CN118019100A - Equivalent independent non-public network and globally unique temporary identifier indicated by user device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an equivalent independent non-public network and a globally unique temporary identifier indicated by a user device, the method comprising the user device selecting a globally unique temporary identifier as a registered globally unique temporary identifier to register in a current independent non-public network; indicating the selected registered globally unique temporary identifier in a 5GS mobile identifier information element, and including a network identifier corresponding to a previous independent non-public network in a network identifier element. The selection rule comprises giving priority to a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network; when an equivalent independent non-public network and any other independent non-public network are both identified by a globally unique independent non-public network, giving priority to a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network over globally unique temporary identifiers previously assigned by other independent non-public networks.

Description

Equivalent independent non-public network and globally unique temporary identifier indicated by the user device

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to wireless mobile communication networks, and more particularly to standalone non-public networks (SNPN) and global unique temporary identities (GUTIs).

Background technique

In today's fast-paced digital environment, the need for secure, private and efficient communication networks has never been more important. Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and logistics require powerful solutions to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data. A public land mobile network (PLMN) is a network established or operated by an administrative authority or a recognized operating agency (ROA) with the specific purpose of providing land mobile communication services to the public. A public land mobile network provides the possibility of communication for mobile users. A public land mobile network can provide services in a combination of one or more frequency bands. Access to public land mobile network services is achieved through the air interface, which involves wireless communication between mobile phones and base stations with integrated IP network services. A public land mobile network can contain multiple radio access networks (RANs) that use different radio access technologies (RATs) to access mobile services. A radio access network is the part of a mobile communication system that implements the radio access technologies. Conceptually, a radio access network resides between mobile devices and provides connectivity to their core network (CN). According to the specification, mobile phones and other wireless connection devices are called user equipment (UE), terminal equipment (TE), mobile stations (MS), etc. Examples of different radio access technologies include 2G GERAN (GSM) radio access network, 3G UTRAN (UMTS) radio access network, 4G E-UTRAN (LTE), 5G New Radio (NR) radio access network, and other non-3GPP radio access networks including WiFi.

In contrast to the public land mobile network, a non-public network (NPN) is a 5GS deployed network for non-public purposes. A non-public network is a standalone non-public network (SNPN), i.e., it is operated by a non-public network operator and does not rely on network functions provided by the public land mobile network; or a public network is a public network integrated non-public network (NPI-NPN), i.e., a non-public network deployed with the support of a public land mobile network. A combination of a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier (NID) can identify a standalone non-public network. A user device can be enabled for a standalone non-public network. The user device selects a standalone non-public network for which a subscriber identifier and credentials are configured. A user device can have multiple sets of subscriber identifiers, credentials, and standalone non-public network identifiers. When accessing or registering a standalone non-public network, the user device needs to select a registration identifier. The selection needs to be designed to avoid possible confusion of registration identifiers.

Improvements and enhancements are needed in the selection of globally unique temporary identifiers indicated by user devices registered with independent non-public networks.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for selecting a mobile identity for initial registration with an independent non-public network. In one novel aspect, a user device maintains a set of globally unique temporary identifiers previously assigned by corresponding previous independent non-public networks, and selects a globally unique temporary identifier as a registered globally unique temporary identifier to register with a current independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules. In one embodiment, the selection rule includes giving priority to a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier or any other independent non-public network over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier. In another embodiment, when the equivalent independent non-public network and any other independent non-public network are both identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, one or more selection rules further include giving priority to a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network. In another embodiment, the one or more selection rules include prioritizing a previously assigned UGTI by an equivalent independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier or any other independent non-public network over one or more user identifiers, wherein the E identifier includes a subscriber concealed identifier (SUCI) and a permanent equipment identifier (PEI). In one embodiment, the user device indicates the selected registration UGTI in a 5GS mobile identifier information element and includes a network identifier of the corresponding previous independent non-public network in a network identifier.

