Residential Gateway IP Prefix Update After Re-Registration

Abstract

To provide a method to facilitate network access to a network via a residential gateway.SOLUTION: A method causes a residential gateway 102 to: communicate packet data for IP services being provided to an end user device and a network, the end user device having been assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; receive a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; and notify the end user device that the IP address assigned to the end user device is no longer valid based on receipt of the second IP prefix.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a method, apparatus, and / or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for providing network access to a residential gateway. [Background technology]

[0002] 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) fifth-generation (5G) technology is a next-generation wireless system and network architecture capable of delivering extreme broadband and ultra-robust low-latency connectivity. 5G technology will improve the various telecommunications services offered to end users and help support massive broadband delivery of gigabytes of bandwidth per second on demand for both uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0003] Generally, 5G networks may support IP services such as IP television (IPTV) services for residential gateways (RGs) such as 5G-RG or fixed network-RG (FN-RG) served by a 5G core (5GC). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The scope of protection sought for various exemplary embodiments is indicated by the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and / or features described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, should be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments.

[0005] At least one example embodiment provides a method for facilitating network access to a network via a residential gateway, the method including communicating, by the residential gateway, packet data for an IP service being provided to an end user device and the network, wherein the end user device is assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; receiving, at the residential gateway, a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; and notifying, by the residential gateway, the end user device that the IP address assigned to the end user device is no longer valid based on receiving the second IP prefix.

[0006] At least one other example embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor in a residential gateway, cause the residential gateway to perform a method for facilitating network access to a network through the residential gateway, the method including: communicating packet data for an IP service being provided by the residential gateway to an end user device and the network, the end user device being assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; receiving, at the residential gateway, a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; and notifying, by the residential gateway, the end user device that the IP address assigned to the end user device is no longer valid based on receiving the second IP prefix.

[0007] The second IP prefix can replace the first IP prefix at the residential gateway.

[0008] The notifying step may include notifying the end user device that the IP address must be updated for continued access to IP services through the residential gateway.

[0009] The method may further include updating the IP address by assigning an IP address from the second IP prefix to the end user device without a hard reboot of the residential gateway.

[0010] The notification may include at least one of the following steps: performing a portal HTTP redirect to notify the end user device that the IP address must be updated; disabling the wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway; notifying the end user device that the address lifetime of the IP address is 0; or pushing a notification to the end user device, wherein the notification notifies the end user device that the IP address must be updated.

[0011] The notifying step may include disabling the wireless network connection, and the disabling the wireless network connection may include performing a shutdown of a service set identifier associated with the wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway.

[0012] The residential gateway may be configured for SLAAC-based IP address allocation, and the notifying step may include notifying the end user device that the IP address has an address lifetime of zero.

[0013] The residential gateway may be a 5G residential gateway, the network may be a 5G core, and the IP address may be an IPv6 address.

[0014] At least one other example embodiment provides a residential gateway for facilitating network access to a network. The residential gateway includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the residential gateway to: communicate packet data for an IP service being provided to an end user device and the network, the end user device being assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; receive a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; and, based on receiving the second IP prefix, notify the end user device that the IP address assigned to the end user device is no longer valid.

[0015] At least one other example embodiment provides a residential gateway for facilitating network access to a network. The residential gateway may include means for communicating packet data for IP services, the means being provided to an end user device and the network, the end user device being assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway, means for receiving a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway, and means for notifying the end user device that the IP address assigned to the end user device is no longer valid based on receipt of the second IP prefix.

[0016] The second IP prefix can replace the first IP prefix at the residential gateway.

[0017] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the residential gateway to notify the end user device by notifying the end user device that its IP address must be updated for continued access to IP services through the residential gateway.

[0018] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can cause the residential gateway to update the IP address by assigning an IP address from the second IP prefix to the end user device without a hard reboot of the residential gateway.

[0019] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can cause the residential gateway to notify the end user device by at least one of the following, and may include performing a portal HTTP redirect to notify the end user device that its IP address must be updated; disabling a wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway; notifying the end user device that the address lifetime of the IP address is 0; or pushing a notification to the end user device, wherein the notification notifies the end user device that its IP address must be updated.

[0020] The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can cause the residential gateway to notify the end user device by disabling the wireless network connection. Disabling the wireless network connection can include performing a shutdown of a service set identifier associated with the wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway.

[0021] The residential gateway may be configured for SLAAC-based IP address allocation, and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the residential gateway to notify an end user device that its IP address must be renewed by notifying the end user device that the address lifetime of the IP address is 0.

