Method for protecting a multi-user identity module protection timer and user equipment
By introducing a protection timer mechanism into the wireless communication system, the problem of excessive resource occupation on the first USIM by MUSIM UE is solved, and efficient resource release and service performance improvement on the second USIM are achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MEDIATEK INC
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In wireless communication systems, when a user equipment (UE) supporting a multi-user identification module (MUSIM) establishes a NAS signaling connection on the first USIM, it cannot release resources in a timely manner to switch to the second USIM to perform more important activities, resulting in excessive hardware resource consumption.
A protection timer mechanism is introduced. When the UE receives an acceptance message from the network, the timer is started. After the timer expires, the NAS signaling connection on the first USIM is released locally to ensure the timely release of resources.
It improved the user experience, enhanced the service performance of the UE on the second USIM, and ensured the efficient utilization of hardware resources.
Smart Images
Figure CN115696242B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-referencing
[0002] This invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 226,811, filed July 29, 2021, entitled “MUSIM GuardTimers and Interpretation of Paging Restriction”, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 825,447, filed May 26, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field
[0003] The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to wireless communication systems, and more specifically to releasing the NAS signaling connection when the MUSIM UE's guard timer expires, when the UE requests "NAS signaling connection release" or "paging rejection" from the network. Background Technology
[0004] Over the years, wireless communication networks have grown exponentially. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) systems offer high peak data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and low operating costs due to their simple network architecture. LTE systems, also known as 4th Generation (4G) systems, also provide seamless integration with older networks such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). In LTE systems, the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) comprises multiple evolved Node-Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs) that communicate with multiple mobile stations called user equipment (UEs). 3rd Generation Partner Project (3GPP) networks typically include a hybrid of 2nd Generation (2G), 3rd Generation (3G), and 4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Board has decided to focus future NGMN activities on defining end-to-end requirements for 5G new radio (NR) systems.
[0005] The Non-Access Stratum (NAS) is used to transmit non-radio signaling between the UE for LTE / NR access and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). NAS signaling connections can be established through the connection process in 4G / LTE or the registration process in 5G / NR, involving UE subscription and identity. The Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is one of several software applications residing in the UE, referred to as the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). As smartphones and services become more affordable, their users tend to use different mobile subscriptions (i.e., USIM cards) to meet travel, business, and personal needs. Many UEs now support multiple USIM cards (MUIM) for simultaneous registration and operation on different USIMs.
[0006] When a UE establishes a NAS signaling connection on the first USIM, it may need to switch to the second USIM due to more important activities on the second USIM. If the UE supports MUSIM and requests the network to release the NAS signaling connection on the first USIM or reject paging requests, the UE can set the request type of the UE request type information element (IE) in the REGISTRATION REQUEST message, TRACKINGARE UPDATE REQUEST message, EXTENDED SERVICE REQUEST message, CONTROL PLANE SERVICE REQUEST message, or SERVICE REQUEST message to "NAS signaling connection release" or "paging rejected". Then, through the same NAS signaling connection, the UE receives a TRACKING AREAUPDATE (TAU) accept message, a registration accept message, a service accept message, or a configuration update command message. Subsequently, the UE should receive an instruction from the network / lower layer to release the connection on the first USIM.
[0007] However, the UE may be unable to receive the instruction from the network / lower layer for an extended period, thus failing to release the radio resources consumed on the first USIM. A solution is needed to handle this scenario, allowing the UE to switch to the second USIM to perform other more important activities. Summary of the Invention
[0008] This paper proposes a method for handling NAS signaling connection release using a protection timer in a MUSIM-enabled UE in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) / 5G system (5GS) network. When a UE establishes a NAS signaling connection on the first USIM, it may need to switch to the second USIM due to more important activities on the second USIM. If both the UE and the network support the feature of releasing NAS signaling connections, the UE can set the request type in the UE request type IE of the registration / TAU or service request message to "NAS signaling connection release". If both the UE and the network support the feature of paging rejection, the UE can set the request type in the UE request type IE of the service request message, extended service request, or control plane service request message to "paging rejection". To ensure the release of the NAS signaling connection on the first USIM to free up the hardware resources occupied by the first USIM, the UE can start a protection timer when it receives a registration / TAU or service acceptance message (and a configuration update command message in 5G) from the network. The UE can locally release the NAS signaling connection when the timer expires to improve service on the second USIM.
