Standalone Non-Public Network Access via Subscription Compatibility Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing access to standalone non-public networks (SNPNs) by user equipment (UEs) that are not subscribed, leading to unnecessary resource consumption and registration attempts that are not permitted.

Innovation Solution

UEs determine whether they can access an SNPN using a subscription for another network by comparing received SNPN identifiers with stored configurations or network identifiers, allowing them to select the appropriate subscription for registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If UEs attempt to register with SNPNs without checking subscription compatibility, then access control is simplified, but unnecessary resource consumption and unauthorized access attempts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control simplicityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The UE performs preliminary actions by determining SNPN accessibility and comparing subscription credentials before attempting registration. This preliminary check prevents wasted registration attempts on incompatible networks, resolving the contradiction by simplifying the actual access process while conserving network resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The UE autonomously determines its own accessibility to SNPNs by comparing its subscription credentials with received SNPN identifiers. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex centralized access control checks, simplifying the process while preventing resource waste from unauthorized attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of energy

If UEs check subscription compatibility before SNPN access, then resource consumption is reduced, but access control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource consumptionVSAvoidaccess control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential access control function into a simple credential comparison operation. By taking out only the necessary SNPN identifier comparison from the complex registration process, the system reduces resource consumption while maintaining minimal access control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The preliminary determination of SNPN accessibility is performed as a simple preparatory step before full registration. This separates the complex authentication process from the initial access decision, reducing both resource consumption and perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If UEs perform registration attempts without preliminary accessibility determination, then access process is faster, but unauthorized access attempts and resource waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration speedVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A brief preliminary determination step is added before registration to check SNPN accessibility. While this adds a small initial delay, it prevents multiple failed registration attempts, ultimately improving overall network efficiency and reducing wasted resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The UE quickly skips incompatible SNPNs by performing rapid identifier comparison and moving on to compatible networks. This rushing through incompatible options prevents time-wasting failed registrations while maintaining overall process efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP4038973B1Standalone non-public network access
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4038973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4038973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4038973B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may determine whether a standalone non-public network (SNPN), to which the UE is not subscribed, permits access to subscribers of a network to which the UE is subscribed. The UE may register with the SNPN based at least in part on a determination that the SNPN permits access to subscribers of the network to which the UE is subscribed. Numerous other aspects are provided.