Other embodiments and advantages are described in detail below. This section is not intended to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system having multiple independent non-public networks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simple block diagram of a user device and a network entity according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary globally unique temporary identifier entity selected by different independent non-public networks for registration requests according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a user device selecting a registered globally unique temporary identifier according to one or more selection rules according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a selection rule for selecting a globally unique temporary identifier when submitting a registration request to an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow chart of a user device selecting a globally unique temporary identifier assigned by a corresponding independent non-public network to a registration request of a current independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numerals:

110: Public Land Mobile Network

120, 302, 405, 406: Independent non-public network

130, 140: Radio access network

111, 121, 201, 301, 401: User device

112, 122, gNB: Base Station

211: Network Entity

UPF: User Plane Function

AMF: Access Mobility Management Function

SMF: Session Management Function

MCC: Mobile Country Code

MNC: Mobile Network Code

MME: Mobility Management Entity

260, 280: Protocol stack

203, 213: Processor

204, 214: Transceiver

270, 290: Control function module and circuit

202, 212: Memory

210, 220: Programming

205, 215: Antenna

221, 222, 223, 231, 232, 233: Execution function

311, 315, 316, 320, 325, 326, 330, 331, 332, 361, 362: Identifiers

351, 352, 485, 486, 510, 551, 552, 553: Examples

520: Lookup Table

481, 482, 601, 602, 603: Steps

B2, C1, C2, D1, D2: Independent non-public network type

Detailed ways

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present invention, examples of which may be referenced in the accompanying drawings.

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system having multiple standalone non-public networks (SNPN) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Network 110 may be a public land mobile network network or a public land mobile network network-A. Network 110 includes control plane functionality, user plane functionality (UPF), and application servers. These application servers provide various services by communicating with multiple user devices including user device 111. User device 111 and its serving base station gNB 112 are part of a radio access network 130. Radio access network 130 provides radio access to user device 111 via a radio access technology (RAT), such as 3GPP access and non-3GPP access. A mobility management entity (MME) or an access and mobility management function (AMF) in the public land mobile network 110 communicates with the gNB 112 and other serving GWs and PDN GWs for access and mobility management of radio access devices in the public land mobile network 110 (not shown).

Similarly, the independent non-public network network-B 120 includes control plane functionalities, user plane functionality (UPF), and application servers that provide various services by communicating with multiple user devices including the user device 121. The user device 121 and its serving base station gNB 122 are part of a radio access network 140. The radio access network 140 provides radio access to the user device 121 via a radio access technology (RAT), such as 3GPP access and non-3GPP access. A mobility management entity (MME) or an access and mobility management function (AMF) in the independent non-public network 120 communicates with the gNB 122 and other serving GWs and PDN GWs (not shown) for access and mobility management of radio access devices in the independent non-public network 120. The user device 111 or 121 may be equipped with a radio frequency (RF) transceiver or multiple RF transceivers for providing different application services via different radio access technologies.

The 5G system enables a non-public network to request a third-party service provider to perform non-public network authentication on a user device based on an identifier and/or a credential provided by the third-party service provider. The 5G system enables a non-public network to request a public land mobile network to perform non-public network authentication on a user device based on an identifier and/or a credential provided by the public land mobile network. The 5G system enables an independent non-public network to request other independent non-public networks (third-party service providers) to perform independent non-public network authentication on a user device based on an identifier and/or a credential provided by other independent non-public networks (third-party service providers). Specifically, a user device that has enabled an independent non-public network can support access to an independent non-public network using a credential from a credential holder (CH). Such a user device can be configured with "a subscriber data list", such as a globally unique temporary identifier assigned by the corresponding independent non-public network, including one or more entries. Each access right represents a subscribed independent non-public network as a certificate holder, and each access right is composed of independent non-public network selection parameters for accessing a selected independent non-public network using the certificate holder's certificate.

