Method and system for receiving an incoming service notification of a second SIM network using a first SIM network

Abstract

A communication method in a user equipment (UE) enabling a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) is disclosed. The method includes registering the UE with a network of a first SIM, establishing a secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM, and establishing a connection between the UE and a network of a second SIM through the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM. The method includes registering the UE with the network of the second SIM when establishing the connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM. The method includes initiating a request to indicate a downlink service pending at the network of the second SIM.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to methods and systems for communication in a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment. Background Art

[0002] Today, communication devices have become an integral part of our lives. In fact, with the advancement of technology, communication devices have become a single-point solution for many daily tasks. As is well known, a cellular device includes the device and a subscriber identity module (SIM) that provides a unique contact number to the corresponding user. In the past decade, cellular devices with multiple SIM cards have gained significant popularity.

[0003] In particular, dual-SIM cellular devices have become very common for users. This is mainly because multiple SIM cards are provided in the device, allowing users to subscribe to multiple networks at once. Thus, if one network has no coverage in a particular geographical area, the user can choose to switch to another network that has coverage in that area. This proves to be extremely convenient for users in their daily tasks.

[0004] However, there are certain limitations in the multi-SIM applications in cellular devices. A prominent problem is that when the user equipment (UE) is in active communication with SIM 1, for example, through a Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) call, the UE may not be able to monitor paging on SIM 2. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Solution

[0006] The purpose of providing this technical solution is to introduce the selection of some concepts further described in the detailed implementation in a simplified form. This technical solution is neither intended to identify the key or essential inventive concepts of the present disclosure nor to determine the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method in a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) enabled user equipment (UE) is disclosed. The method includes registering the UE with the network of the first SIM. The method includes establishing a secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM. The method includes establishing a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM through the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM. The method includes registering the UE with the network of the second SIM when establishing a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM. The method includes initiating a request to indicate a pending downlink service at the network of the second SIM.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for communication in a multi-SIM enabled UE is disclosed. The system includes a registration module configured to register the UE with the network of the first SIM. The system includes an establishment module communicatively coupled to the registration module and configured to establish a secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM. The establishment module is configured to establish a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM through the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM. The system includes a registration module communicatively coupled to the establishment module and configured to register the UE with the network of the second SIM when a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM is established. The system further includes a request module communicatively coupled to the establishment module and configured to initiate a request to indicate a pending downlink service at the network of the second SIM.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) enabled user equipment (UE) is disclosed. The UE includes a first stack configured to accommodate a first SIM, a second stack configured to accommodate a second SIM, and a system communicatively coupled to the first SIM and the second SIM. The system is configured to register the UE with the network of the first SIM and establish a secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM. The system is configured to establish a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM through the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM. The system is configured to register the UE with the network of the second SIM when a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM is established. The system is configured to initiate a request to indicate a pending downlink service at the network of the second SIM.

[0010] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more specific description of the present disclosure will be presented by referring to specific embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings only depict typical embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. The present disclosure will be described and explained with additional features and details in conjunction with the drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following modes of the invention are read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout all the drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 A line diagram depicting the network interactions of a dual SIM UE with SIM 1 and SIM 2 according to one or more prior arts is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 A line diagram depicting a schematic diagram of data loss during SIM1 operation when the UE attempts to monitor paging on SIM 2 according to one or more prior arts is shown;

[0014] Figure 3 Shows a line graph depicting the battery consumption pattern during periodic monitoring of paging on two SIMs according to one or more prior arts;

[0015] Figure 4 Shows a call flow diagram depicting the handling of paging requests with different priorities according to one or more prior arts;

[0016] Figure 5 Shows an environment of a system implementation for communication in a user equipment (UE) enabled with multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 Shows a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 Shows a call flow diagram depicting the operation of a system for communicating with a SIM network to enhance communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 Shows a block diagram depicting an incoming request indicated via a data packet through a secure channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9 Shows a call flow diagram depicting an incoming request indicated via a data packet through a secure channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 Shows a block diagram depicting the handling of an incoming request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11 Shows a call flow diagram depicting the handling of an incoming request according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 12 Shows a call flow diagram depicting the handling of a paging request for an unwanted service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 13 Shows a call flow diagram depicting the negotiation of paging reasons with a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 14 Shows a call flow diagram depicting the handling of paging requests with different priorities according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 15 Shows a flowchart of a communication method in a multi-SIM enabled UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 16 A flowchart is shown depicting a method of communicating with a network of a SIM based on the priority of a pending downlink service, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 17 A block diagram of a user equipment (UE) is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 18 A block diagram of a base station is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flowchart illustrates the method according to the most prominent steps involved to help improve the understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Additionally, in terms of the structure of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may only show those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to obscure the drawings with details that would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art described herein. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0031] To facilitate the understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it should be understood that this does not mean a limitation on the scope of the present invention. Such changes and other modifications in the shown systems and such further applications of the principles of the present invention shown herein would be conceivable to those skilled in the relevant fields of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] For clarity, the first digit of the reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure represents the drawing number in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with the digit "1" are shown at least in Figure 1 Similarly, reference numerals starting with the digit "2" are shown at least in Figure 2

