Location service and short message service enhancement for user equipment with multiple registrations to a mobile communication system

Abstract

Apparatus, system, and methods for location service and short message service enhancement for user equipment with multiple registrations to a 5G system. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access by a first serving network function, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment. The first preference indicator is stored at the UDM. A second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access by the first serving network function or the second serving network function, is received and the second preference indicator is different than the first preference indicator. The second preference indicator is stored at the UDM.

Description

LOCATION SERVICE AND SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE ENHANCEMENT FOR USER EQUIPMENT WITH MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS TO A MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2310813.7 filed July 14, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if reproduced in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates generally to registration to a mobile communication system, and in particular enhancements for user equipment with more than one registration to the mobile communication system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fifth generation (5G) radio access technology is a new generation of radio systems and network architecture delivering improved bandwidth over earlier generations, as well as robust, low latency connectivity and widescale machine-to-machine connectivity for the Internet of Things (loT).

[0004] 5G systems allow User Equipment (UE), such as mobile devices, to access a communication network (e.g., a data network) via multiple access networks, including Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and non-3GPP access networks. These access networks may be terrestrial networks or non-terrestrial networks (e.g. new radio (NR) or satellite). In a 5G system, an Access and Mobility Management Function entity receives the UE registration. Once registered to the 5G system, services provided by the 5G system, such as Location Services (LCS) and Short Message Services (SMS) for the UE can be provided.SUMMARY

[0005] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the detailed description, but not to define or delimit any invention.

[0006] In at least one broad aspect, there is provided a method performed by a unified data management function of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving, from a first serving network function, a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access by the first serving network function, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; storing the firstpreference indicator in association with the first registration of the user equipment and a first indication of the first serving network function stored at the unified data management function; receiving, from the first serving network function or a second serving network function, a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access by the first serving network function or the second serving network function, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and storing the second preference indicator in association with the second registration of the user equipment and a second indication of the first serving network function or the second serving network function stored at the unified data management function.

[0007] In some cases, the method may further comprise: receiving, from a network entity, a request for a network function serving the user equipment for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; determining, which of the first registration and the second registration of the user equipment is preferred based at least on the first and second preference indicators received for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; in response to determining that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining an address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending, to the network entity, a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0008] In some cases, the method may further comprise: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining an address or the identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending, to the network entity, a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0009] In some cases, the method may further comprise: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining the address or theidentity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending, to the network entity, a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0010] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access and the second access may be non-3GPP access.

[0011] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access and the second access may be 3GPP access, wherein the first access is associated with an access type indicating that the first access is via a terrestrial network, and wherein the second access is associated with an access type indicating that the second access is via a non-terrestrial network.

[0012] In some cases, the service may be a location service for determining a location of the user equipment, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are access and mobility management functions, and wherein the network entity is a gateway mobile location center.

[0013] In some cases, the first and second preference indicators may be associated with the first serving network function, and the first service network function is an access and mobility management function.

[0014] In some cases, the service may be a short message service, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are short message service functions, and wherein the network entity is a short message service center.

[0015] In another broad aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a memory; a network interface; and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and the network interface, the processor configured to: receive a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access by the first serving network function, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; store the first preference indicator in association with the first registration of the user equipment and a first indication of the first serving network function stored at the unified data management function; receive a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access by the first serving network function or the second serving network function, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration of the userequipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and storing the second preference indicator in association with the second registration of the user equipment and a second indication of the first serving network function or the second serving network function stored at the unified data management function.

[0016] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to: receive a request for a network function serving the user equipment for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; determine which of the first registration and the second registration of the user equipment is preferred based at least on the first and second preference indicators received for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; in response to determining that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtain an address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and send a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0017] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtain an address or the identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and send a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0018] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtain the address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and send a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0019] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access and the second access may be non-3GPP access.

[0020] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access and the second access may be 3GPP access, wherein the first access is associated with an access type indicating that the first access is via a terrestrial network, and wherein the second access is associated with an access type indicating that the second access is via a non-terrestrial network.

[0021] In some cases, the service may be a location service for determining a location of the user equipment, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are access and mobility management functions, and wherein the network entity is a gateway mobile location center.

[0022] In some cases, the first and second preference indicators may be associated with the first serving network function, and the first service network function is an access and mobility management function.

[0023] In some cases, the service may be a short message service, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are short message service functions, and wherein the network entity is a short message service center.

[0024] In another broad aspect, there is provided a method comprising: generating, by a first access and mobility function, a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access based on an access type of the first access, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of a communication system to the user equipment; providing, by the first access and mobility function, to a unified data management function of the communication system, the preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the first registration of the user equipment and the first access and mobility function; generating, by the first access and mobility function or a second access and mobility function, a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access based on an access type of the second access, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and providing, by the first access and mobility function or the second access and mobility function, to the unified data management function of the communication system, the preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the second registration of the user equipment.

[0025] In some cases, the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function may be the same access and mobility function.

[0026] In some cases, the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function may be distinct access and mobility functions.

[0027] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access, the second access may be non-3GPP access, and the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a terrestrial network.

[0028] In some cases, generating the first preference indicator based on the first access type of the first access may comprise generating the first registration indicator which indicates that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0029] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access, the second access may be 3GPP access, the access type of the first access indicates that the first access may be via a nonterrestrial network, the access type of the second access indicates that the second access may be via a terrestrial network.

[0030] In some cases, generating the first preference indicator may comprise generating the first preference indicator which indicates that the first registration is not preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, and wherein generating the second preference indicator indicates that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0031] In some cases, the service may be a location service.

[0032] In some cases, the service may be a short message service.

[0033] In some cases, the first and second preference indicators may be provided to the unified data management entry via a short message service function of the communication system.

[0034] In some cases, the first preference indicator may comprise a first priority level, the second preference indicator may comprise a second priority level, the second priority level being different than the first priority level, the first priority level indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service to the user equipment.

[0035] In some cases, the first preference indicator may be provided to the unified data management function in a first Nudm_UECM_Registration request and the second preference indicator may be provided to the unified data management function in a second Nudm_UECM_Registration request.

[0036] In some cases, the method may further comprise: receiving a first registration request to register the user equipment with the first access and mobility function of the communication system via a first access network; sending a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and the first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; receiving a second registration request to register the user equipment with the second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and sending a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and the second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0037] In some cases, the method may further comprise: sending to the user equipment a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

[0038] In another broad aspect, there is provided a system comprising: a communication system; a user equipment; and at least one access and mobility function, the at least one access and mobility function comprising: a memory; a network interface; and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and the network interface, the processor configured to: generate first preference indicator for a first registration of the user equipment supported via a first access based on an access type of the first access, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; provide, to a unified data management function of the communication system, the preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the first registration of the user equipment and the at least one access and mobility function; generate a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access based on an access type of the second access, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration ispreferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment and the at least one access and mobility function, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and provide, to the unified data management function of the communication system, the second preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the second registration of the user equipment.

[0039] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access, the second access may be non-3GPP access, and the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a terrestrial network.

[0040] In some cases, generating the first preference indicator based on the first access type of the first access may comprise generating the first registration indicator which indicates that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0041] In some cases, the first access may be 3GPP access, the second access may be 3GPP access, the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a nonterrestrial network, the access type of the second access indicates that the second access is via a terrestrial network.

[0042] In some cases, generating the first preference indicator comprises generating the first preference indicator which indicates that the first registration is not preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, and wherein generating the second preference indicator indicates that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0043] In some cases, the service may be a location service.

[0044] In some cases, the service may be a short message service.

[0045] In some cases, the first and second preference indicators may be provided to the unified data management entry via a short message service function of the communication system.

[0046] In some cases, the first preference indicator may comprise a first priority level, the second preference indicator may comprise a second priority level, the second priority level being different than the first priority level, the first priority level indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service to the user equipment.

[0047] In some cases, the first preference indicator may be provided to the unified data management function in a first Nudm_UECM_Registration request and the second preference indicator may be provided to the unified data management function in a second Nudm_UECM_Registration request.

