RAT-Specific Access Restriction in Shared 5G and LTE Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems, particularly 5G networks, face challenges in restricting access to specific radio access technologies (RATs) based on subscription profiles and roaming agreements, leading to unclear access permissions for user equipment (UE) with valid LTE but not 5G subscriptions, or vice versa, across different architecture options.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) collaborate to determine and enforce restrictions on UE access to multiple RATs by storing subscription information and sending appropriate messages during registration, allowing or restricting access based on valid subscriptions and roaming agreements, and using access control information to manage data forwarding between nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common core network is used for multiple radio access technologies (GSM, EDGE, UTRAN), then network complexity is reduced and resource sharing is improved, but access control and permission management become unclear and difficult to enforce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the common core network into separate access control domains for different radio access technologies. The network element maintains separate access control information for each RAT type (GERAN, UTRAN, E-UTRAN, NR), allowing independent permission management for each technology while sharing the common core infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by determining and storing access control permissions for each radio access technology before the user equipment attempts to access the network. The network element proactively establishes which RATs are permitted or restricted for each UE based on subscription data, preventing access control ambiguity during actual network access attempts.
2Reliability
If access restrictions are implemented based on subscription profiles, then authorized access is ensured and security is improved, but the complexity of access control information management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges access control information for multiple radio access technologies into a single network element (MME or AMF). Instead of maintaining separate access control mechanisms for each RAT, the patent consolidates permission management for GERAN, UTRAN, E-UTRAN, and NR into one centralized location, reducing management complexity while ensuring authorized access across all technologies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio access technologies are supported for user equipment, then network versatility and connectivity options are improved, but determining and enforcing access permissions across different RATs becomes complex and unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining specific access control information for each radio access technology type within the network element. Each RAT (GERAN, UTRAN, E-UTRAN, NR) has its own permission flags and control parameters, allowing the system to enforce different access rules for different technologies while managing them through a unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from appropriate restriction on use. For example, certain wireless communication systems may benefit from radio-access-technology-specific access restrictions. A method can include registering a user equipment with a network element. The registering can include identifying user equipment capabilities. The method can also include receiving a response from the network element indicating restriction on use of at least one radio access technology.