Multi-N3IWF Registration for Simultaneous 5G Slice Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems limit User Equipment (UE) to connect to a 5G core network via a single Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF), which cannot support simultaneous access to multiple network slices due to varying capabilities among N3IWFs in 3GPP Rel-17.
Innovation Solution
UE establishes multiple concurrent registrations with a mobile network by connecting to different N3IWFs, each supporting distinct network slices, maintaining separate registrations and signaling connections for simultaneous access to multiple network slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UE connects to the 5G core network via a single N3IWF, then the registration process is simplified and management is easier, but the UE cannot simultaneously access multiple network slices with different capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice access capability by allowing the UE to establish separate registrations with multiple different N3IWFs. Each N3IWF supports specific network slices, and the UE can concurrently maintain multiple registrations through different N3IWFs to access different network slices simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing slice access across multiple registration instances rather than requiring a single N3IWF to support all slices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UE establishes multiple concurrent registrations via different N3IWFs to access multiple network slices, then network slice accessibility is improved, but the complexity of maintaining separate registrations and signaling connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the registration mechanism such that each N3IWF registration follows the same standardized procedure and protocol. The UE uses identical registration messages and procedures when registering with different N3IWFs, making the process uniform and manageable. This multi-functional approach allows the same registration mechanism to work across multiple N3IWFs, reducing operational complexity despite having multiple registrations.
3Ease of operation
If all N3IWFs support all network slices, then a single registration can provide universal access, but the system loses flexibility in deploying N3IWFs with specialized capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing each N3IWF to be deployed with specific, localized capabilities tailored to particular network slices or service requirements. Instead of requiring all N3IWFs to support all slices uniformly, each N3IWF can be optimized for specific slices it needs to support. The UE adapts by selecting appropriate N3IWFs for specific slice access needs, enabling specialized deployments while maintaining overall system functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for establishing multiple concurrent registrations with a mobile network. One apparatus includes a network interface and a processor that receives a first registration request message from a remote unit via a first interworking function (“IWF”) and sends a first registration accept message to the remote unit via the first IWF, the registration accept message establishing a first registration between the remote unit and a mobile communication network via the first IWF. The processor receives a second registration request message from the remote unit via a second IWF and sends a second registration accept message to the remote unit via the second IWF, the second registration accept message establishing a second registration between the remote unit and the network via the second IWF, where the second registration is in addition to the first registration.