Untrusted Access RAT Determination Using UE Network Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G core network is unable to determine the specific type of untrusted non-3GPP access network used by a UE when it connects via an N3IWF, leading to inadequate access control, service management, QoS control, and charging policies.
Innovation Solution
UEs obtain access network information, including Access Technology Type and Access Network Identity, which is used by the AMF to determine the precise Radio Access Type for untrusted non-3GPP access networks, enabling the 5G core to differentiate and manage these networks effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the 5G core network accepts connections from untrusted non-3GPP access networks via N3IWF, then network accessibility and connectivity are improved, but the ability to determine the specific access network type is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The UE obtains ANI (Access Network Information) including access technology type before establishing the connection to N3IWF. This information is prepared in advance and included in the registration request message, allowing the 5G core to determine the access network type before processing the connection, thus preventing information loss while maintaining accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The ANI acts as an intermediary information element that bridges the UE and the 5G core network. It carries the access technology type information through the N3IWF to the AMF, enabling the core network to identify the specific access network type without requiring direct knowledge from the untrusted access network itself
2Device complexity
If the 5G core network processes all untrusted access networks uniformly, then processing simplicity is maintained, but access control precision and service management quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solution enables different processing treatments for different access network types by providing specific ANI information to the AMF. The AMF can then apply local quality policies tailored to each access technology type (e.g., WLAN, Wireline, SNPN), allowing precise access control and service management while maintaining a unified processing framework in the 5G core
3Measurement precision
If the UE provides detailed access network information, then network management precision is improved, but signaling overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts only the essential access technology type information from the complete ANI data structure and includes it in the registration request. This selective extraction provides sufficient information for the 5G core to determine the access network type and apply appropriate policies without transmitting unnecessary detailed information, thus maintaining network management precision while minimizing signaling overhead
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for determining a RAT for an untrusted access network. One apparatus 400 includes a processor 405 and a transceiver 425 that communicates with a first access network. The processor 405 obtains 605 ANI about the first access network, the ANI including an access technology type for the first access network. The processor 405 determines 610 to register with a mobile communication network (e.g., a 5GC) via the first access network using an untrusted registration procedure and sends 615 a first request (e.g., an IKE_AUTH Request) to establish a secure connection with a N3IWF in the mobile communication network. Here, the first request includes a registration request for the mobile communication network and the obtained ANI, wherein the obtained ANI is used by the mobile communication network to determine a RAT for the first access network. Via the transceiver 625, the processor 605 receives 620 a response to the registration request after establishing the secure connection with the N3IWF, wherein the response depends on the RAT.