Method and apparatus for independent non-public network reselection in automatic network selection

Abstract

Various solutions for independent non-public network (SNPN) reselection in automatic network selection are described. The device may determine that it supports access to the SNPN that provides access to the localized service, and the device is enabled to access the localized service. The apparatus may then determine whether at least one condition related to the SNPN is satisfied. In response to determining that at least one SNPN-related condition is satisfied, the apparatus may also periodically attempt to reselect and register with a higher priority SNPN.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application is part of a non-provisional application, claiming priority to U.S. patent application No. 63 / 483,541, filed on February 7, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to mobile communications, and more particularly to reselection of a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) in automatic network selection. Background Art

[0004] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims listed below and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0005] A Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) is a network established and operated by an administrative agency or a recognized operating agency (ROA) for the specific purpose of providing land mobile communication services to the public. PLMN provides communication capabilities for mobile users. PLMN can provide services in one or more frequency band combinations. Access to PLMN services is achieved through an air interface including radio communications between mobile phones and base stations with integrated IP network services. A PLMN may include multiple radio access networks (RAN) using different radio access technologies (RAT) for accessing mobile services. RAN is part of a mobile communication system that implements radio access technology. Conceptually, RAN is located next to a mobile device and provides a connection to its core network (CN). According to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, mobile phones and other wireless connection devices are referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal equipment (TE), mobile station (MS) or mobile terminal (MT), etc. Examples of different RATs include second generation (2G) Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), third generation (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE), fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR), and other non-3GPP access RATs including Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi).

[0006] Compared with PLMN, Non-Public Network (NPN) is a network used for non-public purposes. NPN is either a Stand-alone NPN (SNPN), which is operated by an NPN operator and does not rely on network functions provided by PLMN, or a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN), which is an NPN deployed with the support of PLMN. The Credentials Holder (CH) can authenticate and authorize access to the SNPN independent of the CH. The combination of the PLMN identifier (ID) and the network identifier (NID) identifies the SNPN. The UE can be enabled for SNPN, that is, the UE can be called a SNPN-enabled UE.

[0007] Local or localized services are services that are provided locally (e.g., within a specific / limited area and / or time limit). A localized service provider is an application provider or network operator that localizes services and provides them to end users through a hosted network (e.g., SNPN or PNI-NPN). A hosted network is a network that provides (access to) localized services, while a home network is a network with a currently used subscription or UE's credentials. The end user can enable or disable (UE) access to localized services. If the end user disables access to localized services, the UE (i.e., MS) may not be able to access the NPN that provides access to localized services.

[0008] In 3GPP Release 18, it has been agreed that the 5G NR standard will support localized services, but the details of how the UE accesses the SNPN as a hosted network have not been fully discussed, and some issues need to be resolved. For example, according to the automatic network selection defined by the 3GPP standard, the last registered SNPN has a higher priority than other SNPNs, which means that the UE will always select and register to the last registered SNPN (if available). However, the last registered SNPN may not be the most preferred SNPN (e.g., a subscribed SNPN, a SNPN with a higher / highest priority in the priority list of CH control of the preferred SNPN / preferred group identifier (GIN) for network selection). That is, after the UE registers to the last registered SNPN, unless the user manually selects another SNPN or the registered SNPN is currently unavailable, the UE may not leave the registered SNPN and reselect a higher priority SNPN (e.g., a subscribed SNPN). This may result in a poor user experience and may even cause the user to be unable to access localized services as expected. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an appropriate solution to solve this problem. Summary of the invention

[0009] The following summary of the invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary of the invention is provided to introduce the concepts, key points, benefits and advantages of the novel and non-obvious technologies described herein. Selected embodiments are further described in the detailed description below. Therefore, the following summary of the invention is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] The purpose of the present disclosure is to propose a solution or scheme to solve the problem that the UE cannot reselect a higher priority SNPN in automatic network selection.

[0011] In one aspect, a method may involve a device determining that it supports access to an SNPN that provides access to one or more localized services, and the device is enabled to access the one or more localized services. The method may also involve the device determining whether at least one condition related to the SNPN is satisfied. The method may further involve the device periodically attempting to reselect and register to a higher priority SNPN in response to determining that the at least one condition related to the SNPN is satisfied.

[0012] In one aspect, a device may include a transceiver that wirelessly communicates with one or more SNPNs during operation. The device may also include a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor may perform during operation a determination that the device supports access to an SNPN that provides access to one or more localized services, and the device is enabled to access the one or more localized services. The processor may also perform a determination as to whether at least one condition associated with the SNPN is satisfied. The processor may further perform, in response to determining that at least one condition associated with the SNPN is satisfied, periodically attempting to reselect and register to a higher priority SNPN.

[0013] In one aspect, a method may involve a device determining that it supports access to an SNPN that provides access to one or more localized services, and the device is enabled to access localized services. The method may also involve the device determining whether the device is registered to an SNPN that does not provide access to localized services. The method may further involve, in response to determining that the device is registered to an SNPN that does not provide access to localized services, the device retrying SNPN selection to select an SNPN that provides access to localized services.

[0014] It is worth noting that although the description provided herein may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, fifth generation (5G), new radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), beyond 5G (B5G), and sixth generation (6G), the proposed concepts, schemes, and any variants / derivatives thereof may be implemented, applied, and performed in other types of radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description are used to explain the principles of the present invention. It is understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, as some components may be shown in a manner not proportional to the size in actual implementation in order to clearly illustrate the concepts of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example scenario of a communication system supporting a localized service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing two example scenarios of a 5G system (5GS) architecture for accessing a SNPN using credentials from a credential holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario of SNPN subscription data / configuration with validity information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example scenario of SNPN subscription data / configuration with validity information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example scenario in which a UE accesses a localized service via an SNPN (as a hosting network) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example scenario in which a UE accesses a localized service via an SNPN (as a hosted network) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example scenario of SNPN selection order in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario of SNPN reselection in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example scenario of SNPN reselection in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example scenario of SNPN reselection in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.11 is a block diagram of an example communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.12 is a flowchart of an example process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.13 is a flowchart of an example process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed subject matter are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are merely illustrations of the claimed subject matter that may be embodied in various forms. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth herein. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided so that the description of the present invention is comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and implementations.

