Method and network entity for limiting paging

Abstract

A method for determining the paging restriction of downlink signaling for MUSIM UE is proposed. If the UE requests the network to support the paging restriction for the first USIM, the UE can send a request message to the network, carrying the UE preferred paging restriction information. Subsequently, the UE receives an acceptance message from the network, and the paging of the first USIM is restricted based on the UE preferred paging restriction information. Therefore, when the downlink signaling for the first USIM of the UE is to be transmitted, the network side can decide whether the first USIM of the UE should be paged according to the paging restriction type indicated by the paging restriction information. Since the downlink signaling for USIM1 is selectively restricted, the UE can perform important work on USIM2 without interference, with good performance and user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to determining whether the network should page the UE when paging restrictions are applied and if downlink signaling messages are present. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication networks have grown exponentially over the years. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) systems offer high data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and lower operating costs due to simplified network architecture. LTE systems, also known as 4G evolved packet systems (EPS), also provide seamless integration with legacy wireless networks such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). In LTE systems, the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) comprises multiple evolved Node-Bs (e.g., eNodeBs or eNBs) that communicate with multiple mobile stations called user equipment (UEs). The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) rd Generation Partner Project (3GPP) networks typically include a mix of 2G / 3G / 4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) committee has decided to focus future NGMN activities on defining the end-to-end requirements for 5G new radio (NR) systems. Base stations in a 5G system (5GS) are referred to as next-generation Node-Bs (e.g., gNodeB or gNB).

[0003] 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 their travel, business, and personal needs. Many UEs now support multiple USIM (MUSIM) cards to simultaneously register and operate through different USIMs. UEs with multiple USIMs are able to maintain a separate registration status for each USIM on the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), at least on 3GPP access, and support one or more MUSIM functions: connection release, paging cause indication for voice services, paging request rejection, paging timing collision control, and paging restriction.

[0004] The UE and 5GS / EPS network can support paging restriction for downlink user data. If the network instructs the UE to support paging restriction, the UE can indicate paging restriction information in a Service Request or Registration Request message in 5G, or in a Service Request, Extended Service Request, or Tracking Area Update Request message in 4G. Different paging restriction information can indicate a) all paging is restricted, b) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services (IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services), c) all paging is restricted except for paging for certain PDU sessions / PDN connections, or d) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services and paging for certain PDU sessions / PDN connections.

[0005] If the network has downlink signaling to be transmitted for a MUSIM UE and the network has already stored the MUSIM UE's paging restriction configuration / information, it is unclear to both the UE and the network controller (NW) what the different configurations actually mean. It is necessary to clarify which NW procedures or downlink signaling messages are pagingable and which are not, to ensure consistency in network-side implementations across different vendors. For the UE side, if using a certain paging restriction type will prevent the NW from paging the UE, the UE needs to consider that its registration status and PDU status in the NW may not be synchronized with its perceived registration status and PDU status before the NW removes that paging restriction type. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a method for restricting paging, comprising: a network entity in an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network receiving a request message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the request message includes paging restriction information for the UE; sending an acceptance message to the UE, wherein the acceptance message indicates that the network accepts the paging restriction information; determining whether a downlink signaling message is subject to paging restriction based on the paging restriction information; and sending the downlink (DL) signaling message to the UE when a paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message.

[0007] This application provides a network entity, comprising: a receiver for receiving a request message from a user equipment (UE) in an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network, wherein the request message includes paging restriction information for the UE; a transmitter for sending an acceptance message to the UE, wherein the acceptance message indicates that the network accepts the paging restriction information; and a paging processing circuit for determining whether a downlink signaling message is subject to paging restriction based on the paging restriction information, wherein when a paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message, the network entity sends the downlink signaling message to the UE.

[0008] This application provides a method for restricting paging, comprising: a user equipment (UE) sending a request message to a network entity in an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network, wherein the UE supports a multiple universal user identity module (MUSIM), wherein the request message includes paging restriction information for the UE; the UE receiving an acceptance message, the acceptance message instructing the network to accept and store the paging restriction information; and receiving the downlink signaling message when a paging restriction exception is determined to be applicable to a downlink signaling message based on the paging restriction information.

[0009] A method for determining paging restrictions on downlink signaling of a MUSIM UE is proposed. If the UE requests network support for paging restrictions on its first USIM, the UE can send a request message to the network carrying its preferred paging restriction information. Subsequently, the UE receives an accept message from the network, indicating that paging of the first USIM is restricted based on the UE's preferred paging restriction information. In this way, when the DL (DownLink) signaling of the UE's first USIM is pending transmission, the network can determine whether to page the UE's first USIM based on the paging restriction type indicated by the paging restriction information. Because the DL signaling of USIM1 is selectively restricted, the UE can perform more important tasks on USIM2 without interference, resulting in better performance and user experience.

