Apparatus and method for proxying wide area network functionality by a proxy subnetwork

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for proxying wide area network functions by a proxy subnetwork are disclosed. An exemplary user equipment can include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory can store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, can cause the user equipment to receive an indication of a network selection rank from a subnetwork access network of a proxy subnetwork of a wide area network; select a network to register with based on the received indication of the network selection rank; and initiate registration in the selected network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments generally relate to an apparatus and method for proxying wide area network (WAN) functionality via a proxy subnetwork. Background Technology

[0002] In post-5G (B5G) communication systems, such as the sixth-generation (6G) system, even more extreme communication requirements regarding latency, reliability, and / or throughput are expected to be supported. These requirements clearly exceed the capabilities of current 5G systems. To meet the potentially extreme service requirements and flexible networking needs of 6G systems, the concept of in-X subnetworks, adaptable to various scenarios, has been proposed. A 6G subnetwork can be a (semi-)autonomous, highly specialized cell with limited coverage, installed in locations with high performance or customized requirements, such as smart manufacturing, vehicles, or the human body. Accordingly, these subnetworks can be referred to as factory / robot subnetworks, in-vehicle subnetworks, and body subnetworks, respectively. On the other hand, the stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) allows user equipment (UE) to onboard, thereby providing the user equipment with SNPN credentials and other information for initial authentication through an SNPN network, enabling the user equipment to access another desired SNPN network, that is, to (re)select a network and (re)register through the SNPN. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided according to several aspects. Further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. Embodiments that do not fall within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as examples that aid in understanding this disclosure.

[0004] In a first aspect, a user equipment is provided, the user equipment including at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the user equipment to: receive a network selection level indication from a subnet access network of a proxy subnet of a wide area network; select a network to register with based on the received network selection level indication; and initiate registration in the selected network.

[0005] In some embodiments, the network selection level may correspond to the proxy level of the proxy subnet determined by the WAN controller of the WAN.

[0006] In some embodiments, the indication of the network selection level may be received via system information.

[0007] In some embodiments, initiating registration in the selected network may include: registering in the proxy subnet if the selected network is the proxy subnet; or initiating registration to the selected network via the proxy subnet if the selected network is a network other than the proxy subnet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the subscription data of the user equipment may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the user equipment, a list of proxy subnets that the user equipment can access, the service area of ​​the proxy subnets that can be accessed, or access restriction information of the proxy subnets that can be accessed.

[0009] Secondly, a subnet access network device for a proxy subnet of a wide area network is provided. The subnet access network device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the subnet access network device to: receive an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet; convert the proxy level into a corresponding network selection level; and send the network selection level indication to a user equipment.

[0010] In some embodiments, the network selection level indication may be sent via system information.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the subnet access network device activates the user equipment registration function in the proxy subnet.

[0012] Thirdly, a subnet controller for a proxy subnet of a wide area network (WAN) is provided. The subnet controller may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the subnet controller to: receive configuration of the proxy subnet from the WAN controller of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, user equipment registration configuration, and additional information; and execute the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the additional information includes an instruction regarding a status report, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the subnet controller to send a status report to the wide area network controller in accordance with the instruction regarding the status report.

[0014] In some embodiments, configuring the proxy subnet may include: sending an indication of the proxy level in the configuration of the proxy subnet to the access network of the proxy subnet via the core network of the proxy subnet, and sending the configuration of the user equipment registration to the core network of the proxy subnet.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the subnet controller causes the user equipment to: receive subscription data of the user equipment from the wide area network controller; and perform authentication of the user equipment in the proxy subnet based on the subscription data of the user equipment.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the subnet controller causes the agent subnet to: trigger the registration of the agent subnet to the wide area network; and, upon successful registration, obtain information about the wide area network controller.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the subnet controller causes the subnet controller to: establish an interface with the wide area network controller; send the proxy capability of the proxy subnet to the wide area network controller through the interface; and receive instructions from the wide area network controller through the interface regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or regarding status reports.

[0018] In some embodiments, the subnet controller may be a core network function of the proxy subnet.

[0019] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0020] Fourthly, a wide area network (WAN) controller is provided for a wide area network (WAN). The WAN controller may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, enable the WAN controller to: determine the configuration of a proxy subnet based on the proxy capabilities of the WAN's proxy subnet, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a user equipment registration configuration, and additional information; and send the configuration of the proxy subnet to the subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

[0021] In some embodiments, the additional information may include instructions regarding status reports.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the wide area network controller causes the proxy subnet to: perform registration and authentication of the proxy subnet based on the subscription data of the proxy subnet, wherein the subscription data of the proxy subnet may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the proxy subnet, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has local service capabilities, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has core network proxy functionality, or an identifier of user equipment or user equipment groups permitted to register in or associated with the proxy subnet.

[0023] In some embodiments, the authentication of the proxy subnet includes: determining to authorize the core network functions of the wide area network to be proxied by the proxy subnet.

[0024] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the wide area network controller causes the wide area network controller to: acquire information about the subnet controller; establish an interface with the subnet controller; receive the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet from the subnet controller through the interface; determine the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or an indication regarding status reports based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet; and send the indication regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or the indication regarding status reports to the subnet controller through the interface.

[0025] In some embodiments, the WAN controller may be part of the core network function of the WAN.

[0026] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0027] Fifthly, a method performed by a user equipment is provided, which may include: receiving a network selection level indication from a subnet access network of a proxy subnet of a wide area network; selecting a network to register with based on the received network selection level indication; and initiating registration in the selected network.

[0028] A sixth aspect provides a method performed by a subnet access network device of a proxy subnet of a wide area network, which may include: receiving an indication of a proxy level of the proxy subnet; converting the proxy level into a corresponding network selection level; and sending the indication of the network selection level to a user equipment.

[0029] A seventh aspect provides a method executed by a subnet controller of a proxy subnet of a wide area network (WAN), which may include: receiving configuration of the proxy subnet from the WAN controller of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and executing the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet.

[0030] Eighthly, a method executed by a WAN controller of a WAN is provided, which may include: determining the configuration of a proxy subnet based on the proxy capability of the proxy subnet of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and sending the configuration of the proxy subnet to a subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

[0031] A ninth aspect provides an apparatus as a user equipment, which may include: means for receiving a network selection level indication from a subnet access network of a proxy subnet of a wide area network; means for selecting a network to register with based on the received network selection level indication; and means for initiating registration in the selected network.

[0032] In a tenth aspect, an apparatus is provided as a subnet access network device serving as a proxy subnet of a wide area network, which may include: means for receiving an indication of a proxy level of the proxy subnet; means for converting the proxy level into a corresponding network selection level; and means for sending the indication of the network selection level to a user equipment.

[0033] Eleventhly, an apparatus is provided as a subnet controller for a proxy subnet of a wide area network (WAN), which may include: means for receiving configuration of the proxy subnet from a WAN controller of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and means for executing the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet.

[0034] In a twelfth aspect, an apparatus is provided as a wide area network (WAN) controller, which may include: means for determining the configuration of a proxy subnet based on the proxy capability of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and means for sending the configuration of the proxy subnet to a subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

[0035] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, enable the user equipment to: receive a network selection level instruction from a subnet access network of a proxy subnet of a wide area network; select a network to register with based on the received network selection level instruction; and initiate registration in the selected network.

[0036] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a subnet access network device of a proxy subnet of a wide area network, enable the subnet access network device to: receive an indication of a proxy level of the proxy subnet; convert the proxy level into a corresponding network selection level; and send the indication of the network selection level to a user equipment.

[0037] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a subnet controller of a proxy subnet of a wide area network, enable the subnet controller to: receive from a WAN controller of the WAN a configuration of the proxy subnet, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and execute the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet.

[0038] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a WAN controller of a WAN, enable the WAN controller to: determine the configuration of a proxy subnet based on the proxy capability of the proxy subnet of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and send the configuration of the proxy subnet to a subnet controller of the proxy subnet. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The following is a more detailed description in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein,

[0040] Figure 1 Examples of communication networks that can be implemented according to the examples disclosed herein are shown.

