Roaming Intercommunication Apparatus for 5G NSA-SA Network Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of 5G networks under the NSA deployment manner face challenges when roaming into 5G networks under the SA deployment manner, as they are unable to access 5G services and can only use 4G networks.

Innovation Solution

A roaming and intercommunication apparatus is deployed between 5G networks under different deployment manners to facilitate network roaming and intercommunication, allowing users to access 5G services by acquiring and converting security authentication and subscription data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user of 5G network under NSA deployment manner roams to 5G network under SA deployment manner, then the user can use 4G network, but the user is unable to use 5G network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidservice availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary translation mechanism that converts authentication protocols between NSA and SA network standards. This mediator enables seamless interoperability by translating authentication requests and responses, allowing users to access 5G services in SA networks while maintaining NSA terminal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes authentication parameters and protocol versions based on the target network type. When detecting a SA network environment, the system adjusts authentication parameters to be compatible with SA requirements, enabling 5G service access while the terminal remains configured for NSA operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If dual-mode terminal with 5G capability is used for roaming, then user can register in 5G network under NSA deployment manner, but user cannot access 5G network under SA deployment manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroaming registrationVSAvoidnetwork access capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic protocol adaptation where the terminal's authentication behavior changes based on the detected network type. The system dynamically switches authentication methods and parameter sets, enabling the same terminal to successfully register and access services in both NSA and SA networks without hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enhances terminal universality by implementing a multi-functional authentication stack that supports both NSA and SA protocols. This allows a single terminal to function across different 5G deployment scenarios, maintaining ease of operation while expanding network access capability to include both NSA and SA environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3958599B1Network roaming and intercommunication method and system
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 ZTE CORP
  • EP3958599B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(b)
  • EP3958599B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4(a)
  • EP3958599B1 patent drawingFigure 4(b)~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a network roaming and intercommunication method, device, and system. The method comprises: a first network element receives a registration request of a user of an NG network under a second deployment method, wherein the first network element is a network element in an NG network under a first deployment method, the first network element being responsible for the security management, mobility management, and connection management of the user, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the first network element communicates with a roaming and intercommunication device to acquire a first security authentication information and a first subscription data, wherein the first security authentication information is the user's security authentication information in the NG network under the first deployment method, said user being in the NG network under the second deployment method, and the first subscription data is the user's subscription data in the NG network under the first deployment method, said user being in the NG network under the second deployment method.