Method, apparatus, and computer program

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that includes receiving, from a primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents including information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which a user equipment can migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a partner mission-critical system to migrate to from among the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a user profile configuration document to use in the migration from the received one or more user profile configuration documents; and performing a migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programs, particularly but not exclusively, to user equipment transition to mission critical systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A communication system may be considered as a facility that facilitates communication sessions between two or more entities, such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes, by providing carrier waves between the various entities involved in the communication paths. A communication system may be provided, for example, using a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session may include communication of data, for example, to carry communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services, and access to a data network system such as the Internet.

[0003] In a wireless communication system, at least a portion of a communication session between at least two stations is conducted over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local networks, e.g., wireless local area networks (WLANs). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] A user can access a communication system using a suitable communication device or terminal. A user's communication device may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. The communication device is provided with suitable signal receiving and transmitting equipment to enable communication, e.g., to enable access to a communication network or direct communication with other users. The communication device can access a carrier wave provided by a station, e.g., a base station of a cell, and transmit and / or receive information on that carrier wave.

[0005] Communication systems and associated devices typically operate according to a given standard or specification that describes what various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how this should be accomplished. The communication protocols and / or communication parameters to be used for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology, and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS 22.179 [Non-patent document 2] 3GPP TS 22.281 [Non-patent document 3] 3GPP TS 22.282 [Non-patent document 4] 3GPP TS 23.280 [Non-patent document 5] 3GPP TS 23.280, Section 10.1.1.1 [Non-patent document 6] 3GPP TS.24.482 [Non-Patent Document 7] 3GPP TS 24.481 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect, a user equipment is provided that includes means for receiving, from a primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a partner mission-critical system to migrate from among the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a user profile configuration document to use in the migration from the received one or more user profile configuration documents; and performing a migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

[0008] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may be based on the following criteria: the information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition includes the identity of the partner mission-critical system; the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to the registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in the list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0009] A plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems may meet the criteria, and the means may be for selecting a partner mission-critical system from among the plurality of candidate mission-critical systems.

[0010] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may include: presenting one or more partner mission-critical systems to a user that meet the criteria; and receiving user input via a user interface selecting one of the presented one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0011] A plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems may be associated with a plurality of priority values, and selecting a partner mission-critical system may be based on the plurality of priority values.

[0012] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may include: indicating to the user a priority value associated with the indicated one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0013] Selecting the user profile configuration document may include selecting a user profile configuration document that satisfies the following conditions: the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to a registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in a list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0014] A plurality of user profile configuration documents may satisfy the condition, and the means may be for selecting a user profile configuration document from among the plurality of user profile configuration documents.

[0015] Multiple user profile configuration documents can be associated with multiple priority values, and selecting a user profile configuration document can be based on the multiple priority values.

[0016] The means may further be for: obtaining, from the primary mission-critical system, security information for accessing the selected partner mission-critical system.

[0017] Performing the transition may include: performing an authentication procedure with the selected partner mission-critical system based on security information and the user equipment initial configuration included in the selected user profile configuration document.

[0018] Performing the transition may include performing a signaling plane transition to the selected partner mission-critical system in response to successfully completing the authentication procedure.

[0019] Performing the transition may include: performing an authorization procedure on the partner mission-critical system in response to performing the signaling plane transition, wherein the transition is successful when the authorization procedure is successfully completed.

[0020] The means further includes: receiving, from the partner mission critical system, information indicating one or more updates to a user profile configuration document, a user equipment initial configuration document, and / or a service configuration document; and updating locally stored information based on the received information.

[0021] The means further include: sending a subscription request associated with the user profile configuration document, the user equipment initial configuration document, and / or the service configuration document to the partner mission-critical system, wherein receiving information indicating the one or more updates can be based on the subscription request.

[0022] Selecting a partner mission-critical system can be done before selecting a user profile configuration document; or selecting a partner mission-critical system can be done after selecting a user profile configuration document.

[0023] According to one aspect, a mission-critical system is provided that includes means for sending to a user equipment one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0024] The means may further be for: providing security information to the user equipment for accessing the at least one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0025] According to one aspect, a user equipment is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to at least: receive from a primary mission-critical system one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate, and one or more user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; select a partner mission-critical system to migrate from among the one or more partner mission-critical systems; select a user profile configuration document to use in the migration from the received one or more user profile configuration documents; and perform a migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

[0026] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the user equipment to select a partner mission-critical system based on the following criteria: the information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition includes the identity of the partner mission-critical system; the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to a registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in a list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0027] Multiple candidate partner mission-critical systems may meet the criteria, and the at least one processor may be configured to cause the user equipment to select a partner mission-critical system from among the multiple candidate mission-critical systems.