[0022] The illustrative embodiments will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given for purposes of illustration only and, therefore, do not limit the disclosure.

[0023] It should be noted that these figures are intended to illustrate the general features of methods, structures, and / or materials utilized in some exemplary embodiments and to supplement the descriptions provided below. However, these figures are not to scale, may not precisely reflect the exact structure or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be construed as defining or limiting the range of values ​​or properties encompassed by the exemplary embodiments. The use of similar or identical reference numbers in various figures is intended to indicate the presence of similar or identical elements or features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of a system architecture for wireless core network access, according to an example embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a residential gateway according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0026] Detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing the exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

[0027] It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the example embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0028] While one or more exemplary embodiments may be described in terms of functions or network elements, such as a network node, a residential gateway (RG), a server, etc., it should be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments discussed herein may be performed by one or more processors (or processing circuits) in an applicable device, apparatus, RG, network node, network element, or system. For example, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause a network element / network node, etc., to perform operations described herein.

[0029] As discussed herein, the term "mechanism" may refer to a method, an apparatus, and / or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, as applicable, in addition to its plain and ordinary meaning.

[0030] As discussed herein, the terms "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably.

[0031] It will be understood that several exemplary embodiments may be used in combination.

[0032] As discussed herein, the term "subscriber" refers to a purchaser or subscriber of broadband service who utilizes a residential gateway (RG) to access the service. The term "user" or "end user" refers to a user of a customer premises equipment (CPE) (also called an end user device) that sends and receives user traffic through an RG. While used this way for clarity, a user may also be referred to as a subscriber.

[0033] As described herein, a packet data unit (PDU) session refers to an IP-based PDU session. An IP-based PDU session (sometimes referred to as an IP session) refers to an IP connection established between an RG (e.g., a fifth-generation residential gateway (5G-RG)) and a wireless core network such as a 5GC, where the wireless core network assigns one or more IP prefixes to the RG for use in transmitting and receiving traffic (e.g., data and control traffic). As is known, an IP prefix is ​​an aggregation of IP addresses assigned to devices such as RGs. The RG can assign IP addresses included in or based on one or more IP prefixes to end user devices connected to the RG.

[0034] During operation, the RG utilizes an assigned IP prefix to connect to the Internet (or other data network). In at least some examples, the RG may obtain several different IP prefixes for each type of service, each representing a different IP session. An IP-based PDU session may include a single IPv4 session, a single IPv6 session, or a single dual-stack IP session. While discussed herein with respect to IP sessions for illustrative purposes, the example embodiments should not be limited to these examples. Rather, the example embodiments may be applicable to other PDU session types.

[0035] In the case of IPv6, for example, an RG typically has one IPv6 address on the wide area network (WAN) side for management purposes and an IPv6 prefix on the local area network (LAN) side, which is used to assign IP addresses to end-user devices such as smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices.

[0036] When the 5GC needs to reallocate a new IP prefix for a wireline RG, such as a wireline 5G-RG, end user devices should be notified that their current IP address and / or IP prefix is ​​no longer valid and that an IP address and / or IP prefix update is required. Otherwise, end user devices may simply be stuck with their invalid IPv6 address and IPv6 service will be suspended until a hard reboot of the RG is performed.

[0037] One or more embodiments provide one or more end user devices with a mechanism for network access, where after the 5GC assigns a new IP address and / or prefix to the RG, the RG (e.g., 5G-RG) notifies the end user device that the 5GC (e.g., without the need for a hard reboot of the RG) needs to maintain access to the 5GC for IP address and / or IP prefix updates (e.g., for continued provisioning of and / or access to IP services).

[0038] For illustrative purposes, one or more exemplary embodiments are described herein in some examples with respect to IPv6 and 5G-RG and related system architectures, but the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, an end user device (also referred to as CPE) 112, such as a 5GC-enabled end user device, is communicatively connected to a 5G-RG 102. The 5G-RG 102 communicates bidirectionally with a 5GC 106 via an AN 108. In this example, the end user device 112 can access the 5G-RG 102 via 3GPP and / or non-3GPP access (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN)). In one example, the 5G-RG 102 can connect to the 5GC 106 using the N1 reference point. The AN 108 can connect to the 5GC 106 using the N2 and N3 reference points.

[0041] The 5G-RG102 may be, for example, a residential gateway that can connect to the 5GC106, acting as user equipment (UE) for the 5GC106.

