SNPN Onboarding via OCI Broadcast and Slice Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G systems lack mechanisms for seamless service continuity between non-public networks (NPNs) and public land mobile networks (PLMNs), especially in scenarios where devices need to authenticate and obtain credentials for onboarding, and there is no efficient method for selecting equivalent networks or mapping network slices between these networks.
Innovation Solution
A UE operates in an 'Onboarding Mode' to search for networks broadcasting Onboarding Capability Information (OCI), sends registration requests with credentials, receives SNPN credentials, and enters manual or automatic network selection modes after authentication, with mechanisms for handling incorrect network connections and providing URSP rules for traffic redirection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UE searches for networks broadcasting Onboarding Capability Information and performs authentication before onboarding, then security and reliability of device onboarding are improved, but the time and complexity of the onboarding process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network broadcasts Onboarding Capability Information (OCI) in advance, allowing the UE to identify and select suitable networks before attempting connection. This preliminary information dissemination enables the UE to prepare authentication credentials and select appropriate target networks proactively, reducing the time required for actual onboarding authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides OCI to guide UE selection, and where network responses indicate onboarding capability status. This feedback loop allows the UE to adjust its selection and authentication process dynamically, improving efficiency while maintaining security through verified network identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network provides detailed slice mapping information between PLMN and SNPN, then service continuity and adaptability are improved, but the network complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slice mapping information is segmented and provided selectively based on UE capability and network conditions. Rather than providing complete mapping tables unconditionally, the network provides only necessary slice mapping information during the onboarding process, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides partial slice mapping information initially, and only expands to provide complete mapping details when the UE expresses interest or when specific services require detailed mapping. This partial action approach reduces initial signaling complexity while maintaining full adaptability when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UE receives a list of equivalent PLMNs and SNPNs, then network selection flexibility is improved, but the complexity of determining which network to connect to increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE autonomously processes the list of equivalent networks and automatically selects appropriate targets based on stored credentials, network conditions, and service requirements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual user intervention in complex network selection scenarios, maintaining flexibility while simplifying the user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
Equivalent network lists are prepared and provided to the UE in advance during onboarding, allowing the UE to pre-process and prioritize networks based on stored credentials and preferences. This preliminary preparation simplifies subsequent network selection by reducing the decision space to pre-evaluated options.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) operating in an “Onboarding Mode” may search for a network broadcasting Onboarding Capability Information (OCI), then register using onboarding credentials and receive SNPN credentials from the network. The UE may then exit onboarding mode, enter Manual Network Selection or Automatic Network Selection mode, and connect to the SNPN. A UE may also receive from a network a list of PLMNs and SNPNs that are equivalent then, when registering, indicate to the network that a requested slice is not associated with the UE's HPLMN, but is associated with an SNPN. The network may indicate to the UE how the slices of the network map to the slices of the SNPN, and may indicate whether a slice that is offered by the network only partially maps to a slice of the SNPN or HPLMN.