PLMN Core Network Type Identification for UE Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in determining public land mobile network (PLMN) support for different core networks, particularly in heterogeneous environments where legacy and advanced devices coexist, leading to inefficiencies in network access and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The system employs techniques to identify and differentiate between 4G and 5G core networks by using specific information elements (IEs) and tracking area codes, allowing UEs to connect to appropriate networks based on their capabilities, preventing legacy UEs from accessing 5G-only PLMNs and ensuring seamless communication across multiple core networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a base station provides access to multiple core networks (4G EPC and 5G 5GCN) through common PLMNs, then network versatility and connectivity options are improved, but network complexity and difficulty in determining supported core networks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network information by introducing separate information elements for different core network types. The base station transmits distinct indicators (e.g., 5GCN support indication, EPC support indication) for each core network type, allowing UEs to independently determine which core networks are supported without being overwhelmed by a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to network identification by introducing core network type indicators as an additional layer of information beyond traditional PLMN identification. This dimensional extension allows UEs to differentiate between 4G and 5G core networks through separate indication fields, making the determination process more structured and manageable.
2Ease of operation
If legacy UEs are allowed to access all PLMNs without distinction, then network access flexibility is improved, but connection failures and resource waste occur when UEs cannot access unsupported core networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having base stations pre-indicate which core networks are supported through information elements transmitted in system information. UEs can perform preliminary determination of core network support before attempting connection, avoiding futile connection attempts and ensuring only compatible UEs try to access specific core networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to UEs about core network support capabilities through broadcast information elements. This feedback mechanism enables UEs to adjust their access behavior based on network capabilities, preventing connection failures by ensuring UEs only attempt to access core networks they are capable of supporting.
3Measurement precision
If separate information elements are transmitted for each core network type, then network identification precision is improved, but signaling overhead and information complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing information elements that can serve multiple purposes. The core network support indicators are integrated into existing PLMN identification mechanisms, allowing the same signaling structure to simultaneously identify PLMNs and indicate their supported core network types, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining precise identification.
4Manufacturing precision
If UEs must determine core network support for each PLMN individually, then connection accuracy is improved, but access time and processing delay worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing all core network support information in advance through system information broadcasts. UEs receive comprehensive indications of which PLMNs support which core networks before attempting any connections, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial-and-error determination during the actual access process.
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described that provide for identification, on a per-PLMN basis of a type of core network associated with each PLMN in a list of networks associated with a base station. A user equipment (UE) may receive the list of networks and, based at least in part on the type(s) of core network accessible via each PLMN and a capability of the UE, initiate a connection establishment with a PLMN and associated core network. In some cases, UEs that are not capable of connections with a first type of core network (e.g., a 5G core network) may be restricted from camping on a cell or PLMN that may provide only connections with the first type of core network (e.g., a 4G core network).