Onboarding Management in 5G Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing provisioning procedures, particularly when User Equipment (UE) is roaming, due to complexities in identifying available and authorized Standalone Non-Public Networks (SNPNs) and Default Credential Servers (DCSs), leading to difficulties in seamless onboarding and authentication.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves a UE triggering a registration request and receiving Non-access stratum (NAS) messages from a network entity that includes an onboarding SNPN, DCS, and Provisioning Server, allowing the UE to manage onboarding by performing actions based on received information, such as lists of available, temporarily unavailable, or permanently unprovisionable SNPNs and DCSs, and handling authentication and security procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE initiates a registration procedure for onboarding in a roaming scenario, then the provisioning information can be provided to the UE, but the complexity of identifying available and authorized SNPNs and DCSs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) network entity as an intermediary between the UE and the SNPN/DCS identification process. This intermediary automatically performs the complex tasks of identifying available and authorized SNPNs and DCSs, managing the onboarding procedure, and establishing PDU sessions without requiring the UE to directly handle the complexity of SNPN and DCS identification. The PMIPv6 entity acts as a mediator that simplifies the UE's burden while ensuring reliable provisioning information delivery.
2Loss of information
If the network establishes user plane resources for UP based provisioning, then the provisioning information can be transmitted, but the onboarding procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the PMIPv6 network entity pre-identify available and authorized SNPNs and DCSs before the UE actually needs the provisioning information. The network entity proactively establishes the necessary PDU sessions and prepares the provisioning information in advance, so that when the UE requests onboarding, the information is already ready for immediate transmission. This eliminates the sequential delays of identification, then session establishment, then information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple procedures into a single integrated onboarding process handled by the PMIPv6 entity. Instead of separate steps for SNPN identification, DCS identification, PDU session establishment, and provisioning information transmission, these operations are combined into a unified procedure where the PMIPv6 entity manages all aspects simultaneously, reducing overall onboarding time while ensuring complete information delivery.
3Reliability
If the UE performs authentication and security procedures with multiple SNPNs and DCSs, then the authorization is ensured, but the onboarding procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the PMIPv6 network entity to autonomously perform authentication and security procedures with SNPNs and DCSs without requiring direct UE involvement in the complex coordination. The PMIPv6 entity independently manages the authentication workflows, security credential verification, and authorization processes, while the UE simply provides its identity information. This transfers the complexity burden from the UE to the network entity that is better equipped to handle it.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates beyond 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). Embodiments herein disclose methods for managing an on-boarding procedure in a wireless communication network. The method includes triggering, by a User Equipment (UE), a registration request for an on-boarding procedure to a network entity. Further, the method includes receiving, by the UE, a Non-access stratum (NAS) message comprising at least one information from the network entity based on the registration request. Further, the method includes performing, by the UE, at least one action based on the at least one received information. Further, the method includes managing, by the UE, the on-boarding procedure in the wireless communication network based on the at least one action.