Method for independent non-public network selection based on wireless signal thresholds

Abstract

A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) is used to provide independent non-public network (SNPN) selection based on a wireless signal threshold. The WTRU may receive configuration information. The configuration information may indicate one or more independent non-public network (SNPN) identities and may indicate at least a received signal quality threshold. It may be determined that the WTRU supports signal level enhanced network selection (SENS) for SNPN selection. When it is determined that the WTRU supports a SENSE for the SNPN selection, a received signal may be measured. The received signal may be associated with an SNPN identification from one or more SNPN identities. A message may be sent to a network node when the received signal associated with the SNPN satisfies the received signal quality threshold. The message may indicate a request to register the WTRU with the SNPN identity.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 457,447, filed April 6, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Mobile communications using wireless communication continue to evolve. The fifth-generation mobile radio access technology (RAT) can be referred to as 5G New Radio (NR). Previous (traditional) generations of mobile communication RATs could be, for example, fourth-generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE). Summary of the Invention

[0004] This paper describes systems, methods, and apparatus for providing selection of Independent Non-Public Networks (SNPNs) based on wireless signal thresholds.

[0005] A Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit (WTRU) is used to provide Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) selection based on wireless signal quality thresholds. The WTRU can receive configuration information. This configuration information may indicate one or more SNPN identifiers and may at least indicate a received signal quality threshold. It can be determined that the WTRU supports Signal Level Enhancement Network Selection (SENSE) for SNPN selection. When it is determined that the WTRU supports SENSE for SNPN selection, the received signal can be measured. The received signal can be associated with an SNPN identifier from one or more SNPN identifiers. When the received signal associated with an SNPN meets the received signal quality threshold, a message can be sent to a network node. This message may indicate a request to register the SNPN identifier with the WTRU.

[0006] In one example, the received signal quality threshold can be at least one of received signal power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

[0007] In one example, the configuration information may be determined by the processor of the WTRU by receiving a downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message, wherein the DL NAS transport message includes a payload container type information element, and wherein the payload container type information element indicates WTRU parameters for updating transparent containers.

[0008] In one example, the configuration information can be determined by retrieving configuration information from the User Identity Module (SIM).

[0009] In one example, the configuration information may also indicate invalid conditions, where the SENSE used for SNPN selection will not be used. Examples of invalid conditions could be location or time criteria. Examples of invalid conditions could be the service identifier or S-NSSAI.

[0010] In one example, if the received signal associated with SNPN is greater than or equal to the received signal quality threshold, then it meets the threshold.

[0011] In one example, the PLMN selection process can begin when the received signal associated with the SNPN is below the received signal quality threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1A This is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system that can implement one or more of the disclosed embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1B It is shown that, according to the embodiments, it is possible to Figure 1A A system diagram of an exemplary wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) used within the communication system shown.

[0014] Figure 1C It is shown that, according to the embodiment, it is possible to Figure 1A The diagram shows an exemplary radio access network (RAN) and an exemplary core network (CN) used within a communication system.

[0015] Figure 1D It is shown that, according to the embodiment, it is possible to Figure 1A The system diagram shows another exemplary RAN and another exemplary CN used within the communication system shown.

[0016] Figure 2 An example of a method for providing enhanced automatic independent non-public network (SNPN) selection based on signal quality thresholds is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 Another example of a method for providing enhanced automatic independent non-public network (SNPN) selection based on signal quality thresholds is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 An example method is shown for providing enhanced SNPN selection by using credentials of the credential holder (CH) for access. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1AThis diagram illustrates an example communication system 100 in which one or more of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communication system 100 may be a multiple access system that provides content such as voice, data, video, messaging, and broadcasting to multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 enables multiple wireless users to access such content by sharing system resources, including wireless bandwidth. For example, the communication system 100 may employ one or more channel access methods, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Zero-Tail Unique Word DFT Extended OFDM (ZT-UW DTS-s OFDM), Unique Word OFDM (UW-OFDM), Resource Block Filtered OFDM, Filter Bank Multicarrier (FBMC), etc.

[0020] like Figure 1A As shown, the communication system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, RAN 104 / 113, CN 106 / 115, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 108, Internet 110, and other networks 112. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network elements. Any of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. For example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d (any of which may be referred to as a station and / or STA) may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include user equipment (UE), mobile stations, fixed or mobile subscriber units, subscription-based units, pagers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, laptops, netbooks, personal computers, wireless sensors, hotspots or MiFi devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. Any of the wireless transmission / reception units 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as UEs.

[0021] The communication system 100 may also include base station 114a and / or base station 114b. Each of base stations 114a and 114b can be any type of device configured to wirelessly connect to at least one of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as CN 106 / 115, Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. As an example, base stations 114a and 114b may be base transceiver stations (BTS), NodeBs, eNodeBs, home NodeBs, home eNodeBs, gNBs, NRNodeBs, site controllers, access points (APs), wireless routers, etc. Although base stations 114a and 114b are each depicted as a single element, it will be understood that base stations 114a and 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0022] Base station 114a may be part of RAN 104 / 113, and may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as base station controllers (BSCs), radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, etc. Base station 114a and / or base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive radio signals on one or more carrier frequencies, which may be referred to as cells (not shown). These frequencies may be in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. A cell may provide coverage of a specific geographic area, which may be relatively fixed or may change over time. A cell may be further divided into cell sectors. For example, the cell associated with base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Thus, in one embodiment, base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one transceiver per sector of the cell. In one embodiment, base station 114a may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and may use multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming may be used to transmit and / or receive signals in a desired spatial direction.

[0023] Base stations 114a and 114b can communicate with one or more of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d via air interface 116, which can be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, micrometer wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). Air interface 116 can be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0024] More specifically, as described above, the communication system 100 can be a multiple access system and can employ one or more channel access schemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, etc. For example, base stations 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c in RAN 104 / 113 can implement radio technologies such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which can use Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) to establish air interfaces 115 / 116 / 117. WCDMA can include communication protocols such as High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA can include High-Speed ​​Downlink (DL) Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High-Speed ​​UL Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0025] In one embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which can use Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A) and / or LTE-A Pro Advanced (LTE-APro) to establish air interface 116.

[0026] In one embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c can implement radio technologies such as NR radio access, which can use New Radio (NR) to establish air interface 116.

[0027] In one embodiment, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, base station 114a and WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can, for instance, use a dual connectivity (DC) principle to implement both LTE and NR radio access together. Therefore, the air interface used by WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions sent to / from multiple types of base stations (e.g., eNBs and gNBs).