[0009] In one implementation, the UE establishes a NAS signaling connection in a wireless communication network. The UE supports MUSIM and establishes a NAS signaling connection on a first USIM. In response to a triggering condition associated with a second USIM, the UE sends a request message to the network. For example, USIM2 begins performing a critical task (such as a mobile-initiated voice call), while USIM1 uses RF hardware resources for non-urgent tasks (such as downloading a new Android operating system image in the background). The request message has a request type indicating the release of the NAS signaling connection. In response to an acceptance message received from the network, the UE starts a timer. If the acceptance message is a TAU acceptance message or a registration acceptance message, it indicates that the network supports the NAS signaling connection release feature. When the timer expires, the UE locally releases the NAS signaling connection established on the first USIM.
[0010] In another embodiment, the UE establishes a NAS signaling connection in a wireless communication network. The UE supports MUSIM and establishes the NAS signaling connection on a first USIM. The UE transmits data or receives paging on the first USIM. In response to a triggering condition associated with a second USIM, the UE sends a request message to the network. The request message has a request type indicating the release of the NAS signaling connection (e.g., USIM 2 begins performing a critical task (such as a mobile-initiated voice call), while USIM 1 uses RF hardware resources to perform some non-urgent task (such as downloading a new Android operating system image in the background)) or the rejection of paging (e.g., when USIM 1 receives a paging message, USIM 2 is currently performing a critical task, such as a mobile-initiated voice call). In response to an accept message (and optionally a configuration update command message) received from the network, the UE starts a timer. When the timer expires, the UE locally releases the NAS signaling connection established on the first USIM.
[0011] The MUSIM protection timer method for NAS signaling connection release and paging rejection proposed in this invention can improve user experience.
[0012] Other embodiments and advantages are described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims. Attached Figure Description
[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein the same numbers denote the same components.
[0014] Figure 1 The paper describes a novel approach to handling NAS signaling connection release for MUSIM-enabled UEs in an EPS / 5GS network.
[0015] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram of a UE and a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.
[0016] Figure 3 An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during the ATTACH / TAU process in an LTE network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0017] Figure 4 Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during the ATTACH / TAU process in an LTE network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0018] Figure 5 An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in an LTE network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0019] Figure 6Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in an LTE network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0020] Figure 7 An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during registration in a 5G NR network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0021] Figure 8 Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during registration in a 5G NR network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0022] Figure 9 An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in a 5G NR network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0023] Figure 10 Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in a 5G NR network, based on novel aspects, is described.
[0024] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for releasing a NAS signaling connection during registration in a 5G NR network according to a novel aspect of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for releasing a NAS signaling connection during a service request process in a 5G NR network according to a novel aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0027] Figure 1This paper describes the handling of NAS signaling connection release for UEs supporting MUSIM in an EPS / 5GS network 100 based on novel aspects. In 3GPP NR, a 5G NR access network (multiple base stations, e.g., next-generation node B (gNB)) communicates with multiple mobile stations called UEs. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) has been selected for NR downlink (DL) radio access schemes due to its robustness to multipath fading, higher spectral efficiency, and bandwidth scalability. In LTE and NR networks, the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is used for downlink scheduling. The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) is used for downlink data. Similarly, the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is used to carry uplink control information. The Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) is used for uplink data. In addition, the physical random-access channel (PRACH) is used for contention-free RACH.