[0034] Figure 1 ​FIG. 100 is a line diagram depicting the network interaction of dual SIM UE 102 with SIM 1 and SIM 2 according to one or more prior arts. As shown, when UE 102 is actively communicating with the network of SIM 1, UE 102 cannot monitor paging on SIM 2. As is well known, paging is a mechanism used in communication devices whereby the network notifies UE 102 of a request to establish a connection with UE 102. For example, the request can be received from another UE. Then UE 102 can decode the content of the paging notification to initiate an appropriate process accordingly.

[0035] Now, when SIM 1 is active and SIM 2 continuously pages UE 102, a decision must be made as to whether the paging must be responded to. In addition, in the absence of a service that triggers paging, UE 102 must decide whether it must respond to the paging without sufficient information. Further, when UE 102 decides to respond to the paging from SIM 2, UE 102 can terminate the ongoing activity through SIM 1. In the case where the ongoing activity is not terminated, this can be interpreted as an error in the operation of SIM 1.

[0036] On the other hand, if UE 102 attempts to monitor paging on SIM 2 during active communication through SIM 1, it can be seen that the operational performance of SIM 1 will be significantly reduced. For example, when SIM 1 is actively communicating, any interruption, such as periodic monitoring of paging on SIM 2, can result in data loss, which in turn will also affect the performance of SIM 1.

[0037] Figure 2 FIG. 200 is a line diagram depicting a schematic diagram of data loss during the operation of SIM 1 when UE 102 attempts to monitor paging on SIM 2 according to one or more prior arts. Reference numeral 202 indicates the period of monitoring SIM 2. In addition, reference numeral 204 indicates data loss during the operation of SIM 1 due to the monitoring of SIM 2. It is obvious that during the monitoring period of SIM 2, for example, due to the R x tuning for monitoring paging on SIM 2, data loss will occur during the operation of SIM 1.

[0038] In addition, considering that there are two SIMs in UE 102, at any given time, it is necessary to monitor paging on one of the SIMs. This will frequently drain the battery of the UE, which will ultimately lead to a rapid decrease in battery performance as well as via long-term use.

[0039] Figure 3A line graph depicting the battery consumption pattern during periodic monitoring of paging on two SIMs according to one or more prior arts is shown. As shown, the available power in the battery is continuously consumed to monitor paging on two SIMs.

[0040] In addition, in an example, the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) may support paging policy differentiation by marking data packets to be sent to UE 102. These data packets may be related to a specific Instant Messaging Service (IMS), for example, session voice defined in the IMS Multimedia Telephony Service. In such an example, a downlink data notification may be sent to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) together with a paging priority indication. Now, in an example, while waiting for a response from UE 102 to a paging request message sent together with a paging priority indication, the MME may receive another downlink data notification with a high paging priority. In such an instance, the MME does not terminate the ongoing paging process, and thus, UE 102 will not receive the high-priority paging request.

[0041] Figure 4 A call flow diagram 400 depicting the handling of paging requests with different priorities according to one or more prior arts is shown. As shown, Node B receives a paging request with priority "X" from the MME. Node B forwards the paging request to UE 102. While waiting for a response to the paging request from UE 102, Node B receives another paging request with priority "Y". Priority "Y" is higher than priority "X". However, since Node B is still waiting for a response to the first paging request, the MME does not page UE 102 for the paging request with priority "Y". Thus, UE 102 does not receive the high-priority paging indication.

[0042] It can be seen that there is a need for a solution to ensure enhanced communication in a multi-SIM cellular device while overcoming one or more of the above problems.

