SEPP-Mediated DNN Replacement for Roaming Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to reliably set compatible data network names (DNNs) for roaming subscribers across different networks, leading to incompatible DNNs that are not recognized by the home network, which disrupts network communication and service provisioning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) that intercepts and modifies DNN values in messages between visited and home networks, ensuring compatibility by replacing or adding DNNs according to a local list of recognized values, thereby enabling seamless communication for roaming subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the visited network supplies a DNN for the roaming UE, then the UE can connect to the visited network, but the DNN may not be recognized or compatible with the home network
Solution Approach 1:
The SEPP acts as an intermediary between the visited network and the home network. It intercepts DNN replacement requests from the visited network, validates them against the home network's recognized DNN list, and only forwards compatible DNNs to the home network. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by ensuring DNN compatibility while maintaining roaming functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation of DNN compatibility before the home network is contacted. The SEPP checks whether the supplied DNN is in the home network's recognized list beforehand, and only proceeds with the request if the DNN is compatible. This preliminary action prevents incompatible DNNs from reaching the home network, ensuring reliability while supporting roaming scenarios.
2Reliability
If the home network enforces its own DNN list, then DNN compatibility is ensured, but the visited network's operations may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The SEPP serves as a mediator that protects the home network's DNN enforcement without directly impacting the visited network's operations. It validates DNNs before they reach the home network, ensuring compatibility while allowing the visited network to continue its normal operations unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of DNN incompatibility into a benefit by using the SEPP to validate and filter DNNs. Instead of blocking all visited network requests, it selectively allows only compatible DNNs through, turning a potential conflict into a beneficial validation mechanism that maintains both home network control and visited network operationality.
3Reliability
If DNN replacement is enabled for outbound roaming, then compatible DNNs can be provided, but the complexity of managing roaming scenarios increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SEPP consolidates the complexity of DNN management into a single intermediary component. Rather than requiring complex logic in multiple network elements, the SEPP handles DNN validation and replacement centrally, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable DNN compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The SEPP performs multiple functions: it validates DNNs against the home network's recognized list, replaces incompatible DNNs with compatible alternatives, and forwards validated requests to the home network. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, simplifying roaming management while ensuring DNN compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to systems and methods for controlling data network name (DNN) or access point name (APN) replacement for roaming mobile subscribers at the home network. A security edge protection proxy (SEPP) system may receive a request from a visited network regarding a roaming user equipment (UE) associated with a home network of the SEPP system, determine a local data network name (DNN) compatible with the home network to associate with the UE, add the local DNN to the request, and forward the request to a destination within the home network.