[0041] Figure 2 An example architecture of a 6G communication system subnet according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 3A An exemplary interaction diagram is shown for a proxy subnet registration process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 3B An exemplary interaction diagram is shown for an agent activation process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 4 An example of an agent level according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0050] Figure 10 An example block diagram of an example device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 11 An example block diagram of an example device 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 12 An example block diagram of an example device 1200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Figure 13 An example block diagram of an example device 1300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] The same or substantially the same elements, operations, and steps shown in the various figures may be indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, not every element, operation, or step is shown in every figure. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification refers to "a," "an," or "some" embodiments in various places, this does not necessarily mean that each reference refers to the same embodiment, or that a specific feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Moreover, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, such features, structures, or characteristics will be applied to other embodiments to the extent that those skilled in the art possess the knowledge to do so. It should be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another.

[0056] In this disclosure, the terms "at least one of A or B", "at least one of A and B", and "A and / or B" mean [A], [B], or [A and B]. In this disclosure, "A, B, and / or C" means [A], [B], [C], [A and B], [A and C], [B and C], or [A, B, and C].

[0057] The described embodiments can be implemented in communication networks, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on Wideband-code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), High-speed Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also known as New Radio, NR), or any future RAT such as 6G. Furthermore, communication within the communication network 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 Multiple (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0058] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" refers to a node in a communication network through which user equipment can access the network, and / or through which the node can control wireless communication and manage wireless resources within a cell. A network node or network device can refer to a base station (BS), access point (AP), or access node. Depending on the technology used, a network device can be, for example, a Node B (or NB), an evolved Node B (eNode B or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a next-generation Node B, gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node, or non-terrestrial network (NTN or non-ground network) equipment, such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, or spacecraft network equipment.

[0059] Furthermore, regarding a split radio access network (RAN), network equipment can refer to a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. The interface between the CU and the DU can be referred to as the F1 interface in NR. In a split RAN architecture, node operation can be performed at least partially in a CU (e.g., a server, host, or node) operatively coupled to a DU (e.g., a radio head / node). A CU can control one or more DUs that function as at least transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, a DU may include, for example, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and a physical (PHY) layer, while the CU may include layers above the RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and an internet protocol (IP) layer. Other functional separations are also possible. In practice, any processing task can be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary of responsibility shifts between the CU and the DU can depend on the implementation applied.

[0060] In this document, the term "terminal device" refers to any end 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), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, 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, tablet computers, 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), 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.

[0061] In this document, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, and / or code domain. Some examples of resources include, for example, physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmit" and / or "receive" can refer to radio transmission and / or reception on radio resources via a radio propagation channel.

[0062] Figure 1 Examples of communication networks that can be implemented according to the examples disclosed herein are shown. The communication network or cellular communication network may include network node 110, which provides one or more cells, such as cell 100. Each cell may be, for example, a macro cell, micro cell, femto cell, or pico cell. A cell may define the coverage area or service area of ​​a corresponding access node.

[0063] Network node 110 can provide radio access to a communication network to user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs). Radio access may include downlink (DL) communication from the network node to UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels include a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data to the network. Examples of downlink channels include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data to the user equipment.

[0064] The system can have multiple UEs 120 and 122. Each UE can be served by the same or different network nodes 110 and 112. UEs can be configured with dual connectivity (DC), where a UE, such as UE 120, can connect to multiple network nodes 110 and 112. UEs 120 and 122 can communicate with each other when a device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between UEs 120 and 122 via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communication can be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P), or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0065] In a communication network with multiple network nodes, these nodes can connect to each other via interfaces. LTE refers to such interfaces as X2 interfaces. Interfaces between LTE nodes and 5G nodes, or between 5G nodes, can be called Xn interfaces.

[0066] Network nodes 110 and 112 can be further connected to the core network 116 of the communication network via other interfaces. The LTE standard defines the core network as an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include, for example, a mobility management entity (MME) and gateway nodes. The MME can handle the mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area covering multiple cells and can handle signaling connections between terminal devices and the core network. Gateway nodes can handle data routing in the core network, both to and from terminal devices. The core network of a 5G system can be represented as 5GC. 5GC may include, for example, Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) and User Plane Functions / Gateways (UPF) and other functions. AMF can handle Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling, NAS encryption and integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, and security environment management. UPF nodes can support, for example, packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, and Quality of Service (QoS) processing.

[0067] To meet the potentially extreme service requirements and flexible networking needs of 6G communication systems, some core network (CN) functions of the wide area network (WAN) can be decentralized to subnets. However, how to separate core network functions between the WAN and subnets for user equipment management remains unclear. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure enable functional differentiation between the subnet core network and the WAN core network, and provide a mechanism for activating proxy functions in the subnet. Thus, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can ensure that the subnet can operate independently without being connected to the WAN.

[0068] Figure 2 An example architecture of a 6G communication system subnet according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The diagram shows subnet 210 and wide area network 260. Since subnet 210 can proxy the functions of wide area network 260 to varying degrees, it is called proxy subnet 210. Figure 2 An exemplary proxy subnet 210 is shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the wide area network 260 can actually connect to and control one or more proxy subnets. After the wide area network 260 authenticates the proxy subnet 210, the proxy subnet 210 can obtain proxy-level instructions for core network functions from the wide area network 260, thus enabling the proxy subnet 210 itself to possess core network functions. The wide area network 260 represents any wide area network in the communication system, and the proxy subnet 210 represents any proxy subnet of the wide area network 260.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, user equipment 220 is connected to the proxy subnet 210. Figure 2A user equipment 220 is illustrated as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more user equipments can actually be connected to the proxy subnet 210, with user equipment 220 representing any one of them. The proxy subnet 210 includes a subnet access network 225, through which one or more user equipments in the proxy subnet 210 are connected. The proxy subnet 210 also includes one or more subnet core network functions, denoted as subnet core network 235. The proxy subnet 210 also includes one or more subnet data network (DN) functions, denoted as subnet data network 245. The proxy subnet 210 is connected to the access network 265 of the wide area network 260 via a mobile terminal (MT) 230, which is another user equipment besides user equipment 220. The wide area network 260 has core network functions 270 and 275 serving the mobile terminal 230 and the user equipment 220, and also has a data network 285. Figure 2 The example architecture also illustrates the business flows for local and non-local services. Figure 2 The architecture shown can support both local and non-local services to serve one or more user devices in the proxy subnet 210. Figure 2 The network entities or functions shown, such as subnet access network 225, mobile terminal 230, subnet core network 235, etc., can all be implemented by network devices. For example, subnet access network 225 and mobile terminal 230 can be implemented through the same network device and are collectively referred to as subnet access point.

[0070] In addition, the proxy subnet 210 and the wide area network 260 each have a subnetwork controller (sub-CTL) 240 and a wide area network controller 280, which can also be called a parent controller (p-CTL). The subnetwork controller 240 and the wide area network controller 280 coordinate with each other to enable the wide area network 260 to dynamically determine the proxy level of the core network functions of the proxy subnet 210 and to synchronize the states between the wide area network 260 and the proxy subnet 210. In some embodiments, the subnetwork controller 240 is part of the core network functions of the proxy subnet 210. In some embodiments, the wide area network controller 280 is part of the core network functions of the wide area network 260.

[0071] An exemplary embodiment allows the wide area network 260 to delegate core network functions to the proxy subnet 210 to varying degrees, thereby managing user equipment connectivity within the architecture of the 6G communication system subnet across the coverage areas of both the proxy subnet 210 and the wide area network 260. According to the exemplary embodiment, user equipment connectivity includes user equipment registration and other control plane-related processes. Those skilled in the art will understand that even after the wide area network 260 delegates core network functions to the proxy subnet 210, the wide area network 260 can still perform those core network functions.

[0072] Figure 2 The networking method shown is only one example of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure that can be implemented. The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented in other networking methods. For example, the proxy subnet 210 can be connected to the wide area network 260 through a wired or wireless Internet protocol (IP) gateway, instead of through the mobile terminal 230.

[0073] Figure 3A An exemplary interaction diagram is shown for a proxy subnet registration process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3A The various operations shown can be performed by Figure 2 The various functional entities in the architecture shown execute this, with the core network entity 270 serving the mobile terminal 230 and the core network entity 275 serving the user equipment 220 in the wide area network 260 collectively referred to as the core network 290.

