UE mobility between femtocells of different technologies

Abstract

There is provided a method, apparatus and computer program for causing the following to be performed: receiving a closed subscriber group, CSG, identifier from a first network node of a first communication network when being served by a second network node of a second communication network, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks; and transmitting the received CSG identifier to the second network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to apparatus, methods, and computer programs for performing the following operation: receiving a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from a first network node of a first communication network while being served by a second network node of a second communication network. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between various entities involved in the communication session. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session can include, for example, communication of data carrying communications such as voice, video, email, text messages, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multiplexed calls, data communication or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet.

[0003] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that outlines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters used for connectivity are also usually defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services Terrestrial Radio Access Network, e.g., 3G radio). Other examples include the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0004] 3GPP has described flexible duplex time slots (called Subband Full-Duplex (SBFD) time slots), which include resources for uplink and downlink transmission opportunities within the same time slot. In other words, SBFD time slots enable time-division duplex communication within a single carrier bandwidth, where uplink and downlink transmissions occur simultaneously in different subbands of the carrier bandwidth. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, a user equipment is provided, the user equipment including components for performing operations including: receiving a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from a first network node of a first communication network when served by a second network node of a second communication network, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks; and transmitting the received CSG identifier to the second network node.

[0006] According to a second aspect, a user equipment is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the user equipment to perform: receiving a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) identifier from a first network node of a first communication network when served by a second network node of a second communication network, wherein the first and second communication networks are different communication networks; and transmitting the received CSG identifier to the second network node.

[0007] According to a third aspect, a method for a user equipment is provided, the method comprising: receiving a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from a first network node of a first communication network when served by a second network node of a second communication network, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks; and transmitting the received CSG identifier to the second network node.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, a user equipment is provided, the user equipment comprising: a receiving circuit for receiving a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) identifier from a first network node of a first communication network when served by a second network node of a second communication network, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks; and a transmitting circuit for transmitting the received CSG identifier to the second network node.

[0009] The following can apply to each of the first through fourth aspects mentioned above (e.g., any and / or all).

[0010] The transmission may include: transmitting a measurement report including a CSG identifier.

[0011] The receiving may include: receiving a SIB1 message including a CSG identifier.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, a second apparatus for a second network node in a second communication network is provided, the second apparatus including components for performing operations including: receiving a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from a user equipment; encoding the received CSG identifier to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier; and using the encoded CAG identifier to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node in a first communication network is to be performed for a terminal, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect, a second means for a second network node in a second communication network is provided, the second means comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the second means to perform: receiving a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) identifier from a user equipment; encoding the received CSG identifier to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier; and using the encoded CAG identifier to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node in a first communication network is performed for a terminal, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect, a method for a second apparatus for a second network node in a second communication network is provided, the method comprising: receiving a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from a user equipment; encoding the received CSG identifier to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier; and using the encoded CAG identifier to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node in a first communication network is performed for a terminal, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

[0015] According to an eighth aspect, a second apparatus for a second network node in a second communication network is provided, the second apparatus comprising: a receiving circuit for receiving a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from a user equipment; an encoding circuit for encoding the received CSG identifier to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier; and a using circuit for using the encoded CAG identifier to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node in a first communication network is performed for a terminal, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

[0016] The following may apply to each of the fifth through eighth aspects mentioned above (e.g., any and / or all).

[0017] The operation of the second device may further include: configuring the second device with an encoded set of Closed Access Group (CAG) identifiers, wherein the encoded set of CAG identifiers is reserved for a first network node of the first communication network.

[0018] The configuration may include receiving instructions from the operation and management functions regarding one or more encoded CAG identifiers in the set of encoded CAG identifiers, and corresponding access permissions for one or more encoded CAG identifiers in the set of encoded CAG identifiers.

[0019] Receiving a CSG identifier may include receiving a measurement report that includes the CSG identifier.

[0020] The encoding may include adding five pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0021] The encoding may include adding five leading zero bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0022] Encoded CAG identifiers can have the same length as CAG identifiers.

[0023] The received CSG identifier may include 27 bits, and the encoded CAG identifier may include 32 bits.

[0024] The following can apply to each of the first through eighth aspects above (e.g., any and / or all).

[0025] The first communication network may include a 4G network.

[0026] The second communication network may include a 5G network or a 6G network.

[0027] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least any of the foregoing methods.

[0028] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that other embodiments can be provided by combining any two or more of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A to 1B Representations of a network system according to some example embodiments are shown; Figure 2 A representation of a control device according to some example embodiments is shown; Figure 3 A representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown; Figures 4 to 7 The examples illustrate operations that can be performed between devices; and Figures 8 to 17 The operations that can be performed by the apparatus described herein are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following describes the operations that can be performed regarding interoperability between 4G communication systems and 5G (and higher generation) communication systems.

[0031] Specifically, the following considers potential problems when a 4G communication system has access network nodes (e.g., femtocells) configured to provide connectivity services to a limited number of users (e.g., access via a 4G communication network). For example, this access network node configuration could be a femtocell operating in Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) mode, as further described below. This 4G access network node configuration can cause problems for network nodes when network nodes of another communication system (e.g., 5G and / or 6G communication systems) are performing mobility operations involving the 4G access network node, because not all terminals are permitted to receive connectivity services from these 4G radio access network nodes.

[0032] In the following explanation, certain embodiments are described with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communicating via wireless cellular systems and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining the exemplary embodiments in detail, refer to the appendix. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Briefly explain some general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems, and mobile communication devices to help understand the underlying technologies of the described examples.

[0033] Figure 1A A schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) configured to communicate with a terminal (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) is shown. The 5GS may include a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) or a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AF), and one or more data networks (DN).

[0034] 5G-RAN may include one or more gNodeBs (GNBs), or one or more gNodeB (GNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (GNB) centralized unit functions. See below for reference. Figure 1B This will be explained in more detail.

[0035] 5GC can include the following entities: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Exposure Function; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM); Application Function (AF); Authentication Server Function (AUSF); Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and Session Management Function (SMF). Figure 1 also illustrates the various interfaces (N1, N2, etc.) that can be implemented between the various components of the system.

[0036] Figure 1B An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented is shown.

[0037] Figure 1B An example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0038] In communication environment 100, multiple communication devices, including user equipment 110 and 115 (also referred to herein as "terminals" or "terminal devices") and network device 120 (also referred to herein as "network access nodes"), can communicate with each other. Network device 120 can serve a coverage area referred to as cell 125. User equipment 110 can access the communication network via cell 125. In some example embodiments, both user equipment 110 and network device 120 can be configured to implement beamforming technology and communicate with each other via multiple beams.

[0039] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, the communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0040] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), user station (SS), portable user station, mobile device, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), machine-type communication (MTC) 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. Terminal devices may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "network device" and "network access node" are used interchangeably and refer to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices receive services from the network. A network device can be a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head unit (RH), a remote radio head unit (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node such as a femtocell or picocell, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network device (such as satellite network devices, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, aircraft network devices, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, the radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at the IAB donor node. The IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE relative to its parent node; and the DU portion of the IAB node behaves like a base station relative to the next-hop IAB node.