[0028] In other embodiments, base station 114a and wireless transmission / reception units 102a, 102b, 102c may implement wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX)), CDMA 2000, CDMA 2000 1X, CDMA 2000 EV-DO, Provisional Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Provisional Standard 95 (IS-95), Provisional Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), etc.

[0029] Figure 1A Base station 114b can be, for example, a wireless router, a home NodeB, a home eNodeB, or an access point, and can utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connectivity in a local area, such as a business premises, home, vehicle, campus, industrial facility, air corridor (e.g., for drone use), road, etc. In one embodiment, base station 114b and WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In one embodiment, base station 114b and WTRUs 102c, 102d can implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.15 to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment, base station 114b and WTRUs 102c, 102d can utilize cellular-based RATs (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA 2000, GSM, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, etc.) to establish picocells or femtocells. Figure 1A As shown, base station 114b can have a direct connection to Internet 110. Therefore, base station 114b does not need to access Internet 110 via CN 106 / 115.

[0030] RAN 104 / 113 can communicate with CN 106 / 115, which can be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, application, and / or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d. Data may have varying Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput requirements, latency requirements, fault tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, etc. CN 106 / 115 can provide call control, billing services, location-based services, prepaid calling, internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform advanced security functions (such as user authentication). Although in Figure 1AAlthough not shown, it should be understood that RAN 104 / 113 and / or CN 106 / 115 can communicate directly or indirectly with other RANs using the same RAT as or a different RAT than RAN 104 / 113. For example, in addition to being connected to RAN 104 / 113, which can utilize NR radio technology, CN 106 / 115 can also communicate with another RAN (not shown) using GSM, UMTS, CDMA 2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0031] CN 106 / 115 can also be used as a gateway for WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. PSTN 108 may include a circuit-switched telephone network providing Common Old-Style Telephone Service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices using common communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and / or Internet Protocol (IP) from the TCP / IP Internet Protocol suite. Network 112 may include wired and / or wireless communication networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, network 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs, which may use the same RAT as RAN 104 / 113 or a different RAT.

[0032] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d in the communication system 100 may include multi-mode capability (e.g., WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may include multiple transceivers to communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links). For example, Figure 1A The WTRU 102c shown can be configured to communicate with base station 114a, which can use cellular-based radio technology, and with base station 114b, which can use IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0033] Figure 1B This is a system diagram illustrating example WTRU 102. (See diagram below.) Figure 1B As shown, WTRU 102 may include a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keyboard 126, a display / touchpad 128, non-removable memory 130, removable memory 132, a power supply 134, a Global Positioning System (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripheral devices 138, etc. It is understood that WTRU 102 may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with the embodiments.

[0034] Processor 118 may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, etc. Processor 118 may perform signal decoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functions that enable WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. Processor 118 may be coupled to transceiver 120, and transceiver 120 may be coupled to transmitting / receiving element 122. Although Figure 1B While the processor 118 and transceiver 120 are depicted as separate components, it should be understood that the processor 118 and transceiver 120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0035] Transmitting / receiving element 122 can be configured to transmit signals to or receive signals from a base station (e.g., base station 114a) via air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, transmitting / receiving element 122 can be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In one embodiment, transmitting / receiving element 122 can be a transmitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive, for example, IR, UV, or visible light signals. In yet another embodiment, transmitting / receiving element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive both RF and optical signals. It should be understood that transmitting / receiving element 122 can be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0036] Although the transmitting / receiving element 122 is in Figure 1B While described as a single element, WTRU 102 may include any number of transmitting / receiving elements 122. More specifically, WTRU 102 may use MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, WTRU 102 may include two or more transmitting / receiving elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via air interface 116.

[0037] Transceiver 120 can be configured to modulate signals transmitted by transmitting / receiving element 122 and demodulate signals received by transmitting / receiving element 122. As described above, WTRU 102 can have multimode capability. Therefore, transceiver 120 can include multiple transceivers to enable WTRU 102 to communicate via various RATs, such as NR and IEEE 802.11.

[0038] The processor 118 of WTRU 102 may be coupled to a speaker / microphone 124, a keyboard 126, and / or a display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit) and may receive user input data therefrom. The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, keyboard 126, and / or display / touchpad 128. Additionally, the processor 118 may access information from any type of suitable memory and store data in said memory, such as non-removable memory 130 and / or removable memory 132. Non-removable memory 130 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. Removable memory 132 may include a user identification module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital storage (SD) card, etc. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from memory that is not physically located on WTRU 102 and store data in said memory (e.g., located on a server or home computer (not shown)).

[0039] The processor 118 can receive power from the power supply 134 and can be configured to distribute and / or control power to other components in the WTRU 102. The power supply 134 can be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power supply 134 may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, etc.

[0040] The processor 118 may also be coupled to the GPS chipset 136, which may be configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) about the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to, or alternatively to, the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information from base stations (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) via the air interface 116, and / or determine its location based on the timing of signals received from two or more neighboring base stations. It should be understood that the WTRU 102 may acquire location information using any suitable location determination method, while remaining consistent with the embodiments.

[0041] The processor 118 can also be coupled to other peripheral devices 138, which may include one or more software and / or hardware modules providing additional features, functions, and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, peripheral devices 138 may include accelerometers, electronic compasses, satellite transceivers, digital cameras (for photos and / or video), Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, vibration devices, television transceivers, hands-free headsets, etc. Modules, FM radio units, digital music players, media players, video game player modules, internet browsers, virtual reality and / or augmented reality (VR / AR) devices, activity trackers, etc. Peripheral devices 138 may include one or more sensors, which may be one or more of the following: gyroscopes, accelerometers, Hall effect sensors, magnetometers, orientation sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, time sensors; geolocation sensors; altimeters, light sensors, touch sensors, magnetometers, barometers, gesture sensors, biometric sensors, and / or humidity sensors.

[0042] WTRU 102 may include a full-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all of the signals (e.g., signals associated with specific subframes for uplink (e.g., for transmission) and downlink (e.g., for reception)) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous. The full-duplex radio may include an interference management unit to reduce and / or substantially eliminate self-interference through hardware (e.g., chokes) or through signal processing by a processor (e.g., a separate processor (not shown) or processor 118). In one embodiment, WTRU 102 may include a half-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all of the signals (e.g., signals associated with specific subframes for uplink (e.g., for transmission) or downlink (e.g., for reception)) may occur.