[0074] As preparation for the proxy subnet registration process, the WAN controller 280 can perform operation 310 to prepare subscription data for the proxy subnet 210. In some embodiments, the subscription data for the proxy subnet 210 includes at least one of the following: an identifier (ID) of the proxy subnet 210, an indication of whether the proxy subnet 210 has local service capabilities, an indication of whether the proxy subnet 210 has core network proxy functionality, or an identifier of user equipment or user equipment group that is allowed to register on or associated with the proxy subnet 210, such as the identifier of user equipment 220 or the identifier of the user equipment group to which user equipment 220 belongs.

[0075] In some embodiments, the subscription data of the proxy subnet 210 may include subscription data for user equipment 220 or user equipment group to which user equipment 220 belongs, used for the proxy subnet 210 to register with the wide area network 260, collectively referred to as user equipment subscription data. Comprehensive and specific user equipment subscription data may be stored in a functional entity of the wide area network 260, such as a unified data management (UDM) functional entity similar to that in a 5G system. The user equipment subscription data included in the subscription data of the proxy subnet 210, which allows user equipment registered in or associated with the proxy subnet 210, can be mapped or associated in the UDM, for example, in the form of a mapping table, to the comprehensive and specific user equipment subscription data of user equipment associated with the proxy subnet 210 stored in the UDM.

[0076] In some embodiments, when user equipment 220 is allowed to register to the 6G network via proxy subnet 210, the subscription data of user equipment 220 for registration of proxy subnet 210 to wide area network 260 may include at least one of the following: the identifier of user equipment 220, a list of proxy subnets that user equipment 220 can access, the service area of ​​the proxy subnet that can be accessed, or access restriction information of the proxy subnet that can be accessed, such as a list of closed access group (CAG) information similar to that defined in 5G systems.

[0077] In some embodiments, operation 310 may be performed by the WAN core network 290, in which case the subscription data for the proxy subnet 210 is prepared by the WAN core network 290.

[0078] The subnet controller 240 of the proxy subnet 210 can perform operation 312 to trigger the registration of the proxy subnet 210 with the wide area network 260. During the registration process, the subnet controller information 314 of the subnet controller 240 and the wide area network controller information 326 of the wide area network controller 280 will be exchanged between the proxy subnet 210 and the wide area network 260.

[0079] In some embodiments, the subnet controller 240 may initiate registration with the wide area network 260 via the mobile terminal 230. For example, the subnet controller 240 may send its subnet controller information 314 to the mobile terminal 230. In some embodiments, the subnet controller information 314 may be pre-configured in the mobile terminal 230, thus eliminating the need for the subnet controller 240 to send it to the mobile terminal 230 during the registration process of the proxy subnet. In some embodiments, the subnet controller information 314 may include at least one of the following: for example, the identifier of the subnet controller, its IP address, or port information, etc.

[0080] Mobile terminal 230 can set the registration type to "subnet registration" and send registration request 316 to WAN core network 290. In some embodiments, mobile terminal 230 can send registration request 316 to WAN core network 290 via WAN access network 265 of WAN 260. In some embodiments, registration request 316 may include registration type and subnet controller information 314.

[0081] Upon receiving registration request 316, if multiple WAN controllers exist in WAN 260, WAN core network 290 can perform operation 318 to select the WAN controller that will serve proxy subnet 210, for example, selecting WAN controller 280 that has prepared subscription data for proxy subnet 210. If the subscription data for proxy subnet 210 is prepared by WAN core network 290, WAN core network 290 can also select WAN controller 280 and then send the subscription data for proxy subnet 210 to WAN controller 280. For example, WAN core network 290 sends registration request 320 for proxy subnet 210 to WAN controller 280. Registration request 320 may include the content of registration request 316, thereby allowing WAN controller 280 to obtain subnet controller information 314 of subnet controller 240.

[0082] In some embodiments, WAN controller 280 may trigger operation 322 to perform registration and authentication of proxy subnet 210 based on its subscription data. For example, WAN controller 280 may perform registration and authentication of proxy subnet 210 based on the identifier of proxy subnet 210, an indication of whether proxy subnet 210 has local service capabilities, an indication of whether proxy subnet 210 has core network proxy functionality, and / or the identifier of the associated user equipment 220 or the user equipment group to which user equipment 220 belongs, which is allowed to register on proxy subnet 210. If the subscription data of proxy subnet 210 is prepared by WAN core network 290, WAN controller 280 may retrieve the subscription data of proxy subnet 210 from WAN core network 290 (request) during the registration and authentication operation 322.

[0083] In some embodiments, authentication of the proxy subnet 210 may include determining whether to authorize the core network functions of the WAN 260 to the proxy subnet 210. For example, by examining the subscription data of the proxy subnet 210 and finding that the proxy subnet 210 has core network proxy functions, it can be determined whether to authorize the core network functions of the WAN 260 to the proxy subnet 210. After successful registration, the WAN controller 280 may send a registration success notification to the WAN core network 290 and send the WAN controller information 326 of the WAN controller 280 to the WAN core network 290.

[0084] In some embodiments, the WAN controller information 326 may include at least one of the following: for example, the identifier of the WAN controller, IP address, or port information, etc.

[0085] The WAN core network 290 can send a registration acceptance message 324 to the mobile terminal 230. The registration acceptance message 324 may contain WAN controller information 326. Then, the mobile terminal 230 can send the WAN controller information 326 to the subnet controller 240. Thus, after successful registration, the subnet controller 240 obtains the information 326 from the WAN controller 280, completing the exchange of subnet controller information 314 of the subnet controller 240 and WAN controller information 326 of the WAN controller 280 between the proxy subnet 210 and the WAN 260.

[0086] Then, subnet controller 240 and WAN controller 280 can perform operation 328 to establish an interface between subnet controller 240 and WAN controller 280 so as to dynamically authorize the core network functions of WAN 260 from WAN 260 to proxy subnet 210 for proxying, and in some embodiments perform state synchronization between proxy subnet 210 and WAN 260.

[0087] In some embodiments, the interface establishment operation 328 can be initiated by the subnet controller 240, that is, the subnet controller 240 initiates the establishment of an interface with the WAN controller 280, and the WAN controller 280 establishes an interface with the subnet controller 240. In some embodiments, the interface establishment operation 328 can be initiated by the WAN controller 280, that is, the WAN controller 280 initiates the establishment of an interface with the subnet controller 240, and the subnet controller 240 establishes an interface with the WAN controller 280. In some embodiments, the interface establishment operation 328 may include first establishing a backhaul (BH) packet data unit (PDU) session between the mobile terminal 230 and the WAN core network 290. In some embodiments, the interface establishment operation 328 may include establishing a peer-to-peer (P2P) tunnel between the subnet controller 240 and the WAN controller 280.

[0088] After the interface between subnet controller 240 and WAN controller 280 is successfully established, subnet controller 240 can negotiate with WAN controller 280 the level of the core network functions of proxy subnet 210 to proxy WAN 260. This level can be called the "deputy level". Based on the proxy level of proxy subnet 210, WAN 260 can provide instructions to proxy subnet 210 regarding status reports. Status reports can, for example, report the execution status of the functions of proxy subnet core network 235 to proxy WAN core network 290, the operational status of proxy subnet 210, etc., to achieve state synchronization between proxy subnet 210 and WAN 260.

[0089] Figure 4 An example of an agent level according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, a three-level proxy hierarchy can be used in the exemplary embodiment. Proxy level 1 is full deputy, for example, the registration of user equipment and PDU session-related processes are all handled by the proxy subnet; proxy level 2 is partial deputy, for example, the registration of user equipment is handled by the proxy subnet; proxy level 3 is limited partial deputy, for example, the registration of user equipment is handled by the proxy subnet.

[0090] Agent level 1 may have the following characteristics, for example.

[0091] Regarding state synchronization between the proxy subnet and the wide area network (WAN), the proxy subnet 210 needs to synchronize its state with the WAN 260. The state report of the proxy subnet 210 includes the user equipment context information of the user equipment 220 registered in the proxy subnet 210. For example, the user equipment context information can be used to report the execution status of the functions of the subnet core network 235 of the proxy subnet 210 and the proxy WAN core network 290, as well as the operational status of the proxy subnet 210.

[0092] Regarding user equipment registration, user equipment 220 registration and authentication are performed in agent subnet 210, and user equipment 220 authentication is not required in WAN 260.

