Automatic Network Identifier Substitution for NPN–PLMN Traffic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between different communication networks, such as 5G non-public data networks (NPNs) and public land mobile networks (PLMNs), due to manual and error-prone processes required for altering network identifiers like Access Point Name (APN) or Data Network Name (DNN), which degrade user experience and are not feasible for locked devices.
Innovation Solution
A network management device facilitates automatic network identifier substitution and traffic steering by retrieving subscriber profiles, comparing attributes, and transparently replacing network identifiers, enabling devices to connect seamlessly across networks without manual updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual network identifier alteration is implemented, then network transition capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network management device performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving subscriber profiles, comparing network attributes, and preparing network identifier substitutions before the device attempts network attachment. This eliminates the need for manual intervention during the actual network transition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management device acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the core network equipment. It transparently intercepts attachment requests, performs automatic network identifier substitution, and forwards modified requests to the appropriate core network, thereby mediating the network transition process without requiring user action.
2Ease of operation
If automatic network identifier substitution is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional network management functions
Solution Approach 1:
The complex network management functions are extracted from the mobile device and relocated to a dedicated network management device. The mobile device simply initiates attachment requests with its configured network identifiers, while the network management device handles all substitution logic, profile retrieval, and core network routing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management device performs self-service by automatically retrieving subscriber profiles from the unified data repository, comparing network attributes against stored profiles, and autonomously determining appropriate network identifier substitutions without requiring external intervention or complex device-side logic.
3Reliability
If network identifier replacement is performed transparently, then reliability is improved by ensuring connectivity, but loss of information increases due to modification of original network requests
Solution Approach 1:
The network management device intercepts and modifies attachment requests in a controlled manner, preserving the original device intent while adapting the request for the target network. The modification is transparent to the device, which continues to use its configured identifiers, while the network management device ensures the request reaches the appropriate core network equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Traffic steering for non-public networks and public land mobile network (PLMN) clouds is provided. A method can include retrieving, by a system comprising a processor and associated with a communication network, a subscriber profile for a user equipment in response to receiving a request from the user equipment for access to the communication network, wherein the request comprises first data network information that is distinct from second data network information associated with the communication network; and, in response to an attribute of the subscriber profile being determined to be equal to a defined value, replacing, by the system, the first data network information in the request with the second data network information and routing, by the system, the request to core network equipment of the communication network.