[0048] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to: receive a first registration request to register the user equipment with the at least one access and mobility function of the communication system via a first access network; send a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and the first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; receive a second registration request to register the user equipment with the second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and send a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and the second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0049] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to: send to the user equipment a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

[0050] In another broad aspect, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising: sending a first registration request to register the user equipment with a first access and mobility function of a communication system via a first access network; receiving a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and a first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; sending a second registration request to register the user equipment with a second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and receiving a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and a second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0051] In some cases, the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function may be the same access and mobility function.

[0052] In some cases, the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function may be distinct access and mobility functions.

[0053] In some cases, the method may further comprise: selecting one of the first and second registration of the UE for sending a request for the service based at least on the first and second preference indicators.

[0054] In some cases, the service may be a short message service, a location service, or an IMS service.

[0055] In some cases, the method may further comprise receiving, at the user equipment, a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

[0056] In another broad aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a memory; a network interface; and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and the network interface, the processor configured to: send a first registration request to register the apparatus with a first access and mobility function of a communication system via a first access network; receive a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and a first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the apparatus; send a second registration request to register the apparatus with a second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and receive a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and a second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the apparatus.

[0057] In some cases, the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function may be the same access and mobility function.

[0058] In some cases, the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function may be distinct access and mobility functions.

[0059] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to: select one of the first and second registration of the apparatus for sending a request for the service based at least on the first and second preference indicators.

[0060] In some cases, the service may be one of a short message service, a location service, or an IMS service.

[0061] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to: receive a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

[0062] According to some aspects, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions, when executed, configure a processor to perform any of the methods described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and systems of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:FIG. 1A illustrates a portion of an example mobile communication system in accordance with some embodiments;FIG. IB illustrates a portion of an example mobile communication system in accordance with some other embodiments;FIG. 2 is an enlarged block diagram of the example mobile communication system of FIG. lA or FIG. IB;FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer in accordance with at least some embodiments;FIG. 4 illustrates an example registration process in accordance with some embodiments;FIG. 5 illustrates a mobile terminated procedure for providing location services (LCS) in accordance with some embodiments;FIG. 6 illustrates another registration procedure in accordance with some embodiments;FIG. 7 illustrates a mobile terminated procedure for providing short messaging services (SMS) in accordance with some embodiments;FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method performed by a unified data management function of a communication system;FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary method performed by an access and mobility function of a communication system; andFIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary method performed by a user equipment of a communication system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] UE may register with a 5G system (5GS) over different accesses, such as 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. The UE may also register over 3GPP access having an access type, such as Terrestrial Network (TN) access, e.g., New Radio (NR) access, or a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) access, e.g., satellite network access. When the UE registers only once with the 5GS, only one access and mobility function (AMF) is used for MT services. MT services are services which involve coordination with UEs, such as identifying location with Location Services (LCS) and delivery of messages via Short Messaging Services (SMS).

[0065] However, a UE may register more than once (e.g., twice) with the 5GS over access (3GPP) with each 3GPP access having a different access type. Alternatively, a UE may register with the 5GS more than once (e.g., twice) over different accesses (3GPP and non- 3GPP), with the registration of the UE being with one 5GS (e.g., one AMF), or with, AMFs of two different core networks. For Mobile Terminated Location Services (MT-LCS), the question arises as to which registration is preferred for obtaining the user location. For instance, should the 5GS attempt to obtain the location of the user equipment using the TN or NTN? In some cases, it may be acceptable for the 5GS to trigger (e.g., initiate) the MT-LCS location request through multiple UE registrations. However, in normal cases, the 5GS may prefer to trigger (e.g., initiate) only one MT-LCS location request, via the registration or access that provides most accurate location of a user equipment.

[0066] When a UE registers with the 5GS (e.g., the 5GC of the 5GS) via 3GPP access network that is a non-terrestrial network (NTN) and also registers with a 5GS via a 3GPP access network that is a terrestrial network (TN), there may be a question as to which AMF of the 5GSshould be selected, and which of the two 3GPP access networks should be selected by the Unified Data Management (UDM) entity. It may be that a UE registered via a 3PP access network that is a NTN (generally referred to herein as NTN UE registration) does not provide user location information that is as accurate as that provided by a UE that is registered with a 5GS via a 3GPP access network that is a TN (generally referred to herein as a TN UE registration), therefore triggering (e.g., initiating) MT-LCS using the TN UE registration is preferable. Conventionally, the UDM entity has no way of determining that this preference exists, since in existing mobile communication systems, such as a 5GS, it is not supported and not recommended for an AMF to update the UDM entity whenever there is a change to a Radio Access Technology (RAT) of a 3GPP access network, as this would cause additional signalling from the serving AMF to the UDM entity 124, which is considered unnecessary.

[0067] In the case of MT-SMS, delivery of an SMS via a 3GPP access network that is an NTN may cause additional cost to the operator of the mobile communication system. An operators of a mobile communication system may therefore prefer to deliver a SMS via a 3GPP access network that is a TN first when both NTN and TN UE registrations are available (e.g., when a UE is registered with a 5GS via both an access network that is NTN and an access network that is a TN). However, existing UDM entities and SMS Centres (SMSCs) are not aware of the NTN and UE TN registrations. Therefore, prioritization is not possible.

[0068] The described embodiments provide for a preference indicator to inform the UDM entity of which UE registration is preferable for LCS and SMS, for example, between different UE registrations over 3GPP access (e.g., a UE registration that is via a 3GPP access network that supports a particular radio access technology (RAT) that is serving the UE) and non-3GPP access (e.g., a UE registration that is via a non-3GPP access network), or between different UE registrations over two different 3GPP access (e.g., two UE registrations of the same access type (e.g. 3GPP access type) using different radio access technologies (RATs) such as different NTN (e.g. satellite) or TN. In the following description, a UE registration over 3GPP access is

[0069] The described embodiments provide for a preference indicator as part of the registration process, thereby providing the UDM entity with information as to which UE registration of at least two UE registrations may be preferable for LCS and SMS.

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of a portion of a mobile communication system 100 (hereinafter referred to as system 100) in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0071] The example system 100 may be a 5GS and includes a first access network 105, a second access network 110, and a core network 115. The core network 115 may be connected to a data network 120 (e.g., by for example a user plane function (e.g., UPF 204 shown in FIG. 2). A user equipment (UE) 130 may register with a first access and mobility management function 120 (illustrated as AMF1 in FIG. 1A) and a second access and mobility function 125 (illustrated as AMF2 in FIG. 1A). Both the first access and mobility function (AMF) 120 and the second access and mobility function (AMF) 125 are connected to a unified data management function (UDM) 124 of the core network 115. A UDM entity 124 is connected to the first AMF 120 and the second AMF 125.

[0072] In the system 100 (e.g., a 5GS) shown in FIG. 1A, the first AMF 120 and the second AMF 125 may be first and second serving network functions, respectively. The term mobile device may be used interchangeably herein with “UE”.

[0073] The UE 130 may register with the first AMF120 via the first access network 105. The first access network 105 may be a 3GPP access network and the UE 130 may register with the first AMF 120 by sending a registration request message via the first access network 105 to the first AMF 120. The UE 130 receives a response to the registration request message from the first AMF 120 where the response includes an indication of acceptance of the registration of the UE 120. Hence, the UE 130 is registered with the first AMF 120 over 3GPP access. The UE 130 may also register with the second AMF 125 via the second access network 110. The second access network may be a non-3GPP access network and the UE 130 may register with the second AMF 125 by sending a registration request message via the second 3GPP access network to the first AMF 120. The UE 130 receives from the second AMF 125 a response to the registration request message, where response includes an indication that the UE 130 is registered over non-3GPP access with the second AMF 125. In an alternative embodiment, the second access network 110 may be a 3GPP access network, and the UE 130 may be registered over a second 3GPP access (e.g., via the second access network 110) with the second AMF 125. In this alternative embodiment, the first access network may be a TN and the second access network may be a TN, or vice versa.