[0093] Regarding PDU sessions, PDU sessions in agent subnet 210 are used for local services, while PDU sessions in WAN 260 are used for non-local services.

[0094] Agent level 2 may have the following characteristics, for example.

[0095] Regarding the state synchronization between the proxy subnet and the wide area network, it can be the same as in the proxy level 1 case. The proxy subnet 210 needs to synchronize its state with the wide area network 260. The state report of the proxy subnet 210 includes the user equipment context information of the user equipment 220 registered in the proxy subnet 210.

[0096] The registration of user equipment can be the same as in agent level 1. The registration and authentication of user equipment 220 are carried out in agent subnet 210, and no authentication of user equipment 220 is required in WAN 260.

[0097] Regarding PDU sessions, PDU sessions in proxy subnet 210 are used for local services, and are not for non-local services.

[0098] Agent level 3 may have the following characteristics, for example. Regarding state synchronization between the agent subnet and the wide area network, the agent subnet 210 does not need to synchronize its state with the wide area network 260, and does not need to send state reports to the wide area network 260.

[0099] Regarding the registration of user equipment, user equipment 220 is allowed to onboard in proxy subnet 210. For example, user equipment 220 accesses proxy subnet 210 and obtains the necessary information, such as keys, of the network that user equipment 220 wishes to register with, so as to register with the network that it wishes to register with.

[0100] Regarding PDU sessions, user equipment 220 can use proxy subnet 210 as SNPN. User equipment 220 can reuse the mechanisms defined in the SNPN to obtain credentials for the network to be registered via the security connection in the registered proxy subnet 210.

[0101] In addition, after obtaining the credentials, user equipment 220 can first deregister from agent subnet 210 and then register to the desired network.

[0102] Return to reference Figure 3A During the negotiation process of proxy level, etc., the subnet controller 240 can send the proxy capability 330 of the proxy subnet 210 to the WAN controller 280 through the established interface. For example, the proxy subnet 210 can support Figure 4The proxy capability 330 indicates which proxy level is being represented. For example, proxy capability 330 of proxy subnet 210 indicates that it can support proxy level 1, proxy level 2, or proxy level 3. If proxy capability 330 of proxy subnet 210 indicates that it can support proxy level 1, then it can support proxy level 1, proxy level 2, and proxy level 3. If proxy capability 330 of proxy subnet 210 indicates that it can support proxy level 2, then it can support proxy level 2 and proxy level 3. In some embodiments, proxy capability 330 may also indicate the preference of proxy subnet 210; for example, if proxy subnet 210 has proxy capability that can support proxy level 2, and wishes to implement proxy level 3, it can send proxy capability 330 of proxy level 3 to WAN controller 280.

[0103] Upon receiving the proxy capability 330 of proxy subnet 210, in some embodiments, WAN controller 280 may perform operation 332 to determine the proxy level of proxy subnet 210 and / or indications regarding status reports based on the proxy capability 330 of proxy subnet 210. For example, if the proxy capability 330 of proxy subnet 210 indicates that it can support proxy level 1, WAN controller 280 may determine that the proxy level of proxy subnet 210 is proxy level 1, proxy level 2, or proxy level 3. For example, if the proxy capability 330 of proxy subnet 210 indicates that it can support proxy level 2, WAN controller 280 may determine that the proxy level of proxy subnet 210 is proxy level 2 or proxy level 3. If WAN controller 280 determines that the proxy level of proxy subnet 210 is proxy level 1 or proxy level 2, WAN controller 280 may determine indications 336 regarding status reports, such as the periodicity of status reports and / or the format of status reports, etc. The format of a status report may include, for example, statistical data, summary information, and / or raw data.

[0104] Then, in some embodiments, the WAN controller 280 may send instructions 334 regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet 210 and / or instructions 336 regarding status reports to the subnet controller 240 through the established interface.

[0105] In some embodiments, there may be an agent level n, for example Figure 4The proxy level can be any one of proxy level 1, proxy level 2, or proxy level 3. In this case, regardless of the proxy capability 330 of the proxy subnet 210, if the proxy capability 330 supports the proxy level n, the WAN controller 280 can determine that the proxy level of the proxy subnet 210 is the proxy level n, and the proxy level indication 334 can indicate the proxy level n. In some embodiments, if the subnet controller 240 knows the proxy level n, for example, if the proxy level n has been predefined in the subnet controller 240 or configured to the subnet controller 240, then the proxy level indication 334 may not include the proxy level n, and the proxy level indication 334 can indicate that the subnet controller 240 is allowed to perform proxying at the proxy level n.

[0106] Figure 3B An exemplary interaction diagram is shown for an agent activation process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3B The various operations shown can be performed by Figure 2 The various functional entities in the architecture shown will execute this. Figure 3B The operations shown can be performed Figure 3A The registration process for proxy subnet 210 shown will be executed later.

[0107] like Figure 3B As shown, the WAN controller 280 can perform operation 352 to determine the configuration 354 of the proxy subnet 210 based on its proxy capabilities. In some embodiments, the configuration of the proxy subnet 210 may include an indication 367 of the proxy level 366 of the proxy subnet 210, a configuration 364 of the user equipment 220 registration, and additional information. The WAN controller 280 can then send the configuration 354 of the proxy subnet 210 to the subnet controller 240.

[0108] In some embodiments, the WAN controller 280 has sent an instruction 334 regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet 210 and / or an instruction 336 regarding the status report to the subnet controller 240 through the established interface. In some cases, for example, when the WAN controller 280 performs operation 352, a relatively long period of time has elapsed since the execution of operation 332, the proxy level 366 of the proxy subnet 210 determined by the WAN controller 280 in performing operation 352 may be different from the proxy level of the proxy subnet 210 determined in performing operation 332. In this case, the proxy subnet 210 may be executed according to the proxy level 366 determined in operation 352.

[0109] In some embodiments, when a proxy level n exists, the WAN controller 280 determines in operation 352 whether to allow the proxy subnet 210 to perform proxying at proxy level n. For example, if the proxy capability 330 supports the proxy level n, the WAN controller 280 can determine that the proxy level 366 of the proxy subnet 210 is the proxy level n, and the indication 367 of the proxy level 366 can indicate the proxy level n. In this case, in some embodiments, if the subnet controller 240 knows the proxy level n, for example, the proxy level n has been predefined in the subnet controller 240 or has been configured to the subnet controller 240, then the indication 367 of the proxy level 366 may not include the proxy level n, and the indication 367 of the proxy level 366 can instruct the subnet controller 240 to start performing proxying at the proxy level n.

[0110] In some embodiments, the configuration 364 for user equipment 220 registration may include the registration types supported by user equipment 220, and if user equipment 220 is allowed to periodically register to the 6G network via proxy subnet 210, the configuration 364 for user equipment 220 registration may also include the registration period.

[0111] In some embodiments, for example, when the WAN controller 280 determines the proxy level 366 of the proxy subnet 210 in operation 352, Figure 4 In the case of agent level 1 or agent level 2, an instruction 356 regarding the status report can be determined in operation 352, and the instruction 356 regarding the status report can be included in the additional information and sent to the subnet controller 240 along with the configuration 354 of the agent subnet 210.

[0112] In some embodiments, the WAN controller 280 has sent an instruction 334 regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet 210 and / or an instruction 336 regarding status reporting to the subnet controller 240 through the established interface. In some cases, for example, when the WAN controller 280 performs operation 352, a relatively long period of time has elapsed since the execution of operation 332, the instruction 356 regarding status reporting determined by the WAN controller 280 in performing operation 352 may differ from the instruction 336 regarding status reporting determined in performing operation 332. In this case, the proxy subnet 210 may perform status reporting according to the instruction 356 regarding status reporting determined in operation 352.

[0113] In some embodiments, the indication 356 regarding the status report may include, for example, the frequency and / or format of the status report. The format of the status report may include, for example, statistical data, summary information, and / or raw data.

[0114] After receiving the configuration 354 from the proxy subnet 210, the subnet controller 240 can execute operation 358 to perform the configuration of the proxy subnet 210.