[0028] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to indicate to the user one or more partner mission-critical systems that satisfy the criteria; and to receive, via the user interface, user input selecting one of the indicated one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0029] The plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems can be associated with a plurality of priority values, and the at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to select a partner mission-critical system based on the plurality of priority values.

[0030] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to: cause a user to indicate a priority value associated with the indicated one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0031] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the user equipment to select a user profile configuration document that satisfies the following conditions: the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to a registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in a list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0032] Multiple user profile configuration documents may satisfy the condition, and the at least one processor may be configured to cause the user equipment to select a user profile configuration document from among the multiple user profile configuration documents.

[0033] Multiple user profile configuration documents can be associated with multiple priority values, and the at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to select a user profile configuration document based on the multiple priority values.

[0034] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to obtain security information for accessing the selected partner mission-critical system from the primary mission-critical system.

[0035] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to perform an authentication procedure with the selected partner mission-critical system based on the security information and the user equipment initial configuration included in the selected user profile configuration document.

[0036] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to perform a signaling plane transition to the selected partner mission-critical system in response to successfully completing the authentication procedure.

[0037] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to perform an authorization procedure on the partner mission-critical system in response to performing the signaling plane transition, and the transition being successful when the authorization procedure is successfully completed.

[0038] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the user equipment to: receive, from the partner mission-critical system, information indicating one or more updates to a user profile configuration document, a user equipment initial configuration document, and / or a service configuration document; and update locally stored information based on the received information.

[0039] The at least one processor may be configured to cause the user equipment to send a subscription request associated with the user profile configuration document, the user equipment initial configuration document, and / or the service configuration document to the partner mission-critical system, and the at least one processor may be configured to cause the user equipment to receive information indicating one or more updates based on the subscription request.

[0040] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the user equipment to: select a partner mission-critical system before selecting the user profile configuration document; or selecting the partner mission-critical system can occur after selecting the user profile configuration document.

[0041] According to one aspect, a mission-critical system is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the mission-critical system to at least: send to a user equipment one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition, and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0042] The at least one processor can be configured to cause the mission-critical system to: provide security information to the user equipment for accessing the at least one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0043] According to one aspect, a method is provided that is performed in a user equipment, the method including: receiving, from a primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a partner mission-critical system to migrate from among the one or more partner mission-critical systems, and selecting a user profile configuration document to use for the migration from the received one or more user profile configuration documents; and performing the migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

[0044] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may be based on the following criteria: the information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition includes the identity of the partner mission-critical system; the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to the registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in a list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0045] A plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems may meet the criteria, and the method may include selecting a partner mission-critical system from among the plurality of candidate mission-critical systems.

[0046] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may include: presenting one or more partner mission-critical systems to a user that meet the criteria; and receiving user input via a user interface selecting one of the presented one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0047] A plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems may be associated with a plurality of priority values, and selecting a partner mission-critical system may be based on the plurality of priority values.

[0048] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may include: indicating to the user a priority value associated with the indicated one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0049] Selecting the user profile configuration document may include selecting a user profile configuration document that satisfies the following conditions: the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to a registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in a list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0050] Multiple user profile configuration documents may satisfy the condition, and the method may include selecting a user profile configuration document from among the multiple user profile configuration documents.

[0051] Multiple user profile configuration documents can be associated with multiple priority values, and selecting a user profile configuration document can be based on the multiple priority values.

[0052] The method can include: obtaining, from a primary mission-critical system, security information for accessing a selected partner mission-critical system.

[0053] Performing the transition may include: performing an authentication procedure with the selected partner mission-critical system based on security information and the user equipment initial configuration contained within the selected user profile configuration document.

[0054] Performing the transition may include: performing a signaling plane transition to the selected partner mission-critical system in response to successfully completing the authentication procedure.

[0055] Performing the transition may include: performing an authorization procedure on the partner mission-critical system in response to performing the signaling plane transition, wherein the transition is successful when the authorization procedure is successfully completed.

