N3IWF Selection for Public Network Integrated Non-Public Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G system enhancements for Non-Public Networks (NPNs) lack efficient methods for Non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) selection, particularly in public network integrated NPNs, which hinders secure and optimized access control and network slicing configurations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution enables User Equipment (UE) to select a network slice or integrated N3IWF based on configured information, including network slice or Closed Access Group (CAG) identifiers, allowing for secure access and optimized network operations across different access types and PLMNs, by extending the N3IWF selection process to include CAG IDs and network slice information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single N3IWF is used for all NPNs, then device complexity is reduced, but network isolation and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the N3IWF function by introducing network slice-specific N3IWFs (N3IWF-S) for each network slice or NPN. This allows separate N3IWF instances to handle different NPNs independently, ensuring network isolation and security while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized slice identification mechanisms.
2Reliability
If network slice-specific N3IWFs are deployed for each NPN, then network isolation and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal N3IWF selection mechanism that works across all NPNs and network slices. The UE uses standardized procedures involving S-NSSAI identification and DNS-based N3IWF selection that function consistently regardless of the specific NPN or slice, reducing operational complexity despite the presence of multiple specialized N3IWF instances.
3Ease of operation
If traditional N3IWF selection is used without slice information, then selection simplicity is maintained, but access control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by configuring the UE with S-NSSAI information and N3IWF selection parameters before actual N3IWF selection occurs. The network pre-configures slice-specific DNS records and selection criteria, enabling the UE to automatically select the appropriate N3IWF-S based on its intended network slice without complex real-time decision-making.
4Reliability
If CAG functionality is used for access control, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but N3IWF selection flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the S-NSSAI as an intermediary between CAG-based access control and N3IWF selection. The S-NSSAI carries slice identification information that mediates between the access control layer (CAG) and the network function selection layer (N3IWF), enabling both secure access control and flexible N3IWF selection to operate simultaneously without conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of interworking functions, which provide interworking between a communication network acting as access network and another communication network, is associated with a plurality of network slices or non-public networks hosted by the other communication network. A user equipment performs connection (S301) to a communication network acting as access network, and selects (S303) an interworking function of the plurality of interworking functions based on information on a network slice or non-public network hosted by the other communication network, wherein the user equipment is associated with the network slice or non-public network.