[0074] In a 5GS and other mobile communication systems, the first and second AMFs 120, 125 and UDM entity 124 may be provided in a variety of ways. In one example, some or all of the first AMF 120, the second AMF 125 and the UDM entity 124 may be implemented on standalone physical computers. In another example, one or more of the first AMF 120, the second 125 and the UDM entity 124 entity may be virtual computers executed in a bare metal, native hypervisor virtualization environment such as VMWare ESXi™, or in an operating system-level virtualization environment using, e.g., Docker™ or Imctfy containers. In the case of virtualization, the underlying computer (or computing system) that executes the virtual machine or container may comprise one or more physical computers. In some cases, a single physical computer or group of physical computers may be configured to execute a plurality of virtual machines or containers, with the result that UDM entity 124 (and other network entities) may be implemented anywhere within the core network 115. Therefore, in some cases, UDM entity 124 may be physically remote from the first AMF 120 or the second 125, whereas in other cases UDM entity 124 may be physically proximate to the first AMF 120 or the second AMF 125, or even co-hosted on the same physical hardware. In one example, the UE 130 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, sensor, internet of things (loT) device, or any other device that is configured to communicate with the system 100 (e.g.,, a 5GS).

[0075] Referring now to FIG. IB, there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of a portion of a communication system 100’ (hereinafter referred to as system 100’) in accordance with at least some embodiments. System 100’ is generally analogous to system 100, with the exception that the core network 115 includes a Short Message Service Function (SMSF) 199, interposed between the first AMF 120, the second AMF 125 and UDM entity 124.

[0076] Certain services, such as short message services (SMS), specify that a registration of a UE should be performed with the SMSF 199, which in turn registers the registration of the UE with the UDM entity 124.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustration of an example mobile communication system 200 (hereinafter referred to as system 200) is shown. System 200 is an implementation of a 5GS, however the concepts described herein may be applicable in other mobile communication systems similar to a 5GS. FIG. 5 illustrates a procedure for location services exposed or provided by the system 200 (e.g., a 5GS) to an entity communicating with the system 200 (e.g., the 5GS). The system 200 (e.g., 5GS) includes: Network Slice SelectionFunction (NSSF) 218, Network Exposure Function (NEF) 220, Network Repository Function (NRF) 222, Policy Control Function (PCF) 224, UDM entity 124, Application Function (AF) 226, Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF) 228, Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) 208, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 210, the first and second AMFs 120 and 125 (illustrated as AMFs 120, 125 in FIG. 2), Session Management Function (SMF) 212, Service Communication Proxy (SCP) 214, Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) 216, UE 130, the first and second access networks 105, 110, one or more User Plane Functions (UPFs) 204, and a data network (DN) 110. The system 200 includes the UE 130 showing only one connection to one of the first and second AMFs 120 / 125, however the UE 130 may connect to the other one of the first and second AMFs 120. It will be appreciated that the term “network function” as used in this context is drawn from 3GPP TS 23.501 and refers to an entity that includes applicable functionality. The functionalities of the NSSF 218, the NEF 220, the NRF 222, the PCF 224, the UDM entity 124, the AF 226, EASDF 228, the NSSAFF 208, the AUSF 210, the first and second AMFs 120, 125, the SMF 212, the SCP 213, and the NSACF 216 are known to a person skilled in the art and hence are not described in detail herein. As with the first AMF 120, the second AMF 125, or UDM entity 124, a network function may be provided by a physical or virtual machine or container. For example, Policy Control Function 224 may be implemented in a physical machine or as a logical machine in a virtualization environment.

[0078] The first AMF 120 is aware if a registration of a UE 130 (generally referred to as UE registration) with the first AMF 120 is over 3GPP access or non-3GPP access, and a RAT type for the 3GPP access (e.g., NT or NTN) if the UE registration with the first AMF 120 is over 3GPP access. Similarly, the second AMF 125 is aware if a registration of a UE 130 (generally referred to as UE registration) with the second AMF 125 is over 3GPP access or non-3GPP access, and a RAT type for the 3GPP access (e.g., NT or NTN) if the UE registration with the second AMF 120 is over 3GPP access.

[0079] For example, the first AMF 120 is aware if a UE registration with the first AMF 120 is over 3GPP access, the AMF 120 registers the UE registration with the UDM entity 124 together with a service specific preference indicator that indicates a relative preference for selecting this UE registration for a specific service, and hence selecting the serving AMF 120 for the specific service provided by the system 200. A different preference indicator may be provided for different types of services, such as for MT-LCS services and for MT-SMS services. If the UE 130 has registered more than once to the system 200, over a same type ofaccess (e.g., via two different 3GPP access networks) or different types of access (e.g., via a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network), a service specific preference indicator is provided for each UE registration to the UDM entity 124. The UDM entity 124 stores the preference indicator for each UE registration.

[0080] For a MT service, such as a MT-SMS service or a MT-LCS service, the UDM entity 124 determines, based on the preference indicator for the MT service, which UE registration is preferred for the system 200 to provide the MT service to an entity (e.g., UE, AF 226, LCS client 508, SC 704) requesting the MT service provided by the system 200.

[0081] For a MT-LCS service, when a UE is registered with the first AMF 120 over a first 3GPP access that has a RAT type of NTN, the first AMF 120 may provide a preference indicator for the UE registration to the UDM entity 124, where the preference indication for the UE registration indicates that this UE registration is not preferred for MT-LCS services. Alternatively, when the UE is also registered with the first AMF 120 (or the second AMF 125) over a second 3GPP access that has a RAT type of NTN, the first AMF 120 (or the second AMF 125) may provide a preference to the UDM entity 124 that this UE registration for the UE is preferred for MT-LCS services.

[0082] For a MT-SMS service, the first AMF 120 and / or the second AMF 125 provides the preference indicator for a UE registration to a Short Message Service Function (SMSF) 199, and the SMSF 199 registers the preference indicator with the UDM entity 124. Alternatively, the first AMF 120 and / or the second AMF 125 may each register the preference indicator for their UE registration directly to the UDM entity 124. When the UDM entity 124 is signaled to provide information related to the SMSF 199, which may include routing information for SMS, the UDM entity 124 also provides a similar preference indicator to the requesting Network Function (NF), for example the SMSC. The UDM entity 124 may request the addresses of serving nodes (generally referred to a serving node addresses) in decreasing order of preference taking into account the preference indicator for each UE registration for the MT-SMS service.

[0083] In some embodiments described herein, the preference indicator for a UE registration may be a discrete indicator (e.g., 1 or 0) indicating that the UE registration is preferred or not preferred. In some embodiments described herein, the preference indicator for a UE registration may be a preference ranking. In some embodiments described herein, the preference ranking may include a number, for example from 1 to 4, where a lower numberindicates a higher preference. In some other embodiments described herein, the preference ranking may include one of a plurality of predetermined strings (e.g., “low”, “high”).

[0084] The preference indicator indicates a preference and need not represent a requirement. In the case where the UE 130 has registered to the system 200 (e.g., a 5GS) twice, one UE registration for the UE 130 may have a preference indicator that indicates it is not preferred for a particular type of service provided by the system 200 (e.g., 5GS). The other UE registration for the UE 130 may have a preference indicator that indicates that the other UE registration for the UE is preferred for the particular service provided by the system 200 (e.g., 5GS). In the event that the preferred registration is not available, the UDM entity 124 may cause the requested service to be provided by the system 200 (e.g., 5GS) with the UE registration for the UE 130 that is not preferred, rather than not causing the requested service to be provided by the system 200 (e.g., 5GS).

[0085] The UDM entity 124 may also take into account other information to select the AMF 120,122 registration of higher priority. This information may relate to whether the registration corresponds to roaming, and some characteristic regarding the roaming partner. For example, to deliver MT-SMS, the UDM entity 124 may be configured with local policies to always prefer delivery via a SMSF in a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) regardless of the access preference. As another example, to deliver MT-LCS, the UDM entity 124 may use the preference indicator to select a UE 130 registration over which the most accurate location may be determined.

