NAS Mode Selection Through Capability Exchange in Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evolving nature of NAS signaling in mobile communication systems, particularly with the introduction of disaggregated and service-based architectures in future generations, poses challenges for backward compatibility and signaling efficiency, as existing methods do not efficiently manage multiple NAS modes in UEs and network entities.
Innovation Solution
UEs and network entities provide and receive NAS capability information to select an appropriate NAS mode, aligning capabilities to ensure efficient NAS mode selection and configuration, including support for 5G, 6G, service-based, and legacy modes, and consider base station and network capabilities in the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If disaggregated or distributed NAS implementation is used in future generations, then NAS signaling can address multiple functionalities in a distributed fashion, but backward compatibility and signaling efficiency become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic NAS mode selection where the system can adapt between centralized and disaggregated NAS modes based on network capabilities and UE requirements. The network entity receives NAS capability information from the UE and dynamically determines the appropriate NAS mode, allowing the system to be flexible and adaptive rather than fixed in one architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE provide NAS capability information during the initial registration process. This advance information exchange allows the network entity to pre-determine the appropriate NAS mode before actual NAS signaling begins, avoiding complexity during operational phases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple NAS modes are supported in UEs, then future generations can use disaggregated NAS while maintaining backward compatibility, but signaling overhead increases due to capability exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the NAS capability indication with the existing registration request message. Instead of requiring a separate signaling exchange for capability exchange, the NAS capability information is combined into the registration procedure, thereby reducing additional signaling overhead while still enabling multi-NAS mode support.
3Productivity
If NAS capability information is exchanged during registration, then network can select appropriate NAS mode, but registration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines NAS capability indication and mode selection into the existing registration procedure. The network entity determines the NAS mode as part of the registration acceptance process, merging multiple functions into a unified workflow rather than adding separate complex procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples relate to methods, computer programs, and apparatuses for user equipment, UE, a network entity, for a base station, and for a mobile communication system. The method (10) for a user equipment (400), UE, of a mobile communication system (700), the UE (400) supporting two or more non-access stratum, NAS, modes, comprises providing (11) NAS capability information indicating the support of the two or more NAS modes, to a network entity (600) of the mobile communication system (700). The method (10) further comprises receiving (12) an indication on which NAS mode to use in response to the NAS capability information.