[0043] Figure 5 An environment 500 depicting the implementation of a system 502 for communication in a user equipment (UE) 504 enabled with multiple Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In an embodiment, UE 504 may be embodied as any communication device having at least two SIMs. UE 504 may include, but is not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet computer, and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

[0044] In an embodiment, the UE 504 may include stacks for accommodating each SIM. In the present disclosure, for simplicity and ease of explanation, the construction and operational features of the UE 504 and the system 502 are explained from the perspective of a pair of SIMs, namely, the first SIM or SIM 1 and the second SIM or SIM 2. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure is equally applicable to UEs having more than two SIMs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] In an embodiment with dual SIMs, the UE 504 may include a first stack (not shown) and a second stack (not shown) configured to accommodate the first SIM and the second SIM, respectively. Thus, the UE 504 is configured to communicate with the network of the first SIM and the network of the second SIM. In the illustrated embodiment, the network of the first SIM is shown as network 1, and the network of the second SIM is shown as network 2. Additionally, the UE 504 may further include the system 502 that communicates with the first SIM and the second SIM. The system 502 is configured to facilitate enhanced communication of the UE 504 with the networks of the first SIM and the second SIM. The construction and operational features of the system 502 are explained in detail in Figure 6 the description of.

[0046] Figure 6 FIG. shows a block diagram of the system 502 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 502 may be implemented within the UE 504. In another embodiment, the system 502 may be implemented in a server that communicates with the UE 504.

[0047] In an embodiment, the system 502 may include, but is not limited to, a processor 602, a memory 604, a module 606, and data 608. The module 606 and the memory 604 may be coupled to the processor 602. The processor 602 may be a single processing unit or multiple units, all of which may include multiple computing units. The processor 602 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuits, and / or any device that manipulates signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 602 is configured to obtain and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 604.

[0048] The memory 604 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art, including, for example, volatile memory such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memory, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[0049] Among other things, module 606 includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement data types. Module 606 can also be implemented as a signal processor, state machine, logic circuit, and / or any other device or component that manipulates signals based on operational instructions.

[0050] In addition, module 606 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or a combination thereof. The processing unit can include a computer, a processor (such as processor 602), a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable device capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose processor that executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks, or the processing unit can be dedicated to performing the required functions. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, module 606 can be machine-readable instructions (software) that perform any of the described functionality when executed by the processor / processing unit.

[0051] In an embodiment, module 606 can include a registration module 610, an establishment module 612, a request module 614, a receiving module 616, and an identification module 618. The registration module 610, the establishment module 612, the request module 614, the receiving module 616, and the identification module 618 can communicate with each other. Among other things, data 608 serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 606.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an embodiment, the registration module 610 can be configured to register the UE 504 with the network of the first SIM. The registration module 610 can communicate with the establishment module 612. The establishment module 612 can be configured to establish a secure communication channel between the UE 504 and the network of the first SIM.

[0053] In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 can be configured to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session between the UE 504 and the network of the first SIM. In an embodiment, the PDU session can be established via the 3GPP access of the network of the first SIM. Then, the establishment module 612 can be configured to establish a secure communication channel between the UE 504 and the network of the first SIM through the PDU session.

[0054] The establishment module 612 may also be configured to establish secure communication between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM through a secure communication channel established between the UE 504 and the network of the first SIM. In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 may be configured to establish secure communication between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM through one of an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) and a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF). In an embodiment, the ePDG or N3IWF of the second network is connected to the secure communication channel established between the UE 504 and the network of the first SIM.

[0055] Via the secure communication established between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM, the establishment module 612 may be configured to establish a connection with the network of the second SIM. When establishing a connection between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM, the registration module 610 may be configured to register the UE 504 with the network of the second SIM.

[0056] In an embodiment, the registration module 610 and the establishment module 612 may communicate with a request module 614. The request module 614 may be configured to initiate a request for indicating a pending downlink service at the network of the second SIM. In an embodiment, the registration module 610 may communicate with a receiving module 616. The receiving module 616 may be configured to receive a non-access stratum (NAS) message from the network of the first SIM. The NAS message may indicate at least one pending downlink service at the network of the second SIM. The NAS message may be received via the secure communication between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM. Thus, the UE 504 will notify any pending downlink services at the network of the second SIM through the secure communication channel between the UE 504 and the first SIM. The system 502 does not use the broadcast paging process of the radio access network (RAN) of the second SIM. In addition, the receiving module 616 may communicate with an identification module 618.