[0028] On the other hand, NAS is used to transmit non-radio signaling between the UE and MME or AMF for LTE / NR access. Figure 1 In the example, UE 101 supports MUSIM for simultaneous registration and operation with EPC / 5GC 110 via different USIMs. Two or more different USIMs can register to the same EPS, the same 5G, different EPS, different 5G, or one or more EPS and one or more 5G. When the UE establishes a NAS signaling connection on the first USIM (step 121), the UE may need to switch to the second USIM due to more important activities on the second USIM (step 122). If UE 101 requests the network to release the NAS signaling connection on the first USIM, the UE can set the request type of the UE request type IE in the registration request message, TAU request message, extended service request message, control plane service request message, or service request message to "NAS signaling connection release" or "deny paging" (step 131). Through the same NAS signaling connection, UE 101 receives a TAU acceptance message, registration acceptance message, service acceptance message, or configuration update command message (step 132).
[0029] Subsequently, UE 101 should receive the release of the NAS signaling connection on the first USIM (this release is triggered by the network and indicated from the UE AS layer to the NAS layer). However, UE 101 may not receive the NAS signaling connection release for an extended period. To ensure the release of the NAS signaling connection on the first USIM to free up the hardware resources occupied by the first USIM, the UE can start a protection timer (T3440 or T3540) upon receiving a TAU accept message, registration accept message, service accept message, or configuration update command message from the network (step 141). UE 101 locally releases the NAS signaling connection when the timer expires to improve service on the second USIM (step 142).
[0030] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram 200 of wireless devices 201 and 211 according to embodiments of the present invention is described. For wireless device 201 (e.g., a base station), antennas 207 and 208 transmit and receive radio signals. An RF transceiver 206 is coupled to the antennas, receives RF signals from the antennas, converts them into baseband signals, and sends them to a processor 203. The RF transceiver 206 also converts baseband signals received from the processor 203, converts them into RF signals, and sends them to antennas 207 and 208. The processor 203 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules to perform functions in the wireless device 201. A memory 202 stores program instructions and data 210 to control the operation of the wireless device 201.
[0031] Similarly, for wireless device 211 (e.g., UE), antennas 217 and 218 transmit and receive radio signals. RF transceiver 216 is coupled to the antennas, receives RF signals from the antennas, converts them into baseband signals, and sends them to processor 213. RF transceiver 216 also converts baseband signals received from processor 213, converts them into RF signals, and sends them to antennas 217 and 218. Processor 213 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules and circuits to perform functions in wireless device 211. Memory 212 stores program instructions and data 220, and multiple USIM cards 225 to control the operation of wireless device 211.
[0032] Wireless devices 201 and 211 also include a plurality of functional modules and circuits implemented or configured to perform embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2In the example, wireless device 201 is a base station including a connection processing module 205, a scheduler 204, a paging and mobility management module 209, and control and configuration circuitry 221. Wireless device 211 is a UE including a connection processing module 215, a registration module 214, a timer 219, and control and configuration circuitry 231. Note that the wireless device can be a transmitting device and a receiving device. Different functional modules and circuits can be implemented and configured through hardware, firmware, software, and any combination thereof. When executed by processors 203 and 213 (e.g., by executing program instructions and data 210 and 220), the functional modules and circuits allow wireless devices 201 and 211 to perform embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] In one example, radio device 201 establishes a signaling connection with radio device 211 via connection processing module 205, schedules downlink and uplink transmissions of the UE via scheduler 204, performs paging, mobility, and handover management via paging and mobility management module 209, and provides control and configuration information to the UE via control and configuration circuitry 221. UE 211 registers with the network via registration module 214, establishes a signaling connection via connection processing module 215, maintains timer 219, and obtains configuration information via control and configuration circuitry 231. In a novel aspect, UE 211 supports MUSIM and uses a protection timer to handle the release of NAS signaling connections on one USIM to improve service on another USIM.
[0034] Figure 3 An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during the ATTACH / TAU process in an LTE network, according to a novel aspect, is described. UE 301 is equipped with multiple USIMs, such as USIM 1 and USIM 2. In step 311, UE 301 sends an additional request message to the LTE network 302 via USIM 1. The additional request message carries a UE network performance IE, which includes a NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support NAS signaling connection release". In step 312, UE 301 receives an additional accept message from the LTE network via USIM 1. The additional accept message carries an EPS network feature support IE, which includes a NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support NAS signaling connection release". At this point, UE 301 knows that the LTE network supports the NAS signaling connection release requested by the UE. Subsequently, due to prolonged inactivity (e.g., no data transmission for more than 10 seconds), the network may release the NAS signaling connection of the ATTACH process, or the network may retain it. Even if the network releases the NAS signaling connection for the ATTACH procedure, the UE or the network can re-establish the connection if uplink or downlink data needs to be transmitted later.