[0042] Further information is provided here because femtocells are mentioned further below with examples. A femtocell is a cell (e.g., a coverage area) provided by a femtocell base station. A femtocell base station can be thought of as a small, low-power cellular base station that provides a femtocell with a low-power coverage area. Femtocell base stations are typically designed for home or small business use. Using femtocells enables network coverage in locations where signal strength may be too weak for larger cells, such as cells with a larger coverage area compared to a femtocell or cells with greater power than a femtocell base station. Furthermore, providing femtocells can reduce contention on these larger cells by creating connections from end users via the Internet to operator-dedicated network infrastructure located elsewhere. WCDMA, CDMA2000, LTE (4G), and WiMAX have all previously used some form of femtocell base station and femtocell; the two terms are used interchangeably herein.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the link from network device 120 to user equipment 110 or 115 is referred to as a DL, while the link from user equipment 110 or 115 to network device 120 is referred to as a UL. The link is also referred to herein as a "channel". In the DL, network device 120 is a Tx device (or transmitter), and user equipment 110 or 115 is an Rx device (or receiver). In the UL, user equipment 110 or 115 is a Tx device (or transmitter), and network device 120 is an Rx device (or receiver). The link between user equipment 110 and another user equipment (not shown) is referred to as a side link (SL). In the SL, one of the user equipments is a Tx device (or transmitter), and the other user equipment is an Rx device (or receiver).

[0044] In the aforementioned communication protocols, at least some of these communication protocols define cells that are configured to provide services only to a limited number and / or type of terminals.

[0045] For example, 4G defines the Closed User Group (CSG) approach for femtoseconds.

[0046] A Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) is a set of users with connected access to femtocells provided by femtocells. Each CSG is identified by a corresponding CSG identifier (CSG-ID). The CSG identifier is a unique identifier within the PLMN that identifies the CSG in the PLMN associated with the CSG cell or group of CSG cells. Therefore, a CSG identifies a set of users (e.g., a group of users) who are permitted or otherwise authorized to access one or more femtocells of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and these one or more femtocells correspond to the CSG(s) identifier(s) of the user set. In other words, the user set and the femtocells of the PLMN to which the user set is permitted or otherwise authorized to access are associated with the same CSG identifier. The CSG identifier is a 27-bit string. The base station carrying the CSG cell is referred to as a HeNB, a 4G / LTE femtocell base station, or a 4G femtocell.

[0047] A femtocell maintains a list of CSG identifiers that are permitted to access specific services via the femtocell. This list is labeled an Access Control List (ACCR) in 4G. In other words, an Access Control List is a list of CSG identifiers authorized to access network services. Network operators create and manage Access Control Lists. Access Control Lists are stored in the network's database and updated by the network operator as needed. Access Control Lists can be configured to allow or deny access to specific network services for each CSG identifier.

[0048] To access services via a CSG femtocell, a terminal subscribed to a specific CSG is configured with a CSG identifier corresponding to that CSG. The UE's CSG membership is configured in the user subscription data and on the terminal. Subsequently, when the femtocell is configured in CSG mode, the femtocell transmits those CSG identifiers (e.g., the femtocell's access control list) corresponding to the CSG served by that femtocell. The terminal receives the transmitted CSG identifiers (e.g., the transmitted list of CSG identifiers) and compares the received CSG identifiers with the CSG identifiers(s) configured at the terminal. Only terminals configured with at least one CSG identifier included in the femtocell's access control list are allowed to use femtocell resources. When a terminal attempts to connect to a CSG cell (e.g., when the terminal believes it is configured with a CSG identifier corresponding to the CSG identifier transmitted by the femtocell), the network (e.g., the Mobility Management Entity (MME)) checks whether the terminal is allowed to do so based on its subscription data. Clause 5.5 of TS 23.401 and Clause 10.5 of TS 36.300 describe the concepts between CSG cells and the handover between CSG cells in E-UTRAN and between UTRAN and E-UTRAN.

[0049] As another example, 5G defines the Closed Access Group (CAG) method for access nodes in non-public networks (NPNs).

[0050] A Closed Access Group (CAG) is a set of users with connected access to a femtocell. Each CAG is identified by a corresponding CAG identifier (CAG-ID). Therefore, a CAG identifier identifies a group of users who are permitted or otherwise authorized to access one or more access nodes of the NPN corresponding to the CAG(s)(s) configured at the NPN. In other words, the user set and the NPN access nodes to which that user set is permitted or otherwise authorized to access are associated with the same CAG identifier. The CAG identifier is a 32-bit string.

[0051] Cells (e.g., coverage areas) provided by an NPN (also referred to herein as NPN cells) maintain a list of CAG identifiers that are permitted to access specific services via the NPN cell. The CAG identifier list includes one or more identifiers of CAGs authorized to access network services. The network operator creates and manages this access control list of CAG identifiers. The access control list of CAG identifiers is stored in the network's database and updated by the network operator as needed. The access control list of CAG identifiers can be configured to allow or deny access to specific network services for each CAG identifier on the access control list.

[0052] To access services via an NPN cell through a CAG, a terminal subscribed to a specific CAG is configured with a CAG identifier corresponding to that CAG. The UE's CAG membership (e.g., a UE subscribed to a specific CAG) is configured in the user subscription data and on the terminal. Subsequently, when the NPN cell is configured in CAG mode (e.g., a mode that controls access to connectivity services provided by the NPN cell based on CAG membership), the NPN cell transmits those CAG identifiers corresponding to the CAGs served by the NPN cell configured in CAG mode. The terminal receives the CAG identifiers (e.g., a list of CAG identifiers) and compares the CAG identifiers transmitted by the NPN cell and received by the terminal with the CAG identifiers(s) configured at the terminal. Only terminals configured with at least one CAG identifier included in the NPN cell's list of CAG identifiers are allowed to use the NPN cell's resources. When a terminal attempts to connect to an NPN cell of a CAG (e.g., when the terminal believes it is configured with a CAG identifier corresponding to the transmitted CAG identifier), the network (e.g., access and mobility management functions) checks whether the terminal is allowed to do so based on the terminal's subscription data.

[0053] The CAG approach was initially introduced in the context of Public Network Integration of Non-Public Networks (PNI-NPN) to prevent multiple UEs that are not permitted to access the NPN via multiple associated cells from automatically selecting and accessing multiple associated cells configured in CAG mode. CAG-based access control was introduced in 3GPP Release 16. TS 23.501 Clause 5.30.3.1 and TS 38.300 Clause 16.7 describe the existing 5G PNI-NPN concept and the CAG cell concept.

[0054] 3GPP Release 19 envisions a use case for introducing 5G Home gNBs (HgNBs). These 5G femtocells are expected to operate in an operational mode (referred to herein as "closed access mode"), in which only certain users are allowed access to the HgNB cell provided by the 5G femtocell. This operational mode is similar to the HeNB closed subscriber group mode in 4G described above. An HgNB providing closed access mode can be considered a type of 5G femtocell.

[0055] To achieve this closed access mode operation of HgNB cells, 5G systems may adopt and adapt the aforementioned Closed Access Group (CAG) concept, which was introduced into 5G in 3GPP Release 16 for Non-Public Networks (NPNs).

[0056] The introduction of this type of closed access mode may have an impact on mobility operations such as offloading and handover, as some terminals will not be allowed to access connectivity services through certain cells.

[0057] A solution has been proposed to address this issue by using CAG identifiers to make mobility decisions within 5G systems.

[0058] Figure 2 It shows a method for enabling network device 120 (such as Figure 1A and / or Figure 1BExamples of control devices 200 that perform the operation of a network device described herein. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. For example, software code 215 may cause the execution of one or more steps for implementing one or more aspects of this application. Software code 215 may be stored in ROM 211b. Control device 200 may be interconnected with another control device 200 that controls another function of the network device. In some embodiments, each function of the network device includes control device 200. In some example embodiments, device 200 may be implemented at network device 120, or may be network device 120 itself.

