Subscription Data Management for Private Cellular Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a smart factory setting, terminals face challenges when moving between private cellular networks, as they need to access and manage subscription data for multiple networks, requiring a method to provide and update subscription data consistently across different private cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where a UE selects a standalone non-public network based on broadcasted information, requests registration, establishes a PDU session, receives subscription data, and authenticates to access and switch between networks, with an application function operated by the service provider managing subscription data storage and updates in a unified data management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal stores subscription data for multiple private cellular networks locally, then the terminal can access any private network independently, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity as an intermediary that stores and manages subscription data centrally. When a terminal needs to access a private network, it requests subscription data from this network entity rather than storing all subscription data locally. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining network access reliability through centralized data management while reducing terminal complexity and storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity pre-stores subscription data for multiple private cellular networks before the terminal needs to access them. When a terminal wants to access a private network, it can quickly obtain the necessary subscription data from the network entity without having to store or manage multiple sets of subscription data itself. This preliminary action by the network entity ensures reliable access while keeping the terminal simple.
2Reliability
If a terminal obtains subscription data from each private cellular network individually, then the subscription data is network-specific, but the time and signaling overhead for data acquisition increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the subscription data management function into a single network entity that handles multiple private cellular networks. Instead of the terminal interacting with each network separately to obtain subscription data, all subscription data is consolidated and managed by one network entity. This merging approach maintains subscription data accuracy while significantly reducing the time and signaling overhead required for data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity is designed with universal functionality to manage subscription data for multiple different private cellular networks simultaneously. A single network entity can provide subscription data for various networks, making the system more efficient. This multi-functional approach ensures accurate, network-specific subscription data while eliminating the need for the terminal to perform repeated data acquisition procedures for each network.
3Speed
If subscription data is provided before terminal movement, then the terminal can quickly switch between networks, but the subscription data may become outdated or invalid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network entity monitors the validity status of subscription data and can update the terminal accordingly. When subscription data is provided before terminal movement, the network entity tracks whether the data remains valid. If the data becomes outdated or invalid, the network entity can notify the terminal and provide updated subscription data. This feedback loop maintains both fast network switching capability and subscription data validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The subscription data management system is made dynamic rather than static. Instead of providing subscription data once before terminal movement and expecting it to remain valid, the system allows for real-time updates. The network entity can dynamically update subscription data based on current network status, ensuring that the terminal always has valid data while maintaining the ability to switch networks quickly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication technique which combines a 5G communication system, for supporting a higher data transmission rate than 4G systems, with IoT technology, and a system for same. The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services (for example, smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, health care, digital education, retailers, security and safety-related services, or the like) on the basis of 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology. Disclosed is a method for providing subscription information about non-public networks to a terminal in a wireless communication system.