NPN Cell Identification Using SSB and System Information
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G networks face challenges in efficiently identifying and connecting to non-public networks, leading to increased power consumption, longer cell selection times, and higher connection failure rates due to unsuitable measurement configurations and lack of non-public network information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing non-public network (NPN) cell identification and subscription on an access stratum level through synchronization sequences in synchronization signal blocks, NPN identifiers in system information, and access class permissions, using pre-configured bandwidth parts for efficient UE mobility and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NG-RAN configures measurement configuration without non-public network information, then the UE can perform cell selection, but the cell selection time increases and connection failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with non-public network information (NPN cell lists, frequency lists, and measurement configurations) before the UE needs to perform cell selection. This allows the UE to immediately know which cells to measure and evaluate, eliminating the need for blind scanning of all possible cells. The measurement configuration is provided in advance through system information blocks or dedicated signaling, so when the UE needs to select a cell, it can directly measure the pre-identified NPN cells without wasting time searching for them.
2Loss of information
If the NG-RAN performs blind measurement for neighboring cells, then the UE can identify available cells, but the UE's power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary action by pre-identifying and providing the UE with a list of non-public network cells and their frequencies before the UE needs to perform measurements. This eliminates the need for the UE to perform blind measurements across all possible frequencies and cell identifiers. The UE only needs to measure the specific NPN cells that are provided in advance, dramatically reducing the measurement time and power consumption while ensuring that relevant neighboring cell information is obtained.
3Reliability
If the NG-RAN waits for verification result before configuring measurement, then subscription verification is accurate, but the connection establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing the UE with non-public network measurement configurations before the subscription verification is complete. The NG-RAN sends the measurement configuration to the UE in advance, allowing the UE to start measuring NPN cells immediately. The subscription verification result is then used to confirm whether the UE is allowed to access the NPN, but the actual cell measurement and selection process has already been initiated, thus reducing the overall connection establishment time while maintaining verification accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If the UE performs blind cell selection without non-public network information, then the UE can connect to available networks, but the resource management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with specific non-public network cell lists and measurement parameters. Instead of the UE blindly scanning all possible cells and frequencies, the network has already identified which NPN cells are available and appropriate for the UE to measure. This pre-configuration significantly improves resource management efficiency by reducing unnecessary measurements, minimizing UE power consumption, and accelerating the cell selection process, while still ensuring the UE can connect to available networks.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication method for onboarding and provisioning in non-public networks (NPN) is disclosed, wherein a first next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) transmits NPN-related information to a user equipment (UE). The method introduces mechanisms for NPN cell identification, synchronization sequences, and system information broadcasting, enabling NPN access and provisioning. Improvements include the transmission of synchronization sequences on initial bandwidth parts (BWP), integration of NPN access permissions in system information elements (IEs), and/or enhanced system information delivery on downlink BWPs for NPN access.