[0115] In some embodiments, the WAN controller 280 may provide the user equipment 220's subscription data 360 to the subnet controller 240, so that the subnet controller 240 can perform user equipment 220 authentication in the proxy subnet 210 upon receiving a registration request from the UE 220, based on the user equipment 220's subscription data 360. For example, the WAN controller 280 may check the context information of one or more user equipments 220 associated with the proxy subnet 210 and send the subscription data 360 of one or more user equipments 220 associated with the proxy subnet 210 to the subnet controller 240. If the WAN controller 280 has not yet obtained the user equipment 220's subscription data 360 associated with the proxy subnet 210, it may obtain the user equipment 220's subscription data 360 from the WAN core network 290 and provide it to the subnet controller 240. In some embodiments, the WAN controller 280 may depend on the proxy level of the proxy subnet 210, for example, when the proxy level of the proxy subnet 210 is... Figure 4 In the case of proxy level 1 or proxy level 2, the user equipment 220's subscription data 360 is provided to the subnet controller 240. Based on the user equipment 220's subscription data 360, the subnet controller 240 performs user equipment 220 authentication in the proxy subnet 210 when it receives a registration request from the UE 220.

[0116] In some embodiments, the subnet controller 240 performing operation 358 to configure the proxy subnet 210 may include: sending an indication 367 of the proxy level 366 in the configuration 354 of the proxy subnet 210 to the subnet access network 225 via the subnet core network 235, and sending the configuration 364 of the user equipment 220 registration to the subnet core network 235. The subnet core network 235 may not forward the configuration 364 of the user equipment 220 registration, but may instead, in response to the user equipment 220 initiating a registration operation, implement the registration of the user equipment 220 in the proxy subnet 210 based on the configuration 364 of the user equipment 220 registration.

[0117] After receiving an indication 367 of the proxy level 366 of the proxy subnet 210, the subnet access network 225 can perform operation 368 to convert the proxy level 366 into a corresponding network selection rank 370. In some embodiments, the network selection rank 370 may correspond to the proxy level 366 of the proxy subnet 210 determined by the WAN controller 280. The network selection rank 370 can be used in the wireless interface between the proxy subnet 210 and the user equipment 220.

[0118] Subnet access network 225 sends a network selection level 370 instruction to user equipment 220 and performs operation 372 to activate the registration function of user equipment 220 in proxy subnet 210.

[0119] In some embodiments, when a proxy level n exists, the indication 367 of proxy level 366 may indicate the proxy level n. In this case, in some embodiments, the indication 367 of proxy level 366 may not include the proxy level n, and the indication 367 of proxy level 366 may instruct the subnet controller 240 to initiate the execution of the proxy level n. In this case, there may be a network selection level 370 corresponding to the proxy level n. In this case, in some embodiments, if the UE 220 is aware of the network selection level 370, for example, if the network selection level 370 has been predefined in the UE 220 or configured for the UE 220, the indication of network selection level 370 may not include the network selection level 370, and the indication of network selection level 370 may instruct the UE 220 to execute the network selection level 370.

[0120] In some embodiments, the indication of network selection level 370 may be sent via system information, for example via a system information block (SIB).

[0121] After receiving the network selection level 370 instruction, user equipment 220 can perform operation 374, selecting the network to register based on the received network selection level 370 instruction. The network to register can be, for example, a proxy subnet or a wide area network.

[0122] User equipment 220 can perform operation 376 to initiate registration in the selected network. The selected network could be, for example, a proxy subnet 210, in which case user equipment 220 can register in the proxy subnet 210 without further registration in the wide area network 260. In some embodiments, user equipment 220 can initiate registration to the selected network via the proxy subnet 210. For example, if the selected network is not the proxy subnet 210, user equipment 220 can first register in the proxy subnet 210, then cancel its registration in the proxy subnet 210 after obtaining the required credentials, and then register in the selected network, for example... Figure 4 The example shown is for proxy level 3. The proxy level in proxy subnet 210 is... Figure 4 In the case of proxy level 1 or proxy level 2, user equipment 220 may also select a network other than proxy subnet 210 and initiate registration to the selected network through proxy subnet 210.

[0123] Upon receiving instruction 356 regarding a status report, for example, at the proxy level of proxy subnet 210... Figure 4 In the case of proxy level 1 or proxy level 2, the subnet controller 240 can send a status report 378 to the WAN controller 280 according to the status report instruction 356, to report the execution status of the functions of the subnet core network 235 of the proxy subnet 210 and the WAN core network 290, the operation status of the proxy subnet 210, etc., so as to achieve status synchronization between the proxy subnet 210 and the WAN 260.

[0124] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to distinguish core network functions between subnet core network functions and wide area network core network functions, and a mechanism for activating proxy functions in a proxy subnet is provided. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can ensure that the proxy subnet can operate independently without being connected to a wide area network.

[0125] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary method 500 can be performed by any user equipment such as the user equipment 220 described in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] See Figure 5 The exemplary method 500 may include: operation 510, receiving a network selection level instruction from a subnet access network of a proxy subnet of a wide area network; operation 520, selecting a network to register with based on the received network selection level instruction; and operation 530, initiating registration in the selected network.

[0127] In some embodiments, the network selection level may correspond to the proxy level of the proxy subnet determined by the WAN controller of the WAN.

[0128] In some embodiments, the indication of the network selection level may be received via system information.

[0129] In some embodiments, initiating registration in the selected network may include: registering in the proxy subnet if the selected network is the proxy subnet; or initiating registration to the selected network via the proxy subnet if the selected network is a network other than the proxy subnet.

[0130] In some embodiments, the subscription data of the user equipment may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the user equipment, a list of proxy subnets that the user equipment can access, the service area of ​​the proxy subnets that can be accessed, or access restriction information of the proxy subnets that can be accessed.

[0131] Figure 6A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Exemplary method 600 can be performed by a subnet access network device of a proxy subnet of any wide area network, such as the subnet access network 225 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure described above.

[0132] See Figure 6 The exemplary method 600 may include: operation 610, receiving an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet; operation 620, converting the proxy level into a corresponding network selection level; and operation 630, sending the indication of the network selection level to the user equipment.

[0133] In some embodiments, the network selection level indication may be sent via system information.

[0134] In some embodiments, exemplary method 600 may include: activating the user equipment registration function in the proxy subnet.

[0135] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Exemplary method 700 can be performed by a subnet controller of a proxy subnet of any wide area network, such as subnet controller 240 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure described above.

[0136] See Figure 7 The exemplary method 700 may include: operation 710, receiving configuration of the proxy subnet from the WAN controller of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and operation 720, performing the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet.

[0137] In some embodiments, the additional information includes instructions regarding status reports, and exemplary method 700 may include sending a status report to the WAN controller in accordance with the instructions regarding status reports.

[0138] In some embodiments, configuring the proxy subnet may include: sending an indication of the proxy level in the configuration of the proxy subnet to the access network of the proxy subnet via the core network of the proxy subnet, and sending the configuration of the user equipment registration to the core network of the proxy subnet.

[0139] In some embodiments, exemplary method 700 may include: receiving subscription data of the user equipment from a wide area network controller; and performing authentication of the user equipment in the proxy subnet based on the subscription data of the user equipment.

[0140] In some embodiments, exemplary method 700 may include: triggering the agent subnet to register with the wide area network; and after successful registration, obtaining information about the wide area network controller.

[0141] In some embodiments, exemplary method 700 may include: establishing an interface with the wide area network controller; sending the proxy capability of the proxy subnet to the wide area network controller through the interface; and receiving, through the interface, an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or an indication of a status report from the wide area network controller.

[0142] In some embodiments, the subnet controller may be a core network function of the proxy subnet.

[0143] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0144] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Exemplary method 800 can be performed by a WAN controller of any WAN, such as the WAN controller 280 of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure described above.

[0145] See Figure 8 The exemplary method 800 may include: operation 810, determining the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the proxy capability of the proxy subnet of the wide area network, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and operation 820, sending the configuration of the proxy subnet to the subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

[0146] In some embodiments, the additional information may include instructions regarding status reports.

[0147] In some embodiments, the exemplary method 800 may include: performing registration and authentication of the proxy subnet based on the subscription data of the proxy subnet, wherein the subscription data of the proxy subnet may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the proxy subnet, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has local service capabilities, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has core network proxy functions, or an identifier of user equipment or user equipment group that is allowed to register in the proxy subnet or associated with the proxy subnet.

[0148] In some embodiments, the authentication of the proxy subnet includes: determining to authorize the core network functions of the wide area network to be proxied by the proxy subnet.