According to the independent non-public network selection parameters provided by the subscriber data list, a user device can select an access right of "a subscriber data list" and try to register the selected independent non-public network or the current independent non-public network using the credentials of the subscribed independent non-public network. If the registration to the selected independent non-public network is successful, the user device will obtain access permission to the selected independent non-public network and can establish a PDU session for data transmission and reception.

According to a novel aspect 150, a user device maintains a set of globally unique temporary identifiers and selects a registration globally unique temporary identifier for a REGISTRATION REQUEST sent to a current independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules. In one embodiment, the selection rules include prioritizing a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a globally-unique independent non-public network identifier (globally-unique SNPN ID) over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a non-global-unique independent non-public network identifier (non-global-unique SNPN ID). In another embodiment, the selection rules further include prioritizing a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network over a globally unique temporary identifier assigned by any other independent non-public network when both the equivalent independent non-public network and any other independent non-public network are identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier.

FIG. 2 is a simple block diagram of a wireless device (a user device 201 and a network entity 211) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network entity 211 may be a base station combined with an MME or access management function. The network entity 211 has an antenna 215, and the antenna 215 is used to transmit and receive radio signals. A radio frequency transceiver module 214 coupled to the antenna receives the radio frequency signal from the antenna 215, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal and transmits it to the processor 213. The radio frequency transceiver 214 then converts the received baseband signal into a radio frequency signal by the processor 213 and transmits it to the antenna 215. The processor 213 processes the received baseband signal and calls different function modules to perform functions in the base station 211. The memory 212 stores programming instructions and data 220 to control the operation of the base station 211. In the example of FIG. 2, the network entity 211 also includes a set of control function modules and circuits 290. The registration circuit 231 handles the registration and mobility processes. The session management circuit handles the session management function. The configuration and control circuit 233 provides various parameters to configure and control the user device.

Similarly, the user device 201 has a memory 202, a processor 203 and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver module 204. The RF transceiver 204 is coupled to the antenna 205, and receives the RF signal from the antenna 205 and converts it into a baseband signal, which is then transmitted to the processor 203. The RF transceiver 204 also converts the received baseband signal from the processor 203 into a RF signal, which is then transmitted to the antenna 205. The processor 203 processes the received baseband signal and calls different functional modules and circuits to execute the functions in the user device 201. The memory 202 stores data and programming instructions 210 to be executed by the processor to control the operation of the user device 201. Suitable processors include, for example, a special application processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP, a controller, a microcontroller, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, other forms of integrated circuits (ICs), and/or state machines. A processor associated with software can be used to implement and configure the functions of the user device 201.

The user device 201 further includes a set of functional modules and control circuits for performing the functional tasks of the user device 201. The protocol stack 260 includes a non-access-stratum (NAS) layer for communicating with an MME or an access management function entity connected to the core network, a radio resource control (RRC) layer for high-level configuration and control, a packet data convergence protocol or radio link control (PDCP, RLC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, and a physical (PHY) layer. The system modules and circuits 270 can be implemented and configured by software, firmware, hardware and/or a combination thereof. When the processor executes the control functional modules and circuits through programming instructions in the memory, they interact to allow the user device 201 to perform embodiments, functional tasks and features in the network. For example, the system module and circuit 270 includes an identifier module 221, the identifier module 221 maintains a set of global unique temporary identities (GUTIs), each of which is assigned by a corresponding standalone non-public network (SNPN), and a selection module 222 selects a registered UGTI assigned by a primary SNPN from the set of GUTIs according to one or more selection rules (including that a previously assigned UGTI by an equivalent SNPN or any other SNPN with a UGTI takes precedence over a previously assigned UGTI by an equivalent SNPN or any other SNPN with a non-UGTI). The request module 223 transmits a registration request message to the current SNPN according to the selected registered UGTI. It should be noted that the set of UGTIs and the corresponding SNPN information can be stored in the user device memory.

