Non-Public Network Discovery and Access Control in 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks, particularly 3G and 4G, lack support for enhanced Vertical and Local Area Network (LAN) services, and existing solutions for fifth generation (5G) networks do not adequately address issues related to non-public network (NPN) discovery, selection, and access control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mechanisms for network identification, discovery, and access control in 5G systems, including the use of non-public network identifiers (NIDs) and service network identifiers (SN-IDs), along with configuration parameters and authentication methods, to enable secure and authorized access to non-public networks by user equipment (UEs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-public network identifiers (NIDs) and service network identifiers (SN-IDs) are implemented for network discovery and selection, then network access control and security are improved, but device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of NPN service information including NIDs and SN-IDs in the UE device. The configuration parameters are pre-stored in the device, enabling automatic network discovery and selection without requiring complex real-time configuration. This preliminary setup simplifies the user experience while maintaining security through pre-configured access control lists (ACLs) that define which networks the UE is authorized to access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of an access control list (ACL) that mediates between the UE and non-public networks. The ACL acts as a security filter that automatically matches discovered networks against authorized networks based on NID and SN-ID comparisons. This intermediary layer simplifies access control by automating the authorization decision process rather than requiring complex manual configuration or user intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive non-public network support is added to 5G systems, then service versatility is improved, but compatibility with existing networks may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network identification into two distinct components: Non-Public Network Identifier (NID) for identifying the local non-public network, and Service Network Identifier (SN-ID) for identifying external service networks. This segmentation allows the system to handle different network types (public, private, external) with appropriate identification mechanisms while maintaining compatibility with existing network architectures. The segmented approach enables gradual deployment and coexistence with legacy networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal network selection framework that can handle multiple network types (public land mobile networks, non-public networks, and external service networks) through a unified procedure. The same core mechanisms (scanning, detection, selection, and access control) are applied across different network types, providing versatility while maintaining consistency and compatibility. This multi-functional approach allows the UE to operate seamlessly across diverse network environments without requiring separate specialized procedures for each network type.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) device includes memory storing non-public network (NPN) configuration information, a radio frequency (RF) interface, and processing circuitry coupled to the memory and the RF interface. The RF interface receives information broadcast by a radio access network (RAN) node of the particular NPN, where the information includes a NPN indicator indicating that the RAN node supports a NPN and NPN service information indicating services supported by the particular NPN. The processing circuitry establishes, in response to detecting the NPN indicator in the information received from the RAN node, a connection to the particular NPN based on the NPN configuration information and the NPN service information received from the RAN node.