Method and apparatus for discovering and selecting a network that provides connectivity for provisioning user subscription data

Abstract

A method and apparatus for discovering and selecting a network that provides connectivity for transmitting user subscription data is provided, in which a UE in a wireless communication system includes a transceiver and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to: identify pre-configured first information including a first list, the first list including at least one ID of at least one network group providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN); receive second information including at least one second list from at least one base station via the transceiver, the at least one second list including at least one ID of at least one network group providing initial access to the NPN and supported by the at least one base station; and select an initially accessed network from a network group corresponding to at least one ID included in the first list and the at least one second list based on the first information and the second information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for selecting a network that provides network connectivity for a terminal to receive subscription information in a non-public network (NPN). [Background technology]

[0002] Since the commercialization of 4G (4th generation) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved 5G (5th generation) or pre-5G communication systems to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic. For this reason, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are also called Beyond 4G Network communication systems or post-LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems.

[0003] To achieve higher data transmission rates, 5G communication systems are expected to be implemented in ultra-high frequency (mmWave) bands (e.g., 60 GHz bands). To reduce propagation loss in ultra-high frequency bands and increase the transmission distance of radio waves, technologies such as beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and large-scale antennas are being discussed for 5G communication systems.

[0004] In addition, to improve the system network, various technologies are being developed for the 5G communication system, such as evolved small cells, advanced small cells, cloud Radio Access Networks (cloud RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communications, wireless backhaul, moving networks, cooperative communications, CoMP (Coordinated Multi-Points), and receiver-side interference cancellation.

[0005] For 5G systems, advanced coding modulation (ACM) technologies such as FQAM (Hybrid FSK and QAM Modulation) and SWSC (Sliding Window Superposition Coding) and advanced access technologies such as FBMC (Filter Bank Multi Carrier), NOMA (non-orthogonal multiple access), and SCMA (sparse code multiple access) are being developed.

[0006] The 5G system is being considered to support a wider variety of services than the existing 4G system. For example, the most representative services may include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC) services, massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and evolved multimedia broadcast / multicast service (eMBMS). A system providing URLLC services can be called a URLLC system, and a system providing eMBB services can be called an eMBB system. The terms service and system may be used interchangeably.

[0007] Unlike conventional 4G systems, URLLC service is a new service being considered for 5G systems, and compared to other services, it offers ultra-high reliability (for example, a packet error rate of approximately 10- 5 ) and low latency (e.g., approximately 0.5 msec). To meet these strict requirements, URLCC services must use a shorter transmission time interval (TTI) than eMBB services, and various operation methods using TTI are being considered.

[0008] Meanwhile, the Internet is evolving from a human-centered connection network where humans create and consume information to an IoT (Internet of Things) network where information is exchanged and processed between distributed components such as things. IoE (Internet of Everything) technology, which combines IoT technology with big data processing technology via connections to cloud servers, is also emerging. Realizing IoT requires technological elements such as sensing technology, wired and wireless communication, network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology. Recently, research has focused on technologies such as sensor networks for connecting things, M2M (Machine to Machine) communication, and MTC (Machine Type Communication).

[0009] In an IoT environment, data generated by connected things is collected and analyzed, and intelligent IT (Internet technology) services that create new value in human life can be provided. Through the fusion or integration of existing IT (information technology) with various industries, IoT can be applied to areas such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0010] Accordingly, various attempts are being made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, 5G communication technologies such as sensor networks, M2M (Machine to Machine), and MTC (Machine Type Communication) are being implemented using techniques such as beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. The application of cloud radio access networks (cloud RAN) as a big data processing technology is also an example of the integration of 5G and IoT technologies.

[0011] As a result of the development of mobile communication systems, a variety of services are being provided, and there is a need for a method for efficiently using non-public networks (NPNs) to provide these various services using self-networks in places such as factories, schools, and companies. NPNs are divided into stand-alone non-public networks (SNPNs) and public network integrated non-public networks (PNINPNs). This information is provided solely as background information to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion has been made, as to whether any of the foregoing is applicable as prior art in relation to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure address at least the problems and / or drawbacks described above and provide at least the advantages described below. Thus, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method and apparatus for efficiently providing services using a non-public network (NPN) in a wireless communication system.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for efficiently selecting an available network for a terminal (or user equipment) in an NPN system.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for reducing radio resource consumption when a terminal (or user equipment) selects a network in an NPN system.