[0030] Overview

[0031] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, there are various techniques, methods, schemes and / or solutions for SNPN reselection in automatic network selection. According to the present disclosure, many possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions can be described separately, two or more of these possible solutions can be implemented in one or another combination.

[0032] Figure 1An example scenario 100 of a communication system supporting localized services according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Scenario 100 relates to a communication system including UE 101, PLMN 110, and SNPN 120 that provides localized service access. PLMN 110 may include control plane functions (e.g., access and mobility management function (AMF)), user plane functions (e.g., user plane function (UPF)), and applications that provide various services by communicating with multiple UEs including UE 101. A serving base station (BS) (e.g., gNB 112) belongs to a part of RAN 130. RAN 130 provides radio access for UE 101 via RAT.

[0033] The SNPN 120 may include control plane functions (e.g., AMF), user plane functions (e.g., UPF), and applications that provide various services by communicating with multiple UEs including UE 101. The combination of the PLMN ID and the NID identifies the SNPN. The serving BS (e.g., gNB 122) is part of the RAN 140. The RAN 140 provides radio access to the UE 101 via the RAT. The AMF in the SNPN 120 may communicate with the gNB 122. The SNPN 120 may be operated by an NPN operator and does not rely on network functions provided by the public network. The CH may authenticate and authorize access to the SNPN independent of the CH. A next generation RAN (NG-RAN) node (e.g., gNB 122) that provides access to the SNPN may broadcast information 123 including: (i) one or more PLMN IDs; and (ii) a list of NIDs for each PLMN ID to identify the NPN to which the NG-RAN provides access. An SNPN enabled UE (e.g., UE 101) may be configured with a PLMN ID and NID of a subscribed SNPN (i.e., configured with SNPN ID=PLMN ID+NID). An SNPN enabled UE supporting access to the SNPN using credentials from a CH may also be configured with information for SNPN selection (SNPN selection information / configuration), and may perform registration using a PLMN / SNPN subscription 102 (e.g., stored in a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)) (in SNPN access mode).

[0034] A local or localized service is a service that is provided locally (e.g., limited in a specific / limited area and / or time (e.g., a specific time period, such as a specific date or specific hours on a specific day)). The service can be implemented through an application (e.g., live or on-demand audio / video streaming, electronic games, IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), etc.) or a connection (e.g., UE to UE, UE to data network, etc.). A localized service provider may be an application provider or a network operator that localizes its services and provides localized services to end users via a hosted network. A hosted network may be a network that provides access to localized services, which may be a SNPN or a PNI-NPN, and a local network is a network with a subscription or credential currently used by the UE. In scenario 100, SNPN 120 is a hosted network that provides access to localized services to UE 101.

[0035] UE route selection policy (URSP) rules may include associations between UE applications and DNNs or network slices for specific localized services. URSP rules may also include "route selection validity criteria" with time / location defined for specific localized services (time window and / or location criteria validity conditions). Local Access Data Network (LADN) may also be used to enable UE access to localized services.

[0036] To enable SNPN 120 to provide access to localized services, the SNPN operator may configure the network with information that enables the UE to access the localized services based on the availability of the localized services, and the information is determined by reaching an agreement with the localized service provider. For example, the validity information may include: (i) an identifier of each localized service, such as used in URSP rules; and (ii) validity criteria / restrictions for each localized service, such as (regional) validity of a time period and / or location.

[0037] When the localized service in the network is completed / ended, all UEs registered to the network are expected to be moved to other networks or other cells within the same network. The other network can be a home public land mobile network (homePLMN, HPLMN), a visited public land mobile network (visited PLMN, VPLMN) or another SNPN. The UE may stop using network resources for localized services for a variety of reasons, such as: (i) the localized service in the network is completed; (ii) the validity information selected by the network is no longer satisfied; (iii) the user decides to stop using before the localized service is completed (for example, the terminal user disables access to the localized service); and (iv) the network makes a policy decision that causes the UE to be deregistered before the localized service is completed. Validity information 103 (or validity restriction, standard or condition) is provided or configured to UE 101 as part of the localized service information to limit the UE's access to the SNPN (as a hosting network) that provides access to the localized service.

[0038] Figure 2 Two example scenarios 210 and 220 of a 5GS architecture for accessing a SNPN using credentials from a CH according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Scenario 210 describes a 5GS architecture for a SNPN in which the CH uses an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server for primary authentication and authorization. The authentication server function (AUSF) and unified data management (UDM) in the SNPN can support primary authentication and authorization of the UE using credentials from the AAA server of the CH. The SNPN shown in 210 can be a subscribed SNPN of the UE (i.e., the SNPN ID of the subscribed SNPN broadcast by the NG-RAN). As a deployment option, the SNPN shown in 210 can also be another SNPN other than the subscribed SNPN of the UE (i.e., all SNPN IDs broadcast by the NG-RAN do not match the SNPN ID corresponding to the subscribed SNPN). The network slice-specific and SNPN authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) deployed in the SNPN can support primary authentication in the SNPN using credentials from the AAA server of the CH (as shown in the figure), and / or the NSSAAF can support NSSAAF using a network slice-specific AAA server (not shown).

[0039] Scenario 220 describes the 5GS architecture of a SNPN with CH using AUSF and UDM for primary authentication and authorization. The SNPN can support primary authentication and authorization of UEs using credentials from the CH using AUSF and UDM. The CH can be a SNPN or a PLMN. The CH UDM provides subscription data to the SNPN.