[0056] The method may include: receiving information from a partner mission-critical system indicating one or more updates to a user profile configuration document, a user equipment initial configuration document, and / or a service configuration document; and updating locally stored information based on the received information.

[0057] The method may include: sending a subscription request associated with a user profile configuration document, a user equipment initial configuration document, and / or a service configuration document to a partner mission-critical system, wherein receiving information indicating the one or more updates is based on the subscription request.

[0058] Selecting a partner mission-critical system can be done before selecting a user profile configuration document; or selecting a partner mission-critical system can be done after selecting a user profile configuration document.

[0059] According to one aspect, a method is provided that is performed in a mission-critical system and includes: sending, to a user equipment, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0060] The method can include: providing security information to a user device for accessing at least one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0061] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to at least: receive one or more user profile configuration documents from a primary mission-critical system, the one or more user profile configuration documents including information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; select a partner mission-critical system to migrate from among the one or more partner mission-critical systems; select a user profile configuration document to use for the migration from the received one or more user profile configuration documents; and perform a migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

[0062] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may be based on the following criteria: the information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition includes the identity of the partner mission-critical system; the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to the registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in a list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0063] Multiple candidate partner mission-critical systems may meet the criteria, and the instructions, when executed, may cause the user equipment to select a partner mission-critical system from among the multiple candidate mission-critical systems.

[0064] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may include: presenting one or more partner mission-critical systems to a user that meet the criteria; and receiving user input via a user interface selecting one of the presented one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0065] A plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems may be associated with a plurality of priority values, and selecting a partner mission-critical system may be based on the plurality of priority values.

[0066] Selecting a partner mission-critical system may include: indicating to the user a priority value associated with the indicated one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0067] Selecting the user profile configuration document may include selecting a user profile configuration document that satisfies the following conditions: the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to a registered public land mobile network of the user equipment; and when the public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in a list of allowed network slice selection assistance information.

[0068] Multiple user profile configuration documents may satisfy the condition, and the instructions, when executed, may cause the user equipment to select a user profile configuration document from among the multiple user profile configuration documents.

[0069] Multiple user profile configuration documents can be associated with multiple priority values, and selecting a user profile configuration document can be based on the multiple priority values.

[0070] The instructions, when executed, can cause the user equipment to: obtain, from the primary mission-critical system, security information for accessing the selected partner mission-critical system.

[0071] Performing the transition may include: performing an authentication procedure with the selected partner mission-critical system based on security information and the user equipment initial configuration contained within the selected user profile configuration document.

[0072] Performing the transition may include performing a signaling plane transition to the selected partner mission-critical system in response to successfully completing the authentication procedure.

[0073] Performing the transition may include: performing an authorization procedure on the partner mission-critical system in response to performing the signaling plane transition, wherein the transition is successful when the authorization procedure is successfully completed.

[0074] When executed, the instructions may cause the user equipment to: receive information from a partner mission critical system indicating one or more updates to a user profile configuration document, a user equipment initial configuration document, and / or a service configuration document; and update locally stored information based on the received information.

[0075] When executed, the instructions can cause the user equipment to: send a subscription request associated with a user profile configuration document, a user equipment initial configuration document, and / or a service configuration document to a partner mission-critical system, wherein receiving information indicating one or more updates is based on the subscription request.

[0076] Selecting a partner mission-critical system can be done before selecting a user profile configuration document; or selecting a partner mission-critical system can be done after selecting a user profile configuration document.

[0077] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a mission-critical system, cause the mission-critical system to do at least the following: send to a user equipment one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0078] The instructions, when executed, can cause the mission critical system to: provide security information to the user equipment for accessing the at least one or more partner mission critical systems.

[0079] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided that includes program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method according to any of the previous aspects.

[0080] A number of different embodiments have been described above, and it should be understood that further embodiments may be provided by combining any two or more of the above-described embodiments.

[0081] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0082] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a network system, according to some example embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a control device, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of an apparatus, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to some examples. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to some examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0083] In the following, particular embodiments are described in the context of a mobile communication device capable of communicating via a wireless cellular system, and a mobile communication system serving such a mobile communication device. Before describing the illustrative embodiments in detail, some general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems, and mobile communication devices will be briefly described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3 to facilitate understanding of the technology underlying the described examples.

[0084] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a 5G system (5GS). The 5GS can be composed of a terminal or user equipment (UE), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) or next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AFs), and one or more data networks (DNs).