[0015] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the user equipment including a transceiver and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to identify preset first information including a first list, the first list including at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN), receive second information including at least one second list from at least one base station via the transceiver, the at least one second list including at least one ID of at least one network group providing initial access to the NPN and supported by the at least one base station, and select an initially accessed network from a network group corresponding to at least one ID included in the first list and the at least one second list based on the first information and the second information.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a base station in a wireless communication system, the base station including: a transceiver; and at least one processor, the at least one processor configured to provide initial access to a non-public network (NPN) via the transceiver, transmit first information including a list including at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group supported by the base station, and receive, from a user equipment (UE), via the transceiver, a request to connect to one network of the network group corresponding to the at least one ID included in the list.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method including: identifying pre-configured first information including a first list, the first list including at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN), receiving second information from at least one base station, the at least one second list including at least one ID of at least one network group providing initial access to the NPN and supported by the at least one base station, and selecting, based on the first information and the second information, one network to be initially accessed from a network group corresponding to at least one ID included in the first list and the at least one second list.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method providing initial access to a non-public network (NPN), the method comprising: transmitting first information including a list including at least one identifier (ID) of at least one network group supported by the base station; and receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a request to connect to one network of the network group corresponding to the at least one ID included in the list.

[0020] Before proceeding with the specific description of the present disclosure below, it may be useful to set out definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The words "include" and "comprise" and their derivatives mean open-ended inclusion, the word "or" means inclusive and / or, and the phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith" and their derivatives mean include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of), and the term "controller" means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation, and such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of at least two of hardware, firmware, or software.

[0021] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various illustrative embodiments of the invention. These and other aspects, features, and advantages of particular embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates the structure of a 5G network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an entity for transmitting a user subscription to a terminal (or user equipment (UE)) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a procedure for onboarding a terminal (or user equipment) for receiving user subscription data, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a procedure for discovering and selecting an SNPN network for onboarding a terminal (or user equipment) when there are multiple onboarding SNPN networks according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a procedure for discovering and selecting an SNPN network for onboarding a terminal when there are multiple onboarding SNPN networks according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a structure of a user equipment (UE) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates the structure of a base station (5G-AN) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 shows a flowchart of a method for a terminal to discover and select a network, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.It will be understood that throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, components and structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure, as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While various specific details are included to facilitate understanding, these should be considered merely as examples. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted.

[0024] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, but is provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0025] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "component surface" includes a reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0026] In describing the embodiments in this specification, technical details that are well known in the technical field to which the present invention pertains and are not directly related to the present invention will be omitted in order to more clearly convey the gist of the present invention without obscuring it.

[0027] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or shown in a schematic manner. Furthermore, the size of each component does not completely reflect the actual size. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same or corresponding components in each drawing.

[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various forms. The present embodiments are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is defined solely by the claims. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0029] It will be understood that each block of the process flowchart diagrams and combinations of the flowchart diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be implemented in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions described in the flowchart diagram blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform functions in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memory can produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart diagram blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that a sequence of operations is executed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to create a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide operations for performing the functions described in the flowchart diagram blocks.

[0030] Furthermore, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing a particular logical function. Also, it should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order according to their corresponding functions.

[0031] In this embodiment, the term "module" refers to software or hardware components such as FPGAs or ASICs, and the "module" performs some function. However, the term "module" is not limited to software or hardware. The "module" may be configured in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to implement one or more processors. Thus, as an example, the "module" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided in the components and "modules" may be combined into fewer components and "modules" or further separated into additional components and "modules." Furthermore, the components and "modules" may be implemented to implement one or more CPUs in a device or a security multimedia card.

