Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that provides a means by which user equipment (UE) having an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) that has a Shared Home Network Identity (SHNI) can gain access to a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to access authentication information when the UE is not currently within its home network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for autoconfiguring microslices in enterprise wireless communication networks using a microslice knowledgebase in a remotely located orchestration platform. Microslices are independent end-to-end logical networks operating on a shared physical infrastructure, which ensure certain Quality of Service (QoS) and Service Level Objective (SLO) requirements are met for different service types or applications. Any of the enterprise networks may be a Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) system. A microslice knowledgebase unit in the orchestration platform configures microslices for the enterprise networks based upon communication requirements of applications, devices, and groups of devices such as service type, bandwidth requirements, using machine learning and artificial intelligence to learn communication requirements of each enterprise deployment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining, configuring, operating, monitoring, and modifying microslices in an enterprise network is described. Microslices provide an end-to-end logical network through multiple networks, which allows efficient arrangement of data flows in the enterprise network with a defined Quality of Service (QoS). Various embodiments of a system for creating and implementing microslice instances in a wireless communications network are disclosed. A microslice instance can connect a UE in the enterprise network with an external server. In some embodiments, the enterprise network administrator can define Service Level Objectives (SLOs), device groups, service types, and user application groups, and associate them with one or more microslices. An orchestrator can configure the microslice with an appropriate amount of network resources to be allocated to the microslice, and then set-up, operate, monitor, and modify the microslice instance to adapt to current network conditions.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in which a first MTU (maximum transmission unit) size is determined messages traveling in a first direction along a path. A second MTU size is determined for messages traveling in a second direction along the same path. Messages are sent in the first and second directions based on the first and second MTU size, respectively. In some embodiments, different sizes are chosen for the DL MTU and the UL MTU. In some embodiments, triggers are used to proactively change the MTU size with network conditions. In some embodiments, packet segmentation may be performed at the eNB/gNB. In some embodiments, mobility support is provided with packet segmentation. In some embodiments, dedicated bearers are pre-established that support specific MTU sizes. In some embodiments, the SDAP (service data adaptation protocol) may announce the MTU size to use for a given flow on the UL.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing user subscription credentials provisioned to user equipment (UEs) and to be released at some future time for reuse and repurposing are disclosed. The methods and apparatus allow previously provisioned UE credentials to be deleted from both the UEs and from the wireless network components that manage and maintain the UE credentials. Four specific methods and apparatus for provisioning UEs with SIM credentials and reclaiming of provisioned credentials are described in detail: (1) a validity timer-based approach to provisioning UEs with SIM credentials and reclaiming of provisioned credentials; (2) a release command-based approach to provisioning UEs with SIM credentials and reclaiming of provisioned credentials; (3) a user-initiated release of previously provisioned SIM credentials; and (4) a Mobile Device Management (MDM) methodology-based approach to provisioning UEs with SIM credentials and reclaiming of provisioned credentials.

Abstract: Time Division Duplex (TDD) Configuration Selection for CBRS operation with TDD Configuration Mismatch methods and apparatus are disclosed. The methods and apparatus allocate CBRS bandwidth and select TDD configurations in a manner that allows maximum cooperation between GAA and PAL CBSDs, and includes procedures that avoid forcing the procedures into a fallback mode whenever a TDD configuration mismatch occurs. The methods and apparatus allocate an appropriate TDD configuration across all of the CBSDs (BS/APs) in the CBRS network so that there is minimal interreference between the CBSDs and so that there is uniform usage of the bandwidth in terms of use cases across all of the CBSDs in a given CBRS network. The disclosed methods and apparatus determine how to select the correct TDD configurations for the CBSDs (or BS/APs) based on the constitution of the CBSDs, and taking the GAA and PAL CBSD requirements into account.