[0059] Figure 3 An example of terminal 300 is shown, such as Figure 1A and / or Figure 1B User equipment 110 and 115 are shown. Terminal 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals, such as the user equipment described herein. Terminal 300 can provide, for example, data communication for carrying communications. The communication can be one or more of voice, email, text messages, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0060] Terminal 300 can receive signals via air or radio interface 307 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 3 In this diagram, the transceiver device is schematically designated by box 306. The transceiver device 306 may be provided, for example, by means of radio components and associated antenna arrangements. The antenna arrangements may be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0061] Terminal 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for performing tasks designed to be performed in a software and hardware-assisted manner, including controlling access to systems (such as those described above in conjunction with Figure 1 and...). Figure 2The described network device provides access to a network access system and other communication devices, and enables communication with them. At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. For example, software code 308 can cause execution of one or more aspects of this application. Software code 308 can be stored in ROM 302a.

[0062] Processors, storage devices, and other related control units can be housed on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, combinations thereof, etc. Optionally, depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, speakers, and microphone may be provided.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, terminal 300 may be an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause user equipment 110, 115 to perform the examples or embodiments described in this document.

[0064] It should be understood in the following text that when 5G is mentioned in isolation, it is not limited to 5G. Rather, these references may include 5G and / or more than 5G. For example, it should be understood that references to 5G networks and / or 5G network entities include references to 6G networks and / or 6G network entities.

[0065] In communication systems that are being deployed or will be deployed, the coverage area of ​​4G femtocells is expected to overlap with that of cells provided by 5G (and / or higher generation) access network nodes. This coexistence can cause problems when considering the interoperability of 5G access network nodes (whether femtocells or non-femtocells) with 4G femtocell base stations. In other words, the close-proximity mixed deployment of 4G and 5G (and / or higher generation) cells may affect mobility operations performed when a terminal moves from a 5G (and / or higher generation) cell to a 4G femtocell.

[0066] For example, a combination of adjacent 5G (and / or 6G) access network nodes and 4G femtocells can be deployed, each node providing a corresponding cell. The 5G (and / or 6G) access network nodes can determine that it would be advantageous to perform mobility operations such as offloading and / or handover from a 5G (and / or 6G) cell to a 4G femtocell, and therefore instruct the terminal to receive connectivity service from that 4G femtocell. The terminal participating in this mobility operation may not be a user of the CSG(s) maintained by that 4G cell, and therefore may not be able to receive connectivity service from the 4G cell. This means that attempts to move the terminal's connectivity service from a 5G (and / or 6G) femtocell to a 4G femtocell are likely to fail, and the terminal will subsequently perform more signaling to access different cells. In other words, attempting to switch a terminal that does not have user access rights to the target 4G femtocell's maintained CSG(s) may result in wasted signaling and poor service metrics (e.g., poor quality of service and / or quality of experience).

[0067] Several approaches have been proposed to address this mobility issue. These proposed approaches focus on using 5G core entities, such as access control in the Access and Mobility Function (AMF), to assist mobility operations. For example, the Current Operating Task Description agreed upon in 3GPP specifies how access control is provided to the UE, and how the 5G core uses CSG identifiers to provide access control to the terminal.

[0068] The following presents at least one method for enabling terminal mobility from a 5G system (e.g., from a macro 5G cell or from a 5G femtocell) to a target 4G femtocell implemented by a source 5G network node. The source network node may be included in an access network node and / or core network functions. For example, the source network node may be included in an access network node (such as a 5G femtocell base station) and / or core network functions (such as access and mobility functions).

[0069] More specifically, the following presents a mobility operation method utilizing an encoded version of an existing CSG identifier as an identifier in a 5G network. Specifically, an existing CSG identifier is modified to generate a pseudo-CAG identifier by using an encoding scheme that makes the CSG identifier a suitable form (e.g., length) for use as a CAG identifier. In other words, the pseudo-CAG identifier (which may optionally be referred to herein as an encoded CAG identifier, a random number CAG identifier, or a CAG sub-identifier) ​​comprises an encoded CSG identifier whose form (e.g., length) has been modified. The 5G network node performing access control can also be configured with a pseudo-CAG identifier corresponding to the CSG identifier served by a neighboring 4G femtocell. The 5G system then uses this combination of information (e.g., the 5G network's CAG identifier and the pseudo-CAG identifier corresponding to the neighboring 4G femtocell) to perform access control based on the CAG identifier.

[0070] This configuration has minimal impact on 4G systems and is therefore backward compatible with such 4G systems.

[0071] To help illustrate how to achieve this, Figures 4 to 6 Different example signaling is illustrated. In these example signaling, the source 5G system nodes may include access network nodes (e.g., 5G base stations and / or 5G femtocells) and / or 5G core network nodes (e.g., access and mobility functions). It should also be understood that these references to 5G are not limiting, and the principles described herein can be applied to 6G and / or higher generations.

[0072] In these example signaling examples, the 5G system (as the source of mobility procedures) is configured to reserve all pseudo-CAG identifiers for use in representing the 4G system. This reservation of pseudo-CAG identifiers means that the number of remaining CAG identifiers available for operations within the 5G system (e.g., NPN or HgNB) is reduced from 2³² to (2³²). 2² 7 However, this reservation only reduces the number of CAG identifiers available for in-system operations by about 3%, which is considered to have a small and acceptable impact on in-system operations in 5G systems.

[0073] Figure 4 The first example method is shown. Figure 4In the example, the terminal (e.g., UE) constructs a pseudo-CAG identifier, which is used for verification in the source 5G system node. The source 5G system node has previously been provided with access permissions associated with all CAG identifiers, including those associated with pseudo-CAG identifiers such as those associated with 4G HeNB cells. The pseudo-CAG identifier for 4G femtocells can be identified using an encoding method for converting CSG identifiers to pseudo-CAG identifiers. A simple way to perform this encoding is to simply represent the address space of CAG identifiers preceded by five zeros as pseudo-CAG identifiers and map CSG identifiers to CAG identifiers within that address space; however, it should be understood that other encoding methods can be used. The source 5G system node uses the received pseudo-CAG identifier to check the terminal's access control based on a method similar to that used for in-system CAG identifier access control (e.g., for NPN or mobility to 5G femtocells).

[0074] Figure 4 The signaling and operations involving terminal 401, source 5G system node 402, target 4G CSG cell 403, and operation and management function (O&M) 404 are shown.

[0075] During 4001, the terminal (e.g., UE) receives a broadcast of the CSG identifier from target cell 403. This signaling may be included in the System Information Block 1 (SIB1) message.

[0076] SIB1 is a message used in 4G that provides receiving terminals with information enabling them to determine whether they can access the cell transmitting the SIB1. Therefore, SIB1 may include fields such as "cellAccessRelatedInformation," "cellSelectionInfo," and "frequencyBandIndicator." The "cellAccessRelatedInformation" field may also include additional fields such as "PLMN-Identity List," Tracking Area Code (TAC) (which is common to all listed PLMNs), "CellIdentity" (Cell-ID), "CSG Indication," and "CSG identifier." Six different PLMN-IDs (PLMN-ID 1 to PLMN-ID 6) can be provided through the “PLMN-ID List” field, and each PLMN-ID can include a field of three (3) decimal digits for transmitting the Mobile Country Code (MCC) and two or three decimal digits for the Mobile Network Code (MNC), wherein each decimal digit (0 to 9) can be represented by up to four binary bits.