[0035] In step 321, USIM 2 on UE 301 begins performing more important services. If USIM 1 has already established a NAS signaling connection, the UE needs USIM 1 to stop using the NAS signaling connection. In step 331, if the UE needs to request the release of the NAS signaling connection as in step 321, and the conditions for triggering the Mobility TAU procedure are also met, UE 301 sends a TAU request message to the LTE network via USIM 1. The TAU request message carries the UE request type IE, which includes a request type set to "NAS signaling connection release". In step 332, UE 301 receives a TAU acceptance message from the LTE / EPS network via USIM 1. The TAU acceptance message carries the EPS network feature support IE, which includes a NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support NAS signaling connection release". Note that the feature supporting NAS signaling connection release may have changed during the TAU procedure. Therefore, it is necessary for the network to indicate this feature support again via the TAU acceptance message (in the new TAU for the UE's current location). In step 341, UE 301 starts a timer (T3440) upon receiving a TAU accept message. In step 342, the LTE network releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. In step 343, UE 301 stops timer T3440 and releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1 in response to the network release. Therefore, in step 351, the service on USIM 2 operates with improved performance.
[0036] Figure 4 Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during the ATTACH / TAU process in an LTE network, based on novel aspects, is described. Figure 4 In the embodiment, steps 411 to 441 are... Figure 3 Steps 311 to 341 of the illustrated embodiment are similar. However, in step 442, the LTE network 402 does not release the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1, or the LTE network triggers a release, but UE 401 does not receive a relevant message (e.g., an RRCRelease message or an RRCConnectionRelease message). In step 443, timer T3440 expires. In response, UE 401 locally releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. Therefore, in step 451, the service on USIM 2 operates with better performance.
[0037] Figure 5An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in an LTE network, according to a novel aspect, is described. UE 501 is equipped with multiple USIMs, such as USIM 1 and USIM 2. In step 511, UE 501 sends an additional request message to the LTE network 502 via USIM 1. The additional request message carries a UE network performance IE, which includes a NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support NAS signaling connection release". In step 512, UE 501 receives an additional accept message from the LTE network via USIM 1. The additional accept message carries an EPS network feature support IE, which includes a NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support NAS signaling connection release". At this point, UE 501 knows that the LTE network supports the NAS signaling connection release requested by the UE. In step 521, UE 501 begins transmitting data via USIM 1, establishing a NAS signaling connection on USIM 1.
[0038] In step 531, USIM 2 on UE 501 begins performing more important services and requires USIM 1 to cease using the NAS signaling connection. In step 532, UE 501 sends an Extended Service Request message or a Control Plane Service Request message to the LTE network via USIM 1 (e.g., triggered by step 531). The service request message carries a UE request type IE, which includes a request type set to "NAS signaling connection release". In step 533, UE 501 receives a service acceptance message from the LTE / EPS network via USIM 1. In step 541, UE 501 starts a timer (T3440) upon receiving the service acceptance message. In step 542, the LTE network does not release the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1, or the LTE network triggers the release, but UE 501 does not receive the relevant message (e.g., the UE cannot receive the RRCRelease message or the RRCConnectionRelease message). In step 543, timer T3440 expires. In response, UE 501 locally releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. Therefore, in step 551, the service on USIM 2 operates with better performance.
[0039] Figure 6Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in an LTE network, according to a novel aspect, is described. UE 601 is equipped with multiple USIMs, such as USIM 1 and USIM 2. In step 611, UE 601 sends an additional request message to the LTE network 602 via USIM 1. The additional request message carries a UE network performance IE, which includes a paging rejection bit set to "Support paging rejection request". In step 612, UE 601 receives a registration acceptance message from the LTE network via USIM 1. The additional reception message carries an EPS network function support IE, which includes a paging rejection bit set to "Support paging rejection request". At this time, UE 601 knows that the LTE network supports NAS signaling connection release upon receiving a paging rejection. In step 621, USIM 2 on UE 601 begins to perform more important services, requiring USIM 1 to not use a NAS signaling connection.