[0057] The identification module 618 may be configured to identify the priority of the pending downlink service notified to the UE 504 through the NAS message. In an embodiment, the priority may be identified based on a predefined priority of the downlink service. Based on the identified priority of the pending downlink service, the establishment module 612 may be configured to perform an action regarding responding to the pending downlink service.

[0058] In an embodiment, when the pending downlink service has high importance, the establishment module 612 may terminate the active session between the UE 504 and the network of the first SIM. Subsequently, the establishment module 612 may establish an active session between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, when the downlink service has a low priority, the establishment module 612 may send a notification to the network of the second SIM. Due to the low priority, the notification may be an indication not to initiate an action for the downlink service. Accordingly, the active session between the UE 504 and the first SIM continues.

[0060] Figure 7 FIG. 700 is a call flow diagram illustrating the operation of a system 502 for communicating with the networks of a first SIM and a second SIM to enhance communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the structural and operational features of the present disclosure that have been explained in the description of Figure 5 and Figure 6 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 7

[0061] In an embodiment, the UE 504 registers via SIM 1, establishes a PDU session, and thus establishes a data connection. Via the data connection of SIM1, i.e., the secure channel, the UE 504 registers with the access and mobility management function (AMF) of SIM 2 via the ePDG / N3IWF. In an embodiment, the UE 504 may register with the AMF of the SIM 2 network via the ePDG / N3IWF for instant messaging services (IMS), such as calls and SMS. Upon receiving an incoming request, network 2 sends a call indication notification (e.g., an IP packet or notification) to network 1 via the secure channel. Subsequently, network 1 sends a call indication notification (e.g., an IP packet or notification) to the UE 504. Accordingly, the UE 504 may receive an incoming call indication via the N3WIF. In addition, IMS may be used for any downlink service (i.e., any service for downlink signaling or data packets) that needs to be delivered to the UE 504.

[0062] In addition, the UE 504 checks whether the incoming request is important based on a predefined priority. The incoming service notification may include at least one of a PDU session identifier (ID), a slice ID, a quality of service (QoS), a QoS class identifier (QCI), a paging cause, a service type, an evolved packet system (EPS) bearer ID, a data network name (DNN), an access point name (APN), a dedicated radio bearer (DRB) ID, a QoS flow ID (QFI), a traffic template (TFT), an application ID, a UE routing selection policy identifier, a establishment cause, an access type, and an access category. These incoming service notification parameters indicate the type of service pending for the UE 504.

[0063] Accordingly, the UE 504 responds to the incoming request. In an embodiment, before responding to the incoming request, the UE 504 may terminate the active session with network 1 and then establish an active connection with network 2 for a high-priority incoming request.

[0064] Figure 8 FIG. 800 is a block diagram showing an incoming call request indicated via a secure channel through data packets according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, at step 1, UE 504 is in an active connection state with Network 1 of SIM 1. In an embodiment, the active connection state may include, but is not limited to, a data session. At step 2, SIM 2 registers to Network 2 of SIM 2 via the ePDG / N3IWF through a secure channel. Further, at step 3, an incoming call is received by Network 2 of SIM 2. At step 4, Network 2 sends a notification indicating the incoming call to UE 504 via the secure channel of the SIM 1 data network.

[0065] Figure 9 FIG. 900 is a call flow diagram showing an incoming call request indicated via a secure channel through data packets according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, the structural and operational features of the present disclosure that have been explained in the descriptions of Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 9 .

[0066] In an embodiment, when UE 504 completes the normal registration of SIM 1, UE 504 also notifies Network 1 of the contact number of SIM 2, such as a General Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN), or any other UE identifier. Similarly, during the registration of SIM 2, UE 504 notifies Network 2 of the contact number of SIM 1 (i.e., the UE identifier).

[0067] Once registered, UE 504 establishes an active session with SIM 1. Now, during the active session between UE 504 and SIM 1, Network 2 of SIM 2 receives an incoming call request. Network 2 sends a notification to Network 1 to inform of the incoming call request. The notification is sent through the secure communication channel between UE 504 and Network 1. In an embodiment, the notification may be sent through a secure NAS message, for example, through a Short Message Service (SMS) or any other NAS or AS message. The notification may include at least one of a PDU session identifier (ID), a slice ID, QoS, QCI, paging cause, service type, EPS bearer ID, DNN, APN, DRB ID, QFI, TFT, application ID, UE routing selection policy identifier, establishment cause, access type, access category.