[0077] During step 4002, the O&M function 404 signals the source 5G system node 402. The O&M function can signal the source 5G system node by transmitting configuration information to configure it to have access permissions corresponding to the "pseudo" CAG identifier values ​​in the same database as the normal CAG identifier values. In other words, the source 5G system node receives and stores information for reserving CAG identifier values ​​that correspond to the way CSG identifiers are encoded as CAG identifiers in the system. Step 4002 can be executed before or after step 4001.

[0078] During 4003, terminal 401 constructs a pseudo-CAG identifier. This can be done using any encoding method that converts the length of the received CSG identifier to the length of the CAG identifier. For example, the pseudo-CAG identifier (i.e., the encoded CSG identifier) ​​may include five pseudo bits (e.g., five zeros) followed by 27 bits of the received CSG identifier bit string. Therefore, the received CSG identifier can be encoded to generate the encoded CSG identifier. Encoding can add five pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier. Encoding can add five leading zero bits to the received CSG identifier. The encoded CSG identifier has the same length as the CAG identifier.

[0079] During period 4004, terminal 401 sends a signal to source 5G system node 402. This signaling may include the transmission of a 5G Radio Resource Control (RRC) measurement report. The RRC measurement report may include values ​​from cell-based measurements performed on target cell 403. This signaling may include a pseudo-CAG identifier generated during period 4003.

[0080] During 4005, the source 5G system node uses CAG identifier-based access control to check access rights for the pseudo CAG identifier received during 4004 (e.g., using the same algorithm and database as when it comes to mobility to the 5G HgNB).

[0081] This check can be performed using the access permissions configured during 4002. For example, the access permissions configured during 4002 can provide indications of which users and / or terminals are allowed to access the connection service via which CAG identifiers. During 4005, the source 5G system node can use the encoded CSG to look up any access permissions corresponding to the previously configured access permission information to determine whether terminal 401 is allowed to access the connection service through target 4G cell 403.

[0082] When the source 5G system node determines that terminal 401 is permitted to access the connection service through target 4G cell 403, the source 5G system can determine whether to perform a mobility operation that allows terminal 401 to access the connection service through the target 4G node. The determination of whether to perform this mobility operation may consider additional information, such as indicators of the current radio conditions of the target 4G cell, the network node capacity of multiple candidate target cells, etc.

[0083] When the source 5G system node determines that terminal 401 is not allowed to access the connection service through target 4G cell 403, the source 5G system may not consider target 4G cell 403 as a candidate network node for performing mobility operations to enable terminal 401 to access the connection service.

[0084] In other words, during 4005, the source 5G system node uses the received pseudo-CAG identifier and the CAG access permissions configured in 4002 as part of at least one criterion for identifying whether the target 4G cell 403 can become a candidate target cell for mobility operations. Mobility operations can be performed based on this identifier.

[0085] Considering Figure 4The encoding in this example includes adding 5 zero bits to the front of the CSG identifier to form a pseudo CAG identifier. Whenever the terminal measures the CSG identifier of a candidate target 4G HeNB cell, the terminal constructs the pseudo CAG identifier by including 27 bits of the CSG identifier received from the target cell into the rightmost bit of the 32-bit pseudo CAG identifier string and adding a leading pseudo bit (e.g., zero) to the leftmost five bits of the 32-bit pseudo CAG identifier string.

[0086] The terminal includes the pseudo-CAG identifier in the 5G RRC measurement report message and sends the 5G RRC measurement report message to the source 5G system node. Although the pseudo-CAG identifier relates to a 4G system entity, the source 5G system node uses the pseudo-CAG identifier in a manner similar to the intra-system mobility procedures or NPN access permission check logic.

[0087] Figure 5 Another example is shown. In Figure 5 In the example, whenever the terminal measures the CSG identifier of a candidate target 4G HeNB cell, the terminal includes the CSG identifier in the 5G RRC measurement report message sent to the source NG-RAN node. The source 5G system node (e.g., the source NG-RAN node or the source AMF) obtains the 27 bits of the received CSG identifier and constructs a pseudo-CAG identifier by including the 27 bits of the CSG identifier and five pseudo bits. For example, the 27 bits of the CSG identifier can be placed on the rightmost side of the 32-bit pseudo-CAG identifier string, and leading zeros can be placed in the leftmost five bits of the 32-bit string. Figure 5 In the example, the source 5G system node has been provided with access permissions associated with all CAG identifiers, which may include access permissions for pseudo-CAG identifiers associated with the 4G HeNB cell. Subsequently, the source 5G system node uses its constructed pseudo-CAG identifier to check access control in the same manner as handling traditional intra-system CAG identifier access control (e.g., for NPN or mobility to the target 5G femtocell).

[0088] Figure 5 The signaling and operations involving terminal 501, source 5G system node 502, target 4G CSG cell 503, and operation and management function (O&M) 504 are illustrated.

[0089] During period 5001, the UE receives the SIB1 broadcast of the CSG identifier from target cell 503.

[0090] During step 5002, O&M function 504 signals the source 5G system node 502. The O&M function can signal the source 5G system node by transmitting configuration information to configure it to have access permissions corresponding to the "pseudo" CAG identifier values ​​in the same database as the normal CAG identifier values. In other words, the source 5G system node receives and stores information for reserving CAG identifier values ​​that correspond to the way CSG identifiers are encoded as CAG identifiers in the system. Step 5002 can be performed before or after step 5001. Step 5002 can be the same operation as step 4002.

[0091] During period 5003, terminal 501 sends a signal to source 5G system node 502. This signaling may include the transmission of a 5G Radio Resource Control (RRC) measurement report. The RRC measurement report may include values ​​from cell-based measurements performed on target cell 503. This signaling may include a CSG identifier (e.g., a CSG identifier received during period 5001).

[0092] During 5004, source 5G system node 502 constructs a pseudo-CAG identifier. This can be done using any encoding method that converts the length of the received CSG identifier to the length of the CAG identifier. For example, the pseudo-CAG identifier (i.e., the encoded CSG identifier) ​​may include five pseudo bits (e.g., five zeros) followed by 27 bits of the received CSG identifier bit string. Therefore, the received CSG identifier can be encoded to generate the encoded CSG identifier. Encoding can add five pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier. Encoding can add five leading zero bits to the received CSG identifier. The encoded CSG identifier has the same length as the CAG identifier. During 5005, the source 5G system node uses an encoded CSG identifier and CAG identifier-based access control to check access rights (e.g., the same algorithm and database are used as when it comes to mobility to a 5G HgNB).

[0093] This check can be performed using the access permissions configured during 5002. For example, the access permissions configured during 5002 can provide indications of which users and / or terminals are allowed to access the connection service via which CAG identifiers. During 5005, the source 5G system node can use the coded CSG to look up any access permissions corresponding to the previously configured access permission information to determine whether terminal 501 is allowed to access the connection service through target 4G cell 503.

[0094] When the source 5G system node determines that terminal 501 is allowed to access the connection service through target 4G cell 503, the source 5G system can determine whether to perform a mobility operation that allows terminal 501 to access the connection service through the target 4G node. The determination of whether to perform this mobility operation may consider additional information, such as indicators of the current radio conditions of the target 4G cell, the network node capacity of multiple candidate target cells, etc.