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an exemplary GUID entity selected by different independent non-public networks for registration requests. For example, a user device 301 previously registered with an independent non-public network 302 and obtained a GUID 311. The GUID 330 uses different formats for 5G and 4G. The 5G GUID 331 includes a 12-bit mobile country code (MCC), a 12-bit mobile network code (MNC), an 8-bit access management function area identifier, a 10-bit access management function group identifier, a 6-bit access management function POINTER and a 32-bit 5G-TMSI (temporary mobile subscriber identity, TMSI). The 4G-GUTI 332 includes a 12-bit mobile network code (MNC), a 16-bit mobility management entity (MME) group identifier, an 8-bit mobile management entity code and a 32-bit M-TMSI. Both the 5G-GUID 331 and the 4G-GUTI 332 are 80-bit identifiers. The mobile country code and the mobile network code together define the public land mobile network identifier 335. The combination of a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier (NID) identifies an isolated non-public network. For example, the isolated non-public network 302 is identified by the isolated non-public network identifier 320, which includes a public land mobile network identifier 325 and a network identifier 326. When the user device 301 registers with the isolated non-public network 302, the isolated non-public network 320 assigns a global unique temporary identifier 315 to the user device 301. In one embodiment, the user device 301 maintains the global unique temporary identifier 315 assigned by the isolated non-public network 302 and the network identifier of the isolated non-public network 302. Therefore, the user device 301 maintains a registration identifier (assigned by the isolated non-public network 302) 311, which includes a global unique temporary identifier 315 and a network identifier 316. The network identifier 316 is the same as the network identifier 326 of the independent non-public network 302, which assigns the globally unique temporary identifier 315. In one embodiment, the user device 301 maintains a registration set 310, which includes one or more registration identifiers, such as registration identifier 311. In one embodiment, the user device maintains a set of globally unique temporary identifiers and their corresponding assigned network identifiers. In one novel aspect, when the user device 301 registers to a new or current independent non-public network, the user device 301 selects a registration identifier according to one or more selection rules. The selection rule selects a globally unique temporary identifier of a previous independent non-public network based on information, wherein the previous independent non-public network assigned the globally unique temporary identifier. In one embodiment 351, the independent non-public network that assigns the globally unique temporary identifier is an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network. In another embodiment 352, the previous independent non-public network assigns the globally unique temporary identifier through a 3GPP network or through a non-3GPP network. In one novel aspect, the user device selection rule is based on a network identifier assignment model. For example, the network identifier 326 of the independent non-public network 302 supports two allocation models 360 (a globally unique network identifier 361 and a non-globally unique network identifier 362). The globally unique network identifier 361 is assigned using coordinated assignment. There are two options for coordinated assignment. The first option is to assign the network identifier so that it is globally unique independent of the public land mobile network identifier used. The second option is to assign the network identifier so that its combination with the public land mobile network identifier is globally unique. The non-globally unique network identifier 362 is self-assigned. The network identifier is selected individually by the independent non-public network at deployment time, which may result in non-uniqueness. The two allocation models of coordinated assignment and self-assignment use different numbering spaces. In one embodiment, the user device 301 identifies whether the globally unique temporary identifier is assigned by a globally unique independent non-public network or a non-globally unique independent non-public network based on the range of network identifiers.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a user device selecting a registered GUITI according to one or more selection rules. The user device 401 previously registered one or more previous independent non-public networks 406. The user device 401 maintains a registration set 410, which includes a set of registration identifiers, such as registration 411. Registration 411 includes a GUITI 415 and a network identifier 416 of its corresponding assigned independent non-public network. In one embodiment, the user device maintains a set of stored identifiers 430, which includes the user device registration set 410 and other identifiers 420, such as a subscriber concealed identifier (SUCI) and a permanent equipment identifier (PEI). In step 481, the user device 401 selects a GUITI and a network identifier associated or corresponding thereto to register with a current independent non-public network 405. In a novel aspect 480, the user device 401 selects the GUITI and the network identifier of the corresponding independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules. In step 482, the user device 401 sends a REGISTRATION REQUEST to the current independent non-public network 405 to register with the independent non-public network 405. In one embodiment 485, the user device 401 indicates the selected registration global unique temporary identifier in a 5GS mobile identifier information element (IE). In another embodiment 486, the user device 401 includes the network identifier of the corresponding previous independent non-public network in a network identifier information element.

