Shared Access Network PLMN Broadcasting for Multi-Operator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple operators share an access network device, a terminal device of one operator cannot access the network due to the lack of a direct connection between its core network device and the shared access network device.
Innovation Solution
The access network device broadcasts PLMN identifiers that include those of the sharing operators, enabling terminal devices to select and access the network through an intermediary core network device of another operator, and the access and mobility management function supports these identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an access network device is shared by multiple operators, then network deployment cost is reduced and coverage is improved, but terminal devices cannot access the network when there is no direct connection between the core network device and the shared access network device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator mechanism where the access network device broadcasts PLMN identifiers of multiple operators, and the core network device of the first operator acts as an intermediary to forward signaling for terminal devices of the second operator. This allows terminal devices to access the network even when there is no direct connection between their core network device and the access network device, thus resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and access reliability.
2Device complexity
If the access network device broadcasts only PLMN identifiers of operators with direct core network connections, then network complexity is reduced, but terminal devices of operators without direct connections cannot access the network
Solution Approach 1:
The access network device is configured to broadcast PLMN identifiers of multiple operators simultaneously, making it universally accessible to terminal devices of different operators. The core network device of the first operator is also configured to handle signaling for multiple operators, enabling it to serve multiple functions including direct connections and intermediary forwarding. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between reducing configuration complexity and supporting multi-operator access.
3Reliability
If direct connections are established between all core network devices and the shared access network device, then network access reliability is improved, but network deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of establishing direct connections between all core network devices and the shared access network device, the patent uses an intermediary approach where the core network device of the first operator forwards signaling for the second operator. This intermediary mechanism maintains network access reliability while avoiding the need for complex direct connections between all parties, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and connection structure complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. In the communication method, when a first operator and a second operator share an access network device, but the access network device needs to interact with a core network device of the second operator through a core network device of the first operator, at least one PLMN identifier that the access network device supports for access of a terminal device includes a first PLMN identifier, so that the access network device can broadcast the first PLMN identifier; and at least one public land mobile network identifier that a first AMF of the first operator supports for access of a terminal device also includes the first PLMN identifier. In this way, a terminal device of the second operator accesses a network.