[0032] Hereinafter, a base station refers to an entity that allocates resources to a terminal and may be at least one of a Node B, a Base Station (BS), an eNode B (eNB), a gNode B (gNB), a radio access unit, a base station controller, or a node on a network. A terminal may include a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems having a technical background or channel configuration similar to that of the embodiments of the present disclosure described below. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems through some modifications at the discretion of a person skilled in the art without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] The terms used in the following description, such as terms for identifying connection nodes, terms for network objects (network entities) or network functions (NFs), terms for messages, terms for interfaces between network objects, and terms for various identification information, are provided as examples for the sake of convenience. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms for objects having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0034] For convenience of explanation, some of the terms and names defined in the 3GPP (registered trademark) 3rd generation partnership project (LTE) long term evolution (LTE) standard and / or the 3GPP (registered trademark) new radio (NR) standard may be used below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above terms and names and may be similarly applied to systems conforming to other specifications.

[0035] An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a method for enhancing session continuity of a terminal by providing a notification to a new application function (AF) responsible for the change of DN, i.e., a target AF, when a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) is changed due to a User Plane Function (UPF) relocation caused by a terminal movement and the local data network (DN) of the changed DNAI is changed. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 shows the structure of a 5G network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The description of the network entities or network nodes that make up the 5G network is as follows:

[0037] The (Radio) Access Network (R)AN 101 is an entity that allocates radio resources to terminals (or user equipment) and may be at least one of an eNode B, a gNode B, a Node B, a Base Station (BS), a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), a 5G-AN, a radio access unit, a base station controller, or a node on a network. The terminal may be at least one of a UE, an NG UE, an MS, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a computer. Furthermore, the terminal may include a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. Although the following describes embodiments of the present disclosure using a 5G system as an example, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems having similar technical backgrounds. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems with some modifications at the discretion of a person skilled in the art without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] As wireless communication systems evolve from 4G systems to 5G systems, a new core network, the NG Core or 5GC (5G Core) network, is defined. The new core network virtualizes existing network entities (NEs) to form network functions (NFs).

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, NF may refer to a network entity, a network component, and a network resource.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a 5GC may include NFs. The 5GC is not limited to the example of Figure 1 and may include more or fewer NFs than those shown in Figure 1.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 109 may be a network function that manages the mobility of terminals (or user equipment).

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF) 111 may be a network function that manages a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection provided to a terminal, where the PDN connection may be referred to as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Policy Control Function (PCF) 121 may be a network function that applies the service policy, charging policy, and PDU session policy of the mobile operator of the terminal.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Unified Data Management (UDM) 123 may be a network function that stores information about subscribers.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the Application Function (AF) 125 may be an application function managed by a terminal manufacturer, a service provider, or a public land mobile network (PLMN) operator, but the AF 125 may also refer to other application functions that are responsible for wireless capabilities and wireless capability IDs, in addition to application functions managed by the terminal manufacturer.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) 113 may act as a proxy server in the delivery of 5G core services, relaying communications with the appropriate NFs to the NFs. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Network Exposure Function (NEF) 117 may be a function that provides information about terminals to a server outside the 5G network. The NEF may provide information required for services to the 5G network and store the information in a Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a User Plane Function (UPF) 103 may act as a gateway to deliver the PDU to the DN.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Network Repository Function (NRF) 119 may function to discover NFs.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 107 can perform authentication for terminals on 3GPP (registered trademark) access networks and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access networks.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 115 may perform a function of selecting a Network Slice Instance to be provided to a terminal.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Data Network (DN) 105 may be a data network through which a terminal transmits or receives data to use a network operator's service or a third party's service.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates an entity for transmitting a user subscription to a terminal (or user equipment) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, user equipment (UE) 200 may not have subscriber information or user subscription data. It is assumed that the UE has default UE credentials assigned by a default credential server (DCS). In addition, the DCS may assign a separately configured unique UE identifier to UE 200 to identify UE 200. Depending on the setting of the network selection mode, UE 200 can be set to a PLMN network selection mode using a general network or an NPN network selection mode using an NPN, individually or simultaneously.

[0054] An Onboarding Standalone Non-Public Network (O-SNPN) 800 provides a User Plane (UP)-based Internet Protocol connection (UE Onboarding) of a Control Plane (CP)-based Non-Access Stratum (NAS) connectivity to a UE that does not have subscriber information or user subscription data, allowing the UE to download user subscription data. Onboarding may refer to a device's initial access to a network.

[0055] To determine whether to provide UE onboarding services to the UE, the DCS may be required to perform authentication of the UE.