Abstract: A dynamic Packet Data Network (PDN) context without requiring Access Point Name (APN) configuration on a user equipment (UE) is disclosed. The disclosed method and apparatus eliminate the need for a manual configuration of a UE in the field when different traffic forwarding or routing paths are required. The disclosed method and apparatus also provide for the proper Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment and the management of the Quality of Service (QOS) treatments applied to specific flows based on determined characteristics of the flows.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing load balancing within wireless networks and, in particular, within wireless networks operating within Enterprise Networks is disclosed. The method and apparatus efficiently balance the load that is shouldered by each BS/AP within the wireless network. This is particularly advantageous within wireless networks operating within an Enterprise Network. Improved BS/AP deployments in Enterprise Networks that maintain high system throughput in the EN while optimizing the performance of UEs (with regard to battery utilization and service) are disclosed. Improved EN deployments for UE mobility that reduces measurement scans required of and performed by the UEs are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seamless real-time transitions across LTE and Wi-Fi networks are disclosed. The disclosed method and apparatus relate to determining which communications networks to use when communicating between a UE and a network within an Enterprise Network (EN). In some embodiments, a Communications Client Application (CCA) operates within a selected UE and a Communications Server Application (CSA) operates on the network side of the Enterprise Network. Both the CCA and the CSA act together in concert to coordinate the transmission of packets between the UE and the network using either LTE or Wi-Fi networks. For seamless communications, some embodiments use a single VPN tunnel through which to transmit data packets. In other embodiments, for seamless communications, two VPN tunnels are used, one for LTE packet transfers, and one for Wi-Fi packet transfers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planning a wireless communication network operating in a spectrum-controlled radio band and determining spectrum availability at an enterprise location. A plurality of network models are generated using machine learning techniques, the network models are provided to a network planner unit, input is received regarding intended deployment, and spectrum availability is determined responsive to the enterprise location. The number of BS/APs needed is estimated, and an enterprise network may be planned and deployed. The enterprise network is monitored, and if network operation is not meeting expected performance, the models may be retrained and the network planner updated. Spectrum availability is determined by registering a discovery group with an SAS at a location to provide spectrum availability, and repeating for each location. The method may be periodically performed to generate a time series of data which may be analyzed to provide spectrum availability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that provides improved techniques and metrics used to improve the “Quality of Experience Delivered” (“QED”) for use in Private Enterprise networks. The method and apparatus provides normalized metrics used for assessing all service types for performance. Focus is placed on latent scores and allowing for a range of acceptable operational scores. Observation points are identified and metrics collection is performed at the ingress and egress points for functional/application/node/service levels. Assessment based on packet sizes groups is enabled, rather than as an aggregate for better understanding of the tunability of the application layer for improved service. Burstiness of the traffic is gauged to allow for improved scheduling in the RAN. Individual deployments are adapted to assess ?G and assess ?S and ?V for end-to-end performance management.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining spectrum availability within a radio band managed by a Spectrum Management Entity (SME), and allocating available spectrum to Base Station/Access Points (BS/APs) of an Enterprise Network (EN). The EN includes a domain proxy that sends a registration request to the SME indicating a maximum EIRP for the BS/APs. After receiving registration, the Domain Proxy sends a spectrum inquiry and receives a response specifying available spectrum. If less than the entire requested spectrum is available, then the maximum EIRP indication is reduced, and a next iteration is performed re-registering the BS/APs and requesting spectrum. Iterations are repeated until the entire requested spectrum is available, and then spectrum is allocated to the BS/APs. Each iteration of channel availability is stored, and channels are allocated utilizing a Self-Organizing Network (SON) technique responsive to the stored channel availability. The EN may comprise a CBRS Network.

Abstract: A credential management system for enterprise networks (ENs) that allows credential storage in different levels and enables individual enterprises to manage the sets of credentials for the SIM cards used in their respective networks. Central management of credentials is provided by a remote cloud-based, centralized orchestration network (O-Net) that receives SIM cards from a SIM Provisioning Platform (SPP) and distributes the credentials to the ENs, which store the credentials in an enterprise global database and assign the SIM cards to the UEs. The credentials can be associated with specific policies and user groups so that the enterprise can control the type and quality of access allowed to UEs. Each EN may have a plurality of campus locations and at each location, a local credential database may be provided to act as a cache for quick efficient access to credentials by the UEs.

