UE Access Mode Switching for SNPN-PLMN Handover Clarity

Solution Overview

Problem

The handover between Stand-alone Non-Public Networks (SNPN) and Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) is not sufficiently addressed, and it is unclear whether User Equipment (UE) should operate in SNPN access mode when connecting to PLMN via SNPN.

Innovation Solution

The UE is configured to operate in non-SNPN access mode when connecting to PLMN via SNPN using 3GPP access, clarifying the handover process and ensuring efficient communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE operates in SNPN access mode when connecting to PLMN via SNPN, then the UE can maintain SNPN service continuity, but the handover process becomes complex and ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidhandover process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional assumption by specifying that the UE should NOT operate in SNPN access mode when connected to PLMN via SNPN using 3GPP access. This inversion resolves the ambiguity by clearly defining the access mode based on the underlying connection type rather than the service type, thereby simplifying the handover process while maintaining service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter (access mode) based on the connection type (3GPP access vs. non-3GPP access). By linking the access mode parameter to the access type rather than the service type, the patent eliminates the complexity of determining whether to operate in SNPN access mode when connected to PLMN via SNPN, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the UE operates in non-SNPN access mode when connecting to PLMN via SNPN, then the handover process is simplified, but service continuity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandover process complexityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional assumption by specifying that the UE should NOT operate in SNPN access mode when connected to PLMN via SNPN using 3GPP access. This inversion resolves the ambiguity by clearly defining the access mode based on the underlying connection type rather than the service type, thereby simplifying the handover process while maintaining service continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the access type (3GPP access vs. non-3GPP access) as an intermediary criterion to determine the access mode. This intermediary criterion resolves the conflict between simplifying the handover process and maintaining service continuity by providing a clear, unambiguous rule for mode selection that works for both objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the UE access mode is not clearly defined when connecting to PLMN via SNPN, then flexibility is maintained, but operational ambiguity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess mode flexibilityVSAvoidoperational clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter (access mode) based on the connection type (3GPP access vs. non-3GPP access). By linking the access mode parameter to the access type rather than the service type, the patent eliminates the complexity of determining whether to operate in SNPN access mode when connected to PLMN via SNPN, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12471049B2User equipment (UE) and communication control method

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SHARP KK

AI summary

A User Equipment (UE) includes a controller. In a case of connection to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) service via a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) by using 3GPP access, the controller does not operate in an SNPN access mode over non-3GPP access.