[0040] SNPN as a managed network providing localized service access

[0041] Figure 3 An example scenario 300 of SNPN subscription data / configuration with validity information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Scenario 300 describes an exemplary SNPN subscription data / configuration, in which an SNPN-enabled UE may be configured to select and access an SNPN for localized services. For a UE accessing an SNPN (as a hosted network) using a subscription / credential of its local network, only two cases are considered. If the local network (or CH) is a PLMN, the hosted network may be a PNI-NPN or an SNPN. If the local network (or CH) is an SNPN, the hosted network can only be an SNPN. If the UE accesses a hosted network using a subscription or credential from the UE's local network, and the UE has multiple credentials or subscriptions, the UE may need to determine which credential or subscription is used to access the hosted network. The validity information provided to the UE as part of the localized service information may be used to restrict the UE from accessing the hosted network. For example, the validity information may include: (time and / or location) validity information or conditional information ((time and / or location:) duration, criteria or restrictions) associated with the SNPN (ID) or GIN.

[0042] As shown in 310, an SNPN-enabled UE may be configured with the following information for each subscribed SNPN: (i) the PLMN ID and NID (SNPN ID) of the subscribed SNPN (e.g., SNPN 1); and (ii) the subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) and credentials of the subscribed SNPN. If the UE supports access to the SNPN using credentials from the CH, the UE may also be configured with: (iii) a user-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs (e.g., SNPN 111, SNPN 112); (iv) a CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs (e.g., SNPN 121, SNPN 122, SNPN 123); and (v) a CH-controlled priority list of GINs (e.g., GIN 131, GIN 132).

[0043] Figure 4Another example scenario 400 of SNPN subscription data / configuration with validity information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Scenario 400 describes another exemplary SNPN subscription data / configuration, in which an SNPN-enabled UE may be configured to select and access an SNPN for localized services. For automatic network selection, in the case of an SNPN (as a hosted network) providing localized services, there may be associated (time (duration) and / or location (restriction)) validity information for the SNPN or GIN. In one example, as shown in 310, an existing list of preferred SNPN CH controls (and GIN) may be extended with validity information or condition information (time and / or location) for each entry in the list; or in another example, as shown in 410, one (or more) new list types may be defined to provide entries with validity information for SNPNs and GINs (i.e., a new priority list of preferred SNPN / GIN CH controls is defined for accessing localized services, each entry of which contains an SNPN / GIN identifier and validity information / condition).

[0044] As shown in Figure 310 or 410, SNPN 121 has an associated time (duration / time period) validity condition (the time duration / time period (e.g., start and end time) during which the UE is allowed to access SNPN 121) from January 1 to January 2, SNPN 123 has an associated time (duration / time period) validity condition from January 1 to January 3, and GIN 131 has an associated time (duration / time period) validity condition from January 1 to January 3. Such time (duration / time period) validity / condition information can be provided to the UE as part of the localized service information to restrict the UE from accessing the hosting network of the localized service. In addition, or optionally, the validity / condition information can also include location validity / condition information, which can be in the form of a geographic location and / or tracking area identity (TAI) or cell (of the serving network (serving PLMN or serving SNPN)) so that the location validity / condition information can be used to assist the UE in determining where to start searching for the SNPN as the hosting network.

[0045] Figure 5An example scenario 500 is shown in which a UE accesses a localized service via a SNPN (as a hosted network) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Scenario 500 describes that an SNPN-enabled UE 501 accesses an SNPN (as a hosted network) (e.g., SNPN 123) during a time period and is accepted. UE 501 is configured with an SNPN subscription 510 including: (i) subscribed SNPN=SNPN 1; and (ii) a CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs (for accessing localized services), including SNPN 121, SNPN 122, and SNPN 123. Specifically, SNPN 121 is associated with a time validity condition of January 1 to January 2, and SNPN 123 is associated with a time validity condition of January 1 to January 3. Through 5GC / AMF and NG-RAN 502, the hosted network SNPN 123 broadcasts its SNPN ID == 123 and indicates support for access using credentials from the CH. Since UE 501 is subscribed to SNPN 1, and SNPN 123 is included in the "Subscriber Data List" entry of SNPN 1 as a preferred SNPN, UE 501 can select and attempt to access SNPN 123 using the credentials from SNPN 1. That is, SNPN 123 is a localized service provider and hosted network, and SNPN 1 is the credential holder. Since there are time validity conditions related to SNPN 123, UE 501 needs to determine whether such time validity conditions are met before access. UE 501 checks that the current time is January 2, which is within the time period from January 1 to January 3. Therefore, UE 501 can access SNPN 123 using the credentials from the subscribed SNPN 1. In addition, or optionally, if location validity information is available, in this example we assume that the location validity condition is met based on the location validity information.

[0046] Figure 6An example scenario 600 is shown in which a UE accesses a localized service via a SNPN (as a hosted network) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Scenario 600 describes that a SNPN-enabled UE 601 is not allowed to access a SNPN (as a hosted network) (e.g., SNPN 123) during another time period (i.e., the network will reject if the UE attempts to access). UE 601 is configured with an SNPN subscription 610 including: (i) subscribed SNPN = SNPN 1; and (ii) a priority list of CH control of preferred SNPNs, including SNPN 121, SNPN 122, and SNPN 123. Specifically, SNPN 121 is associated with a time validity condition of January 1 to January 2, and SNPN 123 is associated with a time validity condition of January 1 to January 3. Through 5GC / AMF and NG-RAN 602, the hosted network SNPN 123 broadcasts its SNPN ID == 123 and indicates support for access using credentials from the CH. Since UE 601 is subscribed to SNPN 1, and SNPN 123 is included in the "Subscriber Data List" entry of SNPN 1 as a preferred SNPN, UE 601 can select and attempt to access SNPN 123. Since there are time validity conditions related to SNPN 123, UE 601 needs to determine whether such time validity conditions are met before access. UE 601 checks that the current time is January 4, which is outside the time period from January 1 to January 3. Therefore, UE 601 cannot access SNPN 123 using the credentials from SNPN 1.

[0047] Automatic network selection to support localized services

[0048] An SNPN-enabled UE supports access to the SNPN (in SNPN access mode). When the UE is configured to operate in SNPN access mode, it only selects and registers the SNPN. In addition, when the UE is configured to operate in SNPN access mode, the UE does not perform the normal PLMN selection process. There are two network (e.g., SNPN) selection processes, including an automatic network (e.g., SNPN) selection process and a manual network (e.g., SNPN) selection process. Specifically, the automatic network (e.g., SNPN) selection is enhanced / adapted, where an SNPN selection order is provided that takes into account validity information (configured for localized services) and UE / NW capabilities that support access using credentials from the CH.

