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

Abstract

The invention provides an equivalent independent non-public network and a globally unique temporary identifier indicated by a user device, the method comprises the steps that the user device selects the globally unique temporary identifier as a registered globally unique temporary identifier to register in the current independent non-public network; the 5GS mobile identifier information element indicates the selected registered globally unique temporary identifier and includes in the network identifier element a network identifier corresponding to the previous independent non-public network. The selection rule comprises prioritizing the previously equivalent independent non-public network assigned globally unique temporary identifier over the previously equivalent independent non-public network assigned globally unique temporary identifier; when the equivalent independent non-public network and any other independent non-public networks are identified by the globally unique independent non-public network, the globally unique temporary identifier assigned by the previous equivalent independent non-public network is prioritized over the globally unique temporary identifiers assigned by the previous other independent non-public networks.

Description

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

Technical Field

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

Background

In today's rapidly evolving digital environment, the need for secure, private and efficient communication networks has never been as important as today. The manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics industries require powerful solutions to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. A public land mobile network (public land mobile network, PLMN) is a network established or operated by an administrative department or authenticated operator (recognized operating agency, ROA) with the specific purpose of providing land mobile communication services to the public. Public land mobile networks offer communication possibilities for mobile users. Public land mobile networks may provide services in a combination of one or more frequency bands. Access to public land mobile network services is achieved through an air interface (AIR INTERFACE) that involves wireless communications between a mobile telephone and a base station having integrated IP network services. A public land mobile network may include a plurality of radio access networks (radio access networks, RAN) that utilize different radio access technologies (radio access technologies, RATs) to access mobile services. The radio access network is part of a mobile communication system, implementing radio access technology. Conceptually, a radio access network resides between mobile devices and provides connectivity to its Core Network (CN). According to specifications, mobile phones and other wireless connection apparatuses are called User Equipment (UE), terminal devices (terminal equipment), mobile stations (mobile stations, MS), and the like. Examples of different radio access technologies include 2G GERAN (GSM) radio access networks, 3G UTRAN (UMTS) radio access networks, 4G E-UTRAN (LTE), 5G New Radio (NR) radio access networks, and other non-3 GPP radio access networks including WiFi.

In contrast to public land mobile networks, non-public networks (NPNs) are 5GS deployment networks (deployed network) for non-public use. The non-public network is an independent non-public network (standalone non-public network, SNPN), i.e. operated by a non-public network operator independent of network functions provided by the public land mobile network; or the Public Network is a Public Network integrated non-Public Network (Public Network INTEGRATED NPN, NPI-NPN), i.e., a non-Public Network deployed under the support of Public land mobile networks. A combination of a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier (Network identifier, NID) may identify the independent non-public network. The user device may be enabled for a stand-alone non-public network. The user device selects an independent non-public network for which the subscriber identifier and credentials are configured. The user device may have multiple sets of subscriber identifiers, credentials, and independent non-public network identifiers. The user device needs to select the registration identifier when accessing or registering with a separate non-public network. The selection needs to be designed to avoid possible registration identifier confusion.

The globally unique temporary identifier selection indicated by the individual non-public network registered user devices needs improvement and enhancement.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mobile identity selection for initial registration with a separate non-public network. In a 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 prioritizing 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 networks are both identified by a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, the one or more selection rules further comprise prioritizing 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 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 the one or more user identifiers, wherein the E-identifier includes a subscriber hidden identifier (subscriber concealed identifier, SUCI) and a permanent device identifier (PERMANENT EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIER, PEI). In one embodiment, the user device indicates the selected registered globally unique temporary identifier in a 5GS Mobile identifier information element and includes the network identifier of the corresponding previously independent non-public network of a network identifier.