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a simplified block diagram of a computer in accordance with at least some embodiments. Computer 300 is a simplified example of a computer, such as the UE 130, AMF1 120, AMF2 122, and UDM entity 124 of FIG. 1 or, in the case of virtualization, of the underlying physical computer that executes the virtual machine or container. Computer 300 generally has at least one processor 302 operatively coupled to at least one memory 304 and at least one input / output device 306.

[0087] The at least one memory 304 includes a volatile memory that stores instructions executed or executable by processor 302, and input and output data used or generated during execution of the instructions. Memory 304 may also include non-volatile memory used to store input and / or output data along with program code containing the executable instructions.

[0088] Processor 302 may transmit or receive data via I / O devices 306, such as a network communications interface (not shown), or may also transmit or receive data via any additional input / output device 306 as appropriate.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a registration procedure for a UE 130 registering to 5GS for LCS (e.g., the first AMF 120 and the second AMF 125 of the 5GS).

[0090] At la in FIG. 4 the UE 130 registers with the first AMF 120 via the first access network 105. The first access network 105 is a 3GPP access network that has a first RAT type (e.g., the first access network is a TN or an NTN). At lb, after the first AMF 120 sends an indication to the UE 130 of acceptance of the UE registration of the UE 130 (e.g., the first UE registration), the first AMF 120 generates and provides the preference indicator for the first UE registration of the UE 130 to the UDM entity 124, e.g., in a Nudm_UECM_registration message for storage at the UDM entity 124. At 2a the UE 130 registers with the second AMF 125 (AMF2) via the second access network. At lb the second AMF 125 provides the preference indicator for the UE registration (e.g., the second UE registration) of the UE 130 to the UDM entity 124 via, e.g., the Nudm_UECM_registration message. The preference indicators for the first and second UE registrations of the UE 130 may indicate that a specific UE 130 registration of the UE 130 is preferred if the UE registration of the UE 130 is via a 3GPP access network that is a TN for example, and not preferred if the UE registration of the UE 130 is via a 3GPP access network that is a NTN.

[0091] If the first AMF 120 and / or the second AMF 125 is unable to determine a preference for their respective UE registrations of the UE 130, or if updating the preference for their respective UE registrations of the UE 130 would require undesired signaling, such as when the UE 130 changes from being registered via a 3GPP access network that is a TN to being register with a 3GPP access network that is a NTN, the first AMF 120 and / or the second AMF 125 may provide an intermediate value for the preference indicator for the respective UE registration of the UE 130.

[0092] At 1c and 2c, the UDM entity 124 stores the preference indicator for each UE registration of the UE 130. The stored preference indicators may be used at 3. A procedure which involves using the preference indicators for respective UE registrations of the UE 130, is shown in FIG. 5.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a procedure in which a 5GS provides LCS to a LCS client or an AF function connected to the 5GS.

[0094] At 1 in FIG. 5, a LCS Client 508, or an AF 226 via the NEF 220, sends to the Home Gateway Mobile Location Centre (HGMLC) 506, a request for a location of a user equipment. The request may be a service request for a location service of the HGMLC 506 to provide a location of the UE 130 and / or a velocity for the UE 130. The request may include an identifier of the UE 130 and the identifier of the UE 130 may be a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI) or a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI). At la in FIG. 5 shows the request being sent by the LCS Client 508 and the request being a LCS service request, lb in FIG. 5 shows the request being sent by the AF 226 in two stages: at lb- 1 the AF 226 sends the request to the NEF 220; and at lb-2 the NEF 220 sends the request to the HGMLC 506. The HGMLC 506 authorizes the LCS Client 508 or the AF 226 for usages of the LCS service provided by the HGMLC 506.

[0095] At 2 in FIG. 5, the HGMLC 506 invokes a Nudm_SDM_Get service operation and sends towards the UDM entity 124 the identifier of the UE 130 to obtain the UE’s 130 privacy settings. The UDM entity 124 returns the privacy settings of the UE 130. If, as a result of a check of the privacy settings of the UE 130, the UE 130 is not allowed to be located, then 3 to 23 in FIG. 5 are not performed.

[0096] At 3 in FIG. 5, the HGMLC 506 invokes a Nudm_UECM_Get service operation and sends towards the UDM entity 124 the identifier of the UE 130. The UDM 130 returns network addresses of the AMFs currently serving the UE 130 (e.g., the network addresses of the first AMF 120 and / or the second AMF 125) to the HGMLC 506, and if the UE 130 is roaming, the address of a Visited GMLC (VGMLC) 504 is also returned to the HGMLC 506. When the UE 130 is registered to multiple AMFs (e.g., the first AMF 120 and the second AMF 125), and each AMF of the multiple AMFs (e.g., the first and second AMFs 120, 125) each have an associated preference indicator for their UE registrations of the UE 130 stored in the UDM entity 124, the UDM entity 124 may use the preference indicators for the UE registrations of the UE 130 to determine which network address or the identity of the AMF (e.g., the first AMF 120 or the second AMF 125) to provide in the Nudm_UECM_Get response. In some cases, the UDM entity 124 may provide the HGMLC 506 with multiple identities or network addresses of the candidate AMFs (e.g., the first AMF 120 and the second AMF 125) serving the UE 130 with the preference indicator information. The HGMLC 506 may then select the preferred AMF 120, 125. The HGMLC 506 may also try multiple AMFs 120,125.

[0097] At 4 in FIG. 5, for a non-roaming case, this step is not performed. If roaming, the HGMLC 506 may receive an address of a VGMLC 504 (together with the network address of the current serving AMF 120, 125) from the UDM entity 124 at 3, otherwise, the HGMLC 506 may use the NRF 222 service in the HPLMN to select an available VGMLC 504 in the VPLMN, based on the VPLMN identification contained in the address of the AMF 120,125 received at 3. The HGMLC 506 then sends the location request to the VGMLC 504 by triggering the Ngmlc_Location_ProvideLocation service operation towards the VGMLC 504.

[0098] At 5 in FIG. 5, in the case of roaming, the VGMLC 504 first authorizes that the location request is allowed from the HGMLC 506, PLMN or from this country. The HGMLC 506 or VGMLC 504 invokes the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo service operation towards the AMF 120, 125 to request the current location of the UE 130.

[0099] At 6 in FIG. 5, if the UE 130 is in the connection management (CM) IDLE state, the AMF 120, 125 initiates a service request (generally referred to as a network triggered service request) to establish a signaling connection with the UE 130.

[0100] At 7 in FIG. 5, if the privacy settings for the UE at 2 indicates that the UE 130 must be notified or notified with privacy verification, and the UE 130 supports LCS notification (determined by the UE’s 130 capability information), a notification invoke message is sent to the UE 130, including whether privacy verification is required.

[0101] At 8 in FIG. 5, the UE 130 notifies the user of the location request and, if privacy verification is requested, awaits the user’s input regarding granting or withholding permission. The UE 130 returns a notification result to the AMF 120, 125 indicating whether permission was granted or denied for the current LCS request.

[0102] At 9 in FIG. 5, the AMF 120, 125 invokes the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update service operation to store the location privacy indication information received from the UE 130 in the UDM entity 124.

[0103] At 10 to 13 in FIG. 5, the actions performed are the same as 6 to 9, with the addition that service type may be indicated towards the Location Management Function (LMF) 502 and the exception that the LMF 502 may determine the UE 130 location in local coordinates or geographical coordinates, or both. At 11 the AMF 120, 125 includes a scheduled location time in the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation sent towards the LMF 502. At 12 the location request sent to the UE 130 from the LMF 502 may include the scheduled location time.

[0104] At 14 in FIG. 5, the AMF 120, 125 returns theNamf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Response towards the VGMLC 504 or HGMLC 506 to return the current location of the UE 130. This service operation includes the location estimate, its age and accuracy and may include information about the positioning method and the timestamp of the location estimate.