[0085] A 5G-RAN may comprise one or more gNodeBs (GNBs) or one or more gNodeB (GNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (GNB) centralized unit functions.

[0086] The 5GC may comprise the following entities: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Exposure Function; Network Repository Function (NRF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM); Application Function (AF); Authentication Server Function (AUSF); Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and Session Management Function (SMF). Figure 1 also shows various interfaces (N1, N2, etc.) that may be implemented between various elements of the system.

[0087] FIG. 2 shows an example of a control device 200 for controlling functions of the 5GRAN or 5GC shown in FIG. 1. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may, for example, enable one or more steps for performing one or more aspects of the present invention. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The control device 200 may be interconnected with another control device 200 that controls another function of the 5GRAN or 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the 5GRAN or 5GC includes a control device 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the 5GRAN or 5GC may share a control device.

[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a terminal 300, such as the terminal illustrated in FIG. 1. The terminal 300 can be realized by any device capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Non-limiting examples include user equipment, such as a mobile phone or what is known as a "smartphone," a mobile station (MS), or a mobile device, a computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface equipment (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet equipped with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) type communication device, or any combination thereof. The terminal 300 can communicate data, for example, to carry communications. The communications can be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0089] The terminal 300 can receive signals over an air or wireless interface 307 via a device suitable for reception and can transmit signals via a device suitable for transmission of wireless signals. In Figure 3, a transceiver device is schematically represented by block 306. The transceiver device 306 can be realized, for example, using a radio unit and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement can be internal or external to the mobile device.

[0090] The terminal 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for use in software- and hardware-assisted execution of tasks that the terminal 300 is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, enable one or more of the present aspects to be performed. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a.

[0091] The processor, storage, and other related controls may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or within a chipset. This feature is represented by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or pad, or a combination thereof. Optionally, one or more of a display, a speaker, and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of device.

[0092] Mission Critical (MC) Services (MCS or MCX Services) are services such as MC push-to-talk (MCPTT), MC Data, and MC Video that can utilize features included in Group Communications System Enables and Proximity Services. Various 3GPP documents, such as 3GPP TS 22.179 (for MCPTT), 3GPP TS 22.281 (for MC Video), and 3GPP TS 22.282 (for MC Data), describe some requirements specific to the type of MCS. Other documents, such as 3GPP TS 23.280, describe the functional architecture, procedures, and information flows to support MCS.

[0093] An MCS can be used for public safety and / or maritime safety applications, and can also be used for general commercial applications (such as utility, rail, and maritime applications). Typically, an MCS requires low setup and transfer delays, high availability and reliability, strong security, the ability to handle a large number of users and devices, and priority and preemption handling.

[0094] A UE can be configured for a particular MC system, for example, according to 3GPP TS 23.280, Section 10.1.1.1. Briefly, the UE can be provided with an initial UE configuration that includes critical information needed to connect to the MC system. The UE can request access to the MC system and undergo an authentication and authorization procedure to confirm access. After being authorized and authenticated, the UE can be provided with a UE configuration, a user profile configuration, and a group configuration via online configuration. The UE can then perform one or more operations using the MCS (e.g., a voice call). While connected to the MC system, the UE can receive updates to the UE configuration, user profile configuration, and group configuration, for example. The UE can then log off from the MC system, terminating the MCS session.

[0095] When a UE is connected to a first MC system, the UE can be migrated to a second MC system. Some examples of the present disclosure may relate to triggering the migration and providing access information to enable the UE to quickly and efficiently communicate with an application plane server of a partner MC system.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 4, which illustrates several example methods. Specifically, steps 400-406 illustrate an example method that may be performed by a user equipment, and step 408 illustrates an example method that may be performed by a mission-critical system.

[0097] At 400, the method includes receiving, from the primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0098] At 402, the method includes selecting a partner mission-critical system to migrate from among one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0099] At 404, the method includes selecting a user profile configuration document to use for the migration from the one or more received user profile configuration documents.

[0100] At 406, the method includes performing a migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

[0101] At 408, the method includes sending, to the user equipment, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0102] In some examples, the UE can select a partner MC system. As part of selecting the partner MC system, the UE can select an MCS user profile configuration. The UE can select the MCS user profile configuration based on user input and / or one or more pre-configured settings.

[0103] For example, the UE may select a partner MC system based on PLMN information associated with the UE and the partner MC system and / or NSSAI information associated with the UE and the partner MC system.

