Equivalent SNPN Lists for Automatic Private Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in seamlessly connecting to and communicating over private cellular networks, such as LTE and NR networks, and achieving mobility between various wireless communication systems, including private networks, without efficient network selection and management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and procedures for wireless communication devices to access standalone non-public networks (SNPNs) and manage equivalent SNPNs, utilizing a new network identifier management function (NMF) to maintain and update lists of eSNPNs/ReSNPNs, with prioritized access for UEs, and utilizing new values in single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) for network slice instances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE is provided with credentials for multiple SNPNs, then the UE can access more private networks, but the UE cannot efficiently determine which SNPN to access first without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The network side pre-configures and provides the UE with a list of eSNPNs (equivalent SNPNs) and their associated credentials before the UE needs to access these networks. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual network selection by pre-establishing the priority order and access parameters, allowing the UE to automatically select and access the appropriate SNPN based on location and availability.
2Reliability
If the UE manually selects and registers with SNPNs, then the UE can control network access, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs automatic network selection and registration by utilizing the pre-provided list of eSNPNs and their credentials. The UE autonomously determines which SNPN to access based on its current location and the provided priority information, eliminating manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains reliable controlled access while significantly reducing the time and complexity associated with manual network selection and registration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network provides detailed SNPN information to the UE, then the UE can make informed network selection, but the amount of information management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The network information is segmented into a structured list format where each eSNPN is presented as a discrete entry with associated credentials and priority information. This segmentation organizes the complex information into manageable units, allowing the UE to process and select from multiple SNPNs systematically without being overwhelmed by unorganized data. The list structure provides clear, hierarchical information that simplifies the UE's information management while enabling informed network selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device (UE) may access standalone non-public networks (SNPNs) in various different locations as equivalent SNPNs (eSNPNs) corresponding to a home SNPN of the device. The device may obtain a list of eSNPNs corresponding to the home SNPN, and may access a second SNPN at a location different from a location of the home SNPN, in response to identifying the second SNPN and the list including the second SNPN as an eSNPN corresponding to the home SNPN of the device. The eSNPNs may include roaming eSNPNs (ReSNPNs) for accessing an enterprise NPN globally and/or at various different locations. The eSNPN/ReSNPN list may be maintained in a new network identifier management function (NMF). NPNs may be implemented as network slice instances (NSIs) via identifying data in the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). Multiple credentialed SNPNs of a UE may be prioritized for access by the UE.