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Standards

Non-Public Networks

3GPP Non-Public Network standards and deployment models (SNPN, PNI-NPN) for private 5G media production and contribution.

Overview​

5G-MAG tracks 3GPP Non-Public Network (NPN) standards for private 5G media production and contribution. For the technical analysis of NPN deployment models, identity/onboarding and QoS considerations, see the Tech page linked below. For acronyms used here, see the Glossary.

Technology & Analysis

Analysis documents and reference material on the developer/technical side.

NPN Deployment Models​

Both deployment models are defined in the NPN clause of TS 23.501 (SNPN and PNI-NPN are described in the two sub-clauses of that clause).

  • Standalone NPN (SNPN): Independent 5G network with its own core, not relying on a public land mobile network (PLMN). Identified by the combination of a PLMN ID and a Network Identifier (NID).
  • Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN): NPN made available through a PLMN, for example by means of a dedicated Data Network Name (DNN) or one or more network slice instances allocated for the NPN, using a Closed Access Group (CAG) to control which subscribers may access the relevant cells.

Specifications by Release​

The NPN feature set has grown across releases. The following is an orientation, not a substitute for the 3GPP work plan.

  • Release 16: Baseline NPN. Introduced the SNPN and PNI-NPN models, the NID for SNPN, and the CAG mechanism for PNI-NPN. Architecture in the NPN clause of TS 23.501.
  • Release 17: SNPN enhancements. Credentials Holder support (credentials owned by a separate 3GPP or non-3GPP entity such as an AAA server), UE onboarding and remote provisioning, and equivalent-SNPN handling. Related VIAPA requirements work continued in TS 22.263.
  • Release 18 and later: Continued refinements to NPN mobility, service continuity between SNPN and PLMN, and localised services. Confirm the specific enhancements and their release placement against the current 3GPP work plan.

Key 3GPP Specifications​

The specifications in scope of Non-Public Networks, grouped by the layer they define: the stage 1 requirements, the system architecture, the stage 3 access and authentication procedures, and the study that fed them.

SpecificationTitleLayer
TS 22.263Service requirements for Video, Imaging and Audio for Professional Applications (VIAPA)the stage 1 requirements anchor most often cited when NPNs are discussed for broadcast useService requirements
TS 23.501System Architecture for the 5G SystemNon-Public Network aspects, clause 5.30System architecture
TS 23.502Procedures for the 5G SystemNPN proceduresSystem architecture
TS 24.501Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) protocol for 5GS; Stage 3carries the SNPN-specific registration and authentication procedures (credential-owner vs. separate credential-holder models, SUCI handling)Access and authentication
TS 24.502Access to the 3GPP 5G Core Network (5GCN) via non-3GPP access networks; Stage 3Access and authentication
TS 33.501Security architecture for 5GSNPN security aspectsAccess and authentication
TR 23.700-07Study on enhanced support of Non-Public NetworksStudies

5G-MAG tracking and contribution focus​

5G-MAG tracks NPN standardisation as it applies to media production and contribution, in particular the VIAPA requirements, the SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment models, device onboarding at scale, and the combination of NPN with TSC for deterministic essence transport and with RTC for interactive contribution. See the Tech: Non-Public Networks page for the detailed analysis.

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Refer to the Standards repository to contribute to this documentation.