[0105] At 15 in FIG. 5, in the case of roaming, the VGMLC 504 forwards the location estimation for the UE 130, its age, accuracy, and optionally also the information relating to the positioning method to the HGMLC 506. If not roaming, this step is not performed.

[0106] At 16 in FIG. 5, if the privacy check at 2 indicates that further privacy checks are needed, the HGMLC 506 performs an additional privacy check to determine if the HGMLC 506 can forward the location information to the LCS Client 508 or AF 226, or send a notification if the result of the privacy check requires the notification and verification based on current location.

[0107] At 17 in FIG. 5, if the result of the privacy checks at 16 indicate that the notification and verification based on current location is required, and in the case of roaming, the HGMLC 506 sends a location requires to the VGMLC 504 with location type indicating “notification only”.

[0108] At 18 in FIG. 5, the HGMLC 506 or the VGMLC 504 invokes the Namf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo service operation towards the AMF 120, 125 to request notification and verification based on current location.

[0109] At 19 in FIG. 5, if the UE 130 is in the CM IDLE state, the AMF 120, 125 initiates a network triggered service request procedure as defined in section 4.2.3.3 of TS 23. 502 to establish a signaling connection with the UE 130.

[0110] At 20 in FIG. 5, if the privacy check indicates that the UE 130 must be notified or notified with privacy verification and if the UE 130 supports LCS notification, the AMF 120, 125 sends a notification invoke message to the UE 130 indicating the identity of the LCS Client 508 and the service type and if privacy verification is required.

[0111] At 21 of FIG. 5, the action performed is the same as at 8.

[0112] At 22 of FIG. 5, the AMF 120, 125 returns theNamf_Location_ProvidePositioningInfo Response towards the VGMLC 504 or HGMLC 506with an indication of the result of notification and verification procedure performed at 20 and 21.

[0113] At 23 of FIG. 5, in the case of roaming, the VGMLC 504 forwards an indication of the result of the notification and verification procedure to the HGMLC 506. If not roaming, this step is not performed.

[0114] At 24 of FIG. 5, the HGMLC 506 sends the location service response to the LCS Client 508 or the AF 226. If sent to the AF 226, the NEF 220 invokes Nnef_EventExposure_Notify or sends Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe Response to the AF 226. The location service response from the (H)GMLC to the LCS Client or AF may contain the information about the positioning method used and the indication whether the obtained location estimate satisfies the requested accuracy or not.

[0115] FIG. 5 outlines the procedure for MT services for LCS however the AMF 120, 125 may also provide the UE 130 with a preference indication for each UE registration of the UE 130 for issuing a Mobile Originated (MO) location request (MO-LR) procedure for the UE 130 to determine over which registration to issue an MO-LR procedure. The AMF 120, 125 may update the UE 130 about the preference indication associated to a given UE registration of the UE 130 such as when a UE registration of the UE moves between being via a 3GPP access network that is TN to being via a 3GPP access that is a NTN (e.g., moves between being over TN access and NTN access).

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated another registration procedure for a UE 130 registering to a 5GS via AMF 120, 125 for SMS.

[0117] At la in FIG. 6 the UE 130 registers to the AMF 120, 125 via an access network having a first RAT. At lb the AMF 120, 125 generates a preference indicator for the UE registration of the UE 130 and provides the preference indicator to the SMSF 502, for example, via Hsmsf_SMService_Activate Request. The AMF 120, 125 can provide the preference indicator as high, or not preferred, if the UE 130 is register via an access network that is a TN. The AMF 120,122 can provide the preference indicator as low, or preferred, if the UE 130 is attached via NTN.

[0118] At 2, the SMSF 602 provides the preference indicators to the UDM entity 124 in an SMSF registration message.

[0119] At 3, the UDM entity 124 stores the preference indicator associated with the SMSF registration message. This process may occur multiple times if the UE 130 is served by multiple SMSF 602 due to the UE 130 being registered to multiple SMSF 602. The stored preference indicator information is used at 4. The procedure, using the preference indicator, is shown in FIG. 7.

[0120] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a MT procedure for SMS.

[0121] At 1 in FIG. 7, the MT-SMS interaction between the SC 704 and the SMSGateway Message Service Centre (SMS-GMSC) 702 generally follows the procedure as defined in 3GPP TS 23.040. A request for message transfer is sent from the SC 704 to the SMS- GMSC 702.

[0122] At 2a and 2b in FIG. 7, the SMS-GMSC 702 queries the NRF 222 to determine the UDM entity 124, the supporting SMS Service Based Interface (SBI), and the management of the user subscriptions of the GPSI.

[0123] At 3 in FIG. 7, the SMS-GMSC invokes Nudm_UECM_SendRoutingInfoForSM to the UDM entity 124 to obtain routing information of the nodes available for MT-SMS delivery. This may be the registered serving SMSF 602 instances for all access types for the UE 130. When the UE 130 is registered to multiple SMSFs 602, and these SMSFs 602 have preference indicators associated with their registration stored in the UDM entity 124, the UDM entity 124 may use these preference indicators to determine the identity or network address of the SMSF 602 to provide back in the Nudm_UECM_SendRoutingInfoForSM response. Alternatively, the UDM entity 124 may provide the SMS-GMSC 702 with multiple identities or network addresses of candidate SMSFs 602 serving the UE 130 with the preference indicator information, allowing the SMS-GMSC 702 to select the preferred SMSF 602. The SMS-GMSC 702 may attempt to deliver the MT- SMS via multiple SMSFs 602.

[0124] At 4 in FIG. 7, the UDM entity 124 checks the registration and reachability flags to determine the potential target nodes and responds to the SMS-GMSC 702 by sending a Nudm_UECM_SendReoutingInfoForSM response. The UDM entity 124 may include the SMSF 602 for 3GPP access and the SMSF 602 for non-3GPP access separately, if both the SMSFs 602 are currently known to be valid for the UE 130.

[0125] At 5 in FIG. 7, the SMS-GMSC 702 forwards the SMS message to the SMSF602. If the SMS-GMSC 702 has more than one SMSF 602 address to use for SMS transporttowards the UE 130, then the SMS-GMSC 702 chooses which SMSF 602 address to use first, based on operator local policy.

[0126] At 6 in FIG. 7, the MT-SMS over NAS procedure between SMSF 602, AMF 120, 125 and UE 130 is performed. These steps are omitted for clarity but are the same as steps 4a to 6b of Figure 4.13.3.6-1 of 3GPP TS 23.502, or its equivalent in other versions of the applicable 3GPP standards.

[0127] At 7 in FIG. 7, the SMSF 602 delivers the delivery report to the SMS-GMSC 702 by sending the Nsmsf_SMService_MtForwardSm response to the SMS-GMSC 702.

[0128] At 8 in FIG. 7, the SMS-GMSC 702 updates the SM-Delivery Report Status to the UDM entity 124 by invoking a Nudm_SMReportStatus_Request.

[0129] At 9 in FIG. 7, the UDM entity 124 responds to the SMS-GMSC 702 with a Nudm_SMReportStatus_Request response.

[0130] At 10 in FIG. 7, the SMS-GMSC delivers the delivery report to SC 704.

[0131] At 11 in FIG. 7, the MT-SMS over NAS procedure between SMSF 602, AMF120, 125 and UE 130 is performed. These steps are omitted for clarity but are the same as steps 6c to 6d of Figure 4.13.3.6-1 of 3GPP TS 23.502.

[0132] FIG. 7 outlines the procedure for MT procedure for SMS however the AMF 120, 125 may also provide the UE 130 with a preference indication for issuing a Mobile Originating (MO) SMS procedure for the UE 130 to determine over which registration to issue the MO-SMS request procedure. If UE 130 changes the RAT from, for example, TN to NTN then the AMF 120, 125 may update the UE 130 about the preference indication.