[0040] In step 631, UE 601 receives a paging request for USIM 1 from LTE network 602. Therefore, in step 632, when the USIM 1 connection begins, USIM 2 service becomes worse. To improve the more critical USIM 2 service, in step 633, UE 601 sends an Extended Service Request message or a Control Plane Service Request message to the LTE network via USIM 1. The service request message carries a UE request type IE, which includes a request type set to "Reject Paging". In step 634, UE 601 receives a Service Acceptance message from the LTE network via USIM 1. Note that the purpose of establishing the NAS signaling connection to reject paging is to send a service request to the network, and the network should release the NAS signaling connection immediately after sending a Service Acceptance message to the UE. In step 641, UE 601 starts a timer (T3440) upon receiving the Service Acceptance message. In step 642, LTE network 602 does not release the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1, or the LTE network triggers a release, but UE 601 does not receive the relevant message (e.g., the UE cannot receive the RRCRelease message or the RRCConnectionRelease message). In step 643, timer T3440 expires. In response, UE 601 locally releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. Therefore, in step 651, the service on USIM2 operates with better performance.
[0041] Figure 7An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during registration in a 5G NR network, based on novel aspects, is described. UE 701 is equipped with multiple USIMs, such as USIM 1 and USIM 2. In step 711, UE 701 sends a registration request message to the 5G network 702 via USIM 1. The registration request message carries a 5GMM network performance IE, which includes an N1 NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support N1 NAS signaling connection release". In step 712, UE 701 receives a registration acceptance message from the 5G network via USIM 1. The registration acceptance message carries a 5GS network feature support IE, which includes an N1 NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support N1 NAS signaling connection release". UE 701 knows that the 5G network supports the NAS signaling connection release requested by the UE.
[0042] In step 721, USIM 2 on UE 701 begins performing more important services. If USIM 1 has already established a NAS signaling connection, the UE needs USIM 1 to stop using the NAS signaling connection. In step 731, if the UE happens to need to perform a registration process (e.g., due to moving out of the registration area), UE 701 sends a registration request message to the 5G network via USIM 1. The registration request message carries a UE request type IE, which includes a request type set to "NAS signaling connection release". In step 732, UE 701 receives a registration acceptance message from the 5G network via USIM 1. The registration acceptance message carries a 5GS network feature support IE, which includes an N1 NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support N1 NAS signaling connection release". Note that the feature supporting NAS signaling connection release may have changed during the second registration process. Therefore, it is necessary for the 5G network to indicate this feature support again via the registration acceptance message. In step 741, UE 701 starts a timer (T3540) upon receiving the registration acceptance message. In step 742, the 5G network releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. In step 743, UE 701 stops timer T3540. Therefore, in step 751, the service on USIM 2 operates with better performance.
[0043] Figure 8 Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during registration in a 5G NR network, based on novel aspects, is described. Figure 8 In the embodiment, steps 811 to 841 are... Figure 7Steps 711 to 741 of the illustrated embodiment are similar. However, in step 842, the 5G network 802 does not release the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1, or the 5G network triggers a release, but UE 801 does not receive the relevant message (e.g., the UE cannot receive the RRCRelease message or the RRCConnectionRelease message). In step 843, timer T3540 expires. In response, UE 801 locally releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. Therefore, in step 851, the service on USIM 2 operates with better performance.
[0044] Figure 9 An implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in a 5G NR network, based on novel aspects, is described. UE 901 is equipped with multiple USIMs, such as USIM 1 and USIM 2. In step 911, UE 901 sends a registration request message to the 5G network 902 via USIM 1. The registration request message carries a 5GMM network performance IE, which includes an N1 NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support N1 NAS signaling connection release". In step 912, UE 901 receives a registration acceptance message from the 5G network via USIM 1. The registration acceptance message carries a 5GS network feature support IE, which includes an N1 NAS signaling connection release bit set to "Support N1 NAS signaling connection release". At this time, UE 901 knows that the 5G network supports the NAS signaling connection release requested by the UE. In step 921, UE 901 begins transmitting data via USIM 1, establishing a NAS signaling connection on USIM 1.
