Closed Small Cell Slice Access for Non-Member UE Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-member user equipment devices experience connectivity issues when attempting to access application services via closed access group small cells due to membership restrictions, leading to poor or no connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems and methods that allow non-member UE devices to access closed access group small cells by defining network slice exemptions based on subscription information, using UE Route Selection Policy messages and core network updates to manage authorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed access group small cells are deployed to improve network security and control, then network security and operator control are improved, but non-member UE devices experience connectivity issues and poor service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing slice-specific access policies where different network slices have different access requirements. Non-member UEs can access certain slices (e.g., public service slices) while member UEs access all slices, creating localized access rules for different service types within the same CAG cell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network access into multiple network slices, each with independent access control policies. This allows the system to divide the monolithic CAG access control into slice-level segments, enabling fine-grained control where different slices have different membership requirements.
2Productivity
If strict CAG membership requirements are enforced to manage network resources, then network resource management is improved, but service accessibility for non-member UEs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the system can adaptively adjust access policies based on slice type, UE subscription, and network conditions. The network can dynamically determine which slices are exempt from CAG membership requirements, allowing flexible resource management while maintaining service accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the access control parameter from binary (member/non-member) to multi-dimensional (slice type, subscription level, CAG membership status). This allows the system to manage network resources effectively while providing differentiated access based on multiple parameters rather than a single membership flag.
3Ease of operation
If network slice exemptions are implemented to improve non-member access, then service accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional policy management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal slice access policy framework that handles both member and non-member UEs through a single unified mechanism. The same policy management infrastructure manages both CAG membership control and slice exemption control, reducing the need for separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the network slice as an intermediary layer between the CAG access control and the UE service access. This intermediary enables the system to manage complex access policies by routing non-member requests through specific exempted slices, simplifying the overall control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a processor configured to determine that a user device is within a coverage area of a small cell connected to a base station associated with an application service; determine that the user device is not a member of the small cell; identify a network slice for the application service; determine whether a network services subscription for the small cell includes the network slice; perform, when the network services subscription for the small cell includes the network slice, an attachment procedure to the small cell; receive authorization for attaching to the small cell and accessing the application service via the network slice; and initiate a network session on the network slice.