[0043] Figure 1C This is a system diagram illustrating RAN 104 and CN 106 according to an embodiment. As described above, RAN 104 may employ E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c via air interface 116. RAN 104 may also communicate with CN 106.

[0044] RAN 104 may include eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c, but it should be understood that RAN 104 may include any number of eNode-Bs while remaining consistent with the embodiments. eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c may each include one or more transceivers to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c via air interface 116. In one embodiment, eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c may implement MIMO technology. Therefore, for example, eNode-B 160a may use multiple antennas to transmit and / or receive radio signals from WTRU 102a.

[0045] Each of the eNode-B 160a, 160b, and 160c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and can be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, user scheduling in UL and / or DL, etc. Figure 1C As shown, eNode-B 160a, 160b, and 160C can communicate with each other via the X2 interface.

[0046] Figure 1C The CN 106 shown may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, a Serving Gateway (SGW) 164, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (or PGW) 166. While each of the foregoing elements is depicted as part of the CN 106, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0047] The MME 162 can connect to each of the eNodes B160a, 160b, and 160c in RAN 104 via the S1 interface and can be used as a control node. For example, the MME 162 can be responsible for authenticating users of WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, selecting a specific serving gateway during the initial attachment of WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, etc. The MME 162 can provide control plane functions for handover between RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) employing other radio technologies (such as GSM and / or WCDMA).

[0048] The SGW 164 can connect to each of the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c in RAN 104 via the S1 interface. The SGW 164 can typically route and forward user data packets to / from WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c. The SGW 164 can perform other functions, such as anchoring the user plane during handover between eNode Bs, triggering paging when DL data is available to WTRUs 102a, 102B, and 102c, managing and storing the context of WTRUs 102a, 102B, and 102c, etc.

[0049] The SGW 164 can connect to the PGW 166, which can provide WTRU 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to packet-switched networks (such as Internet 110) to facilitate communication between WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0050] CN 106 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN 106 can provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to a circuit-switched network (e.g., PSTN 108) to facilitate communication between WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c and traditional landline communication equipment. For example, CN 106 may include an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) or can communicate with an IP gateway that serves as an interface between CN 106 and PSTN 108. Furthermore, CN 106 can provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0051] Although WTRU is Figure 1A-1D While described as a wireless terminal, it is conceivable that in some representative embodiments, such a terminal may use a wired communication interface with a communication network (e.g., temporary or permanent).

[0052] In a representative embodiment, the other network 112 may be a WLAN.

[0053] A WLAN in Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS) mode can have an access point (AP) for the BSS and one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP can have access or interfaces to a distributed system (DS) or another type of wired / wireless network carrying traffic entering and / or leaving the BSS. Traffic originating outside the BSS destined for a STA can be delivered to the STA via the AP. Traffic originating from a STA destined for a destination outside the BSS can be sent to the AP for delivery to the appropriate destination. Traffic between STAs within the BSS can be sent via the AP, for example, where a source STA can send traffic to the AP, and the AP can deliver the traffic to the destination STA. Traffic between STAs within the BSS can be considered and / or referred to as peer-to-peer traffic. This peer-to-peer traffic can be sent between the source and destination STAs (e.g., directly between the source and destination STAs) using a direct link setup (DLS). In some representative embodiments, the DLS can use 802.11e DLS or 802.11z Tunneled DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using the Standalone BSS (IBSS) mode cannot have an access point (AP), and STAs within the IBSS or using the IBSS (e.g., all STAs) can communicate directly with each other. The IBSS communication mode may sometimes be referred to as the ad-hoc communication mode in this document.

[0054] When using 802.11ac infrastructure operating mode or a similar operating mode, the AP can transmit beacons on a fixed channel, such as the primary channel. The primary channel can be of fixed width (e.g., a bandwidth of 20 MHz) or dynamically set via signaling. The primary channel can be the operating channel of the BSS and can be used by the STA to establish a connection with the AP. In some representative embodiments, such as in an 802.11 system, Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA / CA) with collision avoidance can be implemented. For CSMA / CA, STAs including the AP (e.g., each STA) can listen on the primary channel. If the primary channel is listened to / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, that particular STA can back off. A single STA (e.g., only one station) can transmit at any given time within a given BSS.

[0055] High-throughput (HT) STAs can communicate using a 40MHz wide channel, for example, by combining a primary 20MHz channel with adjacent or non-adjacent 20MHz channels to form a 40MHz wide channel.

[0056] Very High Throughput (VHT) STAs can support channels with widths of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, and / or 160MHz. 40MHz and / or 80MHz channels can be formed by combining consecutive 20MHz channels. A 160MHz channel can be formed by combining eight consecutive 20MHz channels, or by combining two non-consecutive 80MHz channels; this can be referred to as an 80+80 configuration. For the 80+80 configuration, after channel coding, the data can pass through a segmented parser that divides the data into two streams. Each stream can be processed separately using Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) and time-domain processing. The streams can be mapped onto the two 80MHz channels, and the data can be transmitted by the transmitting STA. At the receiver of the receiving STA, the operation of the 80+80 configuration can be reversed, and the combined data can be sent to the Media Access Control (MAC).

[0057] Operating modes below 1 GHz are supported by 802.11af and 802.11ah. The channel operating bandwidth and carrier in 802.11af and 802.11ah are reduced compared to those used in 802.11n and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports 5 MHz, 10 MHz, and 20 MHz bandwidths in the TV whitespace (TVWS) spectrum, while 802.11ah supports 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 8 MHz, and 16 MHz bandwidths using non-TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, 802.11ah can support instrument-type control / machine-type communications, such as MTC devices in macro coverage areas. MTC devices may have certain capabilities, such as limited capabilities including support for certain and / or limited bandwidths (e.g., only support). MTC devices may include batteries with a battery life exceeding a threshold (e.g., to maintain a very long battery life).

[0058] WLAN systems that can support multiple channels and channel bandwidths (e.g., 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah) include a channel that can be designated as the primary channel. The primary channel can have a bandwidth equal to the maximum common operating bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel can be set and / or limited by the STA that supports the minimum bandwidth operating mode among all STAs operating in the BSS. In the 802.11ah example, for STAs that support (e.g., only support) the 1MHz mode (e.g., MTC type devices), the primary channel can be 1MHz wide even if the AP and other STAs in the BSS support 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, 16MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operating modes. Carrier Sense and / or Network Allocation Vector (NAV) settings can depend on the status of the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, for example, due to STAs (which only support the 1MHz operating mode) transmitting to the AP, the entire available band can be considered busy even if most of the band remains idle and available.

