Wireless Terminal Access Control for 5G Core Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack a unified approach for access control in 5G networks, which complicates decision-making for wireless terminals regarding access control based on the type of core network they are configured for.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method in a wireless terminal to make access control decisions based on the type of core network it is configured for, utilizing access control information broadcasted by access nodes, such as gNBs, which include access category numbers and barring configurations specific to each core network type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple access control procedures are performed for different core network types, then access control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the access control mechanism into separate procedures for different core network types (5GCN and EPC). Each network type has its own access control procedure with specific parameters and configurations, allowing the terminal to independently evaluate and apply appropriate access control rules based on the target network type, thereby improving reliability without requiring a single complex unified procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal access control framework that handles multiple core network types (5GCN and EPC) through a common terminal architecture. The terminal is designed to perform multiple access control procedures针对不同网络类型, making the device multi-functional in terms of access control while maintaining a systematic approach that manages complexity

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

2Productivity

If access control decisions are made based on core network type configuration, then network congestion management is improved, but information processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecongestion management efficiencyVSAvoidinformation processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different access control parameters and evaluation criteria specific to each core network type (5GCN vs EPC). The terminal retrieves and applies network-type-specific access control information from broadcast system information, ensuring that the appropriate level of detail and processing is applied locally to each network type rather than using a uniform approach for all networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If unified access control approach is implemented across multiple core network types, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to specific network requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control system complexityVSAvoidnetwork type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic access control system where the terminal can adapt its behavior based on the target core network type. The system dynamically selects which access control procedure to execute (5GCN-specific or EPC-specific) based on the network type identification, allowing the same terminal hardware and software framework to adapt to different network requirements without being locked into a single unified approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3711412B1Acess control methods and apparatus for radio systems
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SHARP KK
  • EP3711412B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3711412B1 patent drawingFigure 1-1~1-4
  • EP3711412B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A wireless terminal communicates with an access node of a radio access network comprising receiver circuitry configured to receive from an access node first access control information and to separately receive from the access node second access control information. Processor circuitry is configured to perform, based on the access control information, an access control procedure for a core network, and initiate an access request for the core network in case that an access attempt is allowed by the access control procedure for the core network.