[0056] A default credential server (DCS) 600 can pre-configure a default UE credential and a unique UE identifier for the UE 200 and store related information. The DCS 600 can be requested by the O-SNPN network 800 to perform authentication on the UE 200 when performing UE registration for onboarding. This authentication can be performed using the default UE credential. When a provisioning server (PS) 500 sends user subscription data to the UE 200, the DCS 600 can be requested by the PS 500 to perform authentication / authorization on the UE 200 to determine whether the UE 200 is authorized to receive the user subscription data. The DCS 600 can be the manufacturer of the UE 200, a third party related to the manufacturer, or an SNPN operator.

[0057] The PS 500 can receive user subscription data such as network credentials and user configuration information from a network operator and transmit the received user subscription data to the UE 200. The PS 500 can exist as a server together with the DCS 600, and its owner may be the manufacturer of the UE 200, a third party related to the manufacturer, or an SNPN operator like the DCS 600. Authentication / authorization for the UE can be performed through communication with the DCS 600.

[0058] The SNPN network 700 that owns the user subscription data can transmit the user subscription data to the UE 200 via the PS server 500. The network operator may have in advance the identifier information of the UE to which the user subscription data is to be provided.

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a procedure for onboarding a UE to receive user subscription data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3, a wireless communication system performing a UE onboarding procedure may include a UE 200, a 5G-AN 300, a 5GC network 400, a PS 500, a DCS 600, and an SNPN network 700.

[0060] Here, the 5G-AN 300 can perform radio resource allocation for the UE 200 and send system information to the UE 200. The 5GC network 400 can be implemented as a network (NPN or PLMN) that owns user subscriber information (network credentials and configuration information).

[0061] In operation 1, UE 200 may be pre-configured with default UE credentials and a unique UE ID assigned by DCS 600. UE 200 may include the following initial default configuration: PLMN ID, Network Information Function (NIF) of SNPN, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), Data Network Name (DNN), etc. In this case, the default UE credentials may be configured by UE 200, but the network credentials may not be configured and may be provided to UE 200 for the onboarding procedure.

[0062] To select a network for providing onboarding, the UE 200 may be pre-configured with a list of SNPN IDs, including the identification (SNPN ID) of SNPN operators that have a contract with the manufacturer to provide onboarding. The SNPN ID may be configured in the form of a PLMN ID+NID. Alternatively, the UE 200 may be pre-configured with a DCS group ID, which is a group ID of SNPN operators that have a contract to provide onboarding services. The DCS group may be a group formed by a prior agreement between SNPN operators. The DCS group may be a group classified according to the associated business of the SNPN operator or the DCS server-owning operator. The DCS group ID may include a PLMN ID and NID in the form of an SNPN ID, and may include at least one of location information, geographic information, and country code information (Mobile Country Code (MCC) or Mobile Network Code (MNC)). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the list of SNPN IDs or DCS group IDs pre-configured in the UE 200 may be updated by the SNPN network.

[0063] In operation 2, the UE 200 can discover and select an O-SNPN network based on the received Broadcast System Information. In the network selection operation, the UE 200 can transmit a unique UE identity and default UE credentials to the SNPN network because there is no user subscription data for the SNPN network. The UE 200 can also transmit information such as an application identifier or a service provider identifier.

[0064] In operation 2B, the 5G-AN 300 and the 5GC network 400 can send the unique UE identity and default UE credentials of the UE 200 to the DCS 600 that manages the UE 200 to request authentication regarding whether the UE can access the network for onboarding. Such authentication can be performed by selecting either primary authentication or Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization (NSSAA).

[0065] In operation 3, the UE 200 can create a configuration PDU session. This PDU session can be created using a well-known or pre-configured S-NSSAI / DNN or S-NSSAI / DNN information received from the DCS 600. The AMF can select an SMF designated for this purpose, and the SMF can also select a designated PDU Session Anchor (PSA) UPF.

[0066] In operation 4A, information preconfigured in the UE may be used at the application level, or the PS server 500 may be discovered through an application identifier or a service provider identifier. The PS 500 may send the UE's unique UE identifier and default UE credentials to the DCS 600 to authenticate the UE 200.

