Network Triggered Mobility Between Stand-Alone Non-Public and Public Land Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network systems lack service continuity between Stand-alone Non-Public Networks (SNPN) and Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) due to the absence of Service Level Agreements (SLA) between them, leading to potential service interruptions when user equipment (UE) moves between coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and apparatuses that determine when UE is leaving the coverage area of an SNPN or PLMN and initiate a second PDU session establishment procedure with the respective other network via radio access networks, ensuring seamless service continuity by establishing a new PDU session before releasing the original one, without assuming any agreement between SNPN and PLMN operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional approaches are used for network access without SLA between SNPN and PLMN, then device complexity is reduced and no agreement is needed between operators, but service continuity is lost when UE moves between coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively detecting when a UE is about to leave SNPN coverage area and pre-establishing a PDU session in the PLMN before the actual handover occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when the UE moves between networks, service continuity is maintained without requiring complex pre-negotiated SLAs between operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The network side introduces an intermediary mechanism through the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) that automatically triggers PDU session establishment procedures. This intermediary system coordinates between SNPN and PLMN without requiring direct operator agreements, maintaining service continuity while keeping device and network configuration simple.
2Ease of operation
If static ordered list of preferred operators is used for roaming selection, then network selection is simplified and based on pre-established SLA, but adaptability to SNPN is lost and no control plane tunnel is established
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static network selection to dynamic operation. Instead of relying on pre-defined ordered lists, the network dynamically detects UE location, determines when handover is needed, and automatically establishes appropriate PDU sessions. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to SNPN integration without requiring pre-established SLAs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the network automatically detect coverage area boundaries, trigger appropriate session establishment procedures, and manage handovers without requiring manual configuration or pre-negotiated agreements. The network serves itself by autonomously adapting to SNPN-PLMN transitions while maintaining simple operation for users.
3Quantity of substance
If PDU session is established after UE leaves source network coverage, then network resources are saved, but service interruption occurs during handover
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by detecting UE presence at SNPN-PLMN boundary conditions and triggering PDU session establishment in the target network before the UE actually completes the handover. This timing optimization ensures service continuity is maintained while avoiding unnecessary early establishment of sessions that would waste network resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The network implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring UE location and coverage conditions. When the UE is detected to be at the boundary of SNPN coverage, the system receives feedback about the impending handover and proactively establishes the necessary PDU sessions in advance, preventing service interruption while optimizing resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided herein to provide service continuity between a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) and a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). For example, a method is provided that comprises after determining that the user equipment (UE) with the first protocol data unit (PDU) session established in the first SNPN is or will be leaving the coverage area of the first SNPN, causing a request message to be transmitted to the UE, wherein the request message comprises a request to initiate a second PDU session establishment procedure towards a PLMN. The method also includes causing the UE to establish the second PDU session with an internet protocol anchor function of a user plane function in the PLMN via the first SNPN radio access network (RAN) or via the PLMN RAN, wherein the second PDU session is established prior to release of the first PDU session.