[0010] Other embodiments and advantages are described in the detailed description below. This overview is not intended to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein the same numbers indicate the same components.

[0012] Figure 1 This paper illustrates a novel aspect of paging restriction handling for user equipment (UE) supporting multiple USIMs (MUSIMs) in an EPS / 5GS network.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of a UE and a base station according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 A series of procedures for handling paging restrictions of MUSIM UEs in a 5GS network according to a novel aspect are shown.

[0015] Figure 4 An embodiment of a paging restriction IE in a 5GS network is shown, according to a novel aspect, the paging restriction IE having a paging restriction type for a MUSIM UE.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for handling paging restrictions of MUSIM UE in 5GS according to a novel aspect of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 A series of procedures for handling paging restrictions of MUSIM UEs in an EPS network according to a novel aspect are shown.

[0018] Figure 7An embodiment of a paging restriction IE in an EPS network is shown, according to a novel aspect, the paging restriction IE having a paging restriction type for a MUSIM UE.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for handling paging restrictions of MUSIM UE in EPS according to a novel aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This paper illustrates a novel aspect of UE paging restriction handling for supporting MUSIM in an EPS / 5GS network 100. In 3GPP LTE and NR, a radio access network (multiple base stations, such as eNodeBs or next-generation node Bs (gNodeBs)) communicates with multiple mobile sites referred to as UEs. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is chosen for NR downlink (DL) radio access schemes due to its robustness to multipath fading, high 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) carries uplink (UL) control information. The Physical Random-Access Channel (PUSCH) is used for uplink data. In addition, the physical random-access channel (PRACH) is used for the non-contention-based random-access channel (RACH).

[0022] In the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer, the Access and Mobility Function (AMF) and Session Management Function (SMF) (or the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in 4G) communicate with the RAN and 5GC (5G core network) / Evolved Packet Core Network (EPC) 110 for access and mobility management and PDU session / PDN connection management of radio access devices in the EPS / 5GS network 100. Figure 1 In the example, UE 101 supports multiple Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (MUSIMs) for simultaneous registration and operation with EPC / 5GC 110 via different USIMs. Two or more different USIMs can register to the same Evolved Packet System (EPS), the same 5GS, different EPS, different 5GS, or one or more EPS and one or more 5GS. When UE 101 receives a paging and / or establishes a NAS signaling connection on the first USIM1 (step 121), UE 101 may need to switch to the second USIM2 for better performance and user experience because important activities or work will begin on the second USIM2 (step 122).

[0023] A UE with multiple USIMs can maintain a separate registration status for each USIM in the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) at least on 3GPP access, and support one or more MUSIM features: support for connection release, support for paging reason indication for voice services, support for paging request rejection, paging timing conflict control, and support for paging restrictions. If UE 101 requests the network to support paging restrictions for the first USIM, UE 101 can send a request message to the network (as shown in step 131), carrying the UE's preferred paging restriction configuration / information. UE 101 can include its paging restriction preferences in the paging restriction IE in an Extended Service Request message, a Control Plane Service Request message, or a Service Request message. Subsequently, UE 101 receives an Accept message from the network (as shown in step 132), and paging of the first USIM is restricted based on the UE's preferred paging restriction configuration / information. Therefore, when the DL signaling for the first USIM of UE 101 is pending transmission (step 141), the network can determine whether it should page the first USIM of UE 101 based on the paging restriction type indicated in the paging restriction configuration / information (step 151). Since the DL signaling for USIM1 is selectively restricted, the probability of USIM1 of UE 101 being paged is reduced, allowing more important tasks to be performed on USIM2 without disruption, resulting in better performance and user experience.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of wireless devices 201 and 211 according to embodiments of the present invention. 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 processor 203. The RF transceiver 206 also converts the received baseband signals from the processor into RF signals and sends them to antennas 207 and 208. Processor 203 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules and circuits to execute features in wireless device 201. Memory 202 stores program instructions and data 210 to control the operation of wireless device 201.

[0025] Similarly, for wireless device 211 (e.g., user equipment), antennas 217 and 218 transmit and receive RF 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 received baseband signals from the processor 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 within wireless device 211. Memory 212 stores program instructions and data 220, as well as multiple USIM cards 225 to control the operation of wireless device 211.

