N3IWF Access RAT Identification for Untrusted Network Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G core network (5GC) is unable to determine the type of untrusted non-3GPP access network used by a user equipment (UE) when it connects via a Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF), leading to inadequate access control, service control, QoS management, and charging policies.
Innovation Solution
The UE obtains Access Network Information (ANI) and sends it to the N3IWF, which forwards it to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to determine the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, enabling the 5GC to differentiate between untrusted access networks like Wi-Fi, wireline, and Standalone Non-Public Networks (SNPNs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the 5GC uses untrusted non-3GPP access networks via N3IWF, then IP connectivity is provided between UE and 5GC, but the 5GC cannot determine the type of access network used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Access Network Information (ANI) as an intermediary data structure that carries access network type information from the untrusted non-3GPP access network through the N3IWF to the 5GC. This ANI includes parameters such as access technology type, access network identifier, and access operator identifier, enabling the 5GC to identify and differentiate between various access network types while maintaining the untrusted architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE obtain and include ANI in the registration request before establishing the secure connection with the N3IWF. The ANI is prepared and transmitted in advance, allowing the 5GC to determine the access network type early in the registration process, before any service delivery occurs.
2Ease of operation
If the 5GC treats all untrusted access networks uniformly, then registration procedure is simplified, but access control and service control policies cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different treatment of different access network types through the ANI parameters. The 5GC can now apply access control, service control, QoS, and charging policies specifically tailored to each access network type (e.g., Wi-Fi, wireline, SNPN) based on the ANI information, while maintaining a unified registration procedure structure.
3Measurement precision
If Access Network Information is collected and transmitted to the 5GC, then access network type can be determined, but additional signaling and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the ANI structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the access network type, provides access network identifier, indicates access operator, and enables differentiation for access control, service control, QoS, and charging policies. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for determining a radio access technology (RAT) type for an untrusted access network. One apparatus includes a processor coupled with the memory and configured to cause the apparatus to: communicate with a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) in a mobile communication network; receive a message via the N3IWF, the message comprising access network information (ANI) for a first access network and a registration request associated with a user equipment (UE) connected to the N3IWF via the first access network; determine a RAT type for the first access network based on the ANI; determine whether to accept the registration request based on the determined RAT type; and transmit a registration response message to the UE, the registration response message based on the determination whether to accept the registration request.