[0045] In step 931, USIM 2 on UE 901 begins performing more important services and requires USIM 1 to cease using the NAS signaling connection. In step 932, UE 901 sends an Extended Service Request message or a Control Plane Service Request message to the 5G network via USIM 1. The service request message carries a UE request type IE, which includes a request type set to "NAS signaling connection release". In step 933, UE 901 receives a Service Acceptance message from the 5G network via USIM 1. In step 941, UE 901 starts a timer (T3540) upon receiving the TAU Acceptance message. In step 942, the 5G network 902 does not release the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1, or the 5G network triggers a release, but UE 901 does not receive the relevant message (e.g., the UE cannot receive the RRCRelease message or the RRCConnectionRelease message). In step 943, timer T3540 expires. In response, UE 901 locally releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. Therefore, in step 951, the services on USIM 2 operate with better performance.
[0046] Figure 10 Another implementation of NAS signaling connection release during a service request process in a 5G NR network, according to a novel aspect, is described. UE 1001 is equipped with multiple USIMs, such as USIM 1 and USIM 2. In step 1011, UE 1001 sends a registration request message to the 5G network 1002 via USIM 1. The registration request message carries a 5GMM network performance IE, which includes a paging rejection bit set to "Support paging rejection request". In step 1012, UE 1001 receives a registration acceptance message from the 5G network via USIM 1. The registration acceptance message carries a 5GS network feature support IE, which includes a paging rejection bit set to "Support paging rejection request". At this time, UE 1001 knows that the 5G network supports NAS signaling connection release upon receiving a paging rejection. In step 1021, USIM 2 on UE 1001 begins to perform more important services, requiring USIM 1 to not use a NAS signaling connection.
[0047] In step 1031, UE 1001 receives a paging request from 5G network 1002. As a result, in step 1032, after the USIM 1 connection begins, the USIM 2 service deteriorates. To improve the more critical USIM 2 service, in step 1033, UE 1001 sends an extended service request message or a control plane service request message to the 5G network via USIM 1. The service request message carries a UE request type IE, which includes a request type set to "deny paging". In step 1034, UE 1001 receives a service acceptance message and a configuration update command from the 5G network via USIM 1. The order of receiving the service acceptance message and the configuration update command can be: (1) receiving the service acceptance message first, and then receiving the configuration update command, or (2) receiving the configuration update command message first, and then receiving the service acceptance command. Note that the purpose of establishing the NAS signaling connection for paging denial is to send a service request to the network, and the network should release the NAS signaling connection immediately after sending the service acceptance and configuration update commands to the UE. In step 1041, UE 1001 starts a timer (T3540) upon receiving a service acceptance message and a configuration update command. In step 1042, the 5G network 1002 does not release the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1, or the 5G network triggers a release, but UE 1001 does not receive the relevant message (e.g., the UE cannot receive the RRCRelease message or the RRCConnectionRelease message). In step 1043, timer T3240 expires. In response, UE 1001 locally releases the NAS signaling connection on USIM 1. Therefore, in step 1051, the service on USIM 2 operates with better performance.
[0048] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for releasing a NAS signaling connection during registration in a 5G NR network according to a novel aspect of the present invention. In step 1101, the UE establishes a NAS signaling connection in the wireless communication network. The UE supports MUSIM and establishes the NAS signaling connection on a first USIM. In step 1102, the UE sends a request message to the network (e.g., in response to a triggering condition associated with a second USIM). The request message has a request type indicating the release of the NAS signaling connection. In step 1103, in response to receiving an acceptance message from the network, the UE starts a timer. If the acceptance message is a TAU acceptance message or a registration acceptance message, the acceptance message indicates that the network supports the NAS signaling connection release feature. In step 1104, when the timer expires, the UE locally releases the NAS signaling connection established on the first USIM.