[0149] In some embodiments, the exemplary method 800 may include: obtaining information about the subnet controller; establishing an interface with the subnet controller; receiving the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet from the subnet controller through the interface; determining the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or an indication regarding status reports based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet; and sending the indication regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or the indication regarding status reports to the subnet controller through the interface.

[0150] In some embodiments, the WAN controller may be part of the core network function of the WAN.

[0151] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0152] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Device 10 includes, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15. When executed by the at least one processor 12, the instructions 15 cause device 10 to perform at least the disclosed methods and any embodiments. In one example, the at least one memory 14 and the instructions 15 (e.g., computer program code, software) are configured such that, through the at least one memory 14, device 10 performs the disclosed methods and any embodiments.

[0153] Processor 12 may include, or be configured as, one or more circuits configured to perform stages of the method according to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. In this disclosure, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation, such as an implementation solely in analog and / or digital circuitry; (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, if applicable, such as: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor with software (including digital signal processors, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device such as a user equipment to perform various functions); (c) hardware circuitry and / or a processor, such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof, which requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but which may be absent when not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this disclosure (including any claims). As a further example, when used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also encompasses: an implementation solely of hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors), a portion of hardware circuitry or a processor, and an implementation of its accompanying software and / or firmware. If applicable to the specific features of the claims, the term "circuit" also covers, for example, 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.

[0154] The memory 14 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory 14 may include a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least partially external to the device 10, but may be accessible to the device 10.

[0155] Instruction 15 may be contained in a computer-readable medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term non-transitory, as used herein, is in contrast to the limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM versus ROM), and is a limitation concerning the medium itself (i.e., tangible rather than signal).

[0156] For example, device 10 is a user equipment, such as user equipment 220. In other examples, device 10 is included in a terminal device, for example, as part of a chipset configured to control that terminal device. Device 10 can be caused or configured to at least perform method 500 or any of the described one or more embodiments.

[0157] As another example, device 10 is a subnet access network device for a proxy subnet of a wide area network, such as subnet access network 225. In other examples, device 10 is included in a network node, for example, as a chipset configured to control that network node. Device 10 can be caused or configured to at least perform method 600 or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0158] As another example, device 10 is a subnet controller for a proxy subnet of a wide area network, such as subnet controller 240. In other examples, device 10 is included in a network node, for example, as a chipset configured to control that network node. Device 10 can be caused or configured to at least perform method 700 or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0159] As another example, device 10 is a WAN controller for a wide area network, such as WAN controller 280. In other examples, device 10 is included in a network node, for example, as a chipset configured to control that network node. Device 10 can be caused or configured to at least perform method 800 or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0160] Device 10 may include one or more entities of any protocol layer, such as a MAC entity, RRC entity, RLC entity, PDCP entity, or PHY entity. In some embodiments, the entity may be configured as at least method 500, method 600, method 700, method 800, or any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0161] Device 10 includes a communication interface 16. The communication interface 16 provides communication capabilities to device 10. The communication interface 16 may include a receiver configured to receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The communication interface 16 may include a transmitter configured to transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The receiver may include more than one receiver. The transmitter may include more than one transmitter. The communication interface 16 may include a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may include more than one receiver.

[0162] Device 10 may include a user interface 18, which may include, for example, a keyboard, microphone, touchscreen, display, speaker, etc. User interface 18 can be used by a user to control device 10. User interface 18 may be external to device 10. For example, device 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, via a wireless or wired connection, and device 10 may be controlled by a user via the computer.

[0163] In one embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein may be performed by a device including means for performing at least some of the described processes. The means for performing the method steps described herein may include software and / or hardware components of device 10. For example, at least one processor 12, memory 14, and computer program code may form means for performing the methods described herein and any embodiments thereof. The term “means” as used herein may be interpreted in the singular form, meaning a single element, or in the plural form, meaning a combination of single elements. Therefore, the term “means for performing A, B, C” should be interpreted to cover devices in which only one means performs A, B, C; or in which separate means perform A, B, C; or in which partially or entirely overlapping means perform A, B, C. Furthermore, the terms “means for performing A, means for performing B, means for performing C” should be interpreted to cover devices in which only one means performs A, B, C; or in which separate means perform A, B, C; or in which partially or entirely overlapping means perform A, B, C.

[0164] Figure 10 An example block diagram of an example device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example device 1000 may be, for example, at least a portion of any user device such as the user device 220 described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] like Figure 10 As shown, the example device 1000 may include: a device 1010 for receiving a network selection level instruction from a subnet access network of a proxy subnet of a wide area network; a device 1020 for selecting a network to register with based on the received network selection level instruction; and a device 1030 for initiating registration in the selected network.

[0166] In some embodiments, the network selection level may correspond to the proxy level of the proxy subnet determined by the WAN controller of the WAN.

[0167] In some embodiments, the indication of the network selection level may be received via system information.

[0168] In some embodiments, initiating registration in the selected network may include: registering in the proxy subnet if the selected network is the proxy subnet; or initiating registration to the selected network via the proxy subnet if the selected network is a network other than the proxy subnet.

[0169] In some embodiments, the subscription data of the user equipment may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the user equipment, a list of proxy subnets that the user equipment can access, the service area of ​​the proxy subnets that can be accessed, or access restriction information of the proxy subnets that can be accessed.

[0170] In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus in example device 1000 may include circuitry. For example, an example of apparatus 1010 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 510 of example method 500, an example of apparatus 1020 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 520 of example method 500, and an example of apparatus 1030 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 530 of example method 500. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities. Example device 1000 may further include apparatus having circuitry configured to perform example method 500. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities.

[0171] Figure 11 An example block diagram of an example device 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This example device 1100 may be, for example, at least a portion of a subnet access network device for a proxy subnet of any wide area network, such as the subnet access network 225 described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] like Figure 11 As shown, the example device 1100 may include: a device 1110 for receiving an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet; a device 1120 for converting the proxy level into a corresponding network selection level; and a device 1130 for sending the indication of the network selection level to a user equipment.

[0173] In some embodiments, the network selection level indication may be sent via system information.

[0174] In some embodiments, example device 1100 may include: means for activating the user equipment registration function in the proxy subnet.

[0175] In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus in example device 1100 may include circuitry. For example, examples of apparatus 1110 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 610 of example method 600, examples of apparatus 1120 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 620 of example method 600, and examples of apparatus 1130 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 630 of example method 600. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities. Example device 1100 may further include apparatus having circuitry configured to perform example method 600. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities.

[0176] Figure 12 An example block diagram of an example device 1200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This example device 1200 may, for example, be at least a portion of a subnet controller for a proxy subnet of any wide area network, such as the subnet controller 240 described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] like Figure 12 As shown, the example device 1200 may include: a device 1210 for receiving the configuration of the proxy subnet from the WAN controller of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and a device 1220 for performing the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet.

[0178] In some embodiments, the additional information includes instructions regarding status reports. Example device 1200 may include means for sending a status report to the wide area network controller in accordance with the instructions regarding status reports.

[0179] In some embodiments, configuring the proxy subnet may include: sending an indication of the proxy level in the configuration of the proxy subnet to the access network of the proxy subnet via the core network of the proxy subnet, and sending the configuration of the user equipment registration to the core network of the proxy subnet.

[0180] In some embodiments, example device 1200 may include: means for receiving subscription data of the user equipment from a wide area network controller; and means for performing authentication of the user equipment in the proxy subnet based on the subscription data of the user equipment.

[0181] In some embodiments, example device 1200 may include: means for triggering the registration of the proxy subnet to the wide area network; and means for obtaining information of the wide area network controller after successful registration.

[0182] In some embodiments, example device 1200 may include: means for establishing an interface with the wide area network controller; means for sending the proxy capability of the proxy subnet to the wide area network controller through the interface; and means for receiving, through the interface, an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or an indication of a status report from the wide area network controller.

[0183] In some embodiments, the subnet controller may be a core network function of the proxy subnet.

[0184] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0185] In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus in example device 1200 may include circuitry. For example, an example of apparatus 1210 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 710 of example method 700, and an example of apparatus 1220 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 720 of example method 700. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities. Example device 1200 may further include apparatus having circuitry configured to perform example method 700. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities.