[0068] A secure NAS or AS message may indicate details of an incoming call request pending at Network 2 of SIM 2. Network 1 also delivers the secure NAS or AS message to UE 504. Upon receiving the secure NAS / AS message, UE 504 may check the integrity of the message and then decode the content of the message. The content of the message may include, but is not limited to, the calling number and the type of service request.

[0069] In addition, based on a predefined priority, System 502 may respond to the incoming call request accordingly. In an embodiment, if the incoming call request has a high priority, System 502 first terminates (or pauses) the active session with Network 1 and then establishes an active connection (or session) with Network 2. On the other hand, if the incoming call request has a low priority, a notification is sent to Network 2 of SIM 2 indicating that no action is to be initiated.

[0070] Figure 10 Block diagram 1000 depicting incoming call request handling for UE 504 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In an embodiment, UE 504 notifies one network of the discontinuous reception (DRX) information of the other network. For example, SIM 1 may notify the DRX information of the SIM 2 network to the SIM 1 network via an RRC / NAS signaling message.

[0071] When SIM 1 is in an active state in a data session, when UE 504 listens for the SIM 2 network during a DRX interval, the SIM 1 network does not send incoming data for a duration. In addition, the SIM 1 network may not allocate grants to UE 504 during the DRX interval of SIM 2. UE 504 can tune away to receive on SIM 2 for paging on the SIM 1 network without any data loss.

[0072] Figure 11 Call flow diagram 1100 depicting incoming call request handling for UE 504 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the data pause and resume process is followed to handle the incoming call request. In an embodiment, when SIM1 is in an active state in a data session and UE 504 receives a SIM 2 paging with a cause value via a secure channel, UE 504 may request the SIM 1 network to pause the connection so that the UE can respond to the SIM 2 paging for high-priority requests. In an embodiment, the pause request may be sent together with a service list. The service list may indicate the services for which the network can page the suspended UE504.

[0073] In an embodiment, the UE 504 may further include a timer value for the required suspension duration. In the suspension request, the UE 504 may further indicate whether the UE 504 wants to enter the inactive state or release the connection. After receiving the suspension indication, the network releases the connection and may then move the UE 504 to the inactive state. The network maintains the UE context for quick connection recovery.

[0074] Upon receiving any incoming paging request, the network checks whether the UE 504 wants to receive the paging. If the UE 504 allows the paging reason, the network may then page the UE 504. In an alternative embodiment, when the UE 504 does not allow the paging reason value, the network notifies the requesting node to buffer the data for a period of time.

[0075] Figure 12 A call flow diagram 1200 is shown depicting the handling of paging requests for unwanted services according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, when the UE 504 receives a paging with a reason value (e.g., service type), the UE 504 checks the ongoing services in another SIM. If the UE 504 cannot respond to the paging, the UE 504 sends a paging rejection message to the network. In the paging request message, the UE 504 may include, but is not limited to, a rejection reason value, a timer value, and a list of services for which the UE 504 wants to receive paging. Optionally, the UE 504 may include, but is not limited to, a list of paging reasons / services for which the UE 504 does not want to receive paging.

[0076] Figure 13 A call flow diagram 1300 is shown depicting the paging reason negotiation with the network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the UE 504 may negotiate or notify a list of paging reasons for which the UE 504 wants to receive paging. Thereafter, the network may page the UE 504 only when the UE 504 receives a paging with an allowed reason value. If the UE 504 does not allow the paging reason, the network does not page the UE 504. In such an embodiment, the network may send a rejection to the requesting node because the network cannot page the UE 504. The requesting node may then buffer the data and retry after a certain time.

[0077] The UE 504 may negotiate the paging reason along with a timer value for allowed paging, and also negotiate the paging reason along with a timer value for disallowed paging. The UE 504 may negotiate the paging reason value or service type with the network. Such negotiation helps the network save resources for unwanted paging.

[0078] Figure 14FIG. 1400 is a call flow diagram depicting high-priority paging request handling for UE 504 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, if the MME receives another downlink data notification with a high paging priority while waiting for a UE response to a paging request message with a paging priority indication, the MME will abandon the ongoing paging. The MME may then send a new paging indication with a high-priority paging indicator to a radio access network (RAN) node. The RAN node may terminate the ongoing paging and then send a new paging to UE 504 with an updated paging cause / priority. However, if data or signaling for a lower-priority paging cause is received at the g-NodeB or MME, the corresponding node may continue to page UE 504 with the existing paging cause.