[0095] When the source 5G system node determines that terminal 501 is not allowed to access the connection service through target 4G cell 503, the source 5G system may not consider target 4G cell 503 as a candidate network node for performing mobility operations to enable terminal 501 to access the connection.

[0096] In other words, during 5005, the source 5G system node uses an encoded CSG identifier and the CAG access permission configured in 5002 as part of at least one criterion for identifying whether a target 4G cell 503 can become a candidate target cell for mobility operations. Mobility operations can be performed based on this identifier.

[0097] Figure 6 A third example is shown. In this third example, the UE determines the action to be taken based on the instructions included in the SIB1 broadcast by the 4G cell. Figure 4 Signaling or Figure 5 The signaling indicates whether the first network node is operating in Closed User Group (CSG) mode or Open mode. This indication may be referred to as the CSG bit.

[0098] The UE checks whether the CSG bit is broadcast in the target HeNB cell. If the CSG bit is not set in the broadcast, the UE prevents the terminal from executing. Figure 4 and / or Figure 5 Signaling (e.g., preventing the terminal from constructing and reporting a fake CAG identifier, and / or preventing the terminal from reporting the target CSG identifier to the source 5G system node).

[0099] Figure 6 The signaling and operations involving terminal 601 and target 4G cell 602 (also referred to herein as the target cell) are illustrated.

[0100] During 6001, the terminal receives an SIB1 broadcast of the CSG identifier from target cell 602. This signaling broadcast also includes an indication of whether the first network node is operating in Closed User Group (CSG) mode or Open mode. For example, the SIB1 may include the CSG bit.

[0101] When target cell 602 includes a CSG target cell, the signaling in 6001 can be included in the signaling in 4001 and / or 5001. It should be understood that target cell 602 can be a CSG cell (e.g., a cell currently operating in CSG mode) or a non-CSG cell (e.g., a cell currently operating in open mode). Cells operating in open mode or non-CSG cells do not restrict access for CSG users. Cells operating in CSG mode or CSG cells restrict access for CSG users.

[0102] During step 6002, the terminal determines whether to execute operations and signaling of 4003 and 4004 or signaling of 5003. For example, when the CSG bit in SIB1 is not set, the terminal performs mobility-related operations (such as cell measurement reporting) without executing operations and signaling of 4003 and 4004 or signaling of 5003. When the CSG bit in SIB1 is set, the terminal executes operations and signaling of 4003 and 4004 or signaling of 5003. Which of the two signaling types to execute when the CSG bit is set can be pre-configured at the terminal or indicated in the SIB1 broadcast.

[0103] In other words, based on signaling 6001, the terminal provides the source 5G system node with a target cell-based measurement report, which includes a version of the CSG identifier of the target cell 602 (e.g., performing 4003 and 4004 or performing 5003 depending on the terminal's configuration); or, the terminal provides the source 5G system with any version of the target cell-based measurement report that does not include the CSG identifier of the target cell 602.

[0104] While the above examples illustrate mobility operations from a 5G system to a 4G system, it should be understood that mobility operations can also be performed in the reverse direction (e.g., from a 4G system to a 5G system). The following section combines... Figure 7 An example is described illustrating how to perform this operation.

[0105] exist Figure 7 In this example process, the 4G system (which acts as the source of the mobility process) is configured to reserve a set of CSG identifiers for representing the CAG of the 5G system. The number of CSG identifiers in the reserved set can be pre-configured. The number of CSG identifiers in the reserved set can be updated (e.g., dynamically or semi-statically). The number of CSG identifiers in the reserved set can be pre-configured by the operation and management functions.

[0106] In the example, a predetermined set of CSG identifiers (less than all CSG identifiers) is reserved for neighboring 5G femtocells. This predetermined set of CSG identifiers may include a predetermined number (n) of CSG identifiers for each neighboring 5G femtocell (e.g., the number of reserved addresses is gn when the 4G source node has g neighboring femtocells). The predetermined number n may be based on a number defined by the communication standard and / or the network operator, and / or on information about the average number of CAGs per femtocell learned. The O&M function can dynamically and / or semi-statically update the reserved CSG identifiers using 5G CAG access permissions.

[0107] The terminal can know which CSG identifiers are reserved in the 4G system. This knowledge may have been configured in the terminal (e.g., via a 5G system node). The terminal can use this knowledge to encode a CAG identifier into a single CSG identifier from the reserved set of CSG identifiers. The 5G system node and / or O&M function can know the encoding scheme from CAG identifier to CSG identifier, and / or the terminal can notify the 5G system node which CAG identifier maps to which CSG identifier, so that the O&M function can configure access permissions at the 4G node for that encoded CAG identifier (i.e., the pseudo-CSG value).

[0108] exist Figure 7 In one example, the terminal (e.g., UE) constructs a pseudo-CSG identifier by encoding a CAG identifier used for authentication in the source 4G system node. The source 4G system node has previously been provided with access permissions associated with the CAG identifier, including access permissions associated with such encoded CAG identifiers related to 5G HgNB cells, etc. The encoded CAG identifier corresponding to the 5G femtocell can be identified using an encoding method for converting the CAG identifier into a pseudo-CSG identifier. A simple way to perform this encoding is to simply identify the address range of the CAG identifier (which may be called the address space) and map the CAG identifier to a CAG identifier within that address space. It should be understood that other encoding methods can be used. In another example, the encoded CAG identifier (i.e., the pseudo-CSG identifier) ​​is formed by removing five bits from the 32-bit string of the received CAG identifier. The removed five bits may correspond to the leftmost five bits of the 32-bit string of the received CAG identifier.

[0109] The source 4G system node uses the received pseudo CSG identifier (i.e., the encoded CAG identifier) ​​to check the terminal's access control, which is based on a method similar to in-system CSG identifier access control (e.g., for mobility to 4G femtocells).

[0110] Figure 7 The signaling and operations involving terminal 701, source 4G system node 702, target 5G CAG cell 703, and operation and management function (O&M) 704 are illustrated. The target 5G CAG cell may include an access network node (e.g., a 5G femtocell). The source 4G system node may include an access network node (e.g., a 4G femtocell or a 4G base station) or a core network node (such as a mobility management entity).

[0111] During 7001, the terminal (e.g., UE) receives a broadcast of the CAG identifier from the target cell 703.

[0112] During 7002, the O&M function 704 signals the source 4G system node 702. The O&M function can signal the source 4G system node that it has access permissions corresponding to encoded CAG identifier values, which reside in the same database as access permissions for normal CSG identifier values. In other words, the source 4G system node receives and stores information for reserving CSG identifier values, which correspond to the way CAG identifiers are encoded as CSG identifiers in the system. 7002 can be executed before or after 7001.

[0113] During 7003, terminal 701 constructs a pseudo-CSG identifier. This can be done using any encoding method that converts the length of the received CAG identifier to the length of the CSG identifier. For example, a pseudo-CSG identifier (i.e., an encoded CAG identifier) ​​can be formed by mapping the received CAG identifier to (e.g., one or more) reserved CSG identifiers in a set of reserved CSG identifiers. In another example, an encoded CAG identifier (i.e., a pseudo-CSG identifier) ​​is formed by removing five bits from the 32-bit string of the received CAG identifier. The five removed bits can correspond to the leftmost five bits of the 32-bit string of the received CAG identifier.

[0114] During signaling 7004, terminal 701 transmits a pseudo CSG identifier (i.e., an encoded CAG identifier) ​​to source 4G system node 702. This signaling may include a 4G Radio Resource Control (RRC) measurement report. The RRC measurement report may include values ​​from cell-based measurements performed on target cell 703.