[0104] The PLMN information may include the UE's registered PLMN and / or PLMN code contained within the partner MC system element of the MCS user profile. The NSSAI information may include the UE's authorized NSSAI and / or S-NSSAI contained within the partner MC system element of the MCS user profile.

[0105] See FIG. 5, which illustrates one method with some examples.

[0106] At 500, the primary MC system provides the UE with one or more user profile configuration documents. Each user profile configuration document can include information associated with one or more partner MC systems to which the UE can transition. The information can include the identity of the partner MC system and a UE initial configuration document for that partner MC system. That is, in some examples, the primary MC system can provide the UE with one or more user profile configuration documents, each user profile configuration document including a UE initial configuration document for a partner MC system.

[0107] for example, <mcptt-user-profile>Documentation <onnetwork>The element, <migratablepartnermcpttsystemlist>It can accommodate elements, <migratablepartnermcpttsystemlist>The element is { <uri-entry>Containing elements <partnermcpttsystemid>Element, one<mcptt-UE- initial-configuration> Containing elements <accessinformationforpartnermcpttsystem>element}. It should be understood that similar elements can be used in other MC application documents, such as MCData documents and MCVideo documents.

[0108] At 502, the UE selects a partner MC system to transition to. In some examples, the UE may determine the need for an MC system transition (e.g., due to a change in registered PLMN, allowed NSSAI, or location) and make the selection in response to the determination.

[0109] In some examples, the UE may automatically or manually select a partner MC system. In some examples, by default, the UE may automatically select a partner MC system.

[0110] The UE may provide a means for the user to switch between automatic and manual partner MC system selection. In some examples, the UE may automatically select a partner MC system when there is no user input after a certain period of time or when the user switches from manual partner MC system selection to automatic partner MC system selection. In some examples, the UE may manually select a partner MC system when the user switches from automatic partner MC system selection to manual partner MC system selection.

[0111] For automatic selection, the UE must meet the following conditions: 1) The identity of the partner MC system is included in the information about the partner MC system to which the UE can transition in the user profile configuration document configured by the primary MC system; 2) the entry in condition 1) contains a PLMN code corresponding to the registered PLMN of the UE; and 3) When the PLMN code in condition 2) is associated with an S-NSSAI, the associated S-NSSAI is included in the list of permitted NSSAIs. You can choose a partner MC system that satisfies the above.

[0112] If there are two or more partner MC systems that satisfy the above conditions, the UE may select a partner MC system from among the partner MC systems that satisfy the above conditions. The selection from among the partner MC systems may be implementation-specific. In some examples, a priority value may be associated with each entry, and the UE may select a partner MC system based on the priority value (e.g., select the partner MC system with the highest priority value from among the partner MC systems).

[0113] For manual selection, the UE may indicate to the user the identities of partner MC systems that satisfy conditions 1)-3) provided above for automatic selection. For example, the UE may display a list of identities of partner MC systems that satisfy the conditions.

[0114] In some examples, the UE may display the identities of all partner MC systems as long as their information is available in the user profile configuration document. In this case, the UE may additionally display assistance information (e.g., information indicating that this partner MC system is not available in the current PLMN) to allow the user to select a valid partner MC system.

[0115] In some examples, when there are two or more partner MC systems that satisfy the above conditions, the order of the identities shown may be implementation-dependent. In some examples, when a priority value is associated with each entry, the UE may show the identities of the partner MC systems according to the priority value (e.g., displaying the identities of the partner MC systems in descending priority value order).

[0116] In some examples, when an entry is associated with human-readable data, the UE can display the human-readable data to the user. In some examples, the UE can have additional configuration data that maps the identity of the partner MC system to a more user-friendly name and can display the user-friendly name to the user. In some examples, when there are multiple entries corresponding to the same partner MC system, the UE can display information about the partner MC system once.

[0117] The user is provided with an indication of the identities of partner MC systems that satisfy the conditions and can provide user input (e.g., via a user interface such as a touchscreen display) to select one of those partner MC systems.

[0118] In some examples, the UE may be connected to the primary MC system when performing step 502. In other examples, the UE may be initially connected to the primary MC system to receive one or more user profile configuration documents from the primary MC system, but may be disconnected from the primary MC system before performing step 502.

[0119] At 504, the UE selects a user profile configuration document from the documents provided by the primary MC system at 500.

