NPN Access Control Using Per-Identifier UE Threshold Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network access control methods for non-public networks (NPNs) only provide cell-level granularity, lacking finer-grained control and efficient resource usage-based access and charging mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing access control methods and charging mechanisms that allow network elements to manage and update the number of user equipment (UEs) per NPN identifier, using request and response messages to indicate and adjust UE counts, enabling finer-grained control and charging based on predefined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cell-level access control is used, then network coverage is maintained, but control granularity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control mechanism by introducing CAG identifiers that operate within cells. Each CAG represents a distinct access group with its own identifier, allowing multiple fine-grained control levels within a single cell. This segmentation enables precise control over different NPNs while maintaining the overall cell structure, resolving the contradiction between control granularity and structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple CAGs are supported in one cell, then finer-grained control is achieved, but resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network element receives information about the number of UEs for each CAG and compares it against configured thresholds. When thresholds are exceeded, the system provides feedback to reject further access requests for that CAG. This automated feedback loop simplifies resource management by eliminating manual intervention while maintaining fine-grained control over multiple CAGs in a single cell.
3Measurement precision
If access control is implemented per NPN identifier, then charging precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the access control and charging functions by using the same CAG identifier and threshold mechanism for both purposes. The network element simultaneously performs access control decisions and charging assessments based on the number of UEs per CAG, eliminating the need for separate signaling procedures. This merging reduces signaling overhead while maintaining precise per-NPN charging capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An access control method, a charging method, an apparatus, a communication device, and a readable storage medium are provided, which belong to the field of communication technology. The access control method in embodiments of the present disclosure includes: sending, by a first network element, a first request message to a second network element, where the first request message includes at least one NPN identifier and is used for requesting to update a number of UEs for each NPN identifier; and receiving a first response message from the second network element, where the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating whether the number of UEs for each NPN identifier reaches the corresponding first value.