Apparatus and method for selection of a gateway of a local area network

摘要

A provided apparatus is caused to direct establishment of a connection of the apparatus with a core network via a wide area radio access network (RAN), where the core network is coupled to an external network. The apparatus is also caused to select or receive selection of a local area network that is coupled to the same or different external network via one or more local gateways (L-GWs). The apparatus is caused to request selection of a L-GW of the one or more L-GWs from the core network via the wide area RAN, and in response, receive an identity of a selected L-GW. Further, the apparatus is caused to direct contact with the selected L-GW based on the identity, and establishment of a connection of the apparatus with the selected L-GW. The apparatus may thereby be connected to the external network via the local area network and selected L-GW.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: direct establishment of a connection of the apparatus with a core network via a wide area radio access network, the core network being coupled to a first external network; select or receive selection of a local area network that is distinct from the wide area radio access network, and that is coupled to a second external network via one or more local gateways, the second external network being the same as or different from the first external network; receive from the core network a list identifying one or more possible local gateways and instructions on how to select a local gateway from the list; select a local gateway from the list in accordance with the instructions; receive an identity of a selected local gateway from the core network; and direct contact with the selected local gateway based on the identity, and establishment of a connection of the apparatus with the selected local gateway, the apparatus thereby being connected to the second external network via the local area network and selected local gateway.