[0042] The AN 108 may include one or more of a Next Generation Wireless Access Network (NG-RAN) 210 and a Wireless 5G Access Network (W-5GAN) 212. The NG-RAN 210 may connect to the 5GC 106 via the N2 and N3 reference points. The W-5GAN 212 may be a wireline AN that also connects to the 5GC 106 via the N2 and N3 reference points. The wireline AN may provide, for example, optical or electrical connectivity. The W-5GAN 212 may also be a wireline 5G cable access network. In some embodiments, the W-5GAN 212 may be a non-3GPP access network.

[0043] For simplicity, only a single end user device 112 is shown in FIG. 1, but it should be understood that any number of end user devices may be connected to the 5G-RG 102.

[0044] As described in more detail below, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, the 5GC 106 assigns an IP prefix to the 5G-RG 102 and then assigns an IP address based on the IP prefix to the end user device 112. Once a connection and PDU session is established with the end user device 112, the 5G-RG 102 communicates packet data for the requested IP service provided by the 5GC 106 to the end user device 112.

[0045] Upon receiving the re-registration request from the 5GC106 and then the second (replacement) IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway, the 5G-RG102 notifies the end user device 112 that the IP address currently assigned to the end user device 112 is no longer valid.

[0046] 2 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a method for network access (e.g., restoration) according to an example embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the method illustrated in FIG. 2 is discussed with respect to the architecture shown in FIG. 1 and, in some examples, with respect to an IP-based PDU session (more simply referred to herein as a PDU session). However, example embodiments should not be limited to this example.

[0047] 2, in step S22, 5G-RG102 receives a re-registration notification (or request) from 5GC106 via AN108. The re-registration notification notifies 5G-RG102 that 5G-RG102 must re-register with 5GC106. In one example, 5GC106 may send a re-registration notification to 5G-RG102 if an existing IPv6 prefix used by 5G-RG102 is no longer valid. In one example, the existing IPv6 prefix for 5G-RG102 may become invalid in response to a change in the network slice of 5G-RG102 in 5GC106.

[0048] In step S24, in response to the re-registration notification, the 5G-RG 102 re-registers with the 5GC 106 and requests re-establishment of a PDU session to obtain IP services (e.g., via one or more service requests). As is commonly known, registration involves exchanging control messages (e.g., non-access stratum (NAS) messages or point-to-point over Ethernet (PPPoE) control plane messages) in accordance with one or more established Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) sessions (forwarding rules). Furthermore, such service request and PDU session establishment methods are well known, and therefore will not be described in detail. Once re-registration is complete, the 5GC 106 assigns a new IPv6 prefix to the 5G-RG 102.

[0049] In step S26, once the new IPv6 prefix is ​​assigned, or in response thereto, the 5G-RG 102 performs prefix deplication for existing IPv6 address leases that have IPv6 prefixes that are now invalid as a result of (e.g., in response to) the assignment of the new IPv6 prefix in step S24. The 5G-RG 102 may perform prefix deplication for all IP addresses that were assigned based on the IP prefix that is determined to be no longer valid.

[0050] According to at least one example embodiment, if the end user device 112 of Figure 1 has been assigned an IPv6 Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC)-only address, the 5G-RG 102 may advertise to the end user device 112 that its current IPv6 SLAAC address has a valid lifetime of 0. In response to this advertisement and the valid lifetime of 0, the end user device 112 is prompted to obtain a new SLAAC prefix from the 5G-RG 102. The end user device 112 may obtain the new SLAAC prefix from the 5G-RG 102 in any known manner.

[0051] In another example, if the 5G-RG 102 and the end user device 112 support DHCPv6, the 5G-RG 102 may perform prefix deprecation in step S26, sending a prefix update information message, for example, by (i) redirecting one or more HTTP requests from the end user device 112 to a local portal page that notifies the end user that a release and renewal of the current IPv6 address for the end user device 112 is required, (ii) sending a prefix update information message to the end user device 112, and / or (iii) shutting down and / or disabling access (e.g., wireless access) to the 5G-RG 102 by the end user device 112 for a threshold time interval. In one example, the threshold time interval may be approximately 30 seconds, or more generally, between approximately 15 and 60 seconds.

[0052] In at least one example embodiment, sending the prefix update information message may include notifying the end user via an app, mobile SMS or other text message, email, etc., that the end user device 112 and all end user devices need to reboot and / or release and update their current IPv6 addresses.

