Dual Registration Mode for Multi-PLMN Wireless Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G RAN standards do not allow for the association of a user equipment (UE) with more than one Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) at a time, restricting operation and architecture, as they require both 4G/4.5G E-UTRAN/EPC and 5G RAN/5GC to be maintained by the same operator, limiting scenarios where EPC/E-UTRAN and 5G RAN are split across different networks.

Innovation Solution

A computerized mobile device with dual-registration mode (DRM) capabilities, enabling simultaneous registration and operation with multiple PLMNs by maintaining independent connections and registrations with 5G and EPC networks, using enhanced UE and network apparatus to manage dual PLMN associations and registrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current 5G RAN standards are used, then network architecture is simplified with single PLMN registration, but UE operation flexibility across multiple PLMNs is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE operation flexibilityVSAvoiddual-registration mode capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the registration process into separate independent registrations for first PLMN and second PLMN, allowing the UE to maintain distinct registration contexts for each network operator rather than requiring a single unified registration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If EPC/E-UTRAN and 5G RAN are required to be maintained by the same operator, then network management is simplified, but deployment scenarios are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment scenario flexibilityVSAvoidmulti-PLMN registration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables separate registration with first PLMN (EPC/E-UTRAN) and second PLMN (5G RAN) where each can be operated by different network operators, allowing flexible deployment scenarios including inter-operator agreements and network sharing arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The UE is designed with universal capability to register and operate across multiple PLMNs simultaneously, supporting both intra-operator and inter-operator scenarios through a single device architecture that handles multiple network identities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12200814B2Apparatus and methods for registration and operation in wireless networks

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for registration of e.g., mobile devices in one or more wireless networks. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which enable operation of a given mobile device (e.g., a 3GPP-compliant UE) within two or more mobile networks (e.g., PLMNs) of respective different operators. In one implementation, the UE operates in dual-registration mode or DRM to allow different interworking between the two networks, and includes independent registration capability to 5GC and EPC infrastructure simultaneously. Accordingly, the UE is provided umbrella 4G/4.5G coverage over one or more small-cell 5G networks, with respective independent operators of each. Enhanced DRM-UEe capability as described herein advantageously allows for service provision (e.g., voice service) and interworking between the macro and small-cell layers of the system without complicated network configuration requirements between the two operating networks.