components of a p-network 1 to other components of the same p-network 1 (and vice versa).

[0107] The router 10 may be operably connected to the radio access network 3 and the serving gateway 6 or SMF node of the corresponding 4G and / or 5G p network 1. In addition, the router 10 may be operably connected to the PDN gateway (or UPF) node 4 and the MME or AMF node (which is introduced in the next paragraph).

[0108] During step a), a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 11 node for a 4G network or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node for a 5G network may be provided to a 4G and / or 5G network adapted to define a network alliance 9.

[0109] The method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G and / or 5G network disclosed in this application may be implemented in alternative ways as disclosed below.

[0110] During the execution of the migration step f), data traffic may be forwarded from all mobile devices 7 connected to 4G and / or 5G networks other than the reference network to the application server (5) associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G network selected in step e) via a data path comprising the following nodes:

[0111] - a router 10 of the radio access network 3 and the network to which the mobile equipment is connected;

[0112] - connection to the network 8; and

[0113] - An MME 11 or AMF node, a Serving Gateway 6 or SMF node and a reference PDN Gateway node 4 or UPF node, each of which is associated with a reference network 1.

[0114] In this method configuration, all data traffic is forwarded along a path that does not include the serving gateway 6 or SMF node of the network to which the mobile device is connected; traffic travels directly from the radio access network 3 via the connecting network 8 to the serving gateway 6 or SMF node of the reference network.

[0115] The traffic is first forwarded from the mobile device to the RAN node and from the latter to the router 10, which then forwards the traffic directly to the serving gateway 6 or SMF node of the reference network.

[0116] At the reference network, data traffic may reach the reference PDN gateway node 4 after passing through the router 10, the RAN node 3, and the serving gateway 6 or the SMF node.

[0117] This solution is Figure 8 Shown in.

[0118] The method may further comprise step g): selecting a reference router 10 associated with the 4G and / or 5G p network 1, which comprises a reference P-GW node (or UPF node) 4 and which may appropriately create a secure “data tunnel” across the connected networks.

[0119] In particular, step g) of selecting the reference router 10 and step e) of selecting the reference P-GW node (or UPF node) 4 are performed substantially simultaneously, since the selection of the selected P-GW node (or UPF node) 4 is a result obtained as a direct result of the selection of the router 10. In addition, step g) can be performed only when the broadcast network 8 is active and working.

[0120] Typically, steps g) and e) may be based on standard protocols currently used to select a master router among multiple routers.

[0121] The Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol is the most common routing protocol used in IP networks, and this protocol can also be used for steps g) and e).

[0122] It is important to note that the OSPF protocol can be used only if one or more routers 10 are defined in step a). In fact, if the core network defined in step a) does not include routers, step e) of selecting a reference PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 can be based on a different algorithm.

[0123] However, during the execution of steps g) and e), other routing protocols than OSPF may eventually be used as long as they are capable of selecting a single router 10 and a corresponding reference PDN gateway (or reference UPF network) 4, respectively.

[0124] Step g) makes it possible to define a reference router 10 associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 previously defined in step e).

[0125] After step g), the method may comprise a step h) of allocating new Domain Name System (DNS) records associated with routers 10 of one or more 4G and / or 5G networks 1 other than the reference network.

[0126] In particular, a new DNS record is associated with the reference router 10 selected in said step f).

[0127] Thus, after step e), all data traffic is forwarded to the reference application server 5 via the connection network 8, the reference router 10 and the reference PDN gateway (or reference UPF node) 4.

[0128] During the migration step f), data traffic generated upstream of the connection network 8 and by the user's mobile device 7 is forwarded via the radio access network 3, the serving gateway 6 or SMF node and the router 10 associated with the network 1 to which the same device 7 is connected.

[0129] The term “upstream” refers to the path that data traffic takes before reaching the connecting network 8 .

[0130] Moreover, during step f), data traffic downstream of the connection network 8 is forwarded to the reference application server 5 via the reference router 10 and the reference PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G p network 1.

[0131] The term “downstream” refers to the path of data traffic from the connecting network 8 to the application server 5 .

[0132] The method may comprise the further step i) of detecting an inactive session between a mobile device 7 of a user and a corresponding application server 5 associated with the 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 to which said device 7 is connected.

[0133] This detection step i) is performed before the migration step f).