[0053] The 5G-RG 102 may shut down access to the 5G-RG 102 by the end user device 112 for the threshold time interval by performing an automatic shutdown of the WiFi service set identifier (SSID) associated with the wireless connection between the end user device 112 and the 5G-RG 102 for the threshold time interval. When the threshold time interval expires, the end user device 112 determines that a new IPv6 address is needed and obtains a new IPv6 address from the 5G-RG 102.

[0054] 3 is a diagram illustrating an RG according to an exemplary embodiment. The structure shown in FIG. 3 may also represent other network elements, such as CPEs. The RG may be a 5G-RG, such as the 5G-RG 102 in FIG. 1.

[0055] As shown, the RG comprises a memory 540, a processor 520 coupled to the memory 540, and various communication interfaces 560 coupled to the processor 520. The various interfaces 560 may comprise transceivers for transmitting / receiving data to / from other network elements (e.g., network nodes, routers, nodes, servers, CPEs, etc.). As will be appreciated, depending on the implementation of the RG, the RG may include more components than those shown in FIG. 3 . However, it is not necessary to show all of these generally conventional components to disclose the exemplary embodiments. For illustrative purposes, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the processor 520. However, it should be understood that the RG shown in FIG. 3 may include one or more processors or other processing circuits, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0056] The memory 540 may be a computer-readable storage medium that generally includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or a permanent mass storage device such as a disk drive. The memory 540 also stores an operating system and any other routines / modules / applications for providing the functionality of the RG or other network element that are executed by the processor 520. These software components may also be loaded into the memory 540 from a separate computer-readable storage medium using a drive mechanism (not shown). Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include a disk, tape, DVD / CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other similar computer-readable storage medium (not shown). In some exemplary embodiments, the software components may be loaded into the memory 540 through one of the various interfaces 560 rather than through a computer-readable storage medium.

[0057] The processor 520 or other processing circuitry may be configured to execute instructions of a computer program by performing arithmetic, logical, and input / output operations of the system. Instructions may be provided to the processor 520 by memory 540.

[0058] The various communication interfaces 560 may be wired and may include components that interface the processor 520 with other input / output components. As will be appreciated, the various interfaces 560 and the programs stored in the memory 540 to describe the dedicated functions of the RG will vary depending on the implementation of the RG.

[0059] The interface 560 may also include one or more user input devices (eg, a keyboard, keypad, mouse, etc.) and user output devices (eg, a display, speaker, etc.).

[0060] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" vs. "directly off," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.).

[0062] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0063] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions / acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or may even be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions / acts involved.

[0064] In the following description, specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, systems may be shown in block diagrams so as not to obscure the exemplary embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments.

[0065] As described herein, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented as program modules or functional processes including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types, and are described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations (e.g., in the form of flowcharts, flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, structure diagrams, block diagrams, etc.) that may be implemented using existing hardware in, for example, existing network nodes, RGs, servers, ANs, CPEs, routers, or other network elements and / or hardware. Such existing hardware may be processing or control circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more controllers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more systems-on-chips (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other device or devices capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0066] While a flowchart may describe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, simultaneously, or concurrently. Additionally, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process may be terminated when its operations are completed, but may have additional steps not included in the figures. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0067] As disclosed herein, the terms "storage medium," "computer-readable storage medium," or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" may refer to one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other tangible, machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0068] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments for performing the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium. When implemented in software, one or more processors perform the necessary tasks. For example, as described above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one memory may include or store computer program code, and the at least one memory and computer program code may be configured to cause at least one processor to perform the necessary tasks in a network element or network device. Furthermore, the processor, memory, and exemplary algorithms may be encoded as computer program code and act as means for providing or causing the performance of the operations discussed herein.

[0069] A code segment of computer program code may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. can be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable techniques including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "including" and / or "having" are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. Terms derived from the term "indicate" (e.g., "indicate" and "indicating") are intended to encompass all of the various techniques available for communicating or referencing the object / information being indicated. Some, but not all, examples of techniques available for communicating or referencing the indicated object / information include conveying the indicated object / information, conveying an identifier for the indicated object / information, conveying information used to generate the indicated object / information, conveying some derivation of the indicated object / information, conveying some symbol representing the indicated object / information, and conveying some part or portion of the indicated object / information.

[0071] According to example embodiments, a network node, RG, server, AN, CPE, router, or other network element may be (or may include) hardware, firmware, hardware executing software, or any combination thereof. Such hardware may include processing or control circuitry, such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more CPUs, one or more controllers, one or more ALUs, one or more DSPs, one or more microcomputers, one or more FPGAs, one or more SoCs, one or more PLUs, one or more microprocessors, one or more ASICs, or any other device(s) capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0072] The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (eg, tangible as opposed to a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage permanence (eg, RAM vs. ROM).

