Network Node Broadcasts Segmented Public and Non-Public Network Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems face challenges in effectively managing access control for non-public networks, particularly in preventing unauthorized user equipment (UEs) from accessing non-public networks, due to limitations in existing cell reservation and network identification mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves broadcasting multiple network identifiers, including mobile country code (MCC), mobile network code (MNC), control access group (CAG), and network identifier (NID), to differentiate between public and non-public networks, and using specific identifiers to restrict access to authorized UEs, thereby enhancing access control and network selection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cell reservation mechanisms are used to prevent unauthorized access, then network security is improved, but access control effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to distinguish authorized NPN UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network identifiers into two distinct lists: a first list containing public network identifiers (PLMN IDs) and a second list containing non-public network identifiers (NPN IDs with CAG IDs or NIDs). This segmentation allows UEs to differentiate between public and private networks, enabling effective access control where authorized NPN UEs can be identified and granted access while unauthorized UEs are blocked, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and enabling effective access control.
2Ease of operation
If multiple network identifiers are broadcasted to differentiate public and non-public networks, then access control is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of public network identification and non-public network identification into a unified broadcast mechanism. The network node broadcasts both PLMN identifiers and NPN identifiers (with CAG IDs or NIDs) using the same identifier structure and broadcast protocol. This merging approach enhances access control capabilities without requiring separate complex systems for public and private network management, thus resolving the contradiction between improved access control and reduced system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods of operating a network node in a cell of a wireless communication network are provided. Methods include broadcasting, to a user equipment, UE, a first network list that includes multiple public network identifiers that correspond to public networks in the cell, and broadcasting, to the UE, a second network list that includes multiple non-public network, NPN, identifiers that correspond to NPNs in the cell. Each of the public network identifiers and NPN identifiers includes multiple data fields. The network identifiers include a mobile country code, MCC, a mobile network code, MNC and at least one of a control access group, CAG, and a network identifier, NID.