[0059] In the United States, the available frequency bands for 802.11ah are from 902MHz to 928MHz. In South Korea, the available frequency bands are from 917.5MHz to 923.5MHz. In Japan, the available frequency bands are from 916.5MHz to 927.5MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11ah is 6MHz to 26MHz, depending on the country code.

[0060] Figure 1DThis is a system diagram illustrating RAN 113 and CN 115 according to an embodiment. As described above, RAN 113 can communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c via air interface 116 using NR wireless technology. RAN 113 can also communicate with CN 115.

[0061] RAN 113 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c; however, it should be understood that RAN 113 may include any number of gNBs while remaining consistent with the embodiments. Each of gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c includes one or more transceivers for communicating with WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c via air interface 116. In one embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, gNBs 180a and 180b may utilize beamforming to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c. Therefore, gNB 180a may, for example, use multiple antennas to transmit radio signals to and / or receive radio signals from WTRU 102a. In one embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c may implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, gNB 180a can transmit multiple component carriers to WTRU 102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on unlicensed spectrum, while the remaining component carriers may be on licensed spectrum. In one embodiment, gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c may implement Cooperative Multipoint (CoMP) technology. For example, WTRU 102a may receive coordinated transmissions from gNBs 180a and 180b (and / or gNB 180c).

[0062] WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c using transmissions associated with Scalable Digital Numerology (SDN). For example, OFDM symbol spacing and / or OFDM subcarrier spacing can vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the radio transmission spectrum. WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c using subframes or Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs) of varying lengths or scalable lengths (e.g., containing different numbers of OFDM symbols and / or continuously varying lengths of absolute time).

[0063] gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c can be configured to communicate with WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c in standalone and / or non-standalone configurations. In standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c without needing to access other RANs (e.g., eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c). In standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can utilize one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c as mobility anchors. In standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate with gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c using signals in unlicensed frequency bands. In a non-standalone configuration, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can communicate / connect with gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c, and also with another RAN (such as eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c). For example, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c can implement DC principles to communicate essentially simultaneously with one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c, as well as one or more eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c. In a non-standalone configuration, eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, and 160c can serve as mobility anchors for WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c, while gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c can provide additional coverage and / or throughput for serving WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c.

[0064] Each of gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c can be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and can be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, user scheduling in UL and / or DL, network fragmentation support, dual connectivity, interoperability between NR and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data to User Plane Functions (UPF) 184a and 184b, routing of control plane information to Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 182a and 182b, etc. Figure 1D As shown, gNB 180a, 180b, and 180c can communicate with each other via the Xn interface.

[0065] Figure 1DThe CN 115 shown may include at least one AMF 182a, 182b, at least one UPF 184a, 184b, at least one Session Management Function (SMF) 183a, 183b, and may include data networks (DN) 185a, 185b. While each of the foregoing elements is depicted as part of the CN 115, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0066] AMF 182a and 182b can connect to one or more of gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c in RAN 113 via the N2 interface and can act as control nodes. For example, AMF 182a and 182b can be responsible for authenticating users of WTRU 102a, 102b, and 102c, supporting network slicing (e.g., handling different PDU sessions with different needs), selecting specific SMF 183a and 183b, managing registration areas, terminating NAS signaling, mobility management, and so on. AMF 182a and 182b can use network slicing to customize CN support for WTRU 102a, 102b, and 102c based on the type of service being used by WTRU 102a, 102b, and 102c. For example, different network slices can be established for different use cases, such as services relying on Ultra Reliable Low Latency (URLLC) access, services relying on Enhanced Massive Mobile Broadband (eMBB) access, and services for Machine Type Communication (MTC) access. AMF 162 can provide control plane functions for handover between RAN 113 and other RANs (not shown) employing other radio technologies (such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-APro and / or non-3GPP access technologies (such as WiFi)).

[0067] SMFs 183a and 183b can connect to AMFs 182a and 182b in CN 115 via the N11 interface. SMFs 183a and 183b can also connect to UPFs 184a and 184b in CN 115 via the N4 interface. SMFs 183a and 183b can select and control UPFs 184a and 184b, and configure them to route traffic through UPFs 184a and 184b. SMFs 183a and 183b can perform other functions, such as managing and allocating UE IP addresses, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy enforcement and QoS, and providing downlink data notifications. PDU session types can be IP-based, non-IP-based, Ethernet-based, etc.

[0068] UPF 184a and 184b can connect to one or more of gNB 180a, 180b, and 180c in RAN 113 via the N3 interface. The N3 interface can provide WTRU 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to packet-switched networks (such as Internet 110) to facilitate communication between WTRU 102a, 102b, and 102c and IP-enabled devices. UPF 184 and 184b can perform other functions, such as routing and forwarding packets, enforcing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering downlink packets, and providing mobility anchoring.

[0069] CN 115 can facilitate communication with other networks. For example, CN 115 may include, or communicate with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) serving as an interface between CN 115 and PSTN 108. Furthermore, CN 115 may provide WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c with access to other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, WTRUs 102a, 102b, and 102c may be connected to DN 185a and 185b via UPF 184a and 184b through the N3 interface to UPF 184a and 184b and the N6 interface between UPF 184a and 184b and local data networks (DNs) 185a and 185b.

[0070] Given Figure 1A-1D and Figure 1A-1D As described herein, one or more of the functions described with respect to one or more of the following can be performed by one or more emulation devices (not shown): WTRU 102a-d, base station 114a-b, eNode-B 160a-c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166, gNB 180a-c, AMF 182a-b, UPF184a-b, SMF 183a-b, DN 185a-b, and / or any other device described herein. An emulation device can be one or more devices configured to emulate one or more of the functions described herein. For example, an emulation device can be used to test other devices and / or simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0071] Simulation devices can be designed to perform one or more tests on other devices in laboratory and / or carrier network environments. For example, one or more simulation devices may perform one or more functions while being fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network to test other devices within the communication network. The one or more simulation devices may perform one or more or all functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. Simulation devices may be directly coupled to another device for testing purposes and / or may use over-the-air wireless communication to perform tests.

[0072] One or more simulation devices can perform one or more functions (including all functions) without being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, simulation devices can be used in test scenarios within a test laboratory and / or an undeployed (e.g., tested) wired and / or wireless communication network to perform testing of one or more components. One or more simulation devices can be test equipment. Simulation devices can transmit and / or receive data using direct RF coupling and / or wireless communication via RF circuitry (e.g., which may include one or more antennas).