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

Drawings

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

Fig. 2 is a simplified 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 for selection of registration requests by different independent non-public networks in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a user device selecting a registration universe 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 by making 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: mobile management entity

260. 280: Protocol stack

203. 213: Processor and method for controlling the same

204. 214: Transceiver with a plurality of transceivers

270. 290: Control function module and circuit

202. 212: Memory device

210. 220: Programming

205. 215: Antenna

221. 222, 223, 231, 232, 233: Executing a function

311. 315, 316, 320, 325, 326, 330, 331, 332, 361, 362: Identifier(s)

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

520: Lookup table

481. 482, 601, 602, 603: Step (a)

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

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system with multiple independent non-public networks (standalone non-public networks, SNPN) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network 110 may be a public land mobile network or a public land mobile network-a, and the network 110 includes control plane functions, user plane functions (user plane functionality, UPF), and application servers that provide various services by communicating with a plurality of user devices including the user device 111. The user equipment 111 and the serving base station gNB 112 are part of a radio access network 130. The radio access network 130 provides radio access, such as 3GPP access and non-3 GPP access, to the user device 111 via a radio access technology (radio access technologies, RAT). A Mobility Management Entity (MME) or an access mobility management function (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 (not shown) for access mobility management of wireless access devices in the public land mobile network 110.

Similarly, the standalone non-public network-B120 includes control plane functions (control plane functionalities), user plane functions (user plane functionality, UPF), and application servers that provide various services by communicating with a plurality of user devices including the user device 121. The user device 121 and the serving base station gNB 122 are part of a radio access network 140. The radio access network 140 provides radio access, such as 3GPP access and non-3 GPP access, to the user device 121 via a radio access technology (radio access technologies, RAT). A Mobility Management Entity (MME) or an access mobility management function (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 for access mobility management of wireless access devices in the independent non-public network 120 (not shown). The user device 111 or 121 may be equipped with a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver or a plurality of RF transceivers for providing different application services through 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 of a user device based on identifiers and/or credentials provided by the third party service provider. The 5G system enables a non-public network to request that a public land mobile network perform non-public network authentication of a user device based on identifiers and/or credentials 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 identity authentication on a user device according to identifiers and/or credentials provided by the other independent non-public networks (third party service providers). Specifically, a user device that has independent non-public network enabled may support access to an independent non-public network using credentials from a credential holder (CREDENTIAL HOLDER, CH). Such user devices may be configured with a "subscriber data list" that includes one or more entries, such as globally unique temporary identifiers assigned by corresponding independent non-public networks. Each access right represents a subscribed independent non-public network as a credential holder, each access right being composed of independent non-public network selection parameters for accessing a selected independent non-public network using the credential of the credential holder.

Based on the independent non-public network selection parameters provided by the subscriber data list, a user device may select an entry for "a subscriber data list" and attempt to register with an independent non-public network or current independent non-public network selected by the credentials of the subscribed independent non-public network. If the registration with the selected independent non-public network is successful, the user device will gain access to the selected independent non-public network and be able to establish a PDU session for data transmission and reception.

According to one novel aspect 150, a user device maintains a set of globally unique temporary identifiers and selects a registered globally unique temporary identifier for REGISTRATION REQUEST for delivery to a current independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules. In one embodiment, the selection rule includes 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 (global-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-globally unique independent non-public network identifier (non-global-unique SNPN ID). In another embodiment, the selection rule further comprises 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 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.

Fig. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a wireless device (a user device 201 and a network entity 211) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Network entity 211 may be a base station that incorporates an MME or access management function. The network entity 211 has an antenna 215, the antenna 215 being arranged to transmit and receive radio signals. An rf transceiver module 214 coupled to the antenna receives the rf signal from the antenna 215, converts the rf signal into a baseband signal, and transmits the baseband signal to the processor 213. The rf transceiver 214 then converts the received baseband signal into an rf signal by the processor 213 and transmits the rf signal to the antenna 215. The processor 213 processes the received baseband signal and invokes various functional modules to perform functions in the base station 211. Memory 212 stores programming instructions and data 220 to control the operation of base station 211. In the example of fig. 2, the network entity 211 also comprises a set of control function modules and circuits 290. Registration circuit 231 handles registration and mobility procedures. The session management circuit handles session management functions. The configuration and control circuit 233 provides different parameters to configure and control the user device.