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a selection rule for selecting a globally unique temporary identifier for submitting a registration request to an independent non-public network. In a novel aspect, a user device maintains a set of globally unique temporary identifiers and selects a registered globally unique temporary identifier to register a current independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules. In an embodiment 510, the one or more selection rules include a selection rule 511 and a selection rule 512. Rule 511 prioritizes a globally unique temporary identifier previously registered by an equivalent independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier or any other independent non-public network over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier or any other independent non-public network. When the equivalent independent non-public network and any other independent non-public network are both identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, rule 512 prioritizes a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network. In addition, one or more selection rules further include giving priority to a globally unique temporary identifier previously used by an equivalent independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier or any other independent non-public network over one or more user identifiers, the user identifiers including a subscriber concealed identifier (SUCI) and a permanent equipment identifier (PEI).

In one novel aspect, one or more selection rules are applied to select a globally unique temporary identifier and a network identifier of a corresponding or related independent non-public network that was previously assigned a globally unique temporary identifier. The application of one or more selection rules is shown in an exemplary lookup table 520. During initial registration, the user device selects a globally unique temporary identifier to process the 5GS mobile identifier data element based on the attributes of the previously assigned independent non-public network or the independent non-public network type. Each row in the lookup table 520 represents an independent non-public network attribute, including that the previously registered independent non-public network is the same as the independent non-public network of the current independent non-public network to be registered by the user device, or is an equivalent independent non-public network, or any other independent non-public network, and the previously assigned independent non-public network identifier is globally unique or non-globally unique. According to the previously assigned independent non-public network attributes, there are five exemplary independent non-public network types in each column: B2, C1, C2, D1, and D2. Each independent non-public network type is identified as:

B2: The user device is registering with a standalone non-public network, the user device holds a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, where the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by the same standalone non-public network with which the user device performed the registration, via a 3GPP access or a non-3GPP access. And the user device has not enabled the initial registration of the onboarding service in the standalone non-public network, the user device shall specify the 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element.

C1: The user device is registering with a standalone non-public network and the user device holds a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, where the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by an equivalent standalone non-public network with a globally unique standalone non-public network identifier through a 3GPP access or a non-3GPP access. The user device does not enable initial registration of the onboarding service in the standalone non-public network. The user device shall specify the 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element and shall additionally include the network identifier of the equivalent standalone non-public network in the network identifier information element.

C2: The user device is registering with a standalone non-public network and the user device holds a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, where the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by an equivalent standalone non-public network with a non-globally unique standalone non-public network identifier through a 3GPP access or a non-3GPP access. For initial registration of the user device without onboarding service enabled in the standalone non-public network, the user device shall specify the 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element and shall additionally include the network identifier of the equivalent standalone non-public network in the network identifier information element.

D1: The user device is registering with a standalone non-public network and the user device holds a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, where the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by any other standalone non-public network with a globally unique standalone non-public network identifier through 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. The user device does not enable initial registration of the onboarding service in the standalone non-public network. The user device shall specify the 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element and shall additionally include the network identifier of the other standalone non-public network in the network identifier information element.

D2: The user device is registering with a standalone non-public network and the user device holds a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, where the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by any other standalone non-public network with a non-globally unique standalone non-public network identifier through 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. The user device does not enable initial registration of the onboarding service in the standalone non-public network. The user device shall specify the 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element and shall include the network identifier of the other standalone non-public network in the network identifier information element.

