Non-Public Network Localization via Public Land Mobile Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication systems face challenges in localizing User Equipment (UE) within non-public networks, especially when these devices enter the coverage area of private networks, as they are not registered or able to register with the non-public network, leading to inefficiencies in energy and resource usage, and posing security and health and safety risks due to the inability to accurately locate external entities within closed subscriber groups.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a coextensive Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) to perform localization of UE in a Non-Public Network (NPN), where the NPN initiates a request to the PLMN's Gateway Mobile Location Centre for localization services, leveraging standardized architecture and call flows to ensure accurate and efficient location determination of shadowed UEs and IoT devices through trusted non-3GPP access, such as WiFi, while maintaining PLMN access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the NPN attempts to localize UE directly without PLMN assistance, then localization autonomy is improved, but localization accuracy deteriorates because the UE is not registered with the NPN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PLMN as an intermediary entity that mediates the localization process. The NPN sends localization requests to the PLMN's GMLC, which then coordinates with the UE's serving network to obtain location information. This mediator approach allows the NPN to localize UEs it is not directly registered with, resolving the contradiction between autonomy and accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the NPN uses its own localization resources, then resource independence is improved, but energy consumption increases due to duplicate localization infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the PLMN's localization infrastructure to serve multiple purposes: it localizes UEs for the PLMN itself and also assists NPNs in localizing UEs within their coverage areas. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for NPNs to maintain separate localization resources, reducing energy consumption while preserving resource independence through standardized interfaces.
3Reliability
If the NPN restricts access to closed subscriber groups, then security is improved, but the ability to localize external entities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the localization functionality into two parts: the NPN maintains security by controlling access to its core services and subscriber data, while the PLMN handles the technical localization operations for external entities. This segmentation allows the NPN to enforce security policies for closed subscriber groups while still achieving localization capability for external UEs through the PLMN interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. Disclosed is a method of performing localisation of a User Equipment, UE, in a Non-Public Network, NPN, wherein the NPN, utilises an at least partially coextensive Public Land Mobile Network, PLMN, with which the UE is registered, to perform the localisation.