[0120] The selection is based on the following criteria: 1) The entry for the selected MC partner system in the list of user profile configuration documents configured by the primary MC system (i.e., information about partner MC systems to which the UE can transition) contains the PLMN code of the registered PLMN of the UE; and 2) When the PLMN code in condition 1) is associated with an S-NSSAI, the associated S-NSSAI is included in the allowed NSSAI; can be based on

[0121] If there are two or more user profile configuration documents that satisfy the above conditions, the UE may select a user profile configuration document from among the user profile configuration documents that satisfy the above conditions. The selection may be implementation-specific. In some examples, a priority value may be associated with each user profile configuration document, and the UE may choose a user profile configuration document based on the priority value (e.g., the UE may select the user profile configuration document with the highest priority value).

[0122] To further illustrate the selection, as an example, user profile configuration document 1 may include information about partner MC systems X and Y, and user profile configuration document 2 may include information about partner MC systems Y and Z. The UE selects partner MC system Y taking into account the S-NSSAI / PLMN information associated with partner MC systems X, Y, and Z contained in user profile configuration documents 1 and 2. There may be no guarantee that the information about partner MC system Y is identical in user profile configuration documents 1 and 2; therefore, the UE selects either user profile configuration document 1 or 2 based on the information contained in those documents. Note that in this example, if the UE selected partner MC system X, the UE would select user profile configuration document 1 (because information about partner MC system X is not contained in user profile configuration document 2).

[0123] Alternatively, in some examples, the UE may first select a user profile configuration document based on information about the allowed S-NSSAI, the registered PLMN, and the partner MC systems to which the UE can transition, and then select a partner MC system based on information about the allowed S-NSSAI, the registered PLMN, and the partner MC systems to which the UE can transition in the selected user profile configuration document. That is, in some examples, steps 502 and 504 may be performed in a different order than shown in Figure 5. In some examples, steps 502 and 504 may be performed substantially simultaneously.

[0124] At 506, the UE obtains security information for accessing the selected partner MC system. For example, the UE may obtain a security token that identifies the UE to the selected partner MC system. The UE may obtain the security information from the primary MC system.

[0125] At 508, the UE performs an authentication procedure with the selected partner MC system based on the UE initial configuration document included in the selected user profile configuration document (selected at 504) and the obtained security information (obtained at 506).

[0126] For example, the UE can contact the identity management server in the selected partner MC system using an address (e.g., an HTTPS URI) stored in the entry for the selected partner MC system in the UE initial profile configuration document; and also using a security token obtained from the identity management server in the primary MC system.

[0127] At 510, the UE performs a signaling plane transition to the selected partner MC system. The signaling plane transition can be performed in response to successfully completing the authentication procedure at 508.

[0128] At 512, the UE performs an authorization procedure on the selected partner MC system. The authorization procedure may be in accordance with 3GPP TS. 24.482.

[0129] After being authorized, the UE performs one or more MCS operations on the selected partner MC system at 514. For example, the UE can perform operations related to MCPTT, MC Voice, MC Data, etc.

[0130] At 516, a configuration document can be downloaded to the UE within the selected partner MC system.

[0131] In some examples, to download the configuration documents, the UE can subscribe to one or more configuration documents. For example, the UE can subscribe to a UE initial configuration document, a user profile configuration document, and / or a service configuration document for each enabled MCS. The configuration documents can be provided by a configuration management server or the like. In some examples, the user profile configuration document to which the UE subscribes can be different from the user profile configuration document selected by the UE that was used to access the selected partner MCS system.

[0132] The UE may use a procedure for subscribing to multiple documents simultaneously using a subscription proxy function (e.g., the CMS acts as a subscription proxy) and may subscribe to MCS group documents using procedures such as those specified in 3GPP TS 24.481. In some examples, the UE may subscribe using one or more identities obtained during user authentication to a selected partner MC system.

[0133] If these documents have been updated since the current versions stored within the UE, the UE may receive a notification (e.g., a SIP NOTIFY request) with information indicating one or more updates to these documents. The information may include, for example, an XCAP Diff document. In response to receiving the information, the UE may update its local document copies.

[0134] Thus, in some examples, a UE can be provided with information to facilitate the transition of the UE from a first MC system to a second MC system. More specifically, in some examples, a UE can be provided with one or more user profile configuration documents, each user profile configuration document including the identity of a partner MC system and a UE initial configuration document for that partner MC system. In some examples, various selection criteria / conditions are provided for selecting a partner MC system and for selecting a UE initial configuration to use for the transition.

