5.3.3a NG-RAN node and UE Reader selection

The AIOTF selects NG-RAN node(s) and optionally UE Reader(s) based on the received AIoT service operation request and local configuration. The AIOTF may also select a UE Reader based on the stored last known UE Reader information.

The AIoT service operation request may either include the UE Reader ID(s) or the Target Area information.

When the AIOTF receives an AIoT service operation request including the UE Reader ID(s), then the received UE Reader(s) are provided to the NG-RAN.

When the AIOTF receives an AIoT service operation request including the Target Area information, based on the local policy, the AIOTF either selects UE Reader(s) based on the local configuration, or selects the NG-RAN node(s) as specified in clause 5.3.3 and it is up to NG-RAN to select the authorized UE Reader(s). In case the AIOTF selects UE Reader(s) and provides only the selected UE Reader(s) to NG-RAN, NG-RAN performs final decision among those UE Reader(s).

Editor's note: It depends on RAN3 to determine whether there is an identifier that is known by the AIOTF and RAN and used for UE Reader selection in the NG-RAN configuration information as well as AIoT service operation request towards NG-RAN.

The AIOTF determines a Requested Service Area Information for each selected NG-RAN node.

The AIOTF sends the AIoT service operation request to each selected NG-RAN node through the AMF, including the Requested Service Area Information.

When the UE Reader(s) requested by the AF or selected by the AIOTF based on the local configuration cannot be used by the NG-RAN, the NG-RAN rejects the AIoT service operation request with an appropriate cause code.

If an AIoT service operation request received by the AIOTF includes individual target AIoT Device Permanent ID(s), the AIOTF may consider the last known serving UE Reader, if available from the AIoT Device context to select the NG-RAN node and UE Reader(s). The last known serving UE Reader information may include the UE Reader ID and the serving NG-RAN node of the UE Reader.