[0115] During 7005, the source 4G system node uses the received pseudo CSG value and access control based on the CSG identifier to check access rights (e.g., using the same algorithm and database as when it comes to mobility to a 4G HeNB).

[0116] This check can be performed using the access permissions configured during 7002. For example, the access permissions configured during 7002 can indicate which users and / or terminals are allowed to access the connectivity service via which CSG identifiers. During 7005, the source 4G system node can use pseudo-CSG identifiers (e.g., coded CAG identifiers) to look up any access permissions corresponding to the previously configured access permission information to determine whether terminal 701 is allowed to access the connectivity service through target 5G cell 703.

[0117] When the source 4G system node determines that terminal 701 is permitted to access the connection service through target 5G cell 703, the source 4G system can determine whether to perform a mobility operation that allows terminal 701 to access the connection service through the target 5G node. The determination of whether to perform this mobility operation may consider additional information, such as indicators representing the current radio conditions of the target 5G cell, the network node capacity of multiple candidate target cells, etc.

[0118] When the source 4G system node determines that terminal 701 is not allowed to access the connection service through target 5G cell 703, the source 4G system may not consider target 5G cell 703 as a candidate network node for performing mobility operations to enable terminal 701 to access the connection service.

[0119] In other words, during 7005, the source 4G system node uses the received pseudo CSG identifier and the CSG access permission configured in 7002 as part of at least one criterion for identifying whether the target 5G cell 703 can become a candidate target cell for mobility operations. Mobility operations can be performed based on this identifier.

[0120] In addition, it can be executed against Figure 6 The signaling executed is similar to that of signaling, except that the signaling of 6001 is changed to include CAG bits, the 4G target cell is changed to the 5G target cell, and the terminal determines whether to execute 7003 and subsequent operations based on the value of the received CAG bits.

[0121] These 4G to 5G mobility approaches may be useful for achieving backward compatibility with existing 4G communication standards and networks, as the source 4G network can utilize the same algorithms and databases as when switching to 4G femtocell (CSG) cells to perform access control on the target 5G femtocell (CAG) cells.

[0122] Now combine Figures 8 to 17 The above examples illustrate certain characteristics. Therefore, it should be understood that the above description can help to further understand the characteristics described below.

[0123] Figures 8 to 10 It shows that it can be about Figure 4The example operations performed (but it should be understood that the operations discussed in 901 to 903 and regarding...) Figure 10 The discussion can also be about Figure 5 (Example execution).

[0124] Figure 8 The operation can be performed by a user device (e.g., a terminal as described above).

[0125] During 801, when served by a second network node of the second communication network, the user equipment receives the Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from a first network node of the first communication network. In other words, when the user equipment receives connection service from a second network node of the second communication network, the user equipment can receive the CSG identifier from the first network node of the first communication network.

[0126] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the first communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 6G network.

[0127] As an example, the first network node may include a 4G femtocell base station. As an example, the second network node may include a 5G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 5G access network node (such as a 5G base station and / or a 5G femtocell base station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 5G core network node, such as access and mobility functions.

[0128] The receiving may include receiving a broadcast message that includes a CSG identifier. For example, the receiving may include receiving an SIB1 message that includes a CSG identifier.

[0129] During 802, the user equipment encodes the received CSG identifier to generate an encoded CSG identifier. This encoded CSG identifier may correspond to the aforementioned pseudo-CAG identifier and / or the encoded CSG identifier.

[0130] Encoding can be performed in any of a variety of different ways.

[0131] For example, encoding can be performed by adding pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0132] Encoding the CSG identifier may include converting the CSG identifier from CSG format to Closed Access Group (CAG) format.

[0133] The number of pseudo bits added corresponds to the difference in the number of bits between the length of the received CSG identifier and the length of the CAG identifier used by the second communication network. This length difference is currently 5 bits. Therefore, in the current example, encoding can be performed by adding five pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier. The received CSG identifier can include 27 bits, and the encoded CSG identifier can include 32 bits.

[0134] Although the five pseudo bits can take any pre-configured value and / or position, in this example, these five pseudo bits are zero bits on the leftmost side of the encoded CSG identifier. In other words, encoding may include adding five leading zero bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0135] The encoded CSG identifier can have the same length as the CAG identifier.

[0136] During 803, the user equipment transmits the encoded CSG identifier to the second network node.

[0137] The transmission may include: transmitting a measurement report including an encoded CSG identifier. The measurement report may include an RRC measurement report. The measurement report may include at least one metric representing the current state of at least one network condition (e.g., radio access network condition) of the first network node. For example, the measurement report may include at least one value representing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio corresponding to the first network node.

[0138] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates operations that can be performed by a device used in a second network node for a second communication network. The second network node can correspond to the above-mentioned... Figure 8 The second network node mentioned. The second communication network can correspond to the one mentioned above. Figure 8 The second communication network mentioned.

[0139] During 901, the device configures a reserved set of Closed Access Group (CAG) identifiers for the device, wherein the reserved set of CAG identifiers is reserved for identifying a first network node of a first communication network.

[0140] This set may include a single CAG identifier. This set may also include multiple CAG identifiers.

[0141] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the first communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 6G network.

[0142] As an example, the first network node may include a 4G femtocell base station. As an example, the second network node may include a 5G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 5G access network node (such as a 5G base station and / or a 5G femtocell base station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 5G core network node, such as access and mobility functions.

[0143] The device can receive a CAG identifier from a user equipment, determine whether the received CAG identifier corresponds to a CAG identifier in a reserved set of CAG identifiers, and based on the determination, decide to perform a mobility process (e.g., mobility operations such as handover and / or offloading) for the user terminal toward a first network node in a first network of a first communication network.

[0144] In other words, the device can use the received CAG identifier to determine whether the user equipment is restricted from receiving connection access from the first cell, and use this determination (evaluating other criteria) to enable the user equipment to receive connection services from another network node besides the second network node. For example, when the received CAG identifier indicates that the user equipment is not allowed to receive connection services from the first network node corresponding to the received CAG identifier, the device does not instruct the user equipment to perform mobility operations regarding the first network node. Conversely, when the received CAG identifier indicates that the user equipment is allowed to receive connection services from the first network node corresponding to the received CAG identifier, the device continues to evaluate other criteria (such as any metrics included in the measurement report received from the user equipment) to determine whether to instruct or request the user equipment to perform mobility operations regarding the first network node.

[0145] Receiving a CAG identifier may include receiving a measurement report that includes the CAG identifier.

[0146] The configuration may include: receiving from the operation and management function an indication of one or more CAG identifiers from a reserved set of CAG identifiers and corresponding access permissions for one or more CAG identifiers from the reserved set of CAG identifiers.

[0147] Figure 10 This illustrates the operations that can be performed by the operation and management functions. These operation and management functions correspond to the above-mentioned... Figure 9 The described operation and management functions.

[0148] During 1001, the device provides a configuration to a second network node of the second communication network, the configuration indicating the access rights of a first network node of the first communication network corresponding to a reserved set of Closed Access Group (CAG) identifiers.

[0149] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the first communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 6G network.

[0150] As an example, the first network node may include a 4G femtocell base station. As an example, the second network node may include a 5G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 5G access network node (such as a 5G base station and / or a 5G femtocell base station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 5G core network node, such as access and mobility functions.

[0151] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This shows that it can be derived from the above regarding Figure 5 The operations performed by at least some of the devices described.

