Untrusted Access RAT Identification in 5G Core Registration
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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, leading to inadequate access control, service management, QoS control, and charging policies, as it only recognizes the access as 'Virtual' without precise identification.
Innovation Solution
The UE acquires access network information through DHCP or ANQP protocols and broadcasts, providing detailed Access Technology Type and Access Network Identity to the N3IWF, which forwards this information to the AMF to determine the specific Radio Access Type, enabling precise identification of the untrusted non-3GPP access network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the 5G core network uses a generic 'Virtual' access type for all untrusted non-3GPP access networks, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of access network identification deteriorates and service management capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of access network identification from a generic 'Virtual' type to specific RAT types (NR, E-UTRA, WLAN) by introducing new information elements in the initial UE message. This allows the AMF to identify and differentiate between various untrusted access network types, enabling precise service management, QoS control, and charging policies while maintaining ease of operation through standardized protocol extensions.
2Reliability
If the 5G core network implements precise identification of untrusted access network types, then service management and QoS control are improved, but the device complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the N3IWF as an intermediary that collects access network information from the UE and forwards it to the AMF through the initial UE message. This intermediary approach allows precise identification of access network types without requiring complex processing at each node, as the information gathering and forwarding is handled by the N3IWF, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE provide access network information (such as ANI and ATT) to the N3IWF before the actual access establishment. This advance provision of information allows the AMF to determine the specific RAT type early in the registration process, enabling appropriate service management and QoS policies to be configured in advance, thereby improving reliability without adding complex real-time processing requirements.
3Reliability
If access network information is collected and processed through the N3IWF and AMF, then charging policies and service management are enhanced, but the loss of time for information processing and registration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the access network information collection process with the existing registration procedure. The UE provides access network information (ANI, ATT) to the N3IWF, which is then included in the initial UE message sent to the AMF during registration. This merging eliminates separate information collection steps, allowing service management and charging policy configuration to occur concurrently with the registration process, thereby enhancing reliability without significant time loss.
Data Source
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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.