[0073] In this article, the term "timer" can refer to time, time period, time tracking, time period tracking, or combinations thereof. The term "timer expiration" can refer to the determination that a specific time has occurred or that a specific time period has expired.

[0074] This paper describes systems, methods, and apparatus for providing selection of Independent Non-Public Networks (SNPNs) based on wireless signal thresholds.

[0075] The embodiments disclosed herein can be associated with non-public networks. The embodiments disclosed herein can provide Signal Level Enhancement Network Selection (SENSE). SNPN selection procedures (one or more) can be provided. Selection mode switching between SNPN and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) can be provided.

[0076] A subscribed SNPN can be associated with a signal level threshold. For example, if the measured signal quality might be above the threshold, it can qualify for network selection.

[0077] The preferred SNPN for access using the credential holder's credentials can be associated with a signal level threshold. For example, if the measured signal quality is above the threshold, the SNPN may be eligible for network selection. In the example, the WTRU can switch between SNPN selection mode and normal PLMN selection mode (e.g., based on the presence of a qualified candidate network). This can depend on the signal level threshold.

[0078] The WTRU can receive configuration information indicating (e.g., configured) conditions for detecting whether (e.g., when) the SENSE feature is applicable. The WTRU can be configured to know whether the SENSE feature can be applied in manual selection mode.

[0079] In the example, the SENSE feature can be applied to SNPN access. The WTRU can perform multiple procedures and / or actions. The WTRU can be configured with information that may include SNPN identifiers. This information may include a received signal quality threshold for each SNPN identifier (e.g., for each SNPN identifier). The received signal quality threshold can be at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR. This information can be received in a message (e.g., a DL NAS transport message), for example, a message with information elements set as indicators of parameters (e.g., a payload container type information element), such as WTRU parameter updates for transparent containers. This information can be stored in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).

[0080] In the example, the information may include a SENSE invalidity condition, which may indicate one or more conditions under which the SENSE feature may not be considered available. When indicated, the SENSE feature may be considered unavailable. This may indicate (e.g., imply) that received signal quality thresholds can be avoided (e.g., not considered) during the SNPN selection process. The SENSE invalidity condition may indicate a location criterion or time criterion that can trigger the WTRU to disable the SENSE feature. The SENSE invalidity condition may indicate that the WTRU can disable the SENSE feature, for example, if (e.g., when) the WTRU determines access to a specific service. The service may be identified by S-NSSAI. The SENSE invalidity condition may indicate that the WTRU can allow a user to disable the SENSE feature (e.g., via a GUI).

[0081] This information can indicate whether the SENSE feature can be applied when the WTRU is in manual network selection mode. Applying the SENSE feature when the WTRU is in manual network selection mode can instruct (e.g., imply) that the WTRU does not display a detected PLMN whose signal quality measurement may be below the operator-controlled signal threshold for each access technology.

[0082] In the example, the WTRU can perform the SNPN selection process and select the SNPN if the signal quality measurement that may be associated with the SNPN is greater than or equal to the received signal quality threshold (e.g., received in the configuration information).

[0083] In the example, the WTRU can perform the SNPN selection process. The WTRU can determine the measurements for one or more SNPNs. The WTRU can determine that no measurement (e.g., zero measurement) is greater than or equal to a signal quality measurement threshold configurable for the SNPN. Based on this determination, the SNPN selection process can be stopped, and the PLMN selection process can be started.

[0084] In the example, the WTRU can trigger the SNPN selection process (e.g., again) based on the detection that a measurement associated with one or more SNPNs is greater than or equal to a signal quality measurement threshold configured for the SNPN.

[0085] A Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit (WTRU) can be used to provide Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) selection based on a wireless signal quality threshold. Configuration information may indicate one or more SNPN identifiers and may at least indicate a received signal quality threshold. It can be determined that the WTRU supports Signal Level Enhancement Network Selection (SENSE) for SNPN selection. For example, if it is determined that the WTRU supports SENSE for SNPN selection, the received signal can be measured. The received signal can be associated with an SNPN identifier from one or more SNPN identifiers. When the received signal associated with an SNPN meets the received signal quality threshold, a message can be sent to a network node. This message may indicate a request to register the SNPN identifier with the WTRU.

[0086] In one example, the received signal quality threshold may include one or more of the following: received signal power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

[0087] In the example, this configuration information can be determined by the WTRU processor by receiving a message (e.g., a Downlink (DL) Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Transmission message). This message (e.g., a DL NAS Transmission message) may contain, for example, a payload container type information element. The payload container type information element may indicate, for example, WTRU parameters used to update transparent containers.

[0088] In the example, the configuration information can be determined by retrieving configuration information from the User Identity Module (SIM).

[0089] In the example, the configuration information can also indicate invalid conditions in which the use of SENSE for SNPN selection can be avoided (e.g., not used). Invalid conditions can include conditions associated with location or time criteria. Invalid conditions can also include conditions associated with the service identifier or Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI).

[0090] In the example, if the received signal associated with SNPN is greater than or equal to the received signal quality threshold, then the signal meets the threshold.

[0091] In the example, the PLMN selection process can begin if (for example, when) the received signal associated with the SNPN is below the received signal quality threshold.

[0092] Signal Level Enhanced Network Selection (SENSE) can be used (e.g., by the home operator) to configure certain WTRUs to consider signal quality (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc.) during the network selection process. This enhancement can be used if (e.g., when) fixed (e.g., certain fixed) IoT devices in roaming situations (e.g., deployed abroad, deployed in areas with poor network coverage, etc.) are experiencing frequent connection failures to the access PLMN (VPLMN). These devices may be fixed and cannot be moved around to improve radio conditions. They may be in roaming situations (e.g., permanent roaming), which can make it difficult (e.g., nearly impossible) to select different VPLMNs according to PLMN selection rules. By considering signal quality, the WTRU can select a network with better radio conditions, although it may have a lower priority in the network selection order.

[0093] The home network operator can configure operator-controlled signaling thresholds for each access technology for the USIM. These operator-controlled signaling thresholds can be specific to a single access technology (e.g., a particular access technology) and can be applied to one or more PLMNs with a corresponding combination of access technologies. The WTRU can consider (e.g., only consider) candidate PLMNs whose signal quality may be equal to or greater than the configured thresholds.

