Private Network Identifier Segmentation to Prevent UE Lock-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reconfiguring User Equipment (UE) to connect to private cellular networks with updated network identifiers involve significant signaling and processing overhead, leading to lock-outs when the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is not updated with the new network identifier.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the private network broadcasts a modified Network Identifier (NID) comprising a Static Identifier (SID) and a Variable Identifier (VID), allowing UE to connect using the SID despite the NID being unfamiliar, thereby reducing the need for real-time SIM updates and minimizing signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the private network changes the network identifier to a new NID, then the network can be重新identified and updated, but the UE becomes locked out because the stored NID in SIM no longer matches the broadcast NID
Solution Approach 1:
The network identifier NID is segmented into two parts: a stable first portion (e.g., PLMN identifier) that the UE stores in SIM, and a variable second portion that the network can change. This segmentation allows the network to update the NID by changing only the variable portion while the UE continues to recognize the stable portion, preventing lock-out while enabling network identifier updates.
2Reliability
If the UE is reconfigured with a new network identifier via RRC Reconfiguration message or SIM replacement, then the lock-out is resolved, but significant signaling and processing overhead is required
Solution Approach 1:
The UE is pre-configured with the stable first portion of the NID in the SIM card before connecting to the network. This preliminary action enables the UE to automatically recognize and connect to the network when the network changes the NID, without requiring real-time reconfiguration messages or SIM replacement, thereby reducing signaling and processing overhead.
3Reliability
If the UE stores the complete network identifier NID in SIM, then the UE can match and connect to the private network, but the UE must be updated whenever the NID changes
Solution Approach 1:
The network identifier NID is divided into a stable first portion stored in SIM for accurate matching, and a variable second portion that can be changed by the network without requiring SIM updates. This segmentation maintains reliable network matching while providing flexibility for network identifier updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (300) of operating a cellular telecommunications system (100), said system comprising User Equipment (105), UE, and a cellular private network (110-2), and the method comprising the steps of: storing, at the UE and at the private network, a: Static IDentifier, SID; and first Network IDentifier, NID, for uniquely identifying the private network to the UE, wherein the first NID comprises the SID; by the private network: broadcasting the first NID; modifying the first NID into a second, different, NID for uniquely identifying the private network (350), wherein the second NID is unfamiliar to the UE for the purposes of permitting the UE to request a connection to the private network on the basis of the second NID, and in which the second NID comprises: the SID, wherein the SID remains unchanged as between the first and second NIDs; and a Variable IDentifier, VID, consisting of at least one character that is different to a corresponding portion of the first NID; and subsequently broadcasting the second NID instead of the first NID, thereby instead to identify the private network using the second NID; by the UE: detecting the broadcast second NID (360); determining, using the SID, that the detected second NID comprises the SID (330-2); and requesting, in response to determining that the broadcast second NID comprises the SID, attachment to the private network using the SID, despite the second NID being unfamiliar to the UE (330-1).