Cascaded Network Release Control for Stable 5G NPN Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of non-public networks (NPNs) with 5G communication systems, particularly for indoor use, lacks defined procedures for connecting and disconnecting networks in cascade, leading to potential malfunctions and instability in communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A communication system design where the communication terminal or network instructs other connected networks to release their connections when a primary network decides to disconnect, ensuring coordinated release of connections between multiple networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If networks are integrated in cascade without defined release procedures, then network connectivity and functionality are improved, but system stability and reliability deteriorate due to potential malfunctions during network transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing defined release procedures before network transitions occur. The base station performs preliminary actions including determining whether a connected network should be released, notifying the communication terminal of the release, and instructing the terminal to release the connection before the actual release occurs. This proactive approach prevents malfunctions by ensuring proper sequencing and coordination of network release operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station notifies the communication terminal about network release decisions, and the terminal provides feedback by confirming the release status. This bidirectional communication ensures that both the base station and terminal have consistent understanding of the network connection state, preventing instability caused by mismatched connection statuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If coordinated network release procedures are implemented, then system stability and reliability are improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidprotocol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional notification message that conveys multiple pieces of information in a single communication. The base station notification includes both the release decision and instructions for the terminal to release the connection, combining multiple control functions into one message exchange. This reduces protocol overhead while maintaining comprehensive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the communication terminal to autonomously execute the release operation based on the base station's notification. Once the terminal receives the release instruction, it independently performs the connection release without requiring continuous base station control, reducing signaling overhead and simplifying the control protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250351225A1Communication system, communication terminal, and network
Publication Date: 2025.11.13 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • US20250351225A1 patent drawing
  • US20250351225A1 patent drawing
  • US20250351225A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a technology that can increase the robustness of a communication system. A communication system includes: a communication terminal; a first network configured to perform radio communication with the communication terminal; and at least one second network configured to perform communication with the first network. When the first network determines to release connection between the first network and the communication terminal (ST1401) with the communication terminal being connected to the first network and to the at least one second network through the first network, the communication terminal or the first network instructs the at least one second network to release the connection with the communication terminal (ST1405).