[0135] In some examples, a user equipment is provided that comprises means for performing any of the foregoing processes. For example, the user equipment may comprise means for: receiving, from a primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting, from the one or more partner mission-critical systems, a partner mission-critical system to migrate to; selecting, from the received one or more user profile configuration documents, a user profile configuration document to use in the migration; and performing the migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

[0136] In some examples, user equipment is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform at least any of the processes described above. For example, the user equipment can include at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to at least: receive from the primary mission-critical system one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate and one or more user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; select a partner mission-critical system to migrate from among the one or more partner mission-critical systems; select a user profile configuration document to use in the migration from the received one or more user profile configuration documents; and perform a migration to the selected partner mission-critical system based on the selected user profile configuration document.

[0137] In some examples, a mission-critical system is provided that includes means for performing any of the foregoing processes. For example, the mission-critical system may include means for: sending, to the user equipment, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0138] In some examples, a mission-critical system is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the mission-critical system to perform at least any of the processes described above. For example, the mission-critical system can include at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the mission-critical system to at least: send, to a user equipment, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can migrate, and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

[0139] It should be understood that the apparatus may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmitting and / or receiving. Although the apparatus has been described as one entity, the various modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0140] It should be noted that although some embodiments have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar principles may be applied with respect to other networks and communication systems. Thus, although certain embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to particular example architectures for wireless networks, wireless technologies, and wireless standards, the embodiments may be applied to any suitable form of communication system other than those shown and described herein.

[0141] It will also be noted that although the above describes exemplary embodiments herein, there are several variations and modifications that can be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0142] As used herein, the terms "at least one of the following <list of two or more elements>" and "at least one of <list of two or more elements>" and similar phrases (where a list of two or more elements is connected by "and" or "or") mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0143] In general, various embodiments can be implemented as hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic circuitry, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented as hardware, while other aspects can be implemented as firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it will be appreciated that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented as, by way of non-limiting example, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose or logic circuitry, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0144] In this application, the term "circuit" refers to: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation as only analog and / or only digital circuitry); (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware; and (ii) hardware processors (including digital signal processors), software, and any portion of memory together with software that work together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or part of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when software is not required to operate. It can refer to one or more, or all of the following:

[0145] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including all uses of the term in any claim. As a further example, in this application, the term circuit also covers merely a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, along with its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit also covers, for example, baseband or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices, where applicable to certain claim elements.

[0146] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs, also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros, can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product can comprise one or more computer-executable components configured to perform embodiments when the program is executed. The one or more computer-executable components can be at least one software code or a portion thereof.

[0147] Further in this regard, it should be noted that any block of logic flow as shown in the figures may represent a program step, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks, and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks, and functions. Software may be stored on physical media, such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media, e.g., DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0148] The term "non-transitory" as used herein is not a limitation of the permanence of the data storage (eg, RAM vs. ROM), but rather a limitation of the medium itself (ie, tangible, non-signal).

[0149] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0150] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits, as a whole, is a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and formed on semiconductor substrates.

[0151] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Any embodiments and features described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0152] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, by way of non-limiting example. However, various modifications and applications may become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present disclosure will still fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Indeed, a further embodiment exists that comprises a combination of one or more of the embodiments with any of the other embodiments discussed above.< / accessinformationforpartnermcpttsystem> < / partnermcpttsystemid> < / migratablepartnermcpttsystemlist> < / migratablepartnermcpttsystemlist> < / onnetwork>

Claims

1. A user equipment, receiving, from the primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment may migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; Selecting the partner mission-critical system(s) to be migrated from among one or more partner mission-critical systems; Selecting a user profile configuration document to use for the migration from the one or more received user profile configuration documents; and Perform migration to selected partner mission-critical systems based on selected user profile configuration documents and The selection of a partner for mission critical systems is based on the following criteria: the information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment may transition includes identities of the partner mission-critical systems; the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to the public land mobile network to which the user equipment is registered; and When a public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in the list of permitted network slice selection assistance information. A user device based on the

2. 10. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein a plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems meet the criteria, and the means is for selecting a partner mission-critical system from among the plurality of candidate mission-critical systems.