[0067] In operation 4B, the PS 500 may request and receive from the SNPN network 700 not only network credentials for future SNPNs that have subscriptions, but also user subscription data or other UE configuration parameters (e.g., PDU session parameters such as SNSSAI, DNN, URSP, QoS rules, and other parameters required to access the SNPN and establish a normal PDU session).

[0068] In act 4C, the PS 500 may transmit to the UE 200 the data received from the SNPN network 700 in act 4B.

[0069] In operation 5, if the UE 200 successfully receives the data in operation 4C, the UE 200 may disconnect the configuration PDU session of the onboarding network and initiate deregistration.

[0070] In operation 6, the UE 200 may register with a serving network by using the received user subscription data to receive network services. The onboarding network and the serving network may be the same or different from each other.

[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates a procedure for discovering and selecting an SNPN network for onboarding a UE when there are multiple onboarding SNPN networks according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 4, in operation 1, UE 200 may be pre-configured with default UE credentials and a unique UE identity assigned by DCS 600. UE 200 may include the following initial default configurations: PLMN ID, NIF of SNPN, S-NSSAI, DNN, etc.

[0072] In this case, default UE credentials may be configured by the UE 200, but network credentials may not be configured and may be provided to the UE 200 for the onboarding procedure.

[0073] To select a network that provides onboarding, the UE 200 may pre-configure a list of SNPN IDs, including the identification (SNPN ID) of SNPN operators that have a contract with the manufacturer to provide onboarding. The SNPN ID may be configured in the form of a PLMN ID+NID. Alternatively, the UE 200 may pre-configure a list of DCS group IDs, including DCS group IDs, which are group IDs of SNPN operators that have a contract to provide onboarding services. The DCS group may be a group formed by a prior agreement between SNPN operators. The DCS group may be a group classified according to the associated industry of the SNPN operator or the DCS server-owning operator. The DCS group ID may include a PLMN ID and NID in the form of an SNPN ID, and may include at least one of location information, geographic information, and country information (MCC or MNC). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the list of SNPN IDs or DCS group IDs pre-configured in the UE 200 may be updated by the SNPN network.

[0074] In operation A, the UE 200 can operate in the SNPN access mode to perform network selection because the DCS group ID may have a format similar to the SNPN ID. If the DCS group ID has another format, the UE 200 can select an access mode different from the SNPN access mode.

[0075] In operation 2, in the embodiment shown in the current drawing, the 5G-AN 300 and the 5GC network 400 can broadcast not only their SNPN IDs but also the DCS group IDs of the DCS groups to which they belong through the broadcast system information. In the embodiment shown in the current drawing, the SNPN #1 includes the DSC group ID #2 that is preconfigured in the UE 200 so that the UE 200 can select the SNPN #1 as the onboarding network.

[0076] In operation 3, the UE 200 may perform initial access for registration with the selected SNPN. Thereafter, the operations following operation 3B can be performed as in FIG.

[0077] FIG. 5 illustrates a procedure for discovering and selecting an SNPN network for onboarding a UE when there are multiple onboarding SNPN networks according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] 5, in operation 1, the UE 200 may pre-configure default UE credentials and a unique UE identity assigned by the DCS. The UE 200 may include the following initial default configurations: PLMN ID, NIF of SNPN, S-NSSAI, DNN, etc. In this case, the default UE credentials may be configured by the UE 200, but the network credentials may not be configured and may be provided to the UE 200 for the onboarding procedure.

[0079] To select a network that provides onboarding, the UE 200 may pre-configure a list of SNPN IDs, including the identification (SNPN ID) of SNPN operators that have a contract with the manufacturer to provide onboarding. The SNPN ID may be configured in the form of a PLMN ID+NID. Alternatively, the UE 200 may pre-configure a DCS group ID, which is a group ID of SNPN operators that have a contract to provide onboarding services, or a list of DCS group IDs including multiple DCS group IDs. The DCS group may be a group formed by a prior agreement between SNPN operators. The DCS group may be a group classified according to the related industry of the SNPN operator or DCS-owning operator. The DCS group ID may include a PLMN ID and NID in the form of an SNPN ID, and may include at least one of location information, geographic information, and country code information (Mobile Country Code (MCC) or Mobile Network Code (MNC)). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the list of SNPN IDs or DCS group IDs pre-configured in the UE 200 may be updated by the SNPN network. In one embodiment shown in the current drawing, UE 200 may be preconfigured with DCS group ID #2.

