This commit is removing the storage of selected PLMN in NGAP UE context.
We store the Serving PLMN in the RRC UE context instead.
The Selected PLMN is the PLMN that the UE chose (or was directed to) for registration
and it is sent in the RRCSetupComplete. This is different from the selected
PLMN mentioned in the NG INITIAL UE MESSAGE for network sharing.
Selected PLMN: determines which core network and AMF the UE is registered with
GUAMI = Identifies the serving AMF and includes the PLMN of that AMF
Serving PLMN: the PLMN that is currently serving the UE (e.g. contained in GUAMI)
The AMF’s PLMN may match the selected PLMN, or not (especially in network sharing or roaming).
Regardless, the UE always have a Serving PLMN.
Initial UE message does not have a TAI IE per se, but TAI is a mandatory
member of the mandatory UserLocationInformation CHOICE.
NR CGI is also mandatory and carried inside UserLocationInformation:
in network sharing, the PLMN ID in TAI takes on additional
significance: RAN is shared but CN are different, so in this case PLMN in TAI is
needed for the AMF route the message to the correct operator’s core.
If network sharing applies (e.g., shared RAN between PLMN-A and PLMN-B):
the UE or network may select PLMN-B instead, and that PLMN identity
is included in the Initial UE Message’s TAI IE.
Conclusion:
1) UE always sends the selected PLMN during the registration,
regardless of whether it is shared or not.
2) Selected PLMN Identity is an actual IE sent in the RRCSetupComplete
while in NGAP there's no Selected PLMN Identity IE, only PLMN Identity
IEs in both TAI and NR CGI. It is a subtle difference.
3) The serving PLMN of the UE needs to be stored in RRC UE Context for
later use in NAS procedures. e.g. at initial registration it matches
the Selected PLMN
4) No need to store PLMN in NGAP UE Context, params are passed by RRC
5) TAI and NR CGI, which contain the PLMN identity, are mandatory in
UserLocationInformation IE CHOICE, and should reflect current status
Changes
- Initial UE Message: pass UE-selected PLMN and NR cell id from RRC to NGAP
- Uplink NAS Transport: use PLMN, TAC, and cell id provided by the message;
- Build NR CGI from gNB ID + cell id
- Store UE-selected PLMN only in RRC UE context at NAS_FIRST_REQ for later
Uplink NAS, stop storing PLMN in NGAP UE context
Guido Casati
7ec646a8d2