[0079] In addition, in an embodiment, when UE 504 decides to use a priority service on SIM-1, such as priority x, UE 504 may indicate to the SIM-2 network that it will suspend services. UE 504 may also indicate to the SIM-2 network the priority of the services used by UE 504 on SIM-1 so that the SIM-2 network can continue to page UE 504 for any service that has a higher priority compared to the service with priority x. However, UE 504 may start blocking services with a priority lower than priority x. In addition, the SIM-2 network may continue the above behavior until a recovery process is performed between UE 504 and the network or a renegotiation of the priority service is performed.

[0080] Figure 15 FIG. 1500 is a flowchart depicting a communication method in a multi-SIM enabled UE according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, method 1500 may be a computer-implemented method 1500. In an embodiment, method 1500 may be executed by a processor 602. In addition, for the sake of brevity, features of the present disclosure that have been explained in detail in the descriptions of Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 15 .

[0081] At block 1502, method 1500 includes registering UE 504 with the network of the first SIM. In an embodiment, the registration module 610 of system 502 can be configured to register UE 504 with the network of the first SIM.

[0082] At block 1504, method 1500 includes establishing a secure communication channel between UE 504 and the network of the first SIM. In an embodiment, method 1500 can include establishing a PDU session between UE 504 and the network of the first SIM. In such an embodiment, method 1500 can further include establishing a secure communication channel between UE 504 and the network of the first SIM via the PDU session. In an embodiment, the PDU session can be established via 3GPP access or non-3GPP access of the network of the first SIM. In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 can be configured to establish a secure communication channel between UE 504 and the network of the first SIM.

[0083] At block 1506, method 1500 includes establishing secure communication between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM via the secure communication channel established between UE 504 and the network of the first SIM. In an embodiment, method 1500 can include establishing secure communication between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM via one of an ePDG and an N3IWF. The ePDG or N3IWF of the second network can be connected to the secure communication channel established between UE 504 and the network of the first SIM. In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 can be configured to establish a secure communication channel between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM.

[0084] At block 1508, method 1500 includes establishing a connection with the network of the second SIM via the secure communication established between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM. In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 can be configured to establish a connection between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM.

[0085] At block 1510, method 1500 includes registering UE 504 with the network of the second SIM when establishing a connection between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM. In an embodiment, the registration module 610 can register UE 504 with the network of the second SIM.

[0086] At block 1512, method 1500 includes initiating, by UE 504, a request via a secure communication channel established between UE 504 and a second SIM, to the network of the second SIM to indicate a downlink service pending at the network of the second SIM to UE 504. This indication is important because the service is performed via the 3GPP access of the second SIM, i.e., the PDU session for this particular service is established via 3GPP access. However, to initiate the service, the indication is received by UE 504 via the established secure communication channel.

[0087] At block 1514, method 1500 includes sending, in response to the request initiated by UE 504, a downlink service notification to UE via the secure communication channel. UE 504 is able to receive the downlink service notification for the second SIM network via the first SIM network, thus avoiding the requirement for UE 504 to read the paging channel of the second SIM network, since the second SIM network may not broadcast paging messages to UE 504 in its own radio access network (RAN). In an embodiment, the request module 614 may initiate a request to indicate the pending downlink service. The request indicating the pending downlink service is sent via the secure communication channel established between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM, which may also be included in a registration request message sent to the network of the second SIM.

[0088] In an embodiment, method 1500 may include receiving a NAS message via the network of the first SIM. The NAS message may indicate a downlink service pending at the network of the second SIM. The NAS message may be received via the secure communication between UE 504 and the network of the second SIM.

[0089] Figure 16 A flowchart of a method 1600 depicting communication with the network of a SIM according to the priority of a pending downlink service in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In an embodiment, method 1600 may be a computer-implemented method 1600. In an embodiment, method 1600 may be executed by a processor 602. Additionally, for the sake of brevity, features of the present disclosure that have been explained in detail in the descriptions of Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 are explained in detail in Figure 16There is no detailed explanation in the description.

[0090] At block 1602, method 1600 includes identifying the priority of a pending downlink service based on a predefined priority of the downlink service. The downlink service can be indicated by at least one of a PDU session identifier (ID), a slice ID, QoS, QCI, paging cause, service type, EPS bearer ID, DNN, APN, DRB ID, QFI, TFT, application ID, UE routing selection policy identifier, establishment cause, access type, access category. In an embodiment, the identification module 618 can identify the priority of the pending downlink service.