[0080] In operation A, the UE 200 can operate in an onboarding mode to perform network selection. This is to receive and identify an onboarding indication from the SNPN network to request a list of DCS group IDs. The onboarding indication can be information indicating whether the base station supports network onboarding.

[0081] In operation 2, in one embodiment shown in the current drawings, 5G-AN 300 and 5GC network 400 can broadcast, via broadcast system information, their SNPN IDs and onboarding instructions indicating whether onboarding is supported. In the embodiment shown in the current drawings, 5G-AN 300 and 5GC network 400 can broadcast, via broadcast system information, onboarding instructions indicating that SNPN #1 and SNPN #2 support onboarding.

[0082] In operation 3, UE200 performing network selection in onboarding mode can request a list of DCS group IDs supported by the SNPN networks (SNPN#1 and SNPN#2) that support onboarding based on the received onboarding instruction via a System Information Request message.

[0083] In operation 4, each of SNPN#1 and SNPN#2 that received the system information request can transmit the DCS group ID or a list of DCS group IDs that each SNPN supports to UE200 via a system information message.

[0084] The UE 200 can identify DCS group IDs supported by the SNPN networks from the received system information message and select one SNPN network including the DCS group ID pre-configured in the UE 200. If there are multiple SNPN networks including the DCS group ID pre-configured in the UE 200, the UE 200 can select the SNPN network based on priority information. The priority information may be pre-configured in the UE 200, or the UE can set it based on information included in the received signal.

[0085] In one embodiment of the current drawing, in operation 5, the UE 200 may perform an initial access for registration to the selected SNPN#1. Thereafter, act 5B and the acts following act 5B can be performed as in FIG.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The UE 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 may correspond to the UE 200 in FIG.

[0087] 6, the UE 200 may include a transceiver 210, a memory 220, and a processor 230. The transceiver 210, the processor 230, and the memory 220 of the UE 200 may operate according to the above-described communication method of the UE 200. However, the components of the UE 200 are not limited to the above example. For example, the UE 200 may include more or fewer components than those described above. Furthermore, the transceiver 210, the processor 230, and the memory 220 may be implemented in the form of a single chip. The processor 230 may include one or more processors.

[0088] The transceiver 210 collectively refers to the receiver and transmitter of the UE 200 and may transmit and receive signals to and from a base station (e.g., 5G-AN300), a NF, a PS500, a DCS600, or other UEs. Signals transmitted and received from a base station, a NF, a PS, a DCS, or other UEs may include control information and data. To this end, the transceiver 210 may include an RF transmitter that upconverts and amplifies the frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF signal that low-noise amplifies and downconverts the frequency of a received signal. However, this is merely one example of the transceiver 210, and its components are not limited to an RF transmitter and an RF receiver.

[0089] The transceiver 210 can receive signals over a wireless channel, output the received signals to the processor 230, and transmit the signals output from the processor 230 over a wireless channel.

[0090] The memory 220 may store programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal. The memory 220 may also store control information or data included in signals acquired by the terminal. The memory 220 may include storage media such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a combination thereof. The memory 220 may not be separate and may be included in the processor 230.

[0091] The processor 230 can control a series of processes so that the UE operates according to the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the processor 230 can receive control signals and data signals via the transceiver 210 and process the received control signals and data signals. The processor 230 can also transmit the processed control signals and data signals via the transceiver 210. A plurality of processors 230 may be provided, and may perform operations to control the components of the UE 200 by executing programs stored in the memory 220. Furthermore, the processor 230 can control the transceiver 210 and the memory 220 to operate according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a base station 5G-AN according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each operation of the SNPN network, network entity, or NF described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 can be performed via the base station of FIG.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, a base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300) may include a transceiver 310, a memory 320, and a processor 330. The transceiver 310, the processor 330, and the memory 320 of the base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300) may operate according to the above-described communication method of the base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300). However, the components of the base station are not limited to the above examples. For example, the base station may include more or fewer components than those described above. Furthermore, the transceiver 310, the processor 330, and the memory 320 may be implemented in the form of a single chip. Furthermore, the processor 330 may include one or more processors.