[0073] As described herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (such as an implementation in only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software. A combination of hardware circuitry and software may include, for example, (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; (ii) software (including digital signal processors); any portion of a hardware processor with software and memory(s) working together to perform various functions in a device such as a cell phone or server; and (iii) a hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate. Note that software may not be present when not required for operation.

[0074] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuit also encompasses simply a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, as well as its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term circuit also encompasses, for example, a baseband or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to certain claim elements.

[0075] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that cause or may bring about such benefits, advantages, or solutions, or that may make such benefits, advantages, or solutions more significant, should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for facilitating network access to a network via a residential gateway, comprising: communicating, by the residential gateway, packet data for IP services being provided to an end user device and the network, the end user device being assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; receiving, at the residential gateway, a request from the network to re-register the residential gateway; re-registering the residential gateway with the network; receiving, at the residential gateway, a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway after re-registering the residential gateway with the network, the second IP prefix being an alternate IP prefix for the first IP prefix; and notifying the end user device, by the residential gateway, that the IP address assigned to the end user device is not valid based on receipt of the second IP prefix.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the notifying step includes notifying the end user device that the IP address must be updated for continued access to the IP services through the residential gateway.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the IP address is updated by assigning an IP address from the second IP prefix to the end user device without a hard reboot of the residential gateway.

4. The step of notifying performing a portal HTTP redirect to notify the end user device that the IP address must be updated; disabling a wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway; notifying the end user device that the IP address has an address lifetime of 0; pushing a notification to the end user device, the notification informing the end user device that the IP address must be updated; 3. The method of claim 2, comprising at least one of:

5. The notifying step includes: disabling the wireless network connection; 5. The method of claim 4, wherein disabling the wireless network connection comprises performing a shutdown of a service set identifier associated with the wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway.

6. the residential gateway is configured for SLAAC-based IP address allocation; 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the notifying step includes notifying the end user device that the IP address has an address lifetime of 0.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the residential gateway is a 5G residential gateway, the network is a 5G core, and the IP address is an IPv6 address.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second IP prefix replaces the first IP prefix at the residential gateway.

9. 1. A residential gateway for facilitating network access to a network, comprising: means for communicating packet data for an IP service provided to an end user device and the network, the end user device being assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; means for receiving a request from the network to re-register the residential gateway; means for re-registering the residential gateway with the network; means for receiving a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway after re-registration of the residential gateway with the network, the second IP prefix being an alternative IP prefix to the first IP prefix; and means for notifying the end user device that the IP address assigned to the end user device is not valid based on receipt of the second IP prefix.

10. 10. The residential gateway of claim 9, wherein the residential gateway notifies the end user device by notifying the end user device that the IP address must be updated for continued access to the IP services through the residential gateway.

11. 10. The residential gateway of claim 9, wherein the residential gateway updates the IP address by assigning an IP address from the second IP prefix to the end user device without a hard reboot of the residential gateway.

12. performing a portal HTTP redirect to notify the end user device that the IP address must be updated; disabling a wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway; notifying the end user device that the IP address has an address lifetime of 0; pushing a notification to the end user device, the notification informing the end user device that the IP address must be updated; 11. The residential gateway of claim 10, wherein the residential gateway notifies the end user device by at least one of:

13. the residential gateway notifying the end user device by disabling the wireless network connection; 13. The residential gateway of claim 12, wherein disabling the wireless network connection includes performing a shutdown of a service set identifier associated with the wireless network connection between the end user device and the residential gateway.

14. the residential gateway is configured for SLAAC-based IP address allocation; 11. The residential gateway of claim 10, wherein the residential gateway notifies the end user device that the IP address must be renewed by notifying the end user device that the address lifetime of the IP address is 0.

15. 1. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor in a residential gateway, cause the residential gateway to perform a method for facilitating network access to a network through the residential gateway, the method comprising: communicating, by the residential gateway, packet data for IP services being provided to an end user device and the network, the end user device being assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; receiving, at the residential gateway, a request from the network to re-register the residential gateway; re-registering the residential gateway with the network; receiving, at the residential gateway, a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway after re-registering the residential gateway with the network, the second IP prefix being an alternate IP prefix for the first IP prefix; and notifying the end user device, by the residential gateway, that the IP address assigned to the end user device is no longer valid based on receipt of the second IP prefix.

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