[0133] The AMF 120, 125 may also provide the UE 130 with a preference indication per UE 130 registration of the UE 130 (e.g., for each respective UE registration of the UE), for causing the UE 130 to trigger or issue a MO-SMS procedure for the UE 130 to determine over which UE registration to issue the MO-SMS request. The AMF 120, 125 may update the UE 130 about the preference indication associated with a given UE registration of the UE 130 for example, using a UE Configuration Update procedure such as when the given UE registration of the UE 130 moves from being over 3GPP access having a RAT type of TN to being over 3GPP access having a RAT type of NTN (e.g., moves from being over NTN access to over TN access).

[0134] FIG. 8 outlines an exemplary method 800 performed by UDM entity 124 of a mobile communication system (e.g., the system 100, 100’, 200). At step 802, the UDM entity 124 receives a first preference indicator for a first registration of a UE 130 supported via a first access by a first serving network function. The first preference indicator indicates whether the first registration of the UE 130 is preferred for delivering a service of the mobile communication system to the user equipment. The UDM entity 124 receives the first preference indicator from the first serving network function (e.g., the first AMF 120). The first access may be 3GPP access and the first access may be associated with an access type indicating that the first access is via a TN or that the first access is via an NTN. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the first UE registration is supported via a first access by a first serving network function means that an access network (e.g., a 5G-AN) over which the first registration of the UE 130 has been received is associated with the first access (e.g., where the first access is 3GPP access that is associated with an access type indicating that the first access is via a TN or via a NTN) or where the first access is non-3GPP access (e.g., WiFi™)).

[0135] At step 804, the UDM entity 124 stores the first preference indicator in association with the first UE registration of the UE 130 and a first indication of the first serving network (e.g., an identifier of the first AMF 120) stored at the UDM entity 124. In some embodiments, the first indication of the first serving network is an identity or identifier of the first serving network function.

[0136] At step 806, the UDM entity 124 receives a second preference indicator for a second registration of the UE 130. The second registration of the UE 130 is supported via a second access by either the first serving network function or a second serving network function. The second registration of the UE 130 could be a second registration of the UE 130 with the second serving network function (e.g., the second AMF 125), or a second registration of the UE 130 with the first serving network function (e.g., the first AMF 120) again, but via different access or via a same access associated with a different access type. The UDM entity 124 receives the second preference indicator from the first serving network function (e.g., the first AMF 120) or the second serving network function (e.g., the second AMF 122). The second preference indicator is different from the first preference indicator and the second preference indicator indicates whether the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the mobile communication system to the user equipment. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the second UE registration of the UE 130 is supported via a second access by a second network function means that an access network (e.g., a 5G-AN) overwhich the second registration of the UE 130 has been received is associated with the second access (e.g., where the second access is 3GPP access that is associated with an access type indicating that the second access is via a TN or a NTN) or non-3GPP access (e.g., WiFi™)

[0137] At step 808, the UDM entity 124 stores the second preference indicator in association with the second registration of the user equipment and the indication of the first serving network function or a second indication of the first serving network function or the second serving network function. In some example embodiments, the second indication of the first serving network or the second serving network function may be the identity or identifier of the first serving network. In some example embodiments, the second indication of the first serving network or the second serving network function may be the identity or identifier of the second serving network.

[0138] The UDM entity 124 may also receive a request from a network entity for a network function serving the UE 130 for delivering the service to the UE 130. The network entity may be, for example, LCS client 508 or the SMSF 199. The UDM entity 124 may then determine which of the first or second registrations of the UE 130 is preferred for delivering the service to the UE 130 based on the first and second preference indicators stored in the UDM entity 124. Once (e.g., after) the UDM entity 124 has determined which of the first and second registrations of the UE is preferable for delivering the service 130 to the UE, the UDM entity 124 obtains an address or an identity (e.g., identifier) of the serving network function (e.g., the first AMF 120 or the second AMF 125). The UDM entity 124 then sends a response to the request that comprises the address or the identity (e.g., identifier) of the serving network function (e.g., the first AMF 120 or the second AMF 125) associated with the preferred registration of the UE 130. In some example embodiments, the network entity is a gateway mobile location center, and the service is a location service for determining a location of the user equipment. In some embodiments, the location service may be provided by the wireless communication system (e.g., the gateway mobile location center). In some example embodiments, the network entity is a short message service center and the service is a short message services provided by the wireless communication system (e.g., the short message service center).

[0139] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 900 performed by a serving network function (e.g., an AMF, such as the first AMF 120 or the second AMF 125, or a SMSF 199) of a mobile communication system (e.g., system 100, 100’, 200). The method 900 beginsat step 902. At step 902, the serving network function (e.g., AMF) generates a first preference indicator for a first registration of the UE 130 with the serving network function (e.g., AMF). The first registration is supported via the first access and the serving network function (e.g., AMF) generates the first preference indicator for the first registration of the UE based on an access type of the first access. The first preference indicator indicates whether the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the mobile communication system to the user equipment. The first access may be 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. The first access may be associated with an access type that indicates that the first access is via a TN or via a NTN (e.g., via TN access or NTN access).

[0140] At step 904, the serving network function (e.g., AMF) provides the first preference indicator to the UDM entity 124 to be stored in association with the first registration of the UE 130 and a first indication of the serving network function (e.g., AMF). In some embodiments, the first indication of the first serving network is an identity or identifier of the first serving network function.

[0141] At step 906, the serving network function (e.g., AMF), generates a second preference indicator for a second registration of the UE 130 with the serving network function (e.g., AMF). The second registration is supported via the second access and the serving network function (e.g., AMF) generates the second preference indicator based on a second access type of the second access. The second preference indicator whether the second registration of the UE 130 is preferred for delivering the service to the user equipment. The second preference indicator is different from the first preference indicator.

[0142] At step 908, the serving network function (e.g., the AMF) provides the second preference indicator to the UDM entity 124 which is to be stored by the UDM entity 124 in association with the second registration of the UE 130 and a second indication .

[0143] In some example embodiments, the service may be a location service or a short message service. Accordingly, in some example embodiments one or more of the AMFs may be replaced by an SMSF 199, such that the first and / or second preference indicators may be provided to the UDM entity 124 via the SMSF 199. The first and second preference indicators for the first and second registrations of the UE 130, may be respectively provided to the UDM entity 124 in a first and second registration requests (e.g., Nudm_UECM_Registration requests).

[0144] In some example embodiments, the serving network function (e.g., the AMF or SM) may also receive the first registration request to register the UE 130 with the serving network function (e.g., the AMF) via the first access network (e.g., the first access network 105) and the serving network function (e.g., AMF) may send a response to the first registration request comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration of the UE 130 and the first preference indicator for the first registration off the IE, where the preference indicator for the first registration indicates whether the first registration is preferred for delivering the service to the UE 130.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the serving network function (e.g., the AMF) may receive the second registration request to register the UE 130 with the serving network function (e.g., AMF) via the second (e.g., the second access network 110) and the serving network function (e.g., the AMF) may send a response to the second registration request comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and the second preference indicator for the second registration, where the preference indicator for the second registration indicates whether the second registration is preferred for delivering the service to the UE 130. In some example embodiments, serving network function (e.g., the AMF) may send the UE 130 a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service to the UE 130.

[0146] FIG. 10 outlines an exemplary method 1000 for or performed by the UE 130.

[0147] At step 1002, the UE 130 sends the first registration request to register with a first serving network function (e.g., a first AMF 120 or a SMSF 199) of a mobile communication system (e.g., system 100, 100’, 200) via a first access network (e.g., the first access network 105).

[0148] At step 1004, the UE 130 receives a response to the first registration request comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration of the UE 130 and a first preference indicator for the first registration of the UE 130. The first preference indicator for the first registration indicates whether the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the mobile communication system to the UE 130.

[0149] At step 1006, the UE 130 sends a second registration request to register with either the first serving network function (e.g., the first AMF 120 or SMSF 199) or a second serving network function (e.g., the second AMF 125, the SMSF 199 or another SMSF), via a second access network (e.g., the second access network 110). For example, the secondregistration request sent by the UE 130 could be for registering the UE 130 with the second AMF 125 , or to the first AMF 120 again, but via different access network (e.g., the second access network).