[0186] Figure 13 An example block diagram of an example device 1300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example device 1300 may be, for example, at least a portion of a WAN controller for any WAN such as the WAN controller 280 described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] like Figure 13 As shown, the example device 1300 may include: a device 1310 for determining the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the proxy capability of the proxy subnet of the wide area network, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and a device 1320 for sending the configuration of the proxy subnet to the subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

[0188] In some embodiments, the additional information may include instructions regarding status reports.

[0189] In some embodiments, example device 1300 may include: an apparatus for performing registration and authentication of the proxy subnet based on subscription data of the proxy subnet, wherein the subscription data of the proxy subnet may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the proxy subnet, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has local service capabilities, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has core network proxy functionality, or an identifier of user equipment or user equipment group permitted to register in or associated with the proxy subnet.

[0190] In some embodiments, the authentication of the proxy subnet includes: determining to authorize the core network functions of the wide area network to be proxied by the proxy subnet.

[0191] In some embodiments, example device 1300 may include: means for acquiring information about the subnet controller; means for establishing an interface with the subnet controller; means for receiving the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet from the subnet controller through the interface; means for determining the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or an indication regarding status reports based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet; and means for sending an indication regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or an indication regarding status reports to the subnet controller through the interface.

[0192] In some embodiments, the WAN controller may be part of the core network function of the WAN.

[0193] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0194] In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus in example device 1300 may include circuitry. For example, an example of apparatus 1310 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 810 of example method 800, and an example of apparatus 1320 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 820 of example method 800. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities. Example device 1300 may further include apparatus having circuitry configured to perform example method 800. In some embodiments, examples of the apparatus may also include software modules and other suitable functional entities.

[0195] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium including program instructions that, when executed by any user equipment such as user equipment 220 of the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure described above, enable the user equipment to: receive a network selection level indication from a subnet access network of a proxy subnet of a wide area network; select a network to register with based on the received network selection level indication; and initiate registration in the selected network.

[0196] In some embodiments, the network selection level may correspond to the proxy level of the proxy subnet determined by the WAN controller of the WAN.

[0197] In some embodiments, the indication of the network selection level may be received via system information.

[0198] In some embodiments, initiating registration in the selected network may include: registering in the proxy subnet if the selected network is the proxy subnet; or initiating registration to the selected network via the proxy subnet if the selected network is a network other than the proxy subnet.

[0199] In some embodiments, the subscription data of the user equipment may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the user equipment, a list of proxy subnets that the user equipment can access, the service area of ​​the proxy subnets that can be accessed, or access restriction information of the proxy subnets that can be accessed.

[0200] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium including program instructions that, when executed by a subnet access network device of a proxy subnet of any wide area network such as the subnet access network 225 of the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure described above, cause the subnet access network device to: receive an indication of a proxy level of the proxy subnet; convert the proxy level into a corresponding network selection level; and send the indication of the network selection level to a user equipment.

[0201] In some embodiments, the network selection level indication may be sent via system information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may further include program instructions that, when executed by the subnet access network device, enable the subnet access network device to: activate the user equipment registration function in the proxy subnet.

[0203] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium including program instructions that, when executed by a subnet controller of a proxy subnet of any wide area network such as the subnet controller 240 of the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure described above, cause the subnet controller to: receive from the wide area network controller of the wide area network a configuration of the proxy subnet, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and execute the configuration of the proxy subnet based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet.

[0204] In some embodiments, the additional information includes instructions regarding status reports, and the computer-readable storage medium may further include program instructions that, when executed by the subnet controller, cause the subnet controller to: send a status report to the wide area network controller in accordance with the instructions regarding status reports.

[0205] In some embodiments, configuring the proxy subnet may include: sending an indication of the proxy level in the configuration of the proxy subnet to the access network of the proxy subnet via the core network of the proxy subnet, and sending the configuration of the user equipment registration to the core network of the proxy subnet.

[0206] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may further include program instructions that, when executed by the subnet controller, enable the subnet controller to: receive subscription data of the user equipment from the wide area network controller; and perform authentication of the user equipment in the proxy subnet based on the subscription data of the user equipment.

[0207] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may further include program instructions that, when executed by the subnet controller, enable the subnet controller to: trigger the registration of the proxy subnet to the wide area network; and, upon successful registration, obtain information from the wide area network controller.

[0208] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may further include program instructions that, when executed by the subnet controller, enable the subnet controller to: establish an interface with the wide area network controller; send the proxy capability of the proxy subnet to the wide area network controller through the interface; and receive instructions from the wide area network controller through the interface regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or regarding status reports.

[0209] In some embodiments, the subnet controller may be a core network function of the proxy subnet.

[0210] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0211] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium including program instructions that, when executed by a WAN controller of any WAN such as the WAN controller 280 of the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure described above, cause the WAN controller to: determine the configuration of a proxy subnet based on the proxy capability of the WAN's proxy subnet, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, a configuration of user equipment registration, and additional information; and send the configuration of the proxy subnet to the subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

[0212] In some embodiments, the additional information may include instructions regarding status reports.

[0213] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may further include program instructions that, when executed by the WAN controller, enable the WAN controller to: perform registration and authentication of the proxy subnet based on the subscription data of the proxy subnet, wherein the subscription data of the proxy subnet may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the proxy subnet, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has local service capabilities, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has core network proxy functionality, or an identifier of user equipment or user equipment groups permitted to register in or associated with the proxy subnet.

[0214] In some embodiments, the authentication of the proxy subnet includes: determining to authorize the core network functions of the wide area network to be proxied by the proxy subnet.

[0215] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may further include program instructions that, when executed by the WAN controller, enable the WAN controller to: acquire information about the subnet controller; establish an interface with the subnet controller; receive the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet from the subnet controller through the interface; determine the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or an indication regarding status reports based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet; and send the indication regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or the indication regarding status reports to the subnet controller through the interface.

[0216] In some embodiments, the WAN controller may be part of the core network function of the WAN.

[0217] In some embodiments, the proxy level can be the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

[0218] It should be understood that the apparatus according to the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The modules in the illustrated example apparatuses can be connected or coupled together in any suitable manner, and the arrows between the modules are only used to indicate the direction of data or signals of interest, but do not indicate that the direction of data or signals between modules can only be in the direction of the arrows.

[0219] The phrases “at least one of the following: <two or more listed elements>” and “at least one of <two or more listed elements>” and similar expressions in this disclosure, wherein the two or more listed elements are connected by “and” or “or”, mean at least one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0220] In addition to the methods and apparatus described above, embodiments of this disclosure may also be computer program products comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps in the example methods described above.

[0221] The computer program product can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​to perform operations of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. These programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on a user's computing device, partially on a user's computing device, as a standalone software package, partially on a user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server.

[0222] The computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may, for example, include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0223] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above in conjunction with embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0224] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0225] Furthermore, in the apparatus, devices, and methods disclosed herein, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. Such disassembly and / or recombination should be considered equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0226] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0227] The above description has been given for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

[0228] The following are some abbreviations or abbreviations that may be used in this disclosure and its accompanying drawings:

[0229] 5G fifth-generation mobile communication system

[0230] B5G Post-5G

[0231] 6G sixth-generation mobile communication system

[0232] BH Return

[0233] CAG Closed Access Group

[0234] DN Data Network

[0235] ID identifier

[0236] IP Internet Protocol

[0237] MT mobile terminal

[0238] P2P / p-to-p peer-to-peer

[0239] p-CTL WAN Controller / Parent Controller

[0240] PDU (Packet Data Unit)

[0241] SIB System Information Block

[0242] SNPN (Standard Non-Public Network)

[0243] sub-CTL subnet controller

[0244] UDM Unified Data Management

[0245] UE User Equipment

[0246] WAN (Wide Area Network)

Claims

1. A user equipment, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to at least: Receive network selection level instructions from the subnet access network of the proxy subnet of the wide area network; Based on the received network selection level instruction, select the network to register with; as well as Initiate registration on the selected network.

2. The user equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The network selection level corresponds to the proxy level of the proxy subnet determined by the WAN controller of the WAN.

3. The user equipment as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The network selection level indication is received via system information.

4. The user equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The process of initiating registration in the selected network includes: If the selected network is the proxy subnet, register on the proxy subnet; or If the selected network is a network other than the proxy subnet, registration to the selected network is initiated via the proxy subnet.

