SNPN UE PLMN Access via Data Network SIP Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

User equipment (UE) connected to a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) lacks access to public land mobile network (PLMN) services, necessitating mechanisms to provide PLMN services while maintaining SNPN connectivity.

Innovation Solution

The UE transmits signals to a data network to identify and register with a PLMN via the SNPN, using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) registration requests to access PLMN services, facilitating simultaneous connectivity to both SNPN and PLMN.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UE connects to SNPN, then private network access is enabled, but PLMN services are inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidPLMN service availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network access function into two independent paths: one for SNPN access and another for PLMN access via data network. The UE can simultaneously maintain connections to both networks through separate protocol stacks and registration procedures, allowing private network services and public network services to operate independently without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested architecture where PLMN access is embedded within the data network infrastructure while the UE remains connected to SNPN. The SIP registration request to PLMN is transmitted through the data network path, creating a nested connection structure where the UE is simultaneously part of both SNPN and PLMN networks through different access paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If UE accesses PLMN services via data network, then service availability improves, but signaling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePLMN service availabilityVSAvoidsignaling procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the data network as an intermediary between the UE and PLMN. Instead of direct PLMN access requiring complex radio resource management and core network signaling, the data network serves as a simplified mediator that carries SIP registration requests and other signaling messages, reducing the complexity of PLMN access procedures while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous SNPN and PLMN connectivity is enabled, then service versatility improves, but network registration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidregistration procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network registration where the UE can flexibly switch between different access paths and maintain multiple registrations simultaneously. The registration state is managed dynamically, allowing the UE to adapt its connectivity configuration based on service requirements, enabling seamless transition between SNPN-only mode, PLMN-only mode, and dual-registered mode without complex reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12261892B2Public land mobile network support for a stand-alone non-public access network

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 APPLE INC

AI summary

A user equipment (UE) that is registered to a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) can also access services on a public land mobile network (PLMN). The UE accesses the PLMN by transmitting a first signal to a data network, receiving a second signal from the data network in response to the first signal, wherein the second signal identifies a PLMN that is configured to be accessed by the UE via the data network and transmitting a session initiation protocol (SIP) registration request to the PLMN via the data network.