In one embodiment 520, during initial registration, the user device processes the 5GS mobile identifier data elements in descending order of C1>D1>C2>D1. In another embodiment, a globally unique temporary identifier is previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier or any other independent non-public network through one or more user identifiers, wherein the user identifier includes a subscriber concealed identifier (SUCI) and a permanent equipment identifier (PEI). The selection list further includes:

E: If a subscriber hidden identifier other than an onboarding subscriber identifier is available and the user device is not enabling initial registration for onboarding services in a standalone non-public network, the user device SHOULD include an onboarding subscriber identifier other than the onboarding subscriber identifier in the 5GS Mobile Identifier data element.

F: If the user device does not maintain a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier or a subscriber identifier other than an onboarding subscriber identifier and is undergoing initial registration to enable emergency services, the permanent device identifier SHOULD be included in the 5GS Mobile Identifier data element.

G: If the user device initiates initial registration for onboarding services in a standalone non-public network, an onboarding subscriber identifier SHOULD be included in the 5GS Mobile Identifier data element.

As shown, according to one or more selection rules of 510, a 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously allocated by an equivalent independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier through 3GPP access or non-3GPP access takes precedence over or precedes a 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously allocated by an equivalent independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier through 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. Schematic diagrams 551, 552, and 553 represent embodiments of globally unique temporary identifier selection according to rule 510. In one embodiment 551, rule 511 is applied, the set of globally unique temporary identifiers 531 maintained by the user device includes a first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, one or more other globally unique temporary identifiers previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier including a second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, a third valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and a fourth valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier as the registered globally unique temporary identifier. In another embodiment 552, rule 512 is applied, the set of globally unique temporary identifiers 532 maintained by the user device includes a second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, one or more other globally unique temporary identifiers include a third valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and a fourth valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier as the registered globally unique temporary identifier. In another embodiment 553, rule 512 is applied, and the globally unique temporary identifier combination 533 maintained by the user device includes a first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and a second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier as the registered globally unique temporary identifier.

In other embodiments, the one or more selection rules further include giving priority to one or more GUIDs previously allocated by an equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network via 3GP access or non-3GPP access. In one embodiment, the user device selects the latest or most recently allocated GUID. In another embodiment, the user device selects the oldest or most recently allocated GUID. In another embodiment, assuming that the equivalent independent non-public networks in an independent non-public network list all have a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, the 5G globally unique temporary identifier allocated by an equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network (the first independent non-public network or public land mobile network in the equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network list) > (more preferably) the 5G globally unique temporary identifier allocated by an equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network (the second independent non-public network or public land mobile network in the equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network list) > (more preferably) the 5G globally unique temporary identifier allocated by an equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network (the third independent non-public network or public land mobile network in the equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network list), etc. In one embodiment, assuming that the independent non-public networks have the same other attributes, including that both are equivalent independent non-public networks with globally unique independent non-public network identifiers, or both are any other independent non-public networks with globally unique independent non-public network identifiers, if the current process is performed through 3GPP access, the 5G globally unique temporary identifier allocated through 3GPP access is preferentially used for indication by the user device. If the current process is performed through non-3GPP access, the 5G globally unique temporary identifier allocated through non-3GPP access is preferentially used for indication by the user device.

FIG6 is an exemplary flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a user device selecting a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) assigned by a corresponding standalone non-public network to a registration request of a current standalone non-public network. In step 601, the user device maintains a set of global unique temporary identities (GUTIs), each of which is assigned by a corresponding standalone non-public network (SNPN). In step 602, the user device selects a registered GUTI assigned by a previous standalone non-public network registration with a current standalone non-public network according to one or more selection rules from the set of GUTIs, wherein the one or more selection rules include giving priority to a previously assigned GUTI by an equivalent standalone non-public network with a globally unique standalone non-public network identifier or any other standalone non-public network over a previously assigned GUTI by an equivalent standalone non-public network with a non-globally unique standalone non-public network identifier or any other standalone non-public network. In step 603, the user device sends a registration request message to the current independent non-public network according to the selected registration UGTI.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with certain specific embodiments for guidance purposes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, various modifications, adaptations and combinations of the various features of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims of the present invention should fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (18)

1. A method for a user device, comprising:

Maintaining, by the user device, a set of globally unique temporary identifiers, wherein each globally unique temporary identifier is assigned by a corresponding independent non-public network;

Selecting a registered globally unique temporary identifier assigned by a previous independent non-public network from the set of globally unique temporary identifiers to register with a current independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules, wherein the one or more selection rules include prioritizing a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier; and

A registration request message is transmitted to the current independent non-public network based on the selected registration universe unique temporary identifier.