[0049] Figure 12This is a flowchart illustrating a method for releasing a NAS signaling connection during a service request process in a 5G NR network according to a novel aspect of the present invention. In step 1201, the UE establishes a NAS signaling connection in the wireless communication network. The UE supports MUSIM. In step 1202, if a NAS signaling connection is established on the first USIM, the UE transmits data; or if no NAS signaling connection is established on the first USIM, the UE receives a paging request. In step 1203, the UE sends a request message to the network (e.g., in response to a triggering condition associated with a second USIM). The request message has a request type indicating the release of the NAS signaling connection or rejection of paging. In step 1204, in response to receiving an accept message (and a configuration update command message) from the network, the UE starts a timer. In step 1205, when the timer expires, the UE locally releases the NAS signaling connection established on the first USIM.
[0050] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with certain specific embodiments for guiding purposes, the invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
Claims
1. A method for protecting a timer in a multi-user identification module, comprising: A user equipment establishes a non-access stratum signaling connection in a wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment supports multiple general user identification modules and establishes the non-access stratum signaling connection on a first general user identification module. Send a request message to the wireless communication network, wherein the request message is a tracking area update request message having a request type indicating the release of the non-access stratum signaling connection; A timer is started in response to receiving an accept message from the wireless communication network, wherein the accept message is a tracking area update accept message with support for non-access stratum signaling connection release; as well as When the timer expires, the non-access stratum signaling connection on the first general user identification module is locally released.
2. The method for protecting the timer of the multi-user identification module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The received message is the Tracking Area Update Receive Message carrying the Evolved Packet System Network Characteristics Support Information element, which has a Non-Access Stratum Signalling Connection Release bit configured to support the release of Non-Access Stratum Signalling Connections.
3. A user equipment with a multi-user identification module and a protection timer, comprising: A connection processing module establishes a non-access stratum signaling connection in a wireless communication network, wherein the user equipment supports multiple general user identification modules and establishes the non-access stratum signaling connection on a first general user identification module; The radio frequency transceiver sends a request message to the wireless communication network, wherein the request message is a tracking area update request message having a request type indicating the release of the non-access stratum signaling connection; A timer is started in response to receiving an accept message from the wireless communication network, wherein the accept message is a tracking area update accept message that supports the release of a non-access stratum signaling connection, and the non-access stratum signaling connection on the first general user identification module is locally released when the timer expires.
4. The user equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The received message is the Tracking Area Update Receive Message carrying the Evolved Packet System Network Characteristics Support Information element, which has a Non-Access Stratum Signalling Connection Release bit configured to support the release of Non-Access Stratum Signalling Connections.
5. A method for protecting a timer in a multi-user identification module, comprising: A user equipment that has not established a non-access stratum signaling connection on a first general user identification module receives a paging on a first general user identification module, wherein the user equipment supports multiple general user identification modules; The user equipment establishes a non-access stratum signaling connection on the first general user identification module in the wireless communication network; Send a request message to the wireless communication network, wherein the request message has a request type of rejecting the paging, and the request message is an Extended Service Request message or a Control Plane Service Request message in an Evolved Packet System network; In response to receiving a service acceptance start timer from the wireless communication network; as well as When the timer expires, the non-access stratum signaling connection established on the first general user identification module is locally released.
6. A user equipment with a multi-user identification module and a protection timer, comprising: A radio frequency transceiver is used to receive a paging message on the first general user identification module when no non-access stratum signaling connection is established on the first general user identification module, wherein the user equipment supports multiple general user identification modules; The connection processing module establishes a non-access stratum signaling connection on the first general user identification module in the wireless communication network; The radio frequency transceiver is further configured to send a request message to the wireless communication network, wherein the request message has a request type of rejecting the paging, and the request message is an extended service request message or a control plane service request message in an evolved packet system network. A timer is started in response to receiving a service acceptance message from the wireless communication network, and when the timer expires, the non-access stratum signaling connection established on the first general user identification module is locally released.