[0134] Step f) may also be performed on the data traffic associated with the device 7 detected in step i).

[0135] In a further configuration of the method, a detection step 1) adapted to detecting a deactivation of the connecting network 8 may be provided.

[0136] The method may include a further step m): forwarding data traffic previously exchanged between the user's mobile device 7 and the reference PDN gateway node (or reference UPF node) 4 to an application server 5 associated with the 4G and / or 5G p network 1 to which the user device 7 is connected.

[0137] The purpose of steps l) and m) is to force a return to a “reset configuration” of one or more 4G and / or 5G p networks 1 of the alliance 9 if the connected network 9 is inactive.

[0138] In this case, the 4G and / or 5G p network 1 is isolated from other p networks, and data traffic from the user equipment 7 is forwarded to the application server 5 (of the same network) via the PDN gateway node (or UPF node) 4 (of the same network).

[0139] If the connection network 8 is inactive, the user devices 7 only forward data traffic to the application servers associated with the 4G and / or 5G p-network 1 to which they are connected.

[0140] It is important to note that the same behavior will also affect one or more 4G and / or 5G p networks 1 if connectivity to the connectivity network 8 is unavailable.

[0141] In particular, through step l), the interruption of the operation of the connection network 8 can also be detected, so that in the next step m), the data traffic from the user device 7 is forcibly routed to the application server 5 installed in the corresponding 4G and / or 5G p network 1.

[0142] According to another aspect of the present invention, a network alliance is provided.

[0143] The network alliance comprises a plurality of devices suitable for generating a corresponding 4G and / or 5G p network 1 and a plurality of user mobile devices 7 designed to exchange data traffic with the corresponding 4G and / or 5G network 1 .

[0144] The alliance also includes a connection network 8 designed to connect 4G and / or 5G p-networks 1 to each other.

[0145] The various devices are designed to define 4G and 5G core networks, which include at least the following components:

[0146] - Radio access network module 3;

[0147] -PDN gateway node 4 (for 4G network) or UPF node (for 5G network);

[0148] - Application Server 5.

[0149] The various apparatuses of the network alliance operate according to the methods disclosed above to facilitate a connection between one or more devices 7 associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G p network 1 and the application server 5 .

[0150] In particular, data traffic from the user equipment 7 may be forwarded to the reference application server 5 via at least the connection network 8 and the reference PDN gateway module (or reference UPF module) 4 .

[0151] Additionally, the one or more devices may include a router 10 operatively connected to the radio access network module 3 and the serving gateway or SMF module 6 .

[0152] In this case, data traffic from the user equipment 7 may be forwarded to the reference application server 5 via the connection network 8 , the reference router 10 , and the reference PDN gateway module (or reference UPF module) 4 .

[0153] Preferably, each device may be designed to be worn by a user and define a dedicated cellular 4G and / or 5G network.

[0154] It is important to note that the method disclosed above may also be successfully applied to technologies other than 4G and / or 5G dedicated cellular networks; for example, the method may be applied to selectively connect one or more devices to a network based on WiFi or other wireless technology.

[0155] This type of device has reduced size and weight and is suitable for placement in a backpack provided to the user, usually a soldier or officer.

[0156] The invention may be implemented in other variants, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive characteristics claimed and described herein; the technical details may be replaced by different but technically equivalent elements and materials; the shapes and dimensions of the invention may be any as long as they are compatible with its intended use.

[0157] The only purpose of reference numerals and symbols included in the claims and the specification is to make the text easier to understand and they should not be considered as elements limiting the technical interpretation of the objects or processes they identify.