[0094] This enhancement can be applied to PLMN selection and one or more WTRU types (e.g., WTRUs of the M1 or M2 category supporting NB-IoT, E-UTRA, etc.). For example, the same problem may exist for fixed WTRUs that can be served by an SNPN. For instance, a WTRU in SNPN selection mode might treat the last registered SNPN as a high priority (e.g., the highest priority in SNPN selection). Fixed WTRUs may suffer frequent connection failures and may have little opportunity to change conditions without human intervention, such as if the last registered SNPN has poor coverage in the WTRU's location.

[0095] The SNPN selection process can (e.g., in several ways) differ from (e.g., very different from) PLMN selection. In the example, a WTRU may have multiple entries in its SNPN user data list. Each entry (e.g., each entry) may represent a subscribed SNPN. There may not be a priority order (e.g., an explicit priority order) among these multiple entries. The WTRU can select entries. For example, if the SNPN allows the WTRU to access the SNPN using the credential holder's credentials, the WTRU can select an SNPN from a list of preferred SNPNs. There may not be a roaming scenario in SNPN selection. The WTRU can use the credential holder's credentials to select a subscribed SNPN or an SNPN.

[0096] This paper describes systems, methods, and apparatuses for enhancing the SNPN selection process to take into account network signal quality.

[0097] One or more factors may be considered to ensure that the WTRU selects an SNPN that provides a stable connection by taking signal quality into account during the SNPN selection process. If (e.g., when) multiple subscribed SNPNs are available, the WTRU may consider received signal quality when selecting a subscribed SNPN. If (e.g., when) multiple preferred SNPNs are available, the WTRU may consider received signal quality when selecting a preferred SNPN for access using the CH credentials. The WTRU may consider received signal quality when selecting between an SNPN and a PLMN, or if switching between SNPN and PLMN selection modes (e.g., when switching between SNPN and PLMN selection modes).

[0098] Details related to the selection of the subscribed SNPN, taking into account received signal quality, can be provided. For a WTRU that supports SNPN access, the WTRU can receive configuration information indicating (e.g., pre-configured or acquired via a remote provisioning process) a list of user data containing zero or more entries for the subscribed SNPN. For each subscribed SNPN in the list, a received signal quality threshold (e.g., at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR) can be configured. The configuration information can be received in a message (e.g., a DL NAS transport message) having an information element set to indicate the WTRU parameter update transparent container (e.g., a payload container type information element). The signal quality threshold setting can be selected by the service provider or the SNPN operator. The signal quality threshold setting can take into account the characteristics or requirements of the services provided in the network. For example, a higher signal quality threshold can be set for SNPNs serving critical medical sensors and devices. For example, a common signal quality threshold can be configured for one or more (e.g., all) subscribed SNPNs.

[0099] A WTRU supporting SENSE in SNPN selection can consider (e.g., consider only) one or more subscribed SNPNs during the automatic SNPN selection process. For example, one or more subscribed SNPNs could be for subscribed SNPNs for which no signal quality threshold is configured. Alternatively, one or more subscribed SNPNs could be for subscribed SNPNs for which a signal quality threshold is configured, and the received signal quality can be equal to or higher than that threshold. If multiple subscribed SNPNs meet the criteria described herein, the WTRU can treat the SNPN with the configured signal quality threshold as having higher priority than the SNPN without a signal quality threshold. The WTRU can select the SNPN with high received signal quality (e.g., the highest received signal quality).

[0100] Figure 2 An example of a method for providing enhanced automatic independent non-public network (SNPN) selection based on signal quality thresholds is shown. Figure 2 An enhanced automatic SNPN selection using a signal quality threshold is shown.

[0101] In the example (for example, it could be) Figure 2 (In a substitution of the example procedure), the WTRU can select an available SNPN without measuring the signal quality of one or more (e.g., all) other available SNPNs. The WTRU can consider the SNPN unavailable, and if the received signal quality of the selected SNPN is below a signal quality threshold (e.g., if configured), it can reselect another SNPN (e.g., as shown in the example procedure). Figure 3 The above).

[0102] Figure 3 An exemplary automatic standby non-public network (SNPN) selection based on a signal quality threshold is shown. Figure 3 An exemplary enhancement of automatic SNPN selection using a signal quality threshold is shown.

[0103] The WTRU can (re)evaluate the received signal quality in the registered SNPN, and, for example, if the received signal quality is below a configured signal quality threshold, can perform the SNPN selection (e.g., or reselection) process again (e.g., as...). Figure 3 (As shown). The WTRU can reassess signal quality and perform SNPN reselection periodically. For example, if one or more connection failures have been observed in the registered network (e.g., radio link failure, high data block error rate, etc.), the WTRU can reassess signal quality and perform SNPN reselection. For example, if the configured signal quality thresholds have been updated (e.g., via NAS or SoR procedures), the WTRU can (re)assess signal quality and perform SNPN reselection.

[0104] Access SNPN selection using CH credentials can be provided. The WTRU can be configured with a list of SNPNs (e.g., preferred SNPNs) for access using CH credentials. This list can be associated with an SNPN subscription (e.g., an entry in a user data list) or a PLMN subscription. An SNPN subscription or PLMN subscription can be selected (e.g., selected by the WTRU). A preferred SNPN list associated with an SNPN subscription or PLMN subscription can be used.

[0105] A signal quality threshold can be associated with one (e.g., each) SNPN identifier in a preferred list of SNPNs for access using CH credentials. The signal quality threshold can be added as an extension of validity conditions, for example, for SNPNs in the list that may (e.g., already) be associated with validity conditions (e.g., time validity information). For example, an SNPN can be considered a qualified candidate if (e.g., only) the measured signal quality is equal to or higher than a configured threshold (e.g., if the SNPN is associated with a signal threshold).

[0106] Figure 4 An example of SNPN selection using the credentials of the credential holder (CH) is shown. For example, Figure 4 An example SNPN selection process using CH credentials for access is shown, which can take signal quality into account.

[0107] Switching between SNPN selection mode and PLMN selection mode can be provided. The WTRU can exit SNPN selection mode to be able to select a PLMN (e.g., if it has a PLMN subscription), for example, if the WTRU is in SNPN selection mode, if the WTRU supports SENSE, and if no qualified SNPN is available for SNPN selection (e.g., the received signal quality of the candidate SNPN may be below a configured signal quality threshold). For example, the WTRU can (e.g., be able to) register to the PLMN and access SNPN services from the PLMN (e.g., via the SNPN's N3 IWF). The WTRU can (e.g., be able to) periodically check if (e.g., any) qualified SNPN is available, for example, whether (e.g., when) the WTRU is registered in the PLMN. For example, there may be a candidate subscription SNPN for which the measured signal quality may be equal to or greater than a configured threshold. The WTRU can (e.g., be able to) switch back to SNPN selection mode and, for example, select a qualified SNPN if (e.g., one or more) are available.