2. A method as in claim 1 wherein each individual non-public network is identified by a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier, wherein the user device maintains the network identifier for each individual non-public network using the corresponding globally unique temporary identifier.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the user device indicates the public network identifier selected in a 5GS mobile identifier information element and includes network identifiers corresponding to previous independent non-public networks in a network identifier element.

4. A method as in claim 1 wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers maintained by the user device comprises a first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and one or more other globally unique temporary identifiers comprising a second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, a third valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and any other unique non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier as the registration unique temporary identifier.

5. A method as in claim 1 wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers maintained by the user device comprises a second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and one or more other globally unique temporary identifiers comprising a third valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and any other globally unique temporary identifier previously identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier as the registered globally unique temporary identifier.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers are assigned in a 3GPP access or a non-3 GPP access by a corresponding equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the user device further maintains one or more user device identifiers, the one or more user device identifiers comprising: the subscriber hiding identifier and the permanent device identifier, wherein the one or more selection rules include prioritizing a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier over the one or more user device identifiers.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more selection rules further comprise: when the equivalent independent non-public network and any other independent non-public networks are both identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by the equivalent independent non-public network is prioritized over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers maintained by the user device comprises a first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, a second 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the first valid as the registered globally unique temporary identifier.

10. A user device, comprising:

a radio frequency module for transmitting and receiving radio signals in a wireless network;

An identification module for maintaining a set of globally unique temporary identifiers, wherein each globally unique temporary identifier is assigned by a corresponding independent non-public network;

A selection module for selecting a registered globally unique temporary identifier assigned by a previous independent non-public network from the set of globally unique temporary identifiers to register with a current independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules including prioritizing a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier; and

A request module for transmitting a registration request message to the current independent non-public network based on the selected registration universe unique temporary identifier.

11. A user device as recited in claim 10 wherein each individual non-public network is identified by a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier, wherein the user device maintains the network identifier for each individual non-public network using the corresponding globally unique temporary identifier.

12. The user device of claim 11 wherein the user device indicates the public network identifier selected in a 5GS mobile identifier information element and includes network identifiers corresponding to previous independent non-public networks in a network identifier element.

13. A user device as recited in claim 10, wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers maintained by the user device comprises a first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and one or more other globally unique temporary identifiers comprising a second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, a third valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and any other globally unique independent non-public network identified previously by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier as the registered globally unique temporary identifier.

14. A user device as recited in claim 10, wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers maintained by the user device comprises a second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and one or more other globally unique temporary identifiers comprising a third valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, and any other globally unique non-public network identified by a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the second valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier as the registered globally unique temporary identifier.

15. The user device of claim 10 wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers are assigned in a 3GPP access or a non-3 GPP access by the corresponding equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network.

16. The user device of claim 10 wherein the user device further maintains one or more user device identifiers comprising: the subscriber hiding identifier and the permanent device identifier, wherein the one or more selection rules include prioritizing a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier over the one or more user device identifiers.

17. The user device of claim 10, wherein the one or more selection rules further comprise: when the equivalent independent non-public network and any other independent non-public networks are both identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by the equivalent independent non-public network is prioritized over a globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network.

18. A user device as in claim 17 wherein the set of globally unique temporary identifiers maintained by the user device comprises a first valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, a second 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the first valid as the registered globally unique temporary identifier.