[0094] The transceiver 310 collectively refers to a receiver and transmitter of a base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300) and can transmit and receive signals to and from the NF, PS 500, DCS 600, UE 200, or other base stations. Signals transmitted and received to and from the NF, PS 500, DCS 600, UE 200, or other base stations may include control information and data. To this end, the transceiver 310 may include an RF transmitter that upconverts and amplifies the frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF signal that low-noise amplifies and downconverts the frequency of a received signal. However, this is merely one example of the transceiver 310, and its components are not limited to an RF transmitter and an RF receiver.

[0095] The transceiver 310 can also receive signals via a wireless channel, output the received signals to the processor 330, and transmit the signals output from the processor 330 via a wireless channel.

[0096] The memory 320 may store programs and data necessary for the operation of the base station. Additionally, the memory 320 may store control information or data included in signals acquired by the base station. The memory 320 may include a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a compact disc (CD)-ROM, a digital versatile disc (DVD), or the like, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the memory 320 may not exist separately and may be included in the processor 330.

[0097] The processor 330 can control a series of processes so that the base station operates according to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the processor 330 can receive control signals and data signals via the transceiver 310 and process the received control signals and data signals. The processor 330 can also transmit the processed control signals and data signals via the transceiver 310. A plurality of processors 330 may be provided, and each processor 330 may execute a program stored in the memory 320 to perform operations to control components of the base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300).

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 330 can broadcast not only its own SNPN ID but also the DCS group ID of the DCS group to which the processor 330 belongs through the broadcast system information, and receive an initial access request for SNPN registration from the UE 200.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 330 can broadcast its own SNPN ID and an onboarding instruction indicating whether onboarding is supported through the broadcast system information, receive a system information request message sent through the onboarding instruction received by the UE 200 performing network selection, and in response to the system information request, send to the UE 200 via the system information message a DCS group ID or a list of DCS group IDs supported by the network to which the processor 330 belongs.

[0100] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for discovering and selecting a network by a UE according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8 , at operation 802, the UE may perform access mode configuration. The access mode may be a PLMN access mode or an SNPN access mode. At operation 804, the UE 200 may receive system information from a base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300). The system information may include either a PLMN ID or a DCS group ID. At operation 806, the UE 200 that has received the system information may determine a base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300) based on information preconfigured in the UE 200. The preconfigured information may include at least one of a PLMN ID, a DCS group ID, a list of DCS group IDs, or an initial default configuration. At operation 808, the UE 200 may perform network connection via the determined base station (e.g., 5G-AN 300).

[0101] The methods according to the embodiments of the present disclosure as claimed or described in the specification of the present disclosure may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0102] When these methods are implemented by software, a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored on the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors in an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to perform the methods according to the claims or embodiments described in the specification of the present disclosure.

[0103] These programs (software modules and software) can be stored in RAM, non-volatile memory including flash memory, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk storage device, CD-ROM, DVD, other forms of optical storage device, or magnetic cassette. The programs may also be stored in a memory configured by combining some or all of these storage devices. Furthermore, each type of memory may be provided in multiple locations.

[0104] The program may be stored in an attachable storage device of an electronic device accessible via a communications network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a storage area network (SAN), or a combination of networks. Such a storage device may be accessible to a device that executes embodiments of the present disclosure via an external port. Furthermore, a separate storage device on the communications network may be accessible to a device that executes embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] In the detailed embodiments of the present disclosure, the components included in the present disclosure are expressed as singular or plural in accordance with the detailed embodiments provided in the present disclosure. However, the expressions singular or plural are appropriately selected under the conditions provided for the convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components, and the components expressed as plural may be configured as a single component, or the components expressed as singular may also be configured as plural components.

[0106] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0107] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in combination. For example, a base station and a UE may be managed by combining a part of an embodiment of the present disclosure with a part of another embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems, and other modifications based on the technical concept of the embodiments may also be implemented in other communication systems.