[0026] Wireless devices 201 and 211 also include several functional modules and circuits that can be implemented and configured to perform embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 In the example, wireless device 201 is a base station, and includes an RRC 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, and includes a connection processing module 215, a registration module 214, a timer 219, and control and configuration circuitry 231. Note that a wireless device can be both a transmitting and receiving device. Different functional modules and circuits can be implemented and configured through software, firmware, hardware, 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 base station 201 and UE 211 to perform embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] In one example, base station 201 establishes a signaling connection with UE 211 via RRC connection processing module 205, schedules downlink and uplink transmissions for the UE via scheduler 204, performs paging, mobility, and handover management via mobility management module 209, and provides control and configuration information to the UE via 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, MUSIM-enabled UE 211 handles the release of NAS signaling connections for one USIM, paging rejection, or paging restriction to improve service for another USIM.

[0028] Paging restrictions in 5GS

[0029] Figure 3This paper illustrates a series of procedures for handling paging restrictions for a MUSIM UE in a 5GS network according to a novel aspect. UE 301 supports multiple USIM cards, including USIM1 and USIM2 (or more USIMs). MUSIM UE 301 and 5GS network 302 (e.g., 5GS NW) support paging restrictions to improve the performance of one of the multiple USIM cards. In step 311, UE 301 has important work to begin on USIM2 or important work is in progress on USIM2. UE 301 therefore wants to apply paging restrictions to USIM1 so that only specific downlink signaling causes the UE to be paged by the network. In step 321, UE 301 sends a request message to 5GS network 302 carrying paging restriction information IE. The request message can be a registration request message, a service request message, or a control plane service request message. The paging restriction information IE includes the paging restriction type, indicating the different paging restriction information desired by UE 301. In step 322, the 5GS NW 302 sends an acceptance message back to the UE 301, indicating that the network has accepted the paging restriction information for the UE 301. The acceptance message can be a registration acceptance message or a service acceptance message.

[0030] In step 331, the 5GS NW 302 stores paging restriction information for UE 301, including the paging restriction type for USIM1. In step 341, the 5GS NW 302 has downlink signaling to be transmitted for USIM1 of UE 301. Therefore, the network needs to determine whether it should page USIM1 of UE 301 based on the stored paging restriction information. In step 351, if the NW 302 determines that the paging restriction does not apply to this downlink signaling to be transmitted, for example, the downlink signaling belongs to one of several paging restriction exceptions, then the NW 302 sends a paging request for USIM1 to UE 301. Otherwise, in step 352, if the NW 302 determines that the paging restriction does apply to this downlink signaling to be transmitted, for example, the downlink signaling does not belong to one of several paging restriction exceptions, then the NW 302 does not send a paging request for USIM1 to UE 301.

[0031] Figure 4An embodiment of a paging restriction IE in a 5GS network according to a novel aspect is shown, the paging restriction IE having a paging restriction type for a MUSIM UE. Multiple USIM UEs and the 5GS network may support paging restriction. If the AMF instructs the network to support paging restriction functionality, the multiple USIM UE may indicate paging restriction information in a service request or registration request message (including cases where a registration request is sent due to movement outside the registration area, assuming the network has already indicated support for paging restriction functionality in the currently stored registration area, i.e., before detecting whether the network supports paging restriction functionality in the new tracking area).

[0032] Based on operator policy, the AMF can accept or reject paging restriction information requested by the UE. If the AMF accepts the paging restriction information from the UE, it stores the information in the UE context. If the AMF rejects the paging restriction information, it removes all stored paging restriction information from the UE context and discards the requested information. The AMF notifies the UE of the acceptance / rejection of the requested paging restriction information in a Tracking Area Update Accept message or a Service Accept message. If the UE does not provide any paging restriction information in its 3GPP access service request or 3GPP access registration request, the AMF removes all stored paging restriction information from the UE context.

[0033] Paging restrictions on IE Figure 4 The 401 and 402 descriptions are provided. It includes paging restriction types, which are... Figure 4 403 describes the paging restriction type. The paging restriction type can indicate any of the following: a) all paging is restricted; or b) all paging is restricted except for paging for Voice Services (IMS Voice); or c) all paging is restricted except for paging for certain PDU sessions; or d) all paging is restricted except for paging for Voice Services (IMS Voice) and paging for certain PDU sessions. For a) and b), the paging restriction IE is described by 401. For c) and d), the paging restriction IE is described by 402, which includes the paging restriction type and a PDU session identity (PSI) that identifies the certain PDU sessions corresponding to the paging restriction.

