UE Network Selection With Validity-Aware NPN Fallbacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in enabling user equipment (UE) to efficiently discover, select, and access non-public networks (NPNs) providing localized services, particularly when validity criteria are not met, leading to inefficient network selection and access control.
Innovation Solution
A method for UE to store multiple previously registered networks, prioritizing registration to a previously registered network with the highest priority when current network validity criteria are not met, without extensive searching, by maintaining a list of previously registered networks and their validity information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the UE performs extensive searching and prioritization of candidate networks when the current network becomes unsuitable, then the network selection reliability is improved, but the network selection time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs preliminary registration with multiple candidate networks (both NPNs and PLMNs) before the current network becomes unsuitable. When the current network becomes unsuitable, the UE can immediately switch to a pre-registered candidate network without performing extensive searching, thus resolving the contradiction by preparing advance options that ensure reliable network selection while minimizing selection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE maintains a list of pre-registered candidate networks as a buffer or cushion against network unavailability. This pre-prepared list of fallback options ensures that when the current network becomes unsuitable, the UE has immediate alternatives ready, eliminating the need for time-consuming network searches while maintaining high reliability.
2Productivity
If the UE stores and manages multiple previously registered networks with validity information, then the network selection efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network side (gNB) automatically provides validity information for candidate networks, and the UE automatically manages the list of previously registered networks with their validity periods. This self-service mechanism reduces the burden on the user and simplifies the overall system while improving network selection efficiency through automated validity checking and network switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs preliminary registration with multiple candidate networks and stores their validity information in advance. This pre-gathering of network information and validity data enables efficient network selection when the current network becomes unsuitable, while the automated management of this pre-collected information reduces the perceived complexity for the user.
3Speed
If the UE automatically switches to a pre-registered network without extensive searching, then the network access speed is improved, but the adaptability to optimal networks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The UE maintains a dynamic list of previously registered networks with validity information that can be updated as the UE moves through different coverage areas. The network selection process dynamically checks the validity of pre-registered networks and selects from available options, combining the speed of pre-registration with the adaptability of real-time validity checking to determine the optimal network.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one novel aspect, a method for storing multiple previously registered networks for network selection is proposed. A UE is first registered to a first SNPN or PNI-NPN(CAG)/PLMN as a non-hosting network. The UE is then registered to a second SNPN or PNI-NPN(CAG)/PLMN as a hosting network with matching validity information. When the second SNPN or PNI-NPN(CAG)/PLMN becomes non suitable, e.g., the validity criteria associated with the second SNPN/CAG are not met, the UE considers the first SNPN or PNI-NPN(CAG)/PLMN with the highest priority and registers to the first SNPN or PNI-NPN(CAG)/PLMN without searching and prioritizing other candidate networks.