Roaming Shared Data Layer for 5G UE Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process for initiating a roaming communication link in 5G networks is complex, time-consuming, and insecure, as user equipment (UE) needs to fetch subscriber-specific data from the home network and query various network elements, which can fail if interfaces are missing in the visited network.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a direct communication link between the visited communication network and the home network via a roaming shared data layer (RSDL), allowing the UE to obtain necessary data securely and efficiently, simplifying the roaming procedure and enhancing performance and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the current roaming procedure is used where UE fetches subscriber-specific data from home network and queries various network elements, then the roaming communication link can be established, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roaming shared data layer (RSDL) as an intermediary between the visited network and home network. This RSDL contains pre-fetched subscriber-specific data and acts as a mediator, allowing the UE to obtain necessary roaming data directly from the visited network without complex interactions with multiple home network elements, thus simplifying the procedure while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fetching and storing subscriber-specific data in the roaming shared data layer before the UE actually needs it for roaming. This advance preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming data fetching during the roaming establishment process, reducing both complexity and time while ensuring data availability
2Reliability
If the current roaming procedure with multiple network element queries is used, then the roaming communication can be established, but the procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Subscriber-specific data is pre-fetches and stored in the roaming shared data layer before roaming is needed. When UE initiates roaming, the data is already available locally in the visited network, eliminating time-consuming data retrieval operations and reducing connection procedure time while ensuring reliable communication establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The RSDL acts as a local intermediary that provides immediate access to subscriber data without requiring time-consuming queries to remote home network elements. This local mediation significantly reduces the time required for roaming establishment while maintaining the reliability of communication link creation
3Productivity
If the current roaming procedure is used, then the roaming communication link can be established, but security is reduced due to potential data manipulation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The RSDL serves as a secure intermediary layer that controls and manages the distribution of subscriber-specific data. It acts as a trusted mediator between the visited network and home network, providing data through a controlled interface that prevents unauthorized manipulation while enabling efficient roaming establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential security risk of data manipulation into a benefit by implementing a controlled data distribution mechanism through the RSDL. The system acknowledges that data must be shared for roaming to work, but transforms the security challenge into an opportunity for enhanced security through centralized control and monitoring in the RSDL
4Productivity
If a direct communication link between visited network and home network is established via RSDL, then the roaming procedure is simplified and performance increased, but a new system architecture is required
Solution Approach 1:
The RSDL is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions: storing subscriber data, acting as a security intermediary, providing local data access, and enabling simplified roaming procedures. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate system components, actually reducing overall architecture complexity while improving productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for initiating a roaming communication link with a user equipment (UE) (202) in a visited communication network (240), in particular in a network slice of the visited communication network (240), the method comprising: transmitting a registration request (203) by the UE (202) to a network entity (252, 251) of the visited communication network (240), wherein the registration request comprises an identity (UE ID) of the user equipment (UE ID); detecting by the network entity (252, 251) of the visited communication network (240), based on the UE ID, that the registration request (203) is related to a roaming communication with the UE; determining by the network entity (252, 251) of the visited communication network (240) a home communication network (210) of the UE (202); establishing by the network entity (252, 251) of the visited communication network (240) a communication link (206, 207) to a network entity (221, 222) of the home communication network (210); and initiating the roaming communication link with the UE (202) via the network entity (221, 222) of the home communication network (210).