Network Access Control via Intermediary Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communications systems, terminals do not support access to a second network through a first network, limiting the ability to route NAS information and configure DRBs for multiple networks, which complicates network service access and coverage.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling network access that determines preset conditions to enable a terminal to access a second network through a first network by transmitting specific information, such as NAS information and routing indications, to distinguish and route data between networks, allowing for the selection of proxy network elements and configuration of SRBs and DRBs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If terminals support access to multiple networks independently, then network service diversity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork service diversityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network side intermediary mechanism where the first network acts as a mediator to facilitate terminal access to the second network. The network side devices handle the complexity of multi-network management, including routing NAS information and configuring DRBs, while the terminal maintains relatively simple access procedures. This resolves the contradiction by shifting complexity from the terminal to the network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If terminals access second network through first network, then network coverage is improved, but routing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidrouting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the routing process into distinct phases and components: NAS information routing is separated from user data routing, and different DRB configurations are used for different network types. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex multi-network routing scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through structured, modular routing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first network serves as an intermediary that relays communications between the terminal and the second network. Network side devices in the first network handle the complexity of routing decisions and DRB configurations, enabling extended network coverage without requiring the terminal to directly manage complex inter-network routing protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If network access control is implemented, then network security is improved, but access efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidaccess efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary access control mechanisms where the network side determines and configures appropriate DRBs and routing parameters before actual data transmission begins. By pre-establishing security policies, routing rules, and bearer configurations during the access setup phase, the system ensures security requirements are met while enabling efficient data transmission without repeated security checks during ongoing communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12010612B2Method for controlling network access and communications device
Publication Date: 2024.06.11 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • US12010612B2 patent drawing
  • US12010612B2 patent drawing
  • US12010612B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for controlling network access and a communications device. The method includes: determining whether a preset condition is satisfied; and when it is determined that the preset condition is satisfied, performing a first operation of accessing a second network through a first network.