Claims

1. A terminal in a wireless communication system, The terminal Transceiver and at least one processor; The at least one processor Identifying configuration information including at least one first group identifier (ID) of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access to a first standalone non-public network (SNPN); receiving broadcast information from at least one base station, the broadcast information including a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID), a network identifier (NID), and at least one first list; the at least one first list includes at least one second group ID of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access for a second SNPN; the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the second SNPN; receiving an indication from the at least one base station regarding onboarding to the second SNPN; The terminal is configured to select, based on the indicator, the second SNPN corresponding to the configuration information including the at least one first group ID.

2. Priority information for at least one SNPN is preconfigured in the terminal; 2. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to select the second SNPN based on the broadcast information including the at least one second group ID corresponding to the at least one first group ID.

3. The terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one first group ID is set by a combination of a PLMN ID and a NID.

4. The terminal of claim 2, wherein the second list of the at least one first group ID and the preset priority information are updated by a credential server.

5. The at least one processor 2. The terminal of claim 1, further configured to: send credential information of the terminal to a provisioning server (PS) via the selected second SNPN; and receive data from the PS.

6. The terminal of claim 1 , wherein the indicator is broadcast if supported by the second SNPN.

7. A base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: A transceiver and at least one processor; The at least one processor: broadcasting information including a PLMN ID (public land mobile network identifier), a network identifier (NID), and a first list, the first list including at least one first group identifier (ID) of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access to a first standalone non-public network (SNPN); the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the first SNPN; broadcasting an indication regarding onboarding to the first SNPN; configured to receive, from a terminal, a registration request for the first SNPN; The first SNPN corresponds to the indicator and configuration information in the terminal; The base station, wherein the configuration information includes at least one second group ID of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access to a second SNPN.

8. Priority information related to at least one SNPN is preconfigured in the terminal; 8. The base station of claim 7, wherein the registration request for the first SNPN is based on the at least one second group ID.

9. The base station according to claim 7 , wherein the at least one first group ID is set by a combination of a PLMN ID and a NID.

10. The base station described in Claim 8, characterized in that the second list of at least one second group ID and the pre-set priority information are updated by a credential server.

11. The at least one processor receiving, from the terminal, credential information of the terminal; Sending the received credential information to a provisioning server (PS); receiving data from the PS; The base station of claim 7 , further configured to transmit the received data to the terminal.

12. 1. A method for a terminal in a wireless communication system, comprising: identifying configuration information including at least one first group identifier (ID) of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access to a first standalone non-public network (SNPN); receiving, from at least one base station, broadcast information including a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID), a network identifier (NID), and at least one first list, the at least one first list including at least one second group ID of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access to a second SNPN; the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the second SNPN; receiving an indication from the at least one base station regarding onboarding to the second SNPN; and selecting, based on the indicator, a SNPN corresponding to the configuration information including the at least one first group ID.

13. Priority information for at least one SNPN is preconfigured in the terminal; the step of selecting the second SNPN includes selecting the second SNPN based on the broadcast information including the at least one second group ID corresponding to the at least one first group ID; 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second list of the at least one first group ID and the preset priority information are updated by a credential server.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one first group ID is set by a combination of a PLMN ID and a NID.

15. sending credential information of the terminal to a provisioning server (PS) via the selected second SNPN; 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving data from the PS.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the indication is broadcast if supported by the second SNPN.

17. 1. A method of a base station in a wireless communication system, comprising: broadcasting information including a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID), a network identifier (NID), and a first list, the first list including at least one first group identifier (ID) of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access to a first standalone non-public network (SNPN); the PLMN ID and the NID are used to identify the first SNPN; broadcasting an indication regarding onboarding to the first SNPN; receiving a registration request for the first SNPN from a terminal; The first SNPN corresponds to the indicator and configuration information in the terminal; The method, wherein the configuration information includes at least one second group ID of at least one network group of a plurality of network servers used to authenticate access to a second SNPN.

18. Priority information associated with at least one SNPN is preconfigured on the terminal and updated by a credential server; 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the registration request for the first SNPN is based on the at least one second group ID.

19. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one first group ID is set by a combination of a PLMN ID and a NID.

20. receiving, from the terminal, credential information of the terminal; sending the received credential information to a provisioning server (PS); receiving data from the PS; 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of: transmitting the received data to the terminal.

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