UE Handover Control Between SNPN and PLMN Access Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handover between Standard-alone Non-Public Networks (SNPN) and Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) has not been sufficiently discussed, leading to inefficiencies in communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A technique is developed to efficiently perform handover between SNPN and PLMN by defining specific procedures and apparatus configurations, including UE, access networks, and core networks, utilizing 3GPP access and non-3GPP access, with the use of N3IWF for UnTrusted Non-3GPP access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If handover between SNPN and PLMN is not sufficiently discussed, then system complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handover procedure is segmented into distinct phases: measurement phase where the UE measures signals from both SNPN and PLMN, evaluation phase where handover conditions are assessed, and execution phase where the actual handover occurs. This segmentation allows complex handover logic to be managed in discrete, manageable steps, improving communication efficiency without overwhelming system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The UE performs preliminary measurements of PLMN signals while still connected to SNPN, and pre-evaluates handover conditions before actual handover execution. This preliminary action enables proactive handover preparation, reducing handover latency and improving communication efficiency by avoiding last-minute decision-making under time pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If handover procedures are simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover reliabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handover procedure incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors signal quality, handover condition satisfaction, and connection status throughout the handover process. The system adjusts handover timing and parameters based on real-time feedback, ensuring reliable handover execution while maintaining manageable procedure complexity through adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The handover procedure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the UE to adapt handover timing, measurement thresholds, and execution parameters based on current radio conditions and network state. This dynamic approach ensures reliable handover under varying conditions while keeping the base procedure simple and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4156785B1User equipment (UE) and communication control method
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SHARP KK
  • EP4156785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156785B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156785B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A User Equipment (UE) includes a controller configured to operate in an SNPN access mode over non-3GPP access in a case of connection to a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) service via a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) using 3GPP access.