[0049] Figure 7An example scenario 700 of the order of SNPN selection in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in 710, if the UE supports access to an SNPN that is a hosted network (i.e., the UE supports access to an SNPN that provides access for localized services) and the localized service access mode is enabled (i.e., the terminal user enables (UE) access to localized services), the UE selects and attempts to register to available SNPNs in the following order: (a) If the UE supports access to the SNPN using credentials from the CH, the UE continues to select and attempt to register to available and allowed SNPNs that broadcast an indication of support for access using credentials from the CH in the following order: (i) (if there are stored registered SNPNs that are hosted networks) the SNPN that the UE last registered (if the validity information satisfies) or an equivalent SNPN of the SNPN that provides access to localized services (i.e., the SNPN with validity information) if available and the validity information of the SNPN that the UE last registered satisfies (ii) SNPNs with validity information in the priority list of CH control of preferred SNPNs (e.g., SNPNs in the priority list of CH control of preferred SNPNs for accessing localized services) (in order of priority), if the validity information is available and satisfied; (iii) SNPNs with validity information GINs contained in the priority list of CH control of preferred GINs (e.g., GINs in the priority list of CH control of preferred GINs for accessing localized services) (in order of priority), if the validity information is available and satisfied; (b) (if there are stored registered SNPNs as unmanaged networks) the SNPN last registered by the UE as an unmanaged network (i.e., a SNPN without validity information) or an equivalent SNPN of the SNPN (if available); (c) PLMNs with SUPI and credentials of the UE (d) broadcasting the available and allowed SNPNs that support access using credentials from the CH in the following order: (i) SNPNs in the user-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs (in order of priority); (ii) SNPNs in the CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs (in order of priority); (iii) additionally broadcasting the SNPNs of the GINs included in the CH-controlled priority list (in order of priority); (iv) additionally broadcasting the SNPN that indicates that a UE that is not explicitly configured to select this SNPN is allowed to make a registration attempt, that is, the broadcasted NID or GIN is not in the CH-controlled priority list of the preferred SNPN / GIN, nor in the CH-controlled priority list of the preferred SNPN / GIN in the UE for accessing localized services.

[0050] Otherwise, if the UE does not support access to an SNPN that is a managed network (i.e., the UE does not support access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services) or the localized service access mode is not enabled (i.e., the terminal user has not enabled (UE) access to localized services), the UE selects and attempts to register to an available and allowed SNPN in the following order (not shown): (1) (if there are stored registered SNPNs that are unmanaged networks) the SNPN that the UE last registered as an unmanaged network (i.e., an SNPN without validity information) or an equivalent SNPN of that SNPN (if available); (2) the PLMN for which the UE has a SUPI and credentials (3) If the UE supports access to the SNPN using credentials from the CH, the UE continues to select and attempt to register to available and allowed SNPNs in the following order, which broadcast an indication that they support access using credentials from the CH: (i) SNPNs in the user-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs (in order of priority); (ii) SNPNs in the CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs (without validity information) (in order of priority); (iii) SNPNs that additionally broadcast a GIN (without validity information) included in the CH-controlled priority list of preferred GINs (in order of priority); (iv) SNPNs that additionally broadcast an indication that the SNPN allows UEs that are not explicitly configured to select this SNPN to make registration attempts, that is, the broadcasted NID or GIN is not in the CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPN / GIN in the UE.

[0051] SNPN reselection in automatic network selection

[0052] According to the automatic network selection defined in the 3GPP standard (e.g., Release 17 / 18), the last registered SNPN has a higher priority than other SNPNs, which means that the UE will always select and register to the last registered SNPN (if available). However, the registered SNPN may not be the most preferred SNPN (e.g., the subscribed SNPN, a higher / highest priority SNPN in the priority list of CH control of the preferred SNPN / GIN). That is, the UE may not leave the registered SNPN to reselect a higher priority SNPN (e.g., the subscribed SNPN) unless the user manually selects another SNPN or the registered SNPN is currently unavailable. This can result in a poor user experience and may even result in the user being unable to access localized services as expected. Therefore, a suitable solution needs to be provided to solve this problem.

[0053] Under the scheme proposed in accordance with the present invention, automatic network selection is enhanced / adapted to include explicit UE operations regarding reselection of SNPN. Specifically, retrying SNPN selection (i.e., periodically attempting SNPN reselection) is allowed under certain conditions, for example, when conditions related to SNPN or conditions related to the ability of the currently registered SNPN to support localized services are met. Therefore, by applying the scheme of the present invention, the UE can reselect to a higher priority SNPN to access localized services with a better user experience.

[0054] Figure 8 An example scenario 800 of SNPN reselection in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Scenario 800 describes a specific order of SNPN reselection in a UE 801 that is not registered to sub-item (i) of item (a) as shown in 710, that is, the UE 801 is not registered to the last registered SNPN or an equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information. Specifically, the UE 801 supports access to an SNPN that provides access to localized services, and the terminal user enables the function of accessing localized services. SNPN reselection can be attempted at a fixed period (e.g., once an hour) or a varying period (e.g., one hour before the first attempt, two hours before the second attempt, four hours before the third attempt, etc.). The triggering conditions for SNPN reselection may include: (1) there are one or more SNPNs with satisfied validity information, and UE 801 is not registered to the SNPN with the highest priority among the one or more SNPNs; (2) there are no SNPNs with satisfied validity information, and there are one or more GINs with satisfied validity information, and UE 801 is not registered to the SNPN that broadcasts the GIN with the highest priority among the one or more GINs; and (3) there are no SNPNs with satisfied validity information and there are no GINs with satisfied validity information, and UE 801 is not registered to the subscribed SNPN. If any triggering condition is met, SNPN reselection may be attempted. More specifically, UE 801 periodically attempts to reselect and register to a higher priority SNPN 802 based on the order of sub-items (i) to (iii) of item (a), item (c), and sub-items (i) to (iii) of item (d) shown in 710.

