WLAN-Mediated NPN Registration for Non-5GC NAS Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Terminals that do not support 5G core network non-access stratum (5GC NAS) signaling over wireless local area network (WLAN) access face challenges in registering with non-public networks (NPNs) due to the lack of direct communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A registration method is proposed for terminals, trusted WLAN access networks (TWANs), and access and mobility management functions (AMFs) to facilitate registration by sending identifiers and registration types to TWANs, which then communicate with AMFs to complete the registration process without direct 5GC NAS signaling support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terminals use traditional 3GPP access network for NPN registration, then registration capability is achieved, but access flexibility and alternative network options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a WLAN access network as an intermediary path for terminal registration with NPN. The terminal sends registration information (first identifier, registration type, NPN identifier) through WLAN access to the AMF, bypassing the need for direct 3GPP access while maintaining registration capability. This mediator approach enables flexible access through alternative networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration process is segmented into distinct components: terminal identification (first identifier), registration type classification, and NPN identification. This segmentation allows the system to handle different registration scenarios through WLAN access independently, improving adaptability while maintaining reliable registration functionality.
2Measurement precision
If terminals send detailed registration information through WLAN, then registration accuracy is improved, but information security and privacy protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of information protection to different parts of the registration data. The first identifier (anonymous identifier) provides local privacy protection at the terminal level, while still enabling accurate registration. The registration type and NPN identifier provide localized network routing information without exposing sensitive user data, balancing accuracy with privacy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN access network is used for terminal registration, then access flexibility is improved, but communication protocol compatibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the WLAN access network universal for terminal registration by defining a standardized interface protocol. The registration message format (first identifier, registration type, NPN identifier) is designed to be universally compatible, allowing WLAN to serve multiple registration scenarios without requiring terminal-specific protocol implementations. This multi-functionality approach enables flexible access while managing protocol complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A registration method, performed by a terminal that does not support a 5G core network non-access stratum (5GC NAS) signaling over wireless local area network (WLAN) access, includes: sending a first identifier of the terminal, a registration type and an identifier of a non-public network (NPN) that the terminal needs to register to a trusted WLAN access network (TWAN).