[0150] At step 1008, the UE 130 receives a response to the second registration request comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration of the UE 130 and a second preference indicator for the second registration of the UE 130. The second preference indicator for the second registration indicates whether the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the mobile communication system to the UE 130.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the UE 130 may receive a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service.

[0152] Additional example embodiments are provided below:

[0153] Clause 1: An apparatus comprising means for: receiving a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access by the first serving network function, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; storing the first preference indicator in association with the first registration of the user equipment and a first indication of the first serving network function stored at the unified data management function; receiving a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access by the first serving network function or the second serving network function, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and storing the second preference indicator in association with the second registration of the user equipment and a second indication of the first serving network function or the second serving network function stored at the unified data management function.

[0154] Clause 2: The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the means further performs: receiving a request for a network function serving the user equipment for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; determining which of the first registration and the second registration of the user equipment is preferred based at least on the first and second preference indicators received for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; in response to determining that the first registration of the userequipment is preferred, obtaining an address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0155] Clause 3: The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the means further performs: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining an address or the identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0156] Clause 4: The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the means further performs: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining the address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0157] Clause 5: The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first access is 3GPP access and the second access is non-3GPP access.

[0158] Clause 6: The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first access is 3GPP access and the second access is 3GPP access, wherein the first access is associated with an access type indicating that the first access is via a terrestrial network, and wherein the second access is associated with an access type indicating that the second access is via a non-terrestrial network.

[0159] Clause 7: The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the service is a location service for determining a location of the user equipment, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are access and mobility management functions, and wherein the network entity is a gateway mobile location center.

[0160] Clause 8: The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first and second preference indicators are associated with the first serving network function, and the first service network function is an access and mobility management function.

[0161] Clause 9: The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the service is a short message service, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are short message service functions, and wherein the network entity is a short message service center.

[0162] Clause 10: A system comprising means for: generating first preference indicator for a first registration of the user equipment supported via a first access based on an access type of the first access, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; providing, to a unified data management function of the communication system, the preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the first registration of the user equipment and the at least one access and mobility function; generating a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access based on an access type of the second access, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment and the at least one access and mobility function, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and providing, to the unified data management function of the communication system, the second preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the second registration of the user equipment.

[0163] Clause 11 : The system of clause 10, wherein the first access is 3GPP access, the second access is non-3GPP access, and the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a terrestrial network.

[0164] Clause 12: The system of clause 11, wherein generating the first preference indicator based on the first access type of the first access comprises generating the first registration indicator which indicates that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0165] Clause 13: The system of clause 10, wherein the first access is 3GPP access, the second access is 3GPP access, the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a non-terrestrial network, the access type of the second access indicates that the second access is via a terrestrial network.

[0166] Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein generating the first preference indicator comprises generating the first preference indicator which indicates that the first registration is not preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, and wherein generating the second preference indicator indicates that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0167] Clause 15: The system of any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein the service is a location service.

[0168] Clause 16: The system of any of clauses 10 to 15, wherein the service is a short message service.

[0169] Clause 17: The system of clause 16, wherein the first and second preference indicators are provided to the unified data management entry via a short message service function of the communication system.

[0170] Clause 18: The system of any of clauses 10 to 17, wherein the first preference indicator comprises a first priority level, the second preference indicator comprises a second priority level, the second priority level being different than the first priority level, the first priority level indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service to the user equipment.

[0171] Clause 19: The system of any one of clauses 10 to 18, wherein the first preference indicator is provided to the unified data management function in a first Nudm_UECM_Registration request and the second preference indicator is provided to the unified data management function in a second Nudm_UECM_Registration request.

[0172] Clause 20: The system of any one of clauses 10 to 19, wherein the means further performs: receiving a first registration request to register the user equipment with the at least one access and mobility function of the communication system via a first access network; sending a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and the first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; receiving a second registration request to register the user equipment with the second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and sending a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and thesecond preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

[0173] Clause 21: The system of clause 20, wherein the means further performs: sending to the user equipment a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

[0174] Clause 22: An apparatus comprising means for: sending a first registration request to register the apparatus with a first access and mobility function of a communication system via a first access network; receiving a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and a first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the apparatus; sending a second registration request to register the apparatus with a second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and receiving a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and a second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the apparatus.

[0175] Clause 23: The apparatus of clause 22, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are the same access and mobility function.

[0176] Clause 24: The apparatus of clause 22, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are distinct access and mobility functions.

[0177] Clause 25: The apparatus of any one of clauses 22 to 24, wherein the means further performs: selecting one of the first and second registration of the apparatus for sending a request for the service based at least on the first and second preference indicators.

[0178] Clause 26: The apparatus of any one of clauses 22 to 55, wherein the service is one of a short message service, a location service, or an IMS service.

[0179] Clause 27: The apparatus of any one of clauses 22 to 26, wherein the means further performs: receive a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

[0180] Various systems or processes have been described to provide examples of embodiments of the claimed subject matter. No such example embodiment described limits any claim and any claim may cover processes or systems that differ from those described. Theclaims are not limited to systems or processes having all the features of any one system or process described above or to features common to multiple or all the systems or processes described above. It is possible that a system or process described above is not an embodiment of any exclusive right granted by issuance of this patent application.

[0181] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the subject matter described herein.

[0182] As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or features. Further, references to "one example" or “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and / or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and / or implementation of the subject matter according to the subject disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example” and similar language throughout the subject disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0183] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments "comprising" or "having" or “including” an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features having a particular property may include additional elements or features not having that property. Also, it will be appreciated that the terms “comprises”, “has”, “includes” means “including but not limited to” and the terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” have equivalent meanings.

[0184] As used herein, the term “and / or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements or features.

[0185] The terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the termscoupled or coupling can have a mechanical, electrical or communicative connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element, electrical signal, or a mechanical element depending on the particular context. Furthermore, the term “operatively coupled” may be used to indicate that an element or device can electrically, optically, or wirelessly send data to another element or device as well as receive data from another element or device.

[0186] Reference herein to “configured” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the element or feature to the physical characteristics of the element or feature preceding the phrase “configured to.”

[0187] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of a lower-numbered item (e.g., a “first” item) and / or a higher-numbered item (e.g., a “third” item).

[0188] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately” and “about” may refer to an amount that is within engineering tolerances that would be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0189] The embodiments described herein may be implemented as a combination of hardware or software, as described above. Further, in some examples, one or more of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in or as part of a distributed or cloud-based computing system having multiple computing components distributed across a computing network. The distributed or cloud-based computing system be a publicly accessible, distributed or cloud-based computing cluster, such as a computing cluster maintained by Microsoft Azure™, Amazon Web Services™, Google Cloud™, or another third-party provider.

[0190] Some aspects of the embodiments described herein may be implemented via software that is written in a high-level procedural language such as object-oriented programming language. Accordingly, the program code may be written in any suitable programming language such as Java, Python or Rust, for example. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, some of these elements implemented via software may be written in assemblylanguage, machine language or firmware as needed. In either case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language.

[0191] At least some of these software programs may be stored on a storage media (e.g., a computer readable medium such as, but not limited to, read-only memory, magnetic disk, optical disc) or a device that is readable by a general or special purpose programmable device. The software program code, when read by the programmable device, configures the programmable device to operate in a new, specific, and predefined manner to perform at least one of the methods described herein.

[0192] Furthermore, at least some of the programs associated with the systems and methods described herein may be capable of being distributed in a computer program product including a computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in various forms, including non-transitory forms such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes, chips, and magnetic and electronic storage.