Claims

1. A method for selectively connecting a mobile device to a 4G and / or 5G network, comprising the following steps: a) providing a plurality of isolated 4G and / or 5G networks (1) configured to define a network alliance (9), each of said 4G and / or 5G networks (1) comprising at least the following components: - Radio access network (3); - a PDN gateway node (4) for a 4G network or a user plane function (UPF) node for a 5G network; - Application Server (5); b) providing a plurality of mobile devices (7); c) connecting the mobile device (7) to the 4G and / or 5G network (1) to exchange data traffic with the application server (5) via at least the radio access network (3) and the PDN gateway (4) or UPF node; d) providing a connection network (8) designed to selectively connect said 4G and / or 5G networks (1) to each other; e) selecting a reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node associated with a 4G and / or 5G network (1) of the network consortium (9), the 4G and 5G network (1) associated with the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node being configured to become a reference 4G and / or 5G network with respect to other 4G and / or 5G networks (1) of the network consortium (9); and f) migrating the data traffic associated with all the mobile devices (7) connected to the 4G and / or 5G networks (1) other than the reference 4G and / or 5G network to the application server (5) associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G network (1), the reference 4G and / or 5G network including the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node selected in step e), Wherein, in step f), the data traffic is forwarded via the connection network (8) and the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node respectively.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the 4G and / or 5G networks (1) prepared in step a) comprises a serving gateway node (6) for a 4G network or an SFM node for a 5G network, and a router (10), wherein the router (10) is operably connected to the radio access network (3) and the serving gateway (6) or SMF node of the same network (1).

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, after step d) of providing a connection network (8), step g): selecting a reference router (10) associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G network (1) including the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising, after the step g) of selecting the reference router (10), a step h): allocating a new Domain Name System (DNS) record associated with a router (10) of one or more 4G and / or 5G networks in the 4G and / or 5G network (1) other than the reference 4G and / or 5G network (1), the new DNS record being associated with the reference router (10) selected in the step g).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein in step f), the data traffic is forwarded via the connection network (8), the reference router (10) and the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step g) of selecting the reference router (10) is based on a standard protocol for selecting designed routers.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the standard protocol is the OSPF protocol or any protocol / algorithm configured to select a reference router (10) and a reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step i): detecting an inactive session between one or more of the mobile devices (7) and the application server (5) associated with the 4G and / or 5G network (1) to which the mobile device (7) is connected.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein step f) is configured to migrate the data traffic associated with one or more of the mobile devices (7) detected in step i).

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When the number of the 4G and / or 5G networks (1) provided in step a) changes, steps e)-f) are performed.

11. The method according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the 4G and / or 5G networks (1) provided in step a) comprises a mobility management entity (MME) node (11) for a 4G network or an access and mobility management function (AMF) node for a 5G network.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: In step f), the data traffic is forwarded from all the mobile devices (7) connected to the 4G and / or 5G networks other than the reference 4G and / or 5G network to the application server (5) associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G network selected in step e) via the radio access network (3) and the router (10) of the 4G or 5G network to which the mobile device is associated, the connection network (8), the MME or AMF node of the reference 4G and / or 5G network, and the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node.

13. A network alliance, comprising: - a plurality of devices configured to generate corresponding 4G and / or 5G networks (1); - a plurality of mobile devices (7), each of the mobile devices (7) being designed to connect to a corresponding 4G and / or 5G network (1) of the network alliance (9); - a connection network (8) designed to connect the 4G and / or 5G networks (1) to each other; Each device includes at least the following components: - Radio access network module (3); -PDN Gateway Module (4) or UTF Module; and - Application Server (5); The network alliance includes a device configured to: a) provide multiple mobile devices; b) connecting the mobile device (7) to the 4G and / or 5G network (1) to exchange data traffic with the application server (5) via at least the radio access network (3) and the PDN gateway (4) or UPF module; c) providing a connection network (8) designed to selectively connect the 4G and / or 5G networks (1) to each other; d) selecting a reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node associated with a 4G and / or 5G network (1) of the network alliance, the 4G and 5G network (1) associated with the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node being suitable to become a reference 4G and / or 5G network with respect to other 4G and / or 5G networks (1) of the network alliance; and e) migrating the data traffic associated with all the mobile devices (7) connected to the 4G and / or 5G network (1) other than the reference 4G and / or 5G network to the application server (5) associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G network (1), the reference 4G and / or 5G network including the selected PDN gateway (4) or UPF node, The data traffic is forwarded via the connection network (8) and the reference PDN gateway (4) or UPF node respectively.

14. The network federation according to claim 13, wherein each device comprises a router (10) and a service gateway or SMF module (6), the router (10) being operatively connected to the radio access network module (3) and the service gateway or SMF module (6).

15. The network alliance according to claim 14, wherein one or more of the mobile devices (7) are connected to the application server (5) associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G network (1) via the connection network (8), the router (10), and the reference PDN gateway (4) or UTF module associated with the reference 4G and / or 5G network (1).

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