Similarly, the user device 201 has memory 202, a processor 203, and Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver module 204. The rf transceiver 204 is coupled to the antenna 205, and receives rf signals from the antenna 205, converts the rf signals into baseband signals, and transmits the baseband signals to the processor 203. The rf transceiver 204 also converts the received baseband signal to an rf signal by the processor 203 and transmits the rf signal to the antenna 205. The processor 203 processes the received baseband signals and invokes various functional modules and circuits to perform functions in the user device 201. The memory 202 stores data to be executed by the processor and programming instructions 210 to control the operation of the user device 201. Suitable processors include, by way of example, an application specific processor, a digital signal processor (DIGITAL SIGNAL processor, DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate array (file programmable GATE ARRAY) circuits, other forms of integrated circuits (INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, ICs), and/or state machines. A processor associated with the software may be used to implement and configure the functions of the user device 201.

The user device 201 further comprises a set of functional modules and control circuitry 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 connected to the core network, a radio resource Control (Radio Resource Control, RRC) layer for higher layer configuration and Control, a packet data convergence protocol or radio link Control (PACKET DATA Convergence Protocol, radio Link Control, PDCP, RLC) layer, a medium Access Control (MEDIA ACCESS Control, MAC) layer, and a Physical (PHY) layer. The system modules and circuitry 270 may be implemented and configured by software, firmware, hardware, and/or combinations thereof. When the processor instructs execution of the control function modules and circuits through programming in the memory, it interacts to allow the user device 201 to perform the embodiments, functional tasks, and features in the network. For example, the system module and circuitry 270 includes an identifier module 221, the identifier module 221 maintaining a set of globally unique temporary identifiers (global unique temporary identities, GUTIs), wherein each globally unique temporary identifier is assigned by a corresponding independent non-public network (standalone non-public network, SNPN), the selection module 222 selecting a registered globally unique temporary identifier assigned by a primary independent non-public network from the set of globally unique temporary identifiers according to one or more selection rules including 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 the request module 223 transmits a registration request message to the current independent non-public network based on the selected registration universe unique temporary identifier. It is noted that the set of globally unique temporary identifiers and corresponding independent non-public network information may be stored in the user device memory.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention depicting an exemplary globally unique temporary identifier entity selected for registration requests by different independent non-public networks. For example, the user device 301 has previously registered with the independent non-public network 302 and obtained a globally unique temporary identifier 311. The globally unique temporary identifier 330 is in a different format for 5G and 4G. The 5G globally unique temporary identifier 331 includes a 12-bit mobile country code (mobile country code, MCC), a 12-bit mobile network code (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 (mobile network code, MNC), a 16-bit Mobility MANAGEMENT ENTITY (MME) group identifier, an 8-bit mobility management entity code, and a 32-bit M-TMSI. Both the 5G global unique temporary identifier 331 and the 4G-GUTI 332 are 80-bit identifiers. The mobile country code and the mobile network code together are defined as a public land mobile network identifier 335. A combination of a public land mobile network identifier and a network identifier (network identifier, NID) is identified as a separate non-public network. For example, the independent non-public network 302 is identified by an independent 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 independent non-public network 302, the independent non-public network 320 assigns the globally unique temporary identifier 315 to the user device 301. In one embodiment, the user device 301 maintains a globally unique temporary identifier 315 assigned by the independent non-public network 302 and a network identifier of the independent non-public network 302. Thus, the user device 301 maintains a registration identifier (allocated by the independent non-public network 302) 311 that includes a globally unique temporary identifier 315 and a network identifier 316. The network identifier 316 is identical to the network identifier 326 of the independent non-public network 302, which is assigned the globally unique temporary identifier 315. In one embodiment, user device 301 maintains a registration group 310 that includes one or more registration identifiers, such as registration identifier 311. In one embodiment, a user device maintains a set of globally unique temporary identifiers and their corresponding assigned network identifiers. In a novel aspect, when a user device 301 registers with a new or current standalone 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 the previous independent non-public network based on the information, wherein the previous independent non-public network assigns the globally unique temporary identifier. In an embodiment 351, the independent non-public network to which the globally unique temporary identifier is assigned is an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network. In another embodiment 352, the previously independent non-public network assigns the globally unique temporary identifier over a 3GPP network or over a non-3 GPP network. In one novel aspect, the user device selection rules are based on a network identifier assignment model. For example, the network identifiers 326 of the independent non-public networks 302 support 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 a coordinated assignment (coordinated assignment). There are two choices for coordination allocation. The first option is to assign the network identifier to be globally unique independently of the public land mobile network identifier used. The second option is to assign the network identifier such 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 identifiers are individually selected by the independent non-public network at deployment time, which may result in non-uniqueness. The two allocation models of coordinated allocation and self-allocation use different number spaces (numbering spaces). In one embodiment, the user device 301 identifies that 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 diagram of a user device selecting a registration global unique temporary identifier according to one or more selection rules according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user device 401 has previously registered with one or more previous independent non-public networks 406. User device 401 maintains a registration combination 410 that includes a set of registration identifiers, such as registration 411. Registration 411 includes a globally unique temporary identifier 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 that includes the user device registration combination 410 and other identifiers 420, such as subscriber hidden identifiers (subscriber concealed identifier, SUCI) and permanent device identifiers (PERMANENT EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIER, PEI). In step 481, user device 401 selects a globally unique temporary identifier and its associated or corresponding network identifier to register with a current independent non-public network 405. In a novel aspect 480, user device 401 selects a globally unique temporary identifier and a corresponding network identifier of a separate, non-public network according to one or more selection rules. In step 482, the user device 401 transmits REGISTRATION REQUEST (registration request) to the current independent non-public network 405 to register the independent non-public network 405. In one embodiment 485, the user device 401 indicates the registered globally unique temporary identifier selected in a 5GS mobile identifier information element (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.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a selection rule for selecting a globally unique temporary identifier by making a registration request to an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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 with a current independent non-public network according to one or more selection rules. In one 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 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. 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, 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, the one or more selection rules further include prioritizing a globally unique temporary identifier previously determined 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 including subscriber hidden identifiers (subscriber concealed identifier, SUCI) and permanent equipment identifiers (PERMANENT EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIER, PEI).

