Relay Node Access Control for Non-Public Network Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of Non-Public Networks (NPN) and Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes in cellular communication systems lacks effective communication control methods, preventing IAB nodes from accessing NPN cells.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method and relay node configuration that includes broadcasting an NPN identifier and IAB support information in system information blocks, allowing IAB nodes to determine access permission based on these identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a base station manages a cell belonging to the Non-Public Network (NPN) without broadcasting NPN identifier information, then the system information block structure remains simple, but relay nodes cannot determine whether access to the cell is permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The system information block is segmented to include a specific NPN identifier information list that separately carries NPN-related access permission information. This segmentation allows relay nodes to efficiently extract and process only the relevant NPN access information without parsing the entire system information block, thus reducing information loss while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs preliminary action by pre-configuring and broadcasting the NPN identifier information list in the system information block before relay nodes attempt to access the cell. This preliminary provision of access permission information enables relay nodes to make informed access decisions without requiring additional signaling exchanges, thereby preventing information loss about access permissions.
2Measurement precision
If the system information block includes detailed NPN identifier information list, then relay nodes can determine access permission accurately, but the information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NPN identifier information list is extracted as a distinct component within the system information block, separate from other system information elements. This extraction allows the NPN access permission information to be precisely targeted and efficiently transmitted, enabling accurate access determination by relay nodes while minimizing unnecessary information transmission overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system information block structure is modified by introducing a specific parameter field (NPN identifier information list) that changes the state of information availability. This parameter change enables the system to convey precise access permission information in a structured format that optimizes the ratio of useful information to total transmission volume.
3Speed
If relay nodes attempt to access NPN cells without checking NPN identifier information, then access attempts can be made quickly, but unauthorized access may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Relay nodes perform preliminary action by checking the NPN identifier information list in the system information block before initiating access attempts to NPN cells. This preliminary verification ensures that only authorized relay nodes attempt access, maintaining access control reliability while allowing quick access for pre-authorized nodes that have already matched their identifiers against the broadcast list.
Solution Approach 2:
The NPN identifier information list acts as an intermediary between the base station's access control policies and the relay nodes' access attempts. This intermediary information structure enables relay nodes to quickly determine access permission status without direct real-time communication with the base station, thus maintaining both speed and reliability in access control.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control method according to a first aspect is a method used in cellular communication system including a relay node for relaying communication between a base station and user equipment. The communication control method includes the steps of: broadcasting, by the base station managing a cell belonging to a Non-Public Network (NPN), a system information block including an NPN identifier identifying the NPN to the cell; receiving, by the relay node, the system information block from the base station; and determining, by the relay node, whether an access from the relay node to the cell is permitted, based on the system information block.