[0055] Fig. 9An example scenario 900 of SNPN reselection in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Scenario 900 describes a specific order of SNPN reselection in UE 901, wherein UE 901 is currently registered to sub-item (i) of item (a) as shown in 710, that is, UE 901 is registered to the last registered SNPN or equivalent SNPN with satisfied validity information. Specifically, UE 901 supports access to SNPNs that provide access to localized services, and the terminal user enables the function of accessing localized services. Similar to scenario 800, SNPN reselection may be attempted with a fixed or variable period, and SNPN reselection may be attempted if any triggering condition is met. More specifically, UE 901 periodically attempts to reselect and register to a higher priority SNPN 902 according to the order of sub-items (ii) to (iii) of item (a), item (c), and sub-items (i) to (iii) of item (d) shown in 710.

[0056] Fig.10 An example scenario 1000 of SNPN reselection in automatic network selection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Scenario 1000 describes a specific order of SNPN reselection in UE 1001, i.e., UE 1001 has registered to a SNPN that does not provide access to localized services. Specifically, UE 1001 supports access to a SNPN that provides access to localized services, and the terminal user enables the function of accessing localized services. Trigger conditions for SNPN reselection may include: (1) there are one or more SNPNs with satisfied validity information, and UE 1001 has registered to a SNPN that does not provide access to localized services; and (2) there are no SNPNs with satisfied validity information, and there are one or more GINs with satisfied validity information, and UE 1001 has registered to a SNPN that does not provide access to localized services. If any trigger condition is met, SNPN reselection may be attempted. More specifically, UE 1001 retries SNPN selection and registers to a higher priority SNPN 1002 based on the order of sub-items (i) to (iii) of item (a) shown in 710. The time interval for triggering the retry (and subsequent retries if still required) may be determined by UE 1001 in an implementation-specific manner, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto.

[0057] Exemplary Embodiments

[0058] Fig.11An example communication system 1100 having an example communication device 1110 and an example network device 1120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Each of the communication device 1110 and the network device 1120 can perform various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes and methods described herein related to SNPN reselection in automatic network selection, including the scenarios / schemes described above and the processes 1200 and 1300 described below.

[0059] The communication device 1110 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a UE, such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, the communication device 1110 may be implemented in a smart phone, a smart watch, a personal digital assistant, an electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle, a digital camera, or a computing device such as a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a notebook computer. The communication device 1110 may also be part of a machine type device, which may be an IoT, NB-IoT, eMTC, IIoT UE such as a fixed or stationary device, a home device, a roadside unit (RSU), a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, the communication device 1110 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. Alternatively, the communication device 1110 may be implemented in the form of one or more integrated-circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex instruction set computing (CISC) processors. The communication device 1110 may include Fig.11 The communication device 1110 may also include one or more other components not related to the proposed solution of the present disclosure (e.g., an internal power supply, a display device, and / or a user interface device). Therefore, for simplicity and brevity, these components of the communication device 1110 are not shown in the figure. Fig.11 It is not shown in the figure and is not described below.

[0060] The network device 1120 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a network node, such as a base station (BS), a small base station, a router, or a gateway. For example, the network device 1120 may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE, LTE-Advanced, or LTE-Advanced Pro network, or in a gNB in ​​a 5G, NR, IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT network. More specifically, the network device 1120 may be part of a radio access network (RAN) of a SNPN. Alternatively, the network device 1120 is implemented in the form of one or more IC chips, such as but not limited to one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more RISC or CISC processors. The network device 1120 may include Fig.11 The network device 1120 may also include one or more other components not related to the proposed solution of the present disclosure (e.g., an internal power supply, a display device, and / or a user interface device). Therefore, for simplicity and brevity, these components of the network device 1120 are not shown in the figure. Fig.11 It is not shown in the figure and is not described below.

[0061] In one aspect, each of processor 1112 and processor 1122 may be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more RISC processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, although the singular term "processor" is used herein to refer to processor 1112 and processor 1122, according to the present disclosure, processor 1112 and processor 1122 may include multiple processors in some embodiments and may include a single processor in other embodiments. On the other hand, each of processor 1112 and processor 1122 may be implemented in the form of hardware (and optionally firmware) having electronic components, the electronic components including, for example, but not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more varactors, which are configured and arranged to implement specific purposes according to the present invention. In other words, in at least some embodiments, each of processor 1112 and processor 1122 is a special-purpose machine specifically designed, configured, and arranged to perform specific tasks, wherein the specific tasks include SNPN reselection in automatic network selection in a device (e.g., represented by communication device 1110).

[0062] In some embodiments, the communication device 1110 may further include a transceiver 1116 coupled to the processor 1112 and capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data. In some embodiments, the communication device 1110 may further include a memory 1114 coupled to the processor 1112 and capable of being accessed by the processor 1112 and storing data therein. The memory 1114 coupled to the processor 1112 and capable of being accessed by the processor 1112 and storing data (e.g., the ID of the last registered SNPN, the equivalent SNPN, the priority list of CH control of the preferred SNPN (for accessing localized services) and / or the priority list of CH control of the preferred GIN (for accessing localized services)). In some embodiments, the network device 1120 may further include a transceiver 1126 coupled to the processor 1122 and capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data. In some embodiments, the network device 1120 may further include a memory 1124 coupled to the processor 1122 and capable of being accessed by the processor 1122 and storing data therein. Therefore, the communication device 1110 and the network device 1120 can respectively communicate wirelessly via the transceiver 1116 and the transceiver 1126. For better understanding, the following description of the operations, functions and capabilities of the communication device 1110 and the network device 1120 is provided in the context of a mobile communication environment, wherein the communication device 1110 is implemented in or as a communication device or UE, and the network device 1120 is implemented in or as a network node of a communication network.