5. The user equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The subscription data of the user equipment includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the user equipment, a list of proxy subnets that the user equipment can access, the service area of ​​the proxy subnets that can be accessed, or the access restriction information of the proxy subnets that can be accessed.

6. A subnet access network device for a proxy subnet of a wide area network, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the subnet access network device to at least: Receive the proxy level instruction for the proxy subnet; Convert the agent level to the corresponding network selection level; and Send the network selection level instruction to the user equipment.

7. The subnet access network device as described in claim 6, wherein, The network selection level indication is sent via system information.

8. The subnet access network device as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the subnet access network device: The user equipment registration function is activated in the agent subnet.

9. A subnet controller for a proxy subnet of a wide area network, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the subnet controller to at least: The configuration of the proxy subnet is received from the WAN controller of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, user equipment registration configuration, and additional information; and Based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet, the configuration of the proxy subnet is executed.

10. The subnet controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The additional information includes instructions regarding status reports, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the subnet controller to: In accordance with the instructions regarding status reporting, a status report is sent to the WAN controller.

11. The subnet controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The configuration for executing the proxy subnet includes: The proxy level indication in the configuration of the proxy subnet is sent to the access network of the proxy subnet via the core network of the proxy subnet, and the user equipment registration configuration is sent to the core network of the proxy subnet.

12. The subnet controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the subnet controller: Receive subscription data from the user equipment from the WAN controller; as well as The authentication of the user equipment is performed in the proxy subnet based on the user equipment's subscription data.

13. The subnet controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the subnet controller: This triggers the registration of the proxy subnet with the wide area network; as well as After successful registration, obtain the information of the WAN controller.

14. The subnet controller as described in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the subnet controller: Establish an interface with the WAN controller; The proxy capability of the proxy subnet is sent to the WAN controller through the interface. as well as The interface is used to receive instructions from the WAN controller regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or instructions regarding status reports.

15. The subnet controller as described in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The subnet controller belongs to the core network function of the agent subnet.

16. The subnet controller as described in claims 9 to 13, wherein, The proxy level is the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

17. A wide area network (WAN) controller for a wide area network, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the WAN controller to at least: Based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet of the wide area network, the configuration of the proxy subnet is determined. The configuration of the proxy subnet includes an indication of the proxy level, user equipment registration configuration, and additional information; and Send the configuration of the proxy subnet to the subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

18. The wide area network controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The additional information includes instructions regarding status reports.

19. The wide area network controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the wide area network controller: Based on the subscription data of the proxy subnet, registration and authentication of the proxy subnet are performed. The subscription data of the proxy subnet includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the proxy subnet, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has local service capabilities, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has core network proxy functions, or the identifier of user equipment or user equipment group that is allowed to register in the proxy subnet or associated with the proxy subnet.

20. The wide area network controller as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The authentication of the proxy subnet includes: determining that the core network functions of the wide area network are authorized to the proxy subnet.

21. The wide area network controller as described in claim 19, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the wide area network controller: Obtain information about the subnet controller; Establish an interface with the subnet controller; The proxy capability of the proxy subnet is received from the subnet controller through the interface. Based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet, determine the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or instructions regarding status reports; as well as The interface is used to send instructions to the subnet controller regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or regarding status reports.

22. The wide area network controller as described in claim 17, wherein, The WAN controller is a core network function of the WAN.

23. The wide area network controller according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein, The proxy level is the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

24. A method performed by a user equipment, comprising: Receive network selection level instructions from the subnet access network of the proxy subnet of the wide area network; Based on the received network selection level instruction, select the network to register with; as well as Initiate registration on the selected network.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The network selection level corresponds to the proxy level of the proxy subnet determined by the WAN controller of the WAN.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein, The network selection level indication is received via system information.

27. The method as described in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein, The process of initiating registration in the selected network includes: If the selected network is the proxy subnet, register on the proxy subnet; or If the selected network is a network other than the proxy subnet, registration to the selected network is initiated via the proxy subnet.

28. The method as described in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein, The subscription data of the user equipment includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the user equipment, a list of proxy subnets that the user equipment can access, the service area of ​​the proxy subnets that can be accessed, or the access restriction information of the proxy subnets that can be accessed.

29. A method performed by a subnet access network device of a proxy subnet of a wide area network, comprising: Receive the proxy level instruction for the proxy subnet; Convert the agent level into the corresponding network selection level; as well as Send the network selection level instruction to the user equipment.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, The network selection level indication is sent via system information.

31. The method of claim 29 or 30, comprising: The user equipment registration function is activated in the agent subnet.

32. A method performed by a subnet controller of a proxy subnet of a wide area network, comprising: The configuration of the proxy subnet is received from the WAN controller of the WAN, the configuration of the proxy subnet including an indication of the proxy level of the proxy subnet, user equipment registration configuration, and additional information; and Based on the received configuration of the proxy subnet, the configuration of the proxy subnet is executed.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, The additional information includes instructions regarding status reporting, and the method includes: In accordance with the instructions regarding status reporting, a status report is sent to the WAN controller.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein, The configuration for executing the proxy subnet includes: The proxy level indication in the configuration of the proxy subnet is sent to the access network of the proxy subnet via the core network of the proxy subnet, and the user equipment registration configuration is sent to the core network of the proxy subnet.

35. The method of claim 32, comprising: Receive subscription data from the user equipment from the WAN controller; as well as The authentication of the user equipment is performed in the proxy subnet based on the user equipment's subscription data.

36. The method of claim 32, comprising: This triggers the registration of the proxy subnet with the wide area network; as well as After successful registration, obtain the information of the WAN controller.

37. The method of any one of claims 32 to 36, comprising: Establish an interface with the WAN controller; The proxy capability of the proxy subnet is sent to the WAN controller through the interface. as well as The interface is used to receive instructions from the WAN controller regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or instructions regarding status reports.

38. The subnet controller as described in any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein, The subnet controller belongs to the core network function of the agent subnet.

39. The subnet controller as described in claims 32 to 36, wherein, The proxy level is the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

40. A method executed by a WAN controller of a WAN, comprising: Based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet of the wide area network, the configuration of the proxy subnet is determined. The configuration of the proxy subnet includes an indication of the proxy level, user equipment registration configuration, and additional information; and Send the configuration of the proxy subnet to the subnet controller of the proxy subnet.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein, The additional information includes instructions regarding status reports.

42. The method of claim 40, comprising: Based on the subscription data of the proxy subnet, registration and authentication of the proxy subnet are performed. The subscription data of the proxy subnet includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the proxy subnet, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has local service capabilities, an indication of whether the proxy subnet has core network proxy functions, or the identifier of user equipment or user equipment group that is allowed to register in the proxy subnet or associated with the proxy subnet.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein, The authentication of the proxy subnet includes: determining that the core network functions of the wide area network are authorized to the proxy subnet.

44. The method of claim 42, comprising: Obtain information about the subnet controller; Establish an interface with the subnet controller; The proxy capability of the proxy subnet is received from the subnet controller through the interface. Based on the proxy capabilities of the proxy subnet, determine the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or instructions regarding status reports; as well as The interface is used to send instructions to the subnet controller regarding the proxy level of the proxy subnet and / or regarding status reports.

45. The wide area network controller as described in claim 40, wherein, The WAN controller is a core network function of the WAN.

46. ​​The wide area network controller according to any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein, The proxy level is the level at which the proxy subnet proxies the core network functions of the wide area network.

47. An apparatus as a user equipment, comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 24 to 28.

48. An apparatus for a subnet access network device serving as a proxy subnet of a wide area network, comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 29 to 31.

49. An apparatus for a subnet controller serving as a proxy subnet of a wide area network, comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 32 to 39.

50. A device for a wide area network controller as a wide area network, comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 40 to 46.

51. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform the method of any one of claims 24 to 28.

52. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions, when executed by a subnet access network device of a proxy subnet of a wide area network, causing the subnet access network device to perform the method of any one of claims 29 to 31.

53. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a subnet controller of a proxy subnet of a wide area network, cause the subnet controller to perform the method of any one of claims 32 to 39.

54. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a WAN controller of a WAN, cause the WAN controller to perform the method of any one of claims 40 to 46.

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