3. Choosing a Partner for Mission Critical Systems presenting to the user one or more partner mission-critical systems that meet the criteria; receiving user input via a user interface selecting one of the one or more indicated partner mission-critical systems; 3. A user equipment according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. 4. The user equipment of claim 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of candidate partner mission-critical systems are associated with a plurality of priority values, and selecting a partner mission-critical system is based on the plurality of priority values.

5. Choosing a Partner for Mission Critical Systems Indicating to the user a priority value associated with the indicated one or more partner mission-critical systems.

5. User equipment according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, comprising:

6. The selection of a user profile configuration document is determined by the following criteria: the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to the public land mobile network to which the user equipment is registered; and When a public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in the list of permitted network slice selection assistance information.

6. The user equipment of claim 1, further comprising selecting a user profile configuration document that satisfies:

7. 7. The user equipment of claim 6, wherein a plurality of user profile configuration documents satisfy the condition, and the means is for selecting a user profile configuration document from among the plurality of user profile configuration documents.

8. 8. The user equipment of claim 7, wherein a plurality of user profile configuration documents are associated with a plurality of priority values, and selecting a user profile configuration document is based on the plurality of priority values.

9. 9. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the means is further for obtaining security information for accessing the selected partner mission-critical system from the primary mission-critical system.

10. Making the transition Performing an authentication procedure with the selected partner mission-critical system based on the security information and the user equipment initial configuration contained within the selected user profile configuration document.

10. A user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:

11. 11. The user equipment of claim 10, wherein performing the transition includes performing a signaling plane transition to the selected partner mission-critical system in response to successfully completing an authentication procedure.

12. Making the transition performing an authorization procedure on the partner mission-critical system in response to performing the signaling plane transition, the transition being successful when the authorization procedure is successfully completed.

12. The user equipment of claim 11, comprising:

13. The means are further receiving information from the partner mission-critical system indicating one or more updates to the user profile configuration document, the user equipment initial configuration document, and / or the service configuration document; Update locally stored information based on the received information 13. A user equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 12, for

14. The means are further for sending a subscription request associated with a user profile configuration document, a user equipment initial configuration document, and / or a service configuration document to a partner mission-critical system, receiving information indicating one or more updates based on the subscription request; 14. The user equipment of claim 13.

15. 15. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein selecting a partner mission-critical system occurs before selecting a user profile configuration document or selecting a partner mission-critical system occurs after selecting a user profile configuration document.

16. Sending one or more user profile configuration documents to the user equipment, the user profile configuration documents including information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems. Mission-critical systems that provide the means to

17. The means are further 17. The mission critical system of claim 16, for providing security information to user equipment for accessing at least one or more partner mission critical systems.

18. A user equipment comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the user equipment to at least: receiving, from the primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment may migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a partner mission-critical system to be migrated from among one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a user profile configuration document to use for the migration from the one or more received user profile configuration documents; and Facilitating migration to selected partner mission-critical systems based on selected user profile configuration documents; The user equipment meets the following criteria: the information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment may transition includes identities of the partner mission-critical systems; the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to the public land mobile network to which the user equipment is registered; and When a public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in the list of permitted network slice selection assistance information. The user equipment is then allowed to select a partner mission critical system based on the

19. 1. A mission-critical system comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, providing the mission-critical system with at least: A mission-critical system that causes a user equipment to send one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment can transition and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems.

20. 1. A method performed in a user equipment, comprising: receiving, from the primary mission-critical system, one or more user profile configuration documents including information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment may migrate and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a partner mission-critical system to migrate from among the one or more partner mission-critical systems; selecting a user profile configuration document to use for the migration from the one or more received user profile configuration documents; Migrate to selected partner mission-critical systems based on selected user profile configuration documents Including, The selection of a partner for mission critical systems is based on the following criteria: the information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment may transition includes identities of the partner mission-critical systems; the user profile configuration document contains a public land mobile network code corresponding to the public land mobile network to which the user equipment is registered; and When a public land mobile network code is associated with single network slice selection assistance information, the associated single network slice selection assistance information is included in the list of permitted network slice selection assistance information. Based on,method.

21. 1. A method performed in a mission critical system, comprising: sending, to the user equipment, one or more user profile configuration documents that include information identifying one or more partner mission-critical systems to which the user equipment may transition and one or more respective user equipment initial configurations associated with each of the one or more partner mission-critical systems; A method comprising:

Images