[0034] In one embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to a) all paging is restricted. This means that the network does not page the UE.

[0035] In one embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to b) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services (IMS voice). This means that the network is only allowed to initiate a paging process for the UE if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical to the availability of voice services. Criticality of the DL signaling message to the availability of voice services means that the message is a DL 5GMM (5GS mobility management) signaling message (e.g., a DEREGISTRATION REQEUEST) or a DL 5GSM (5GS session management) signaling message for any PDU session of the voice service (e.g., a PDU SESSIONMODIFICATION COMMAND or a PDU SESSION RELEASE COMMAND for an IMS PDU). In one example, the network will page the UE only when the network has downlink user data to be transmitted for a MultiMedia Telephony (MMTEL) voice call to the UE, or only when the network has downlink user data to be transmitted for a MMTEL video call to the UE.

[0036] In another embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to c) all paging is restricted except for paging for a specified PDU session. This means that the network is only allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical to the availability of the specified PDU session. Criticality of the DL signaling message to the specified PDU session means that the message is a DL 5GMM signaling message (e.g., a DEREGISTRATION REQUEST), or that the network has downlink 5GSM signaling to be transmitted for paging an unrestricted PDU session based on stored paging restrictions. In one example, the network should page the UE if: 1) for paging any unrestricted PDU session based on stored paging restriction preferences, the network i) has downlink user data to be transmitted for the UE; or ii) initiates a network-requested PDU session modification procedure for the UE; or iii) initiates a network-requested PDU session release procedure for the UE; or 2) the network initiates a deregistration procedure for the UE.

[0037] In another embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to d) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services (IMS voice) and paging for a specified PDU session. This means that the network is allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE only if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical to the availability of voice services or critical to the availability of a specified PDU session. Critical to voice services or critical to a specified PDU session means that the message is a DL 5GMM signaling message, or a DL 5GSM signaling message for any PDU session of voice services, or downlink 5GSM signaling to be transmitted by the network for a PDU session where paging based on stored paging restrictions is not restricted. Paging restriction type d) is actually a combination of paging restriction type b) and type c), for example, the paging restriction exceptions listed in restriction type b) and restriction type c) also apply to paging restriction type d).

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for handling paging restrictions of a MUSIM UE in 5GS according to a novel aspect of the present invention. In step 501, a network entity receives a request message from a user equipment (UE) in the 5GS wireless communication network. This request message includes paging restriction information for the UE. In step 502, the network entity sends an acceptance message to the UE. The acceptance message instructs the network to accept and store the paging restriction information. In step 503, the network entity determines whether downlink signaling messages are subject to paging restrictions based on the paging restriction information. In step 504, when a paging restriction exception applies to downlink signaling messages, the network entity sends the downlink signaling messages to the UE. In one embodiment, the paging restriction information is provided by the UE to restrict paging to the first USIM when there is more important work on the UE's second USIM.

[0039] Paging restrictions in EPS

[0040] Figure 6This paper illustrates a series of procedures for handling paging restrictions for a MUSIM UE in an EPS network according to a novel aspect. UE 601 supports multiple USIM cards, including USIM1 and USIM2. MUSIM UE 601 and EPS network 602 support paging restrictions to improve the performance of one of the multiple USIM cards. In step 611, UE 601 has important work to begin on USIM2 or important work to be performed on USIM2. Therefore, UE 601 wants to apply a paging restriction to USIM1 so that the network only paging UE 601 for specific downlink signaling. In step 621, UE 601 sends a request message to EPS network 602, carrying paging restriction information IE. The request message can be a Tracking Area Update Request message, an Extended Service Request message, or a Control Plane Service Request message. The paging restriction information IE includes the paging restriction type, indicating the different paging information expected by UE 601. In step 622, EPS NW 602 sends an acceptance message to UE 601, indicating that the network has accepted UE 601's paging restriction information. The acceptance message can be a tracking area update (TAU) acceptance message or a service acceptance message.

[0041] In step 631, EPS NW 602 stores paging restriction information for UE 601, including the paging restriction type for USIM1. In step 641, EPS NW 602 has downlink signaling to be transmitted for USIM1 of UE 601. Therefore, the network needs to determine whether it should page USIM1 of UE 601 based on the stored paging restriction information. In step 651, if NW 602 determines that the paging restriction does not apply to DL signaling, for example, if the DL signaling belongs to one of multiple paging restriction exceptions, then NW 602 sends a paging request for USIM1 to UE 601. Otherwise, in step 652, if NW 602 determines that the paging restriction does apply to DL signaling, for example, if the DL signaling does not belong to one of multiple paging restriction exceptions, then NW 602 does not send a paging request for USIM1 to UE 601.