In a novel aspect, one or more selection rules are applied to select a globally unique temporary identifier and a corresponding or related network identifier of a separate, non-public network to which the globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned. The application of one or more selection rules is shown in an exemplary lookup table 520. During initial registration, the user device processes the 5GS mobile identifier data element by selecting a globally unique temporary identifier based on previously assigned independent non-public network attributes or independent non-public network types. Each row in the lookup table 520 represents an independent non-public network attribute that includes the same independent non-public network as the current independent non-public network that the user device is to register with, or an equivalent independent non-public network, any other independent non-public network, the previously assigned independent non-public network identifier being globally unique or non-globally unique. There are five exemplary independent non-public network types in each column based on previously assigned independent non-public network attributes: b2, C1, C2, D1, and D2. Each independent non-public network type is identified as:

B2: the user device is registering with a separate non-public network, the user device maintains a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, wherein the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier is assigned by 3GPP access or non-3 GPP access by the same separate non-public network that the user device previously performed the registration. And the user device does not enable initial registration of the incumbent service in the independent non-public network, the user device should specify the 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element.

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

C2: the user device is registering with an independent non-public network, the user device maintaining a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, wherein the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier via 3GPP access or non-3 GPP access. The user device does not enable initial registration of the incumbent service in the independent non-public network, the user device should indicate a 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element, and should additionally include a network identifier of the equivalent independent non-public network in the network identifier information element.

D1: the user device is registering with an independent non-public network, the user device maintains a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, wherein the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by 3GPP access or non-3 GPP access by any other independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier. The user device does not enable initial registration of the incumbent service in the independent non-public network. The user device should specify a 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element and should additionally include network identifiers of other independent non-public networks in the network identifier information element.

