Wireless Device Mobility in Non-Public Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing access and mobility within overlay networks, particularly in requesting and receiving information about underlay networks.

Innovation Solution

A method where a wireless device sends a first NAS message to an AMF in an overlay network to request information about one or more underlay networks, and subsequently receives a second NAS message containing the requested information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless device requests information about underlay networks through NAS messages in an overlay network, then network compatibility and user plane functionality are enhanced, but signaling overhead and message exchange complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidmessage exchange complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) as an intermediary entity that mediates between the wireless device and the underlay network information. The AMF receives the first NAS message from the wireless device, processes the request, and returns the second NAS message with underlay network information, thereby simplifying the overall message exchange complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The NAS message structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can carry access switch indications, request underlay network information, and convey mobility management data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated message types, thereby reducing overall signaling complexity while enhancing network compatibility across different access types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the system implements detailed access switch indication and underlay network information exchange, then mobility management accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility management accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mobility management information into distinct components: access switch indication in the first NAS message and underlay network information in the second NAS message. This segmentation allows for precise mobility management by providing detailed information where needed while organizing signaling in a structured manner that reduces overall overhead through efficient message utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes parameters within the NAS messages based on network conditions and device requirements. The access switch indication parameter enables the system to adapt the level of detail in underlay network information provided, allowing high precision mobility management when needed while reducing signaling overhead when standard procedures suffice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4305877B1Mobility in non-public networks
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 OFINNO LLC
  • EP4305877B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4305877B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4305877B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless device sends, to a core network node of a first network via a second network and based on a cell of a first base station being available, a first message indicating an access switch from a second base station of the second network to the first base station. The wireless device sends, to the first base station, an access request.