[0152] Figure 11 This illustrates operations that can be performed by a user equipment. The user equipment may include... Figure 5 The terminal.

[0153] During 1101, when served by the second network node of the second communication network, the device receives the Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from the first network node of the first communication network.

[0154] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the first communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 6G network.

[0155] As an example, the first network node may include a 4G femtocell base station. As an example, the second network node may include a 5G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 5G access network node (such as a 5G base station and / or a 5G femtocell base station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 5G core network node, such as access and mobility functions.

[0156] The receiving may include receiving a broadcast message that includes a CSG identifier. For example, the receiving may include receiving an SIB1 message that includes a CSG identifier.

[0157] During 1102, the user equipment transmits the received CSG identifier to the second network node.

[0158] The transmission may include: transmitting a measurement report containing a CSG identifier received during 1101. The measurement report may include an RRC measurement report. The measurement report may include at least one indicator representing the current state of at least one network condition (e.g., radio access network condition) of the first network node. For example, the measurement report may include at least one value representing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio corresponding to the first network node.

[0159] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates operations that can be performed by the second device on a second network node of a second communication network. This second network node can correspond to... Figure 11 The second network node.

[0160] During 1201, the second device receives the Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from the user equipment. The user equipment can correspond to... Figure 11 User equipment.

[0161] Receiving the CSG identifier may include receiving a measurement report that includes the CSG identifier. The measurement report may include an RRC measurement report. The measurement report may include at least one metric representing the current state of at least one network condition (e.g., radio access network condition) of the first network node. For example, the measurement report may include at least one value representing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio corresponding to the first network node.

[0162] During 1202, the second device encodes the received CSG identifier to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier.

[0163] The encoded CAG identifier can correspond to the pseudo-CAG identifier and / or the encoded CSG identifier mentioned above.

[0164] Encoding can be performed in any of a variety of different ways.

[0165] For example, encoding can be performed by adding pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0166] Encoding the CSG identifier may include converting the CSG identifier from CSG format to Closed Access Group (CAG) format.

[0167] The number of pseudo bits added corresponds to the difference in bits between the length of the received CSG identifier and the length of the CAG identifier used by the second communication network. This length difference is currently 5 bits. Therefore, in the current example, encoding can be performed by adding five pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier. The received CSG identifier can include 27 bits, and the encoded CAG identifier can include 32 bits.

[0168] While the five pseudo bits can take any pre-configured value and / or position, in one example, these five pseudo bits are the leftmost zero bits of the encoded (e.g., pseudo) CAG identifier. In other words, the encoding may include adding five leading zero bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0169] Encoded CAG identifiers can have the same length as CAG identifiers.

[0170] During 1203, the second device uses the encoded CAG identifier to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node of the first communication network is to be performed for the terminal.

[0171] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the first communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 6G network.

[0172] As an example, the first network node may include a 4G femtocell base station. As an example, the second network node may include a 5G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 5G access network node (such as a 5G base station and / or a 5G femtocell base station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 5G core network node, such as access and mobility functions.

[0173] The second device can configure itself with an encoded set of Closed Access Group (CAG) identifiers, wherein the encoded set of CAG identifiers is reserved for a first network node of the first communication network.

[0174] This configuration may include receiving instructions from operational and management functions regarding one or more coded CAG identifiers from a set of coded CAG identifiers, and corresponding access permissions for those coded CAG identifiers. This may be as described with respect to 901.

[0175] Figure 13 It shows that it can be about Figure 6 The operations performed by the device. It should be understood that these operations can be performed by the attached device. Figures 8 to 12 The corresponding named device is used to perform the operation.

[0176] Figure 13 The instructions illustrate the operations that can be performed by the user equipment. Figure 13 User equipment can correspond to Figure 8 and / or Figure 11 User equipment.

[0177] During 1301, when served by a second network node of a second communication network, the user equipment receives an instruction from a first network node of a first communication network indicating whether the first network node is operating in closed user group (CSG) mode or open mode.

[0178] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the first communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the second communication network may include a 6G network.

[0179] As an example, the first network node may include a 4G femtocell base station. As an example, the second network node may include a 5G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 5G access network node (such as a 5G base station and / or a 5G femtocell base station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 5G core network node, such as access and mobility functions.

[0180] During 1302, when the instruction instructs the first network node to operate in CSG mode, the user equipment determines whether to transmit the version of the received CSG identifier to the second network node.

[0181] This version can be included in Figure 13 User equipment corresponding to Figure 11 The CSG identifier received by the user equipment.

[0182] This version can be included in Figure 13 User equipment corresponding to Figure 8 The modified version of the CSG identifier received by the user equipment.

[0183] In the latter case, the user equipment can encode the received CSG identifier to generate an encoded CSG identifier. This encoded CSG identifier can correspond to the aforementioned pseudo-CAG identifier and / or encoded CSG identifier.

[0184] Encoding can be performed in any of a variety of different ways.

[0185] For example, encoding can be performed by adding pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0186] Encoding the CSG identifier may include converting the CSG identifier from CSG format to Closed Access Group (CAG) format.

[0187] The number of pseudo bits added corresponds to the difference in bits between the length of the received CSG identifier and the length of the CAG identifier used by the second communication network. This length difference is currently 5 bits. Therefore, in the current example, encoding can be performed by adding five pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier. The received CSG identifier can include 27 bits, and the encoded CSG identifier can include 32 bits.

[0188] Although the five pseudo bits can take any pre-configured value and / or position, in this example, these five pseudo bits are zero bits on the leftmost side of the encoded CSG identifier. In other words, encoding may include adding five leading zero bits to the received CSG identifier.

[0189] The encoded CSG identifier can have the same length as the CAG identifier.

[0190] Figure 13 The user equipment can transmit a measurement report including this version. The measurement report may include an RRC measurement report. The measurement report may include at least one metric representing the current state of at least one network condition (e.g., radio access network condition) of the first network node. For example, the measurement report may include at least one value representing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio corresponding to the first network node.

[0191] Figure 13 The user equipment can also receive SIB1 messages that include this indication.

[0192] Figures 14 to 17 This shows that it can be derived from the above regarding Figure 7 The operation performed by the described device.

[0193] Figure 14 It shows that it can be generated by user equipment (e.g., Figure 7 The operations performed by the terminal.

[0194] During 1401, when served by the second network node of the second communication network, the user equipment receives the Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier from the first network node of the first communication network.

[0195] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the second communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 6G network.

[0196] As an example, the first network node may include a 5G femtobase station. As an example, the second network node may include a 4G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 4G access network node (such as a 4G base station and / or a 4G femtobase station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 4G core network node, such as a mobility management entity.

[0197] The reception may include receiving a SIB1 message that includes a CAG identifier.

[0198] During 1402, the user equipment encodes the received CAG identifier to generate an encoded CAG identifier.

[0199] Encoding a CAG identifier can include converting the CAG identifier from CAG format to Closed User Group (CSG) format. The encoded CAG identifier can have the same length as the CSG identifier.

[0200] The received CAG identifier may include 32 bits, and the encoded CAG identifier may include 27 bits.

[0201] The encoding may include removing five pseudo bits from the received CAG identifier. The encoding may also include removing five leading zero bits from the received CAG identifier.

[0202] During 1403, the user equipment transmits the encoded CAG identifier to the second network node.

