SNPN Selection for Localized Services Using Validity Criteria
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP standards for 5G NR do not clearly define how user equipment (UE) can access a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) for localized services, leading to unclear UE operations in automatic SNPN selection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an apparatus that determines whether it supports accessing an SNPN providing access for localized services, and if enabled, selects an available SNPN with validity information from UE configuration and subscription information, and attempts registration using credentials from a Credentials Holder (CH) if both the apparatus and the SNPN support access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current 3GPP standards for automatic SNPN selection are used, then the system maintains compatibility with existing network infrastructure, but the UE operations for accessing SNPNs providing localized services remain unclear and undefined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring validity information in the UE before network selection. The UE stores validity information (such as service area restrictions, time windows, or subscription conditions) provided by the home network or credential holder, and uses this pre-stored information to automatically determine whether to select and access a particular SNPN. This eliminates the need for real-time clarification during the selection process, as the UE already has the criteria needed to make the decision autonomously.
2Productivity
If automatic SNPN selection is implemented without validity information criteria, then the UE can quickly select any available SNPN, but the UE may access SNPNs that do not meet service validity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the UE continuously compare the validity information associated with each detected SNPN against the pre-configured validity criteria stored in the UE. The UE receives feedback from the SNPN broadcast information (such as PLMN ID, NID, or service area identifiers) and automatically determines whether the SNPN meets the validity requirements. This feedback mechanism ensures that only compliant SNPNs are selected, maintaining reliability while preserving automatic selection speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of SNPN access criteria is required in UE, then access control accuracy is improved, but the complexity of UE operation and user setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the UE to automatically obtain, store, and apply validity information without requiring manual user configuration. The UE autonomously receives validity criteria from the home network or credential holder during initial setup or network registration, stores this information in its memory, and automatically uses it to filter and select compliant SNPNs. This self-service approach maintains high access control accuracy while eliminating the complexity of manual user setup and configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Various solutions for enhancements on automatic stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) selection for supporting localized services are described. An apparatus may determine whether it supports accessing an SNPN providing access for localized services and a user enables to access localized services. Responsive to determining that it supports accessing an SNPN providing access for localized services and the user enables to access localized services, the apparatus may select an available SNPN with validity information in an event that both the apparatus and the selected available SNPN support access using credentials from a credentials holder (CH) and the validity information is met, and then attempt a registration on the selected SNPN.