Abstract: A User Equipment (UE) device, such as a cellular telephone, configured to store Higher Priority Public Land Mobile Network (HPPLMN) timer setting values and enterprise geofence information associated with the entries on its Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network (EHPLMN) list is disclosed. When the UE is camped on an EHPLMN, the UE may search/scan for higher priority EHPLMNs using the HPPLMN timer setting values associated with the entries on the list that have higher priority than the current EHPLMN. The rate of the scans may be set based on the shortest HPPLMN timer entry of the higher priority entries on the EHPLMN list. The UE may also or instead be configured to search for geofenced EHPLMNs on the list for which entrance criteria are currently satisfied, even when the current EHPLMN has higher priority than the geofenced EHPLMNs.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for allowing a Third-Party (TP) User Equipment (UE) to use a base station/access point (BS/AP), such as a 4G eNodeB (eNB) or a 5G gNodeB (gNB) of a private network, such as an enterprise network to access components of a network core, such as an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) in the TP network while also having access to features provided by or through components of an EPC within the private network.

Abstract: A transfer management system for efficiently operating an enterprise wireless communication network (EN) at a campus location enables the EN to control congestion, selectively and smoothly admit UEs, and manage UE exits from the EN. An MNO Network (MN) footprint learning system learns the different MN footprints on the campus, relative to the BS/APs deployed by the individual enterprise, which defines a footprint of wireless coverage for each MNO that has wireless coverage. The MN footprint provides useful information that enables successfully transitioning a UE between an EN and an MNO, which provides the EN with the ability to utilize other networks to offload one or more UEs to manage congestion, delay or deny admission of UEs, and proactively exit UEs to manage congestion or for other reasons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing TACs and TAIs used in communications system is disclosed in which “associated TACs” are used on a global basis and “unassociated TACs” are used on a regional basis. Associated TACs are associated with International Mobile Subscriber Identify (IMSI) Bin Numbers (IBNs). The value of each associated TACs is determined based on an associated IBN that serves as a seed for generating the TAC value. Unassociated TACs are TAC values that are within the “TAC space” of valid TAC values, but that are not within the pool of associated TACs. In some embodiments, there are 60,000 associated TACs and 65,536 total TAC values in the TAC space. Therefore, in such embodiments, there are 5,536 unassociated TACs that are regionally managed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a communications system architecture having a base station/access points, a multiple operator core Gateway/X2 Gateway, a plurality of Mobile Network Operator core networks and an enterprise core network are present. A first secure tunnel is provided for communicating user-plane traffic between the base station/access points and the multiple operator core Gateway/X2 Gateway. A second secure tunnel is provided for communicating control-plane traffic between the base station/access points and the enterprise core network. Additional secure tunnels are provided for communications between the multiple operator core Gateway/X2 Gateway and each Mobile Network Operator core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing wireless Enterprise Networks (EN) for greater efficiency by developing inactivity timers for packet streams on bearers, monitoring the packet streams of UEs on the bearers, and if inactivity is found determining whether or not to release or modify a bearer, or maintain the current status of the UE considering factors such as congestion, expected lull time, reconstruction cost, and UE type and location. Accordingly, UEs can be more efficiently allocated the EN's available resources. To learn the timers, packet streams are monitored over a period of time, the packet streams are sorted by service type and bearer (and optionally time), and an inter-burst packet arrival time is determined. Timers are developed that provide inactivity time limits and an expected lull time that predicts the behavior of the packet streams based on service type and bearer, and optionally time.

Abstract: A User Equipment (UE) device, such as a cellular telephone, configured to store Higher Priority Public Land Mobile Network (HPPLMN) timer setting values and enterprise geofence information associated with the entries on its Equivalent Home Public Land Mobile Network (EHPLMN) list is disclosed. When the UE is camped on an EHPLMN, the UE may search/scan for higher priority EHPLMNs using the HPPLMN timer setting values associated with the entries on the list that have higher priority than the current EHPLMN. The rate of the scans may be set based on the shortest HPPLMN timer entry of the higher priority entries on the EHPLMN list. The UE may also or instead be configured to search for geofenced EHPLMNs on the list for which entrance criteria are currently satisfied, even when the current EHPLMN has higher priority than the geofenced EHPLMNs.