D2: the user device is registering with an independent non-public network, the user device maintaining a valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier, wherein the valid 5G globally unique temporary identifier was previously assigned by any other independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier through a 3GPP access or a non-3 GPP access. The user device does not enable initial registration of the incumbent service in the independent non-public network. The user device should specify a 5G globally unique temporary identifier in the 5GS mobile identifier data element and should include network identifiers of other independent non-public networks 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 one or more user identifiers by an equivalent independent non-public network or any other independent non-public network having a globally unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user identifiers comprise subscriber hidden identifiers (subscriber concealed identifier, SUCI) and permanent device identifiers (PERMANENT EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIER, PEI). The selection list further comprises:

E: if a subscriber hidden identifier other than an incumbent subscriber identifier is available and the user device does not enable initial registration of the incumbent service in the independent non-public network, the user device should include the incumbent subscriber identifier other than an incumbent 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 incumbent subscriber identifier and is enabling initial registration for emergency services, the permanent device identifier should be included in the 5GS mobile identifier data element.

G: if the user device initiates initial registration of the job-entering service in a separate, non-public network, a job-entering 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 assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network having a globally unique non-public network identifier through 3GPP access or non-3 GPP access is prioritized over or prior to a 5G globally unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network having a non-globally unique independent non-public network identifier through 3GPP access or non-3 GPP access. Schematic diagrams 551, 552, and 552 represent embodiments of globally unique temporary identifier selection following rule 510. In an embodiment 551, the set of global unique temporary identifiers 531 maintained by the user device comprises a first valid 5G global unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a global unique independent non-public network identifier, one or more other global unique temporary identifiers previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a global unique independent non-public network identifier comprises a second valid 5G global unique temporary identifier, a third valid 5G global unique temporary identifier previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network identified by a non-global unique independent non-public network identifier, and a fourth valid 5G global unique temporary identifier previously assigned by any other independent non-public network identified by a non-global unique independent non-public network identifier, wherein the user device selects the first valid 5G global unique temporary identifier as the registration global unique temporary identifier. In another embodiment 552, the set of globally unique temporary identifiers 532 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 the one or more other globally unique temporary identifiers comprise 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, the globally unique temporary identifier combination 533 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 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 comprise one or more globally unique temporary identifiers previously assigned by an equivalent independent non-public network or public land mobile network via 3GP access or non-3 GPP access. In one embodiment, the user device selects the most recently or most recently assigned globally unique temporary identifier. In another embodiment, the user device selects the oldest or the furthest assigned globally unique temporary identifier. In another embodiment, assuming that equivalent independent non-public networks in an independent non-public network list all have globally unique independent non-public network identifiers, 5G globally unique temporary identifiers (more preferably) assigned 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), 5G globally unique temporary identifiers (more preferably) assigned 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), 5G globally unique temporary identifiers (more preferably) assigned 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, if the current flow is through a 3GPP access, then the 5G globally unique temporary identifier assigned through the 3GPP access is preferentially used for indication by the user device, assuming that the independent non-public networks have the same other attributes, including equivalent independent non-public networks that are both globally unique independent non-public network identifiers, or any other independent non-public networks that are both globally unique independent non-public network identifiers. If the current flow is through a non-3 GPP access, the 5G globally unique temporary identifier allocated through the non-3 GPP access is preferentially used for indication by the user device.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a user device selecting a globally unique temporary identifier assigned by a registration request of a corresponding independent non-public network to a current independent non-public network. In step 601, the user device maintains a set of globally unique temporary identifiers (global unique temporary identities, GUTIs), where each globally unique temporary identifier is assigned by a corresponding independent non-public network (standalone non-public network, SNPN). In step 602, the user device selects a registered globally unique temporary identifier having a previous independent non-public network registration of 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 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 from the set of globally unique temporary identifiers. In step 603, the user device transmits a registration request message to the current independent non-public network according to the selected registration universe unique temporary identifier.

Although the invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of the various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

The foregoing description is only of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and all changes and modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

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.