[0042] Figure 7An embodiment of a paging restriction IE in an EPS network according to a novel aspect is shown, the paging restriction IE having a paging restriction type for a MUSIM UE. Both the MUSIM UE and the network can support paging restrictions. If the MME instructs the network to support paging restriction functionality, the MUSIM UE can indicate paging restriction information in an Extended Service Request or Tracking Area Update Request (including cases where a Tracking Area Update is performed due to a move to a tracking area outside the current Tracking Area List, assuming the network has already indicated support for paging restrictions in areas of the current Tracking Area List; i.e., a Tracking Area Update Request can be sent before detecting whether the network supports paging restriction functionality in the new Tracking Area).

[0043] The MME can accept or reject paging restriction information requested by the UE. If the MME accepts the paging restriction information from the UE, it stores it in the UE context. If the MME rejects the paging restriction information, it removes all stored paging restriction information for that UE from the UE context and discards the requested paging restriction information. The MME notifies the UE of the acceptance / rejection of the requested paging restriction information in a Tracking Area Update Accept message or a Service Accept message. If the UE does not provide paging restriction information in an Extended Service Request message or a Tracking Area Update Request message, or if the UE initiates a Service Request procedure, the MME removes all stored paging restriction information for that UE from the UE context.

[0044] Paging restrictions on IE Figure 7 Descriptions 701 and 702 in the document. It includes paging restriction types, which are... Figure 7 Section 703 describes a paging restriction type that can indicate any of the following: a) all paging is restricted; b) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services (MMTel voice or CS (Circuit Switch) domain voice); or c) all paging is restricted except for paging for certain PDN connections; or d) all paging is restricted except for paging for certain PDN connections and paging for voice services (MMTel voice or CS domain voice). For a) and b), the paging restriction IE is described by section 701. For c) and d), the paging restriction IE is described by section 702, which includes the paging restriction type and an EPS bearer identifier (EBI) identifying certain PDN connections.

[0045] In one embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to a) all paging is restricted. This means that the network does not use the S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI) and the CN domain indicator set to "PS (Packet Switch)" to initiate a paging process for EPS service to the UE.

[0046] In one embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to b) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services. This means that the network is only allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical to the availability of voice services. Criticality of the DL signaling message to voice services means that the message is a DL EMM (EPS Mobility Management) signaling message (e.g., a DETACHREQEUST) or a DL ESM signaling message for the PDN connection of the voice service. In one example, the network initiates a paging procedure for the UE for EPS services using the S-TMSI and a CN domain indicator set to “PS” only if: 1) downlink user data to be transmitted for the UE related to an MMTEL voice call; or 2) downlink user data to be transmitted for the UE related to an MMTEL video call. The network uses S-TMSI and a CN field indicator set to "PS" to initiate a paging process for the UE for EPS service. This process includes the network sending a paging message to the UE, which includes S-TMSI and a CN field indicator set to "PS".

[0047] In another embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to c) all paging is restricted except for paging for a specified PDN connection. This means that the network is only allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical to the availability of the specified PDN connection. Criticality of the DL signaling message to the specified PDN connection means that the message is a DL EMM signaling message, such as a DETACH REQUEST, or that the network has downlink ESM signaling to be transmitted for a PDN connection that is not restricted by store-based paging restrictions. In one example, the network should initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS services using S-TMSI and a CN domain indicator set to “PS”, where: for any PDN connection that is not restricted by store-based paging restrictions, the network: i) has downlink user data to be transmitted for the UE; or ii) initiates an EPS bearer context deactivation procedure for the UE; or iii) initiates an EPS bearer context modification procedure for the UE.

[0048] In another embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to d) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services and paging for designated PDN connections. This means that the network is only allowed to initiate a paging process for the UE if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical to the availability of the voice service or the availability of the designated PDN connection. Critical to the voice service or the designated PDN connection for the DL signaling message means that the message is a DL EMM signaling message, or a DL ESM (EPS Session Management) signaling message for any PDN connection of the voice service, or downlink ESM signaling to be transmitted for a PDN connection where paging based on storage restrictions is not restricted. Paging restriction type d) is actually a combination of paging restriction type b) and type c), for example, the paging restriction exceptions listed in restriction type b) and restriction type c) also apply to paging restriction type d).