[0193] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method performed by a unified data management function of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving, from a first serving network function, a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access by the first serving network function, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; storing the first preference indicator in association with the first registration of the user equipment and a first indication of the first serving network function stored at the unified data management function; receiving, from the first serving network function or a second serving network function, a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access by the first serving network function or the second serving network function, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and storing the second preference indicator in association with the second registration of the user equipment and a second indication of the first serving network function or the second serving network function stored at the unified data management function.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from a network entity, a request for a network function serving the user equipment for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; determining, which of the first registration and the second registration of the user equipment is preferred based at least on the first and second preference indicators received for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; in response to determining that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining an address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; andsending, to the network entity, a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining an address or the identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending, to the network entity, a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtaining the address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and sending, to the network entity, a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first access is 3GPP access and the second access is non-3GPP access.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first access is 3GPP access and the second access is 3GPP access, wherein the first access is associated with an access type indicating that the first access is via a terrestrial network, and wherein the second access is associated with an access type indicating that the second access is via a non-terrestrial network.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the service is a location service for determining a location of the user equipment, wherein the first and the second serving networkfunctions are access and mobility management functions, and wherein the network entity is a gateway mobile location center.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and second preference indicators are associated with the first serving network function, and the first service network function is an access and mobility management function.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the service is a short message service, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are short message service functions, and wherein the network entity is a short message service center.

10. An apparatus comprising: a memory; and a processor operatively coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: receive a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access by the first serving network function, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; store the first preference indicator in association with the first registration of the user equipment and a first indication of the first serving network function stored at the unified data management function; receive a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access by the first serving network function or the second serving network function, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and store the second preference indicator in association with the second registration of the user equipment and a second indication of the first serving network function or the second serving network function stored at the unified data management function.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to:receive a request for a network function serving the user equipment for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; determine which of the first registration and the second registration of the user equipment is preferred based at least on the first and second preference indicators received for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; in response to determining that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtain an address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and send a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the first registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtain an address or the identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and send a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the second serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: in response to determining that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred, obtain the address or the identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment; and send a response to the request comprising the address or identity of the first serving network function associated with the second registration of the user equipment for delivering said service of the communication system to the user equipment.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first access is 3GPP access and the second access is non-3GPP access.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first access is 3GPP access and the second access is 3GPP access, wherein the first access is associated with an access type indicating that the first access is via a terrestrial network, and wherein the second access is associated with an access type indicating that the second access is via a non-terrestrial network.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the service is a location service for determining a location of the user equipment, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are access and mobility management functions, and wherein the network entity is a gateway mobile location center.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the first and second preference indicators are associated with the first serving network function, and the first service network function is an access and mobility management function.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the service is a short message service, wherein the first and the second serving network functions are short message service functions, and wherein the network entity is a short message service center.

19. A method comprising: generating, by a first access and mobility function, a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access based on an access type of the first access, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of a communication system to the user equipment; providing, by the first access and mobility function, to a unified data management function of the communication system, the preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the first registration of the user equipment and an identity of the first access and mobility function; generating, by the first access and mobility function or a second access and mobility function, a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access based on an access type of the second access, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration is preferred for delivering theservice of the communication system to the user equipment, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and providing, by the first access and mobility function or the second access and mobility function, to the unified data management function of the communication system, the preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the second registration of the user equipment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are the same access and mobility function.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are distinct access and mobility functions.

22. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first access is 3GPP access, the second access is non-3GPP access, and the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a terrestrial network.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein generating the first preference indicator based on the first access type of the first access comprises generating the first registration indicator which indicates that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

24. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first access is 3GPP access, the second access is 3GPP access, the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a non-terrestrial network, the access type of the second access indicates that the second access is via a terrestrial network.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein generating the first preference indicator comprises generating the first preference indicator which indicates that the first registration is not preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, and wherein generating the second preference indicator indicates that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

26. The method of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the service is a location service.

27. The method of any of claims 19 to 25, wherein the service is a short message service.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first and second preference indicators are provided to the unified data management entry via a short message service function of the communication system.

29. The method of any of claims 19 to 28, wherein the first preference indicator comprises a first priority level, the second preference indicator comprises a second priority level, the second priority level being different than the first priority level, the first priority level indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service to the user equipment.

30. The method of any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein the first preference indicator is provided to the unified data management function in a first Nudm_UECM_Registration request and the second preference indicator is provided to the unified data management function in a second Nudm_UECM_Registration request.

31. The method of any one of claims 19 to 30, comprising receiving a first registration request to register the user equipment with the first access and mobility function of the communication system via a first access network; sending a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and the first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; receiving a second registration request to register the user equipment with the second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and sending a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and the second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising: sending to the user equipment a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

33. An apparatus of a communication system, the apparatus comprising: at least one access and mobility function configured to: generate a first preference indicator for a first registration of a user equipment supported via a first access based on an access type of the first access, the first preference indicator indicating whether the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; provide, to a unified data management function of the communication system, the preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the first registration of the user equipment and the at least one access and mobility function; generate a second preference indicator for a second registration of the user equipment supported via a second access based on an access type of the second access, the second preference indicator indicating whether the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment and the at least one access and mobility function, the second preference indicator being different than the first preference indicator; and provide, to the unified data management function of the communication system, the second preference indicator to be stored by the unified data management function in association with the second registration of the user equipment.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first access is 3GPP access, the second access is non-3GPP access, and the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a terrestrial network.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein generating the first preference indicator based on the first access type of the first access comprises generating the first registration indicator whichindicates that the first registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first access is 3GPP access, the second access is 3GPP access, the access type of the first access indicates that the first access is via a nonterrestrial network, the access type of the second access indicates that the second access is via a terrestrial network.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein generating the first preference indicator comprises generating the first preference indicator which indicates that the first registration is not preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment, and wherein generating the second preference indicator indicates that the second registration of the user equipment is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the service is a location service.

39. The apparatus of any of claims 33 to 38, wherein the service is a short message service.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the first and second preference indicators are provided to the unified data management entry via a short message service function of the communication system.

41. The apparatus of any of claims 33 to 40, wherein the first preference indicator comprises a first priority level, the second preference indicator comprises a second priority level, the second priority level being different than the first priority level, the first priority level indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service to the user equipment.

42. The apparatus of any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein the first preference indicator is provided to the unified data management function in a first Nudm_UECM_Registration request and the second preference indicator is provided to the unified data management function in a second Nudm_UECM_Registration request.

43. The apparatus of any one of claims 33 to 42, wherein the access and mobility function is further configured to: receive a first registration request to register the user equipment with the at least one access and mobility function of the communication system via a first access network; send a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and the first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment; receive a second registration request to register the user equipment with the second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and send a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and the second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the processor is further configured to: send to the user equipment a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

45. A method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising: sending a first registration request to register the user equipment with a first access and mobility function of a communication system via a first access network; receiving a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and a first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment; sending a second registration request to register the user equipment with a second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and receiving a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and a second preference indicator indicatingthat the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are the same access and mobility function.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are distinct access and mobility functions.

48. The method of any one of claims 45 to 47, further comprising: selecting one of the first and second registration of the UE for sending a request for the service based at least on the first and second preference indicators.

49. The method of any one claim of claims 45 to 48, further comprising: wherein the service is a short message service, a location service, or an IMS service.

50. The method of any one of claims 45 to 49, further comprising: receiving, at the user equipment, a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

51. A user equipment comprising: a memory; a network interface; and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and the network interface, the processor being configured to: send a first registration request to register the user equipment with a first access and mobility function of a communication system via a first access network; receive a response to the first registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the first registration and a first preference indicator indicating that the first registration is preferred for delivering a service of the communication system to the user equipment;send a second registration request to register the user equipment with a second access and mobility function of the communication system via a second access network different than the first access network; and receive a response to the second registration request, the response comprising an indication of acceptance of the second registration and a second preference indicator indicating that the second registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system to the user equipment.

52. The user equipment of claim 51, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are the same access and mobility function.

53. The user equipment of claim 51, wherein the first access and mobility function and the second access mobility function are distinct access and mobility functions.

54. The user equipment of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the processor is further configured to: select one of the first and second registration of the user equipment for sending a request for the service based at least on the first and second preference indicators.

55. The user equipment of any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the service is one of a short message service, a location service, or an IMS service.

56. The user equipment of any one of claims 51 to 55, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a third preference indicator indicating that a particular registration is preferred for delivering the service of the communication system.

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