[0063] According to certain schemes proposed in the present disclosure, the processor 1112 may determine that the communication device 1110 supports access to a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) that provides access to one or more localized services, and the communication device 1110 is enabled to access the localized service. Then, the processor 1112 may determine whether at least one condition related to the SNPN is satisfied. In response to determining that at least one condition related to the SNPN is satisfied, the processor 1112 may periodically attempt to reselect and register to a higher priority SNPN.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least one SNPN-related condition may include: (1) there are one or more SNPNs with satisfactory validity information, and the communication device 1110 is not registered to the SNPN with the highest priority among the one or more SNPNs; (2) there are no SNPNs with satisfactory validity information, and there are one or more group identifiers for network selection (GIN) with satisfactory validity information, and the communication device 1110 is not registered to the SNPN that broadcasts the GIN with the highest priority among the one or more GINs; and (3) there are no SNPNs with satisfactory validity information and there is no GIN with satisfactory validity information, and the communication device 1110 is not registered to the subscribed SNPN.

[0065] In some implementations, in response to determining that no conditions associated with the SNPN are satisfied, the processor 1112 may further determine not to trigger periodic reselection and not to attempt to register with a higher priority SNPN.

[0066] In some embodiments, if the communication device 1110 is not registered to the last registered SNPN or equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be reselected in the following order: (1) the last registered SNPN or equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information; (2) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among the SNPNs with validity information in the preferred SNPN list; or (3) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN with validity information included in the preferred GIN list. Additionally, or optionally, if there is no SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be further reselected in the following order: (4) a subscribed SNPN identified by a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier (ID) and a network identifier (NID), and the communication device 1110 has a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) and credentials; or (5) an SNPN that broadcasts an indication of access using credentials from a credentials holder (CH), wherein the SNPN is selected in the following order: (i) an SNPN with the highest priority in a user-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; (ii) an SNPN with the highest priority in a CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; or (iii) an SNPN with the highest priority in each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN contained in a CH-controlled preferred GIN list.

[0067] In some embodiments, if the communication device 1110 has registered to the last registered SNPN or an equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be reselected in the following order: (1) a SNPN with satisfactory validity information among the SNPNs with validity information in the preferred SNPN list; or (2) a SNPN with satisfactory validity information among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN with validity information included in the preferred GIN list. Additionally, or alternatively, if there is no SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be further reselected in the following order: (3) a subscribed SNPN identified by PLMN ID and NID, and the device has SUPI and credentials; or (4) an SNPN that broadcasts an indication of access using credentials from a CH, where the SNPN is selected in the following order: (i) the SNPN with the highest priority in the user-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; (ii) the SNPN with the highest priority in the CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; or (iii) the SNPN with the highest priority among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN contained in the CH-controlled preferred GIN list.

[0068] According to certain schemes proposed by the present disclosure, the processor 1112 may determine that the communication device 1110 supports access to an SNPN that provides access to one or more localized services, and that the communication device 1110 is enabled to access the localized services. Then, the processor 1112 may determine whether the communication device 1110 is registered to an SNPN that does not provide access to localized services. In response to determining that the communication device 1110 is registered to an SNPN that does not provide access to localized services, the processor 1112 may retry SNPN selection to select an SNPN that provides access to localized services.

[0069] In some embodiments, retrying SNPN selection is performed if at least one of the following SNPN-related conditions is satisfied: (1) there are one or more SNPNs with satisfactory validity information; and (2) there are one or more GINs with satisfactory validity information.

[0070] In some embodiments, the SNPN providing localized service access will be selected in the following order: (1) the last registered SNPN or equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information; (2) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among the SNPNs with validity information in the preferred SNPN list; or (3) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN with validity information included in the preferred GIN list.

[0071] In some implementations, the validity information may include time validity information, and the validity information is satisfied when the time validity information includes at least one time period that matches the current time of the communication device 1110 .

[0072] In some implementations, processor 1112 may further retry registering on the selected SNPN.

[0073] Example process

[0074] Fig.12 An example process 1200 is shown in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 1200 may be an example implementation of the above-described scenario / scheme, whether partial or complete, regarding SNPN reselection in automatic network selection. Process 1200 may represent one aspect of an implementation of the functional features of communication device 1110. Process 1200 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as shown in one or more blocks 1210 to 1230. Although shown as discrete blocks, various blocks of process 1200 may be split into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated depending on the desired implementation. In addition, the blocks of process 1200 may be arranged as follows: Fig.12 The process 1200 may be performed in the order shown, or may be performed in a different order. The process 1200 may be implemented by the communication device 1110 or any suitable user equipment (UE) or machine type device. For illustration purposes only and without limitation, the process 1200 is described below in the context of the communication device 1110. The process 1200 may start at block 1210.

[0075] At block 1210 , the process 1200 may involve (the processor 1112 of) the communication device 1110 determining that the communication device 1110 supports access to an SNPN that provides access to one or more localized services, and the communication device 1110 is enabled to access the localized services.

[0076] At block 1220 , the process 1200 may involve (the processor 1112 of) the communication device 1110 determining whether at least one SNPN-related condition is satisfied. The process 1200 may continue from block 1220 to block 1230 .

[0077] At block 1230 , the process 1200 may involve, in response to determining that at least one SNPN-related condition is satisfied, the communication device 1110 (the processor 1112 ) periodically attempting to reselect and register with a higher priority SNPN.

[0078] In some embodiments, at least one SNPN-related condition may include: (1) there are one or more SNPNs with satisfied validity information, and the communication device 1110 is not registered to the SNPN with the highest priority among the one or more SNPNs; (2) there are no SNPNs with satisfied validity information, and there are one or more GINs with satisfied validity information, and the communication device 1110 is not registered to the SNPN that broadcasts the GIN with the highest priority among the one or more GINs; and (3) there are no SNPNs with satisfied validity information and there is no GIN with satisfied validity information, and the communication device 1110 is not registered to the subscribed SNPN.

[0079] In some embodiments, the process 1200 further involves, in response to determining that no conditions related to the SNPN are satisfied, the communication device 1110 (the processor 1112 ) determining not to trigger periodic reselection and not to attempt to register to a higher priority SNPN.

