ePDG Selection via PLMN List in WLAN Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
User equipment (UE) faces challenges in selecting an appropriate Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) when pre-configuration is not feasible, leading to potential connectivity issues or compliance problems due to the lack of ePDG deployment in the user's location, especially during roaming.
Innovation Solution
The UE receives a list of networks providing ePDG services in the area from the access point, allowing it to select an appropriate ePDG for secure connection to the Evolved Packet Core network, thereby preventing selection of nonexistent or incorrect ePDGs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE relies on the PLMN list provided via ANQP by the WLAN for ePDG selection, then the UE can be authenticated and authorized to access the WLAN, but the UE may select a nonexistent or incorrect ePDG resulting in poor connectivity or compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new information element (ePDG information element) that acts as an intermediary between the WLAN access point and the UE. This element carries specific PLMN list information indicating which networks have ePDG deployed in their areas, bridging the information gap between the authentication process and ePDG selection process. The element is transported through the authentication framework (via ANQP or direct authentication message) to provide the UE with accurate ePDG selection data without modifying the core authentication mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE uses pre-configured ePDG information, then the UE can select an ePDG for secure connection, but pre-configuration is not practical when roaming in another country or when operators have large numbers of ePDGs deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static pre-configuration approach into a dynamic information delivery mechanism. Instead of hardcoding ePDG information in the UE before deployment, the system dynamically provides the relevant PLMN list information to the UE at the time of WLAN association through the authentication process. This allows the UE to adapt to different roaming scenarios and operator configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration or storing large numbers of ePDG entries.
3Ease of operation
If the UE connects to an ePDG without verifying its location, then the connection setup is simple, but the UE may connect to an ePDG in a different country resulting in poor connectivity or regulatory prohibition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing the UE with ePDG deployment location information (PLMN list) before the UE attempts to select and connect to an ePDG. This information is delivered during the WLAN association phase through the authentication element, enabling the UE to pre-filter and identify suitable ePDGs in its current location area. The UE can then make an informed selection based on this advance information, ensuring both ease of connection setup and reliability of connectivity quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides the UE with ePDG information that includes a list of networks that provide ePDG in the area where the WLAN access point is located. In an aspect, the list of networks may include a list of PLMN IDs. By receiving the ePDG information containing the list of networks that provide ePDG in the area where the WLAN access point is located, the UE may be prevented from selecting an incorrect ePDG. In aspects of the disclosure, a method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for wireless communication are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus associates with an access point of a wireless communication network. In another aspect, the apparatus receives, from the access point, ePDG information comprising a list of networks that provide ePDGs in an area of the access point. In a further aspect, the apparatus selects an ePDG based on the ePDG information.