Network Identifier Translation for NPN-PLMN Interconnection

Solution Overview

Problem

Interconnecting non-public networks (NPNs) or standalone non-public networks (SNPNs) with public land mobile networks (PLMNs) is challenging due to differences in network identifiers and subscriber identifiers, which are not globally unique and not routable in public infrastructure, hindering seamless communication and service continuity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a network identifier and number translating functionality that associates private identifiers with globally unique PLMN identifiers, enabling translation of both network and subscriber identifiers in both directions, allowing for interconnection and reuse of public network infrastructure while ensuring privacy and legal interception capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If private identifier information is used in non-public networks, then network privacy and security are improved, but interconnection capability with public networks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network identifier and number translating functionality as an intermediary component that translates between private identifiers (used within NPN/SNPN) and public PLMN identifiers (used in public networks). This mediator enables seamless interconnection while preserving the privacy benefits of private identifiers within the non-public network domain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming identifier types from private to public format when traffic needs to be routed through public infrastructure. The translating functionality modifies the identifier parameters dynamically based on the routing requirements, allowing the same network to operate in both private and public contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If private identifier information is used in non-public networks, then service isolation and security are improved, but routing capability in public infrastructure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The translating functionality acts as an intermediary that bridges the isolated private network domain and the public routing infrastructure. It maintains service isolation by preserving private identifiers within the NPN/SNPN while enabling routing capability by converting to public PLMN identifiers when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the identifier translation process into distinct functional components within the network architecture. The network identifier and number translating functionality is implemented as a separate module that handles translation at specific points in the signaling and data traffic paths, enabling selective translation based on routing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If network identifier translation is implemented, then interconnection functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network identifier and number translating functionality is designed with multi-functionality, handling both network identifier translation and subscriber identifier translation within a single integrated component. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate translation mechanisms for different types of identifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If bidirectional translation is implemented, then service continuity is improved, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing translation mappings and routing information in advance before actual communication occurs. The network identifier and number translating functionality is pre-configured with translation tables and routing protocols, enabling rapid bidirectional translation during operation without requiring complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11706612B2Interconnection functionality between a first mobile communication network and a second mobile communication network

Publication Date: 2023.07.18

AI summary

A method for an interconnection functionality between a first mobile communication network and a second mobile communication network includes: associating or assigning private identifier information to specific public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier information related to the second mobile communication network; and in respect of signalling messages and/or data traffic packets that are to be routed or to be addressed or to be processed, providing for or supporting, by a network identifier and number translating functionality, a replacement and/or a translation, in both directions, between the private identifier information and the specific PLMN identifier information related to the second mobile communication network.