[0080] In some embodiments, if the communication device 1110 is not registered to the last registered SNPN or equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be reselected in the following order: (1) the last registered SNPN or equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information; (2) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among the SNPNs with validity information in the preferred SNPN list; or (3) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN with validity information included in the preferred GIN list. Additionally, or alternatively, if there is no SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be further reselected in the following order: (4) a subscribed SNPN identified by PLMN ID and NID, and the communication device 1110 has SUPI and credentials; or (5) an SNPN that broadcasts an indication of access using credentials from a CH, where the SNPN is selected in the following order: (i) an SNPN with the highest priority in a user-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; (ii) an SNPN with the highest priority in a CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; or (iii) an SNPN with the highest priority among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN contained in a CH-controlled preferred GIN list.

[0081] In some embodiments, if the communication device 1110 has registered to the last registered SNPN or an equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be reselected in the following order: (1) a SNPN with satisfactory validity information among the SNPNs with validity information in the preferred SNPN list; or (2) a SNPN with satisfactory validity information among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN with validity information included in the preferred GIN list. Additionally, or alternatively, if there is no SNPN with satisfactory validity information, then a higher priority SNPN will be further reselected in the following order: (3) a subscribed SNPN identified by PLMN ID and NID, and the device has SUPI and credentials; or (4) an SNPN that broadcasts an indication of access using credentials from a CH, where the SNPN is selected in the following order: (i) the SNPN with the highest priority in the user-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; (ii) the SNPN with the highest priority in the CH-controlled priority list of preferred SNPNs; or (iii) the SNPN with the highest priority among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN contained in the CH-controlled preferred GIN list.

[0082] Fig.13 An example process 1300 is shown according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 1300 may be an example implementation of the above-described scenario / scheme, whether partial or complete, regarding SNPN reselection in automatic network selection. Process 1300 may represent one aspect of an implementation of the functional features of communication device 1110. Process 1300 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as shown in one or more blocks 1310 to 1330. Although shown as discrete blocks, various blocks of process 1300 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated depending on the desired implementation. In addition, the blocks of process 1300 may be arranged as follows: Fig.13 The process 1300 may be performed in the order shown, or may be performed in a different order. The process 1300 may be implemented by the communication device 1110 or any suitable user equipment (UE) or machine type device. For illustration purposes only and without limitation, the process 1300 will be described below in the context of the communication device 1110. The process 1300 may start at block 1310.

[0083] At block 1310 , flow 1300 may involve (processor 1112 ) of communication device 1110 determining that communication device 1110 supports access to an SNPN that provides access to one or more localized services, and communication device 1110 is enabled to access the localized services. Flow 1300 may continue from block 1310 to block 1320 .

[0084] At block 1320 , the process 1300 may involve (the processor 1112 ) of the communication device 1110 determining whether the communication device 1110 is registered to a SNPN that does not provide localized service access. The process 1300 may continue from block 1320 to block 1330 .

[0085] At block 1330 , the process 1300 may involve, in response to determining that the communication device 1110 is registered to a SNPN that does not provide access to localized services, (the processor 1112 ) of the communication device 1110 reattempting SNPN selection to select a SNPN that provides access to localized services.

[0086] In some embodiments, retrying SNPN selection is performed if at least one of the following SNPN-related conditions is satisfied: (1) there are one or more SNPNs with satisfactory validity information; and (2) there are one or more GINs with satisfactory validity information.

[0087] In some embodiments, the SNPN providing localized service access will be selected in the following order: (1) the last registered SNPN or equivalent SNPN with satisfactory validity information; (2) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among the SNPNs with validity information in the preferred SNPN list; or (3) an SNPN with satisfactory validity information among each SNPN that broadcasts a GIN with validity information included in the preferred GIN list.

[0088] In some implementations, the validity information may include time validity information, and the validity information is satisfied when the time validity information includes at least one time period that matches the current time of the communication device 1110 .

[0089] In some implementations, the process 1300 may also involve that (the processor 1112 of) the communication device 1110 may further retry registering on the selected SNPN.

[0090] Additional Notes

[0091] The subject matter described herein sometimes shows different components contained in or connected to different other components.It should be understood that the described architecture is only an example, and many other architectures with the same function can actually be implemented.In the sense of conception, any setting of the components that implement the same function is effectively "associated" so that the desired function is realized.Therefore, any two components combined to realize a specific function herein can be regarded as "associated" with each other so that the desired function is realized, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components.Similarly, any two components so associated can also be regarded as "connected at work" or "connected at work" to realize the desired functionality, and any two components that can be so associated can also be regarded as "connected at work" to realize the desired functionality.Specific examples of operable connections include, but are not limited to, physically matchable and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or wirelessly interactive components and / or logically interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0092] In addition, with respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as appropriate, depending on the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural arrangements may be expressly set forth herein.

