Multi-PLMN Radio Access Network Sharing for Core Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile radio network infrastructure sharing methods, such as national roaming agreements, are inefficient and lead to one-sided service offerings, limiting economic value and regulatory compliance due to the inability to select different core networks for circuit-switched and packet-switched connections.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing multiple mobile radio providers to share a common radio access network while maintaining separate core networks, enabling mobile subscribers to select and use services from different operators by transmitting multiple PLMN identities through the radio access network, allowing for the selection of specific core networks for voice and IP connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If national roaming agreements are used for infrastructure sharing, then mobile radio subscribers can use partner networks in areas without service, but the operators must reconcile rendered services and the agreement becomes one-sided when operators have unequal market position
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into radio access network (RAN) and core network (CN) components. The RAN is shared among multiple operators while each operator maintains its own separate core network. This segmentation allows service flexibility through shared infrastructure while avoiding complexity by keeping core network functions separate and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-PLMN RAN controller as an intermediary that manages connections between multiple core networks and the shared radio access network. This intermediary handles the complexity of service reconciliation and network selection, allowing operators to use shared infrastructure without direct service coordination overhead.
2Ease of operation
If a single core network is used for radio access network operations, then network operations are simplified, but operators cannot select different core networks for circuit-switched and packet-switched connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which core network to use based on the type of connection required. The RAN controller can switch between different core networks (e.g., Operator A's core network for circuit-switched voice, Operator B's core network for packet-switched data) depending on service requirements, combining operational simplicity with adaptive versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared radio access network is designed with multi-functionality to support connections to multiple different core networks. It can universally handle both circuit-switched and packet-switched traffic by routing to appropriate core networks, maintaining simple operations while enabling versatile network selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PLMN identities are transmitted in the radio access network, then subscribers can select different core networks for different services, but the network configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple PLMN identities are pre-configured and transmitted in system information blocks (SIBs) of the radio access network before subscribers need to select a network. This preliminary action allows mobile devices to automatically identify and select the appropriate core network based on their service requirements without real-time configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables subscribers to autonomously select the appropriate core network by transmitting their preferred PLMN identity during connection setup. The RAN controller automatically routes the connection to the selected core network without requiring manual configuration or complex real-time negotiation, making the system self-configuring.
4Reliability
If separate core networks are maintained by each operator, then service independence is preserved, but infrastructure utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio access network infrastructure is merged and shared among multiple operators, while each operator maintains separate core networks for service independence. This combining approach improves infrastructure utilization efficiency by allowing multiple operators to use the same radio access resources, while preserving service independence through separate core network operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mobile radio suppliers to provide or share or jointly use a mobile radio access network is provided. Said method is characterized in that a single radio access network (9; 12), which is operated according to UMTS standard, cdma2000 standard, or GSM standard, for example, is jointly used by several mobile radio suppliers. In order to do so, the mobile radio networks comprise a common radio access network but separate core networks. Preferably several PLMN IDs are transmitted by the common radio access network and are made available to the user terminal for selection. The inventive method allows a joint radio access network to be made accessible to different mobile radio suppliers, a mobile radio user selecting one of several transmitted preferably PLMN IDs and using services (CS or PS) via the associated core network of the selected mobile radio operator.