[0091] In addition, method 1600 includes performing an action based on the identified priority of the pending downlink service. At block 1604, method 1600 includes determining whether the pending downlink service has a high priority. In an embodiment, when it is determined that the pending downlink service has a high priority, method 1600 branches to block 1606. In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 can determine whether the pending downlink service has a high priority.

[0092] At block 1606, method 1600 includes terminating an active session between the UE 504 and the network of the first SIM and establishing an active session between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM. The active session between the UE 504 and the network of the second SIM is established by performing NAS procedures via the second SIM network, such as a service request procedure or a registration request procedure. In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 can terminate the active session with the network of the first UE and establish an active session with the network of the second SIM.

[0093] Returning to block 1604, in an alternative embodiment, when it is determined that the pending downlink service has a low priority, method 1600 branches to block 1608. At block 1608, method 1600 includes transmitting a notification to the network of the second SIM. The notification indicates that no action is initiated for the downlink service because the downlink service has a low priority. In an embodiment, the establishment module 612 can transmit a notification to the network of the second SIM.

[0094] Figure 17 A block diagram of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In an embodiment, the UE 504 can be implemented as Figure 17 the UE 1700 in

[0095] Referring to Figure 17 , the UE 1700 can include a processor 1710, a transceiver 1720, and a memory 1730. However, all the shown components are not necessary. The user equipment 1700 can be composed of more than Figure 17The components shown may be implemented with more or fewer components. Additionally, according to another embodiment, the processor 1710, transceiver 1720, and memory 1730 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0096] The above components will now be described in detail.

[0097] The processor 1710 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. The operations of the UE 1700 may be implemented by the processor 1710.

[0098] The transceiver 1720 may include an RF transmitter for upconverting and amplifying transmitted signals, and an RF receiver for downconverting the frequencies of received signals. However, according to another embodiment, the transceiver 1720 may be implemented with more or fewer components than those shown in the components.

[0099] The transceiver 1720 may be connected to the processor 1710 and transmit and / or receive signals. The signals may include control information and data. Additionally, the transceiver 1720 may receive signals via a wireless channel and output the signals to the processor 1710. The transceiver 1720 may transmit signals output from the processor 1710 via a wireless channel.

[0100] The memory 1730 may store control information or data included in the signals obtained by the device 1700. The memory 1730 may be connected to the processor 1710 and store at least one instruction or protocol or parameter for the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. The memory 1730 may include a read-only memory (ROM) and / or a random access memory (RAM) and / or a hard disk and / or a CD-ROM and / or a DVD and / or other storage devices.

[0101] Figure 18 A block diagram of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In an embodiment, the base station 1800 may be a base station of at least one of the first network, second network, and RAN node described above in the present disclosure.

[0102] Refer to Figure 18 The base station 1800 may include a processor 1810, a transceiver 1820, and a memory 1830. However, all the components shown are not necessary. The user equipment 1800 may be implemented with more or fewer components than Figure 18 those shown in. Additionally, according to another embodiment, the processor 1810, transceiver 182, and memory 1830 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0103] The above components will now be described in detail.

[0104] The processor 1810 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. The operation of the base station 1800 may be implemented by the processor 1810.

[0105] The transceiver 1820 may include an RF transmitter for upconverting and amplifying transmitted signals and an RF receiver for downconverting the frequencies of received signals. However, according to another embodiment, the transceiver 1820 may be implemented by more or fewer components than those shown in the figure.

[0106] The transceiver 1820 may be connected to the processor 1810 and transmit and / or receive signals. The signals may include control information and data. In addition, the transceiver 1820 may receive signals through a wireless channel and output the signals to the processor 1810. The transceiver 1820 may transmit the signals output from the processor 1810 through a wireless channel.

[0107] The memory 1830 may store the control information or data included in the signals obtained by the device 1800. The memory 1830 may be connected to the processor 1810 and store at least one instruction or protocol or parameter for the proposed functions, processes, and / or methods. The memory 1830 may include read-only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM) and / or a hard disk and / or a CD-ROM and / or a DVD and / or other storage devices.

[0108] As will be incorporated, the system 502, method 1500, and method 1600 provide an integrated method for enhanced communication for a UE 504 having multiple SIMs. First, due to this method, the UE 504 does not need to continuously monitor paging from an inactive SIM network. This will eliminate the possibility of unnecessarily consuming available resources.

