UE Multi-PLMN Registration via USIM Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems limit user equipment (UE) to simultaneous registration with one public land mobile network (PLMN) for 3GPP access type and one non-3GPP access type, restricting simultaneous registration with multiple networks using the same access type.
Innovation Solution
Enabling UE to register with multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and non-public networks (NPNs) using the same access type by allowing simultaneous or substantially simultaneous registrations, with the use of universal subscriber identity module (USIM) and unified data management (UDM) to manage multiple registrations per access type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UE is limited to simultaneous registration with one PLMN for 3GPP access type and one non-3GPP access type, then network management complexity is reduced, but network flexibility and user experience are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the registration management by introducing separate registration management functions for 3GPP and non-3GPP access types. The network side divides registration handling into distinct management entities, allowing independent management of multiple PLMN registrations for 3GPP access while maintaining one registration for non-3GPP access, thus enabling enhanced flexibility without overwhelming system-wide complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to registration management by allowing multiple PLMN registrations within the same access type (3GPP) simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables the system to handle multiple network affiliations at the access type level while maintaining overall management structure, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If UE registers with multiple PLMNs using the same access type, then network selection flexibility is improved, but registration state management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments registration state management by maintaining separate registration states for each PLMN within the same access type. Each PLMN registration is managed independently with its own state tracking, allowing the UE to simultaneously maintain multiple 3GPP PLMN registrations while keeping non-3GPP registration separate, thus improving flexibility without creating unmanageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal registration management framework that handles both single and multiple PLMN registrations through the same access type using a unified procedure. The registration management function is designed to be multi-functional, accommodating either one or multiple PLMN registrations depending on network configuration and UE capability, thereby simplifying the overall management approach
3Ease of operation
If UE uses one credential to access multiple networks using the same access type, then ease of operation is improved, but network security management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal credential-based access mechanism that allows a single credential (USIM) to authenticate the UE to multiple PLMNs using the same access type (3GPP). The authentication and security management functions are designed to be multi-functional, handling credential verification across different PLMNs through standardized procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable security complexity through uniform security policies
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for enabling a user equipment (UE) to register with multiple public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and non-public networks (NPNs) using the same access type are provided.