[0049] Figure 8This is a flowchart of a method for handling paging restrictions of a MUSIM UE in an EPS according to a novel aspect of the present invention. In step 801, a network entity receives a request message from the UE in an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network. This request message includes paging restriction information for the UE. In step 802, the network entity sends an accept message to the UE. The accept message instructs the network to accept and store the paging restriction information. In step 803, the network entity determines whether downlink signaling messages are subject to paging restrictions based on the paging restriction information. In step 804, when a paging restriction exception applies to downlink signaling messages, the network entity sends the downlink signaling messages to the UE. In one embodiment, the paging restriction information is provided by the UE to restrict paging to the first USIM when there is significant work on the UE's second USIM.

[0050] Although the invention has been described above in conjunction with certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, the invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, various modifications, alterations, and combinations of the features of the described embodiments can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0051] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for restricting paging, characterized in that, include: In an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network, a network entity receives a request message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the request message includes paging restriction information for the UE; Determine whether the downlink DL signaling message is subject to paging restrictions based on the paging restriction information; as well as When the paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message, the downlink signaling message is sent to the UE.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The request message is a tracking area update request message, an extended service request message, or a control plane service request message.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending an acceptance message to the UE, wherein the acceptance message instructs the network to accept the paging restriction information; wherein the acceptance message is a tracking area update (TAU) acceptance message with a paging restriction decision set to "paging restriction accepted", or a service acceptance message with a paging restriction decision set to "paging restriction accepted".

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging, except for paging used for voice services, is restricted.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the DL signaling message is an EPS Mobility Management (EMM) signaling message or an EPS Session Management (ESM) signaling message for a Public Data Network (PDN) connection for voice services, the network uses the S-TMSI (Short Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) and a CN domain indicator set to PS to initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS services.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging is restricted except for paging for a specified PDN connection.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the DL signaling message is an EMM signaling message or an ESM signaling message for an unrestricted designated PDN connection, the network uses S-TMSI and a CN domain indicator set to PS to initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS service.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services and paging for designated PDN connections.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the DL signaling message is a DL EMM signaling message, a DL ESM signaling message for a PDN connection of a voice service, or a DL ESM signaling message for a specified PDN connection that is not restricted, the network uses S-TMSI and a CN domain indicator set to PS to initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS service.

10. A network entity, characterized in that, include: A receiver is configured to receive a request message from a user equipment (UE) in an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network, wherein the request message includes paging restriction information for the UE; and A paging processing circuit is used to determine whether the downlink DL signaling message is subject to paging restrictions based on the paging restriction information, wherein when the paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message, the network entity sends the downlink signaling message to the UE.

11. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, The request message is a tracking area update request message, an extended service request message, or a control plane service request message.

12. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, The network entity further includes: a transmitter for sending an acceptance message to the UE, wherein the acceptance message indicates that the network accepts the paging restriction information; wherein the acceptance message is a TAU acceptance message with a paging restriction decision set to "paging restriction accepted", or a service acceptance message with a paging restriction decision set to "paging restriction accepted".

13. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging, except for paging used for voice services, is restricted.

14. The network entity according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the DL signaling message is an EPS Mobility Management (EMM) signaling message or an EPS Session Management (ESM) signaling message for a Public Data Network (PDN) connection for voice services, the network uses the S-TMSI (Short Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) and a CN domain indicator set to PS to initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS services.

15. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging is restricted except for paging for a specified PDN connection.

16. The network entity according to claim 15, characterized in that, When the DL signaling message is an EMM signaling message or an ESM signaling message for an unrestricted designated PDN connection, the network uses S-TMSI and a CN domain indicator set to PS to initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS service.

17. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services and paging for designated PDN connections.

18. The network entity according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the DL signaling message is a DL EMM signaling message, a DL ESM signaling message for a PDN connection of a voice service, or a DL ESM signaling message for a specified PDN connection that is not restricted, the network uses S-TMSI and a CN domain indicator set to PS to initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS service.

19. A method for restricting paging, characterized in that, include: In an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network, a user equipment (UE) sends a request message to a network entity, wherein the UE supports a multiple universal user identification module (MUSIM), and the request message includes paging restriction information for the UE. as well as When a paging restriction exception is determined to be applicable to downlink signaling messages based on the paging restriction information, the downlink signaling message is received.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Also includes: The UE receives an acceptance message, which instructs the network to accept and store the paging restriction information; wherein the paging restriction information is provided by the UE to restrict paging of the UE's first USIM.

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