[0109] In addition, the possibility of any data loss during the operation of the UE through the network of the active SIM is eliminated. In addition, unnecessary battery power consumption due to an unexpected interruption of continuous monitoring of multiple networks is also avoided. Therefore, while ensuring a satisfactory user experience, the operation performance of the network of the active SIM is enhanced.

[0110] In addition, the proposed method ensures that the UE receives notification of pending downlink services at the network of the inactive SIM based on specified priorities. Therefore, intelligent switching of the network is promoted. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an integrated method for enhanced communication in a multi-SIM UE 504 that is effective, priority-based, accurate, cost-effective, and ensures optimal utilization of resources.

[0111] Although a specific language has been used to describe the subject matter, it is not intended to be limiting in any way. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various valid modifications can be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the described elements can be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment can be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. A method performed by a user equipment UE enabled with a multi - subscriber identity module SIM, the method comprising: Registering the UE with the network of the first SIM; Establishing a secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM; Establishing a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM through the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM, and through one of an evolved packet data gateway ePDG and a non - 3GPP interworking function N3IWF; Registering the UE with the network of the second SIM through the connection established between the UE and the network of the second SIM; And Receiving, through the secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM, a message indicating downlink data pending at the network of the second SIM.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The ePDG or N3IWF of the network of the second SIM is connected to the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The message is a non - access stratum NAS message.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Identifying the priority of the pending downlink data; And Performing an action based on the identified priority of the pending downlink data, wherein the action includes: In the case where the pending downlink data has a high priority, terminating an active session between the UE and the network of the first SIM and establishing an active session between the UE and the network of the second SIM; and In the case where the pending downlink data has a low priority, transmitting a notification to the network of the second SIM, wherein the notification indicates that no action is initiated for the pending downlink data.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein Establishing the secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM through a protocol data unit PDU session established between the UE and the network of the first SIM.

6. A system in a user equipment UE enabled with a multi - subscriber identity module SIM, the system comprising: A registration module configured to register the UE with the network of the first SIM; An establishment module communicating with the registration module and configured to establish a secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM, and to establish a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM through the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM and through one of an evolved packet data gateway ePDG and a non - 3GPP interworking function N3IWF, wherein the registration module is further configured to register the UE with the network of the second SIM through the connection established between the UE and the network of the second SIM; And A receiving module communicating with the establishment module and the registration module and configured to receive, through the secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM, a message indicating downlink data pending at the network of the second SIM.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The ePDG or N3IWF of the network of the second SIM is connected to the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The message is a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

9. The system according to claim 6, further comprising: an identification module, communicating with the receiving module and configured to identify the priority of the pending downlink data, wherein the establishment module is further configured to perform actions based on the identified priority of the pending downlink data, and wherein the actions include: in the case where the pending downlink data has a high priority, terminating the active session between the UE and the network of the first SIM, and establishing an active session between the UE and the network of the second SIM; and in the case where the pending downlink data has a low priority, transmitting a notification to the network of the second SIM, wherein the notification indicates that no action is to be initiated for the pending downlink data.

10. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The secure communication channel is established between the UE and the network of the first SIM through a protocol data unit (PDU) session established between the UE and the network of the first SIM.

11. A user equipment (UE) enabling multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs), the UE comprising: a first stack configured to accommodate a first SIM; a second stack configured to accommodate a second SIM; and a system communicating with the first SIM and the second SIM, the system being configured to: register the UE with the network of the first SIM; establish a secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM; establish a connection between the UE and the network of the second SIM through the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM and through one of an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) and a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF); register the UE with the network of the second SIM through the connection established between the UE and the network of the second SIM; and receive, through the secure communication channel between the UE and the network of the first SIM, a message indicating pending downlink data at the network of the second SIM.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein, The ePDG or N3IWF of the network of the second SIM is connected to the secure communication channel established between the UE and the network of the first SIM.

13. The UE according to claim 11, wherein, The message is a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

14. The UE according to claim 11, wherein the system is further configured to: Identify the priority of the pending downlink data; and perform actions based on the identified priority of the pending downlink data, wherein the actions include: in the case where the pending downlink data has a high priority, terminating the active session between the UE and the network of the first SIM, and establishing an active session between the UE and the network of the second SIM; and in the case where the downlink data has a low priority, transmitting a notification to the network of the second SIM, wherein the notification indicates that no action is to be initiated for the pending downlink data.

15. The UE according to claim 11, wherein, The secure communication channel is established between the UE and the network of the first SIM through a protocol data unit (PDU) session established between the UE and the network of the first SIM.

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