[0108] For example, if the WTRU is in PLMN selection mode and supports SENSE, and no qualified PLMN is available for PLMN selection (e.g., the received signal quality of a candidate PLMN is below a configured signal quality threshold), the WTRU can switch to SNPN selection mode to be able to select an SNPN (e.g., if it has an SNPN subscription). For example, the WTRU can register with an SNPN and access the PLMN service from that SNPN (e.g., via the PLMN's N3 IWF). The WTRU can check (e.g., periodically) whether (e.g., any) qualified PLMNs are available, such as whether (e.g., when) the WTRU is registered with an SNPN. For example, there may be candidate PLMNs whose measured signal quality is equal to or greater than a configured threshold. For example, if one or more qualified PLMNs are available, the WTRU can switch back to SNPN selection mode and select a qualified PLMN.

[0109] Because signal quality can change rapidly, if (for example, when) the WTRU (e.g., when operating in PLMN / SNPN selection mode) detects an SNPN / PLMN with signal quality higher than a threshold set by the operator, the WTRU can ensure that the detected SNPN / PLMN's signal quality is higher than the threshold (e.g., average signal value) for a given time period before switching from PLMN / SNPN selection mode to SNPN / PLMN selection mode. This ensures that the WTRU does not switch back and forth between SNPN and PLMN selection modes. For example, if (e.g., when) the WTRU is configured with a signal quality threshold, the operator can set the WTRU to be configured for that time period.

[0110] It can be determined whether (e.g., when) the SENSE feature is disabled. WTRUs that support the SENSE feature can use signal quality measurements to determine whether a PLMN / access technology combination can be a candidate for selection.

[0111] There may be situations where WTRU determines that the SENSE feature may not be applicable or may be prohibited.

[0112] For example, (as described herein), if (for example, when) the WTRU detects that the quality of the received signal from any of the candidate PLMN or PLMN / access technology combinations (one or more) is equal to or greater than the operator-controlled signal threshold for each access technology stored in the USIM, the WTRU may stop applying the SENSE feature and may attempt the network selection process (for example, as if the SENSE feature were unavailable).

[0113] In the example, the SENSE feature can be disabled based on different conditions (e.g., disabling it may be advantageous). The home network operator may request the WTRU to avoid applying (e.g., not apply) the SENSE feature in certain countries, making the WTRU more likely to select a roaming partner (e.g., PLMN) preferred by the home network operator. For example, it may be desirable to disable the SENSE feature for a specific SNPN because the SNPN can provide access to specific services that may not be available via different SNPNs. The system (e.g., such as a 5G system) may not support the means to disable the SENSE feature under certain conditions or for certain SNPNs.

[0114] For example, if (e.g., when) the WTRU is configured with operator-controlled signaling thresholds for each access technology, the WTRU can be configured with a SENSE invalidation condition. The operation of configuring the WTRU with operator-controlled signaling thresholds for each access technology can configure the WTRU with a SENSE invalidation condition. The SENSE invalidation condition with operator-controlled signaling thresholds for each access technology can be stored in the USIM. The SENSE invalidation condition can indicate one or more conditions under which the SENSE feature may not apply.

[0115] For example, a SENSE invalidation condition can instruct the WTRU that the SENSE feature can be disabled when the WTRU is in a specific location (e.g., a country). This could be done, for instance, when a home network operator wants to increase the likelihood that the WTRU will select a specific network when it is in a particular location.

[0116] For example, a SENSE invalidation condition can indicate to the WTRU that the SENSE feature can be disabled at certain times (e.g., between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM). This could be done, for example, when a home network operator wants to reduce the likelihood of the WTRU selecting a specific network when the network is typically busy.

[0117] A SENSE invalidation condition can instruct a WTRU that the SENSE feature can be disabled if the WTRU wants to access a specific service (e.g., when the WTRU wants to access a specific service). For example, a SENSE invalidation condition may include one or more S-NSSAIs, and the WTRU may consider disabling the feature if it plans to attempt to register to one or more of the indicated S-NSSAIs. This can be done, for example, when a home network operator wants to reduce the likelihood that the WTRU will select a specific network when accessing certain S-NSSAIs.

[0118] A SENSE invalidation condition can instruct the WTRU that the SENSE feature can be disabled if (e.g., when) the user disables the feature. The Terminal Equipment (TE) portion of the WTRU can host applications, such as a GUI. The application can allow the user to indicate that the SENSE feature can be disabled. For example, if (e.g., when) the user indicates that the SENSE feature can be disabled, the application can be triggered to send a message to the Mobile Terminal (MT) portion of the WTRU requesting that the SENSE feature be disabled. This message can be an Attention (AT) command, such as an enhanced version of the +COPS command. For example, if the SENSE invalidation condition indicates that the user can disable the feature, the MT can respond with confirmation that the feature can be disabled. The MT can respond with an indication that the feature cannot be disabled, for example, if the SENSE invalidation condition indicates that the user cannot disable the feature (e.g., it may not be included in the SENSE invalidation condition). For example, if (e.g., when) the user disables the feature, the user can choose from a GUI display that allows reading, searching, and selecting networks, regardless of signal quality, etc.

[0119] As described above, a WTRU (WTRU) can be configured with a per-access technology signal threshold for each SNPN it can subscribe to. The WTRU can also be configured with a SENSE invalidation condition for each SNPN it can subscribe to. The WTRU can be configured to detect whether (e.g., when) the SENSE feature can be disabled for certain SNPNs. This can be done, for example, in situations where the WTRU might be able to obtain service from multiple SNPNs when it is in one location but not when it is in another location.

[0120] The examples described in this article illustrate how WTRU can be configured to detect when a SENSE feature is unavailable. These examples can also illustrate how WTRU can be similarly configured to detect when a SENSE feature is available.

[0121] The SENSE feature can be applied during manual selection.

[0122] When WTRU is in manual selection mode, WTRU can determine that the SENSE feature can be applied.

[0123] The above SENSE invalidity condition can indicate whether the SENSE feature can be applied when the WTRU is in manual network selection mode.

