Disaster Roaming PLMN List for 5G Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Fifth Generation (5G) systems lack mechanisms to notify alternative Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) of disaster conditions and authenticate 'Disaster Inbound Roamers,' leading to service interruptions and challenges in minimizing service disruptions during disasters.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a first network node receives a disaster roaming PLMN list from a second network node, determines if a User Equipment (UE) needs authentication, and sends a request to an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) with the PLMN list, enabling authentication and minimizing service interruptions by informing the UE of resolved disaster conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current baseline 5G system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but service interruption occurs during disaster conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring alternative PLMN lists in network nodes before disaster conditions occur. When a disaster is detected, the system already has prepared alternative networks and authentication mechanisms in place, enabling rapid switching without requiring complex real-time decision-making or reconfiguration during the crisis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the introduction of new network nodes (such as the Alternative PLMN Selection Function) that mediate between the home network and roaming networks. This intermediary coordinates the disaster roaming process, manages PLMN selection, and facilitates authentication, thereby improving service continuity while distributing system complexity to specialized components.
2Reliability
If alternative PLMN authentication mechanism is implemented, then service continuity is improved, but authentication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into distinct phases and functions: initial PLMN selection, authentication request routing, authentication execution, and session establishment. By dividing the authentication complexity into manageable segments handled by different network functions (AMF, AUSF, alternative PLMN selection function), the system maintains high reliability while making the complex authentication process more manageable and scalable.
3Reliability
If disaster roaming PLMN list is shared between network nodes, then service continuity is improved, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-sharing and pre-storing alternative PLMN lists in network nodes before disaster conditions occur. This preliminary data exchange eliminates the need for real-time transmission of complete PLMN lists during disaster response, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining service continuity through pre-configured knowledge of alternative networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for enabling User Equipments (UEs) to use a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) failing service under disaster conditions and to receive services from alternative PLMNs. In some embodiments, a method performed by a first network node comprises receiving, from a second network node, a first disaster roaming PLMN list. The method also comprises determining that a UE is to be authenticated. The method further comprises providing, to a third network node, a request including the disaster roaming PLMN list, responsive to determining that the UE is to be authenticated. In this way, an interruption of the service at the UE is minimized in case of the disaster conditions.