[0093] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims, such as the bodies of the appended claims, are generally intended as "open" terms, e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to." Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such a recitation, no such intent is present. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that a claim recitation introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" will limit any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one," and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an," e.g., "a" and / or "an" should be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more;" the same applies to the use of explicit articles introducing claim recitations. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, one skilled in the art will recognize that such a recitation should be construed to mean at least the recited number, e.g., a bare recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations. Again, in those cases, the convention is similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." In general, such constructions are used in the sense that one skilled in the art understands the convention, e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc. In those cases where the convention is similar to "at least one of A, B, or C". In general, such constructions are intended to be used in the sense that one skilled in the art understands the convention, e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together. One skilled in the art will further understand that any disjunctive words and / or phrases that actually present two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to encompass the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0094] From the above, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and their true scope and spirit are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: determining, by the device, that the device supports access to an independent non-public network that provides access to one or more localized services, and the device is enabled to access the one or more localized services; determining, by the device, whether at least one condition associated with the independent non-public network is satisfied; as well as In response to determining that the at least one condition associated with the independent non-public network is satisfied, periodically attempting, by the device, to reselect and register with a higher priority independent non-public network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The at least one condition related to the independent non-public network includes: There are one or more independent non-public networks having satisfied validity information, and the device is not registered to an independent non-public network having the highest priority among the one or more independent non-public networks; There is no independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information, and there are one or more group identifiers for network selection with satisfactory validity information, and the device is not registered with an independent non-public network that broadcasts a group identifier for network selection having a highest priority among the one or more group identifiers for network selection; and There is no independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information and there is no group identifier for network selection with satisfactory validity information, and the device is not registered to the subscribed independent non-public network.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: Further including: In response to determining that no conditions associated with the independent non-public network are satisfied, determining by the device not to trigger periodic reselection and not to attempt to register with the higher priority independent non-public network.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: In the event that the device is not registered to the last registered independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information or an equivalent independent non-public network, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: the last registered independent non-public network or the equivalent independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information; An independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information among the independent non-public networks having validity information in the preferred independent non-public network list; or Among each independent non-public network broadcasting a group identifier for network selection having validity information contained in the group identifier list preferred for network selection, an independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein: In the absence of an independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: a subscribed independent non-public network identified by a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier, and the device has a subscription permanent identifier and credentials; or An independent non-public network that broadcasts an indication to access using credentials from the credential holder, wherein the independent non-public network is selected in the following order: the independent non-public network having the highest priority in the user-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; the independent non-public network with the highest priority in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; or The independent non-public network having the highest priority among each of the independent non-public networks broadcasting a group identifier for network selection included in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred group identifiers for network selection.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: In the event that the device has registered to the last registered independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information or an equivalent independent non-public network, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: An independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information among the independent non-public networks having validity information in the preferred independent non-public network list; or Of each independent non-public network broadcasting a group identifier for network selection having validity information included in the list of group identifiers preferred for network selection, an independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein: In the absence of an independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: a subscribed independent non-public network identified by a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier, and the device has a subscription permanent identifier and credentials; or An independent non-public network that broadcasts an indication to access using credentials from the credential holder, wherein the independent non-public network is selected in the following order: the independent non-public network having the highest priority in the user-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; the independent non-public network with the highest priority in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; or The independent non-public network having the highest priority among each of the independent non-public networks broadcasting a group identifier for network selection included in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred group identifiers for network selection.

8. An apparatus comprising: a transceiver that, during operation, wirelessly communicates with one or more independent non-public networks; as well as A processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver, the processor performing during operation: determining that the device supports access to an independent non-public network that provides access to one or more localized services, and that the device is enabled to access the one or more localized services; determining whether at least one condition associated with the independent non-public network is satisfied; as well as In response to determining that the at least one condition associated with the independent non-public network is satisfied, periodically attempting to reselect and register with a higher priority independent non-public network.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein: The at least one condition related to the independent non-public network includes: There are one or more independent non-public networks having satisfied validity information, and the device is not registered to an independent non-public network having the highest priority among the one or more independent non-public networks; There is no independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information, and there are one or more group identifiers for network selection with satisfactory validity information, and the device is not registered with an independent non-public network that broadcasts a group identifier for network selection having a highest priority among the one or more group identifiers for network selection; and There is no independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information and there is no group identifier for network selection with satisfactory validity information, and the device is not registered to the subscribed independent non-public network.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein: During operation, the processor further performs: In response to determining that no conditions associated with the independent non-public network are satisfied, it is determined not to trigger periodic reselection and not to attempt to register with the higher priority independent non-public network.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein: In the event that the device is not registered to the last registered independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information or an equivalent independent non-public network, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: the last registered independent non-public network or the equivalent independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information; An independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information among the independent non-public networks having validity information in the preferred independent non-public network list; or Among each independent non-public network broadcasting a group identifier for network selection with validity information included in the group identifier list preferred for network selection, the independent non-public network having the validity information that satisfies.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein: In the absence of an independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: a subscribed independent non-public network identified by a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier, and the device has a subscription permanent identifier and credentials; or An independent non-public network that broadcasts an indication to access using credentials from the credential holder, wherein the independent non-public network is selected in the following order: the independent non-public network having the highest priority in the user-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; the independent non-public network with the highest priority in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; or The independent non-public network having the highest priority among each of the independent non-public networks broadcasting a group identifier for network selection included in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred group identifiers for network selection.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein: In the event that the device has registered to the last registered independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information or an equivalent independent non-public network, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: An independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information among the independent non-public networks having validity information in the preferred independent non-public network list; or Of each independent non-public network broadcasting a group identifier for network selection having validity information included in the list of group identifiers preferred for network selection, an independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein: In the absence of an independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information, the higher priority independent non-public network is reselected in the following order: a subscribed independent non-public network identified by a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier, and the device has a subscription permanent identifier and credentials; or An independent non-public network that broadcasts an indication to access using credentials from the credential holder, wherein the independent non-public network is selected in the following order: the independent non-public network having the highest priority in the user-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; the independent non-public network with the highest priority in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred independent non-public networks; or The independent non-public network having the highest priority among each of the independent non-public networks broadcasting a group identifier for network selection included in the credential holder-controlled priority list of preferred group identifiers for network selection.

15. A method comprising: determining, by the device, that the device supports access to an independent non-public network that provides access to one or more localized services, and the device is enabled to access the one or more localized services; as well as determining, by the device, whether the device is registered to an independent non-public network that does not provide access to the one or more localized services; as well as In response to determining that the device is registered to the independent non-public network that does not provide access to the one or more localized services, the device reattempts independent non-public network selection to select the independent non-public network that provides access to the one or more localized services.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The retrying the independent non-public network selection is performed when at least one of the following conditions related to the independent non-public network is met: There are one or more independent non-public networks with satisfactory validity information; and There are one or more group identifiers for network selection with satisfying validity information.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: The validity information includes time validity information, and the validity information is satisfied when the time validity information includes at least one time period that matches the current time of the device.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein: The independent non-public network providing access to the one or more localized services is selected in the following order: The last registered independent non-public network with satisfactory validity information or an equivalent independent non-public network; An independent non-public network having satisfactory validity information among the independent non-public networks having validity information in the preferred independent non-public network list; or Among each independent non-public network broadcasting a group identifier for network selection with validity information included in the group identifier list preferred for network selection, the independent non-public network having the validity information that satisfies.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The validity information includes time validity information, and the validity information is satisfied when the time validity information includes at least one time period that matches the current time of the device.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein: The method further includes: the device retrying to register with the selected independent non-public network.

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