[0203] Transmitting the encoded CAG identifier may include transmitting a measurement report including the encoded CAG identifier. The measurement report may include an RRC measurement report. The measurement report may include at least one metric representing the current state of at least one network condition (e.g., radio access network condition) of the first network node. For example, the measurement report may include at least one value representing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio corresponding to the first network node.

[0204] User equipment can transmit encoded CAG identifiers to the second network node.

[0205] Figure 15 The diagram illustrates operations that can be performed by a device for a second network node in a second communication network. The second network node may include... Figure 14 The second network node.

[0206] During 1501, the device configures a reserved set of Closed User Group (CSG) identifiers for the second device, wherein the reserved set of CSG identifiers is reserved for identifying the first network node of the first communication network.

[0207] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the second communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 6G network.

[0208] As an example, the first network node may include a 5G femtobase station. As an example, the second network node may include a 4G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 4G access network node (such as a 4G base station and / or a 4G femtobase station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 4G core network node, such as a mobility management entity.

[0209] Figure 15 The apparatus can receive a CSG identifier from a user equipment, determine whether the received CSG identifier corresponds to a CSG identifier in a reserved set of CSG identifiers, and based on this determination, decide whether to perform a mobility procedure for the user terminal toward a first network node of a first communication network. Receiving the CSG identifier may include receiving a measurement report including the CSG identifier. The measurement report may include an RRC measurement report. The measurement report may include at least one indicator representing the current state of at least one network condition (e.g., radio access network condition) of the first network node. For example, the measurement report may include at least one value representing the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio corresponding to the first network node.

[0210] The configuration may include: receiving instructions from the operation and management functions regarding one or more CSG identifiers from a reserved set of CSG identifiers, and corresponding access permissions for one or more CSG identifiers from the reserved set of CSG identifiers.

[0211] Figure 16 The operation can be performed by the device used for operation and management functions.

[0212] During step 1601, the device provides a configuration to a second network node in the second communication network, indicating the access permissions of a first network node in the first communication network corresponding to the Closed User Group (CSG) identifier set. The second network node can be configured as described above. Figure 15 As described.

[0213] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the second communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 6G network.

[0214] As an example, the first network node may include a 5G femtobase station. As an example, the second network node may include a 4G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 4G access network node (such as a 4G base station and / or a 4G femtobase station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 4G core network node, such as a mobility management entity.

[0215] The device can receive from a first network node an indication of the correspondence between CSG identifiers included in the CSG identifier set and their corresponding closed access group identifiers.

[0216] Figure 17 The diagram illustrates operations that can be performed by a device used in a first network node of a first communication network. The first network node can operate as described above regarding... Figures 14 to 16 As described.

[0217] During 1701, the device provides the operation and management functions with an indication of the correspondence between the CSG identifiers of the second network included in the set of closed user group (CSG) identifiers and the corresponding closed access group (CAG) identifiers, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

[0218] The first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks. As an example, the second communication network may include a 4G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 5G network. As an example, the first communication network may include a 6G network.

[0219] As an example, the first network node may include a 5G femtobase station. As an example, the second network node may include a 4G system node. For example, the second network node may include a 4G access network node (such as a 4G base station and / or a 4G femtobase station, and / or as any other type of access network node described above). The second network node may include a 4G core network node, such as a mobility management entity.

[0220] Figure 17 The device can be accessed from user equipment (such as...) Figure 14 The user equipment receives an indication of at least one of the above correspondences between CSG identifiers in the CSG identifier set and the corresponding CAG identifiers.

[0221] Figure 17 The device can determine at least one of the aforementioned correspondences between CSG identifiers and corresponding CAG identifiers in the CSG identifier set from the user equipment by performing an encoding operation that maps CSG identifiers to corresponding CAG identifiers. This can be combined with the above. Figure 7 As described.

[0222] The aforementioned systems can be considered advantageous because they facilitate mobility operations (such as offloading and / or handover) from 5G (or 6G) network nodes to 4G network nodes with minimal additional signaling.

[0223] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as radio components or radio heads used in or for transmission and / or reception. Although the device is described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0224] It should be noted that while some embodiments have been described in conjunction with 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures of wireless networks, technologies, and standards, these embodiments can also be applied to any other suitable form of communication system beyond those shown and described herein.

[0225] It should also be noted that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, several changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0226] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0227] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0228] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (c) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (d) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions); and (e) Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors (such as multiple microprocessors or a portion thereof) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may be absent when no software is required to operate.

[0229] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or a portion of hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, where applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0230] Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (e.g., in a processor entity), or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to perform the embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0231] Furthermore, it should be noted that any block in the logic flow shown in the accompanying drawings may represent a program step, interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software may be stored on a physical medium, such as memory chips, memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. The physical medium is a non-transitory medium.

[0232] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., the medium is tangible rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0233] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As a non-limiting example, the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0234] The embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is primarily a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0235] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of this disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0236] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting example. However, various modifications and adjustments may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there are other embodiments that include combinations of one or more embodiments with any other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A user equipment, comprising components for performing operations, said operations including: When served by a second network node of a second communication network, a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier is received from a first network node of a first communication network, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks; as well as The received CSG identifier is transmitted to the second network node.

2. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the transmission includes: The transmission includes a measurement report containing the CSG identifier.

3. The user equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein receiving includes: Receive an SIB1 message including the CSG identifier.

4. A second apparatus for a second network node in a second communication network, the second apparatus comprising components for performing operations, the operations including: Receive the Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from the user equipment; The received CSG identifier is encoded to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier. as well as The encoded CAG identifier is used to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node of a first communication network is to be performed for the terminal, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

5. The second apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: Configure the second device with an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier set, wherein the encoded CAG identifier set is reserved for a first network node of the first communication network.

6. The second apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the configuration includes: The operation and management functions receive instructions on one or more encoded CAG identifiers in the set of encoded CAG identifiers, as well as the corresponding access permissions for the one or more encoded CAG identifiers in the set of encoded CAG identifiers.

7. The second apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein receiving the CSG identifier comprises: Receive a measurement report that includes the CSG identifier.

8. The second device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the encoding comprises: Add five pseudo bits to the received CSG identifier.

9. The second device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the encoding comprises: Add five leading zero bits to the received CSG identifier.

10. The second device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the encoded CAG identifier has the same length as the CAG identifier.

11. The second apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the received CSG identifier comprises 27 bits, and the encoded CAG identifier comprises 32 bits.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication network includes a 4G network.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second communication network includes a 5G network or a 6G network.

14. A method for a user equipment, the method comprising: When served by a second network node of a second communication network, a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier is received from a first network node of a first communication network, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks; as well as The received CSG identifier is transmitted to the second network node.

15. A method for a second device for a second network node in a second communication network, the method comprising: Receive the Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from the user equipment; The received CSG identifier is encoded to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier. as well as The encoded CAG identifier is used to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node of a first communication network is to be performed for the terminal, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

16. A computer program, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer of a user device, cause the computer to perform: When served by a second network node of a second communication network, a Closed User Group (CSG) identifier is received from a first network node of a first communication network, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks; and The received CSG identifier is transmitted to the second network node.

17. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer of a second network node in a second communication network, cause the computer to perform: Receive the Closed User Group (CSG) identifier from the user equipment; The received CSG identifier is encoded to generate an encoded Closed Access Group (CAG) identifier. as well as The encoded CAG identifier is used to determine whether a mobility process toward a first network node of a first communication network is to be performed for the terminal, wherein the first communication network and the second communication network are different communication networks.

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