[0124] If (e.g., when) the WTRU is in manual network selection mode, applying the SENSE feature can indicate (e.g., mean) that the WTRU can avoid displaying (e.g., may not display) a detected PLMN whose signal quality measurement may be below the operator-controlled signal threshold for each access technology. For example, when the SENSE feature can be disabled and the +COPS AT command can be invoked, the MT's response to the +COPS AT command can avoid including (e.g., may not include) PLMNs whose signal quality measurement may be below the operator-controlled signal threshold for each access technology. Alternatively, the MT's response to the +COPS AT command can include PLMNs whose signal quality measurement is below the operator-controlled signal threshold for each access technology, and can include an indication that its signal quality measurement may be below or below the operator-controlled signal threshold for each access technology. For example, if (e.g., when) PLMNs whose signal quality measurement is below the operator-controlled signal threshold for each access technology are included in the message to the TE, the PLMN and an indication that the PLMN's signal strength may be low can be displayed to the user. The user can manually select a network after considering available networks and which networks are associated with low signal strength. This user choice can be made through the GUI.

[0125] Although the above features and elements are described in specific combinations, each feature or element may be used alone without the other features and elements of the preferred embodiment, or in various combinations with or without the other features and elements.

[0126] While the implementations described herein may take into account 3GPP-specific protocols, it should be understood that the implementations described herein are not limited to this scenario and can be applied to other wireless systems. For example, although the solutions described herein take into account LTE, LTE-A, New Radio (NR), or 5G-specific protocols, it should be understood that the solutions described herein are not limited to this situation and can also be applied to other wireless systems.

[0127] The above processes can be implemented in computer programs, software, and / or firmware, which are incorporated into computer-readable media for execution by a computer and / or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic signals (transmitted via wired and / or wireless connections) and / or computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as, but not limited to, internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and / or optical media such as CD-ROMs and / or DVDs. The processor associated with the software can be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver used in WTRUs, terminals, base stations, RNCs, and / or any host computer.

Claims

1. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the WTRU comprising: The processor is configured as follows: Determine configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates one or more Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) identifiers and at least indicates a received signal quality threshold; It is determined that the WTRU supports Signal Level Enhancement Network Selection (SENSE) for SNPN; Based on determining that the WTRU supports SENSE for the SNPN, a received signal is measured, wherein the received signal is associated with an SNPN identifier from the one or more SNPN identifiers; Determine whether the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier meets the received signal quality threshold; as well as Based on the determination that the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier meets the received signal quality threshold, a message is sent to the network node, wherein the message indicates a request to register the WTRU with the SNPN identifier.

2. The WTRU according to claim 1, wherein the received signal quality threshold is at least one of received signal power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

3. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier is determined to satisfy the received signal quality threshold based on determining that the received signal is greater than or equal to the received signal quality threshold.

4. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the SNPN identifier is a first SNPN identifier, the message is a first message, the received signal quality threshold is a first received signal quality threshold associated with the first SNPN identifier, the received signal is a first received signal, the configuration information further indicates a second received signal quality threshold associated with a second SNPN identifier, and wherein the processor is further configured to: Measure a second received signal, wherein the second received signal is associated with a second SNPN identifier from the one or more SNPN identifiers; Determine whether the second received signal associated with the second SNPN identifier meets the second received signal quality threshold associated with the second SNPN identifier; and Based on the determination that the second received signal associated with the second SNPN identifier meets the second received signal quality threshold, a second message is sent to the network node, wherein the second message indicates a request to register the WTRU with the second SNPN identifier.

5. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive a downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message, wherein the DL NAS transport message includes an information element indicating WTRU parameters associated with updating the transparent container, and wherein the configuration information is determined based on the received DL NAS transport message.

6. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: The configuration information is obtained from the User Identification Module (SIM).

7. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the configuration information further indicates invalid conditions associated with whether SENSE for the SNPN is supported.

8. The WTRU of claim 7, wherein the invalidity condition is associated with one or more of location, time, service identifier, and single network slice selection aid information (S-NSSAI).

9. The WTRU of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Based on the determination that the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier is below the received signal quality threshold, the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection process is initiated.

10. The WTRU of claim 9, wherein the determination to initiate the PLMN selection process is based on determining that the WTRU supports PLMN subscription.

11. A method, the method comprising: Determine configuration information, wherein the configuration information indicates one or more Independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) identifiers and at least indicates a received signal quality threshold; It is determined that the WTRU supports Signal Level Enhancement Network Selection (SENSE) for SNPN; Based on determining that the WTRU supports SENSE for the SNPN, a received signal is measured, wherein the received signal is associated with an SNPN identifier from the one or more SNPN identifiers; Determine whether the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier meets the received signal quality threshold; as well as Based on the determination that the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier meets the received signal quality threshold, a message is sent to the network node, wherein the message indicates a request to register the WTRU with the SNPN identifier.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the received signal quality threshold is at least one of received signal power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier is determined to satisfy the received signal quality threshold based on determining that the received signal is greater than or equal to the received signal quality threshold.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the SNPN identifier is a first SNPN identifier, the message is a first message, the received signal quality threshold is a first received signal quality threshold associated with the first SNPN identifier, the received signal is a first received signal, the configuration information further indicates a second received signal quality threshold associated with a second SNPN identifier, and the method further comprises: Measure a second received signal, wherein the second received signal is associated with a second SNPN identifier from the one or more SNPN identifiers; Determine whether the second received signal associated with the second SNPN identifier meets the second received signal quality threshold associated with the second SNPN identifier; as well as Based on the determination that the second received signal associated with the second SNPN identifier meets the second received signal quality threshold, a second message is sent to the network node, wherein the second message indicates a request to register the WTRU with the second SNPN identifier.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the method further comprises: Receive a downlink (DL) non-access stratum (NAS) transport message, wherein the DL NAS transport message includes an information element indicating WTRU parameters associated with updating the transparent container, and wherein the configuration information is determined based on the received DL NAS transport message.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the method further comprises: The configuration information is obtained from the User Identification Module (SIM).

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the configuration information further indicates an invalid condition associated with whether SENSE for the SNPN is supported.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the invalidity condition is associated with one or more of location, time, service identifier, and single network slice selection aid information (S-NSSAI).

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the method further comprises: Based on the determination that the received signal associated with the SNPN identifier is below the received signal quality threshold, the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection process is initiated.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the determination of initiating the PLMN selection procedure is based on determining that the WTRU supports PLMN subscription.

Images