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] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to determining whether a network pages a UE when paging restrictions are applied and if there is a downlink signaling message. BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless communication networks have grown exponentially for many years. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) systems provide high data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and low operational costs due to simplified network architecture. LTE systems, also referred to as 4G evolved packet system (EPS) systems, 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, an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) includes a plurality of evolved Node-Bs (e.g., eNodeBs or eNBs) that communicate with a plurality of mobile stations referred to as user equipment (UE). Third generation partnership project (3GPP) networks typically include a mix of 2G / 3G / 4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) board has decided to focus future NGMN activities on defining end-to-end requirements for the 5G new radio (NR) system. Base stations in 5G systems (5GS) are referred to as next generation Node-Bs (e.g., gNodeBs or gNBs). rd generation partner project,3GPP) networks typically include a mix of 2G / 3G / 4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) board has decided to focus future NGMN activities on defining end-to-end requirements for the 5G new radio (NR) system. Base stations in 5G systems (5GS) are referred to as next generation Node-Bs (e.g., gNodeBs or gNBs).

[0003] A Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is one of several software applications residing in a UE, called a 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 (MUSIM) cards to register and operate simultaneously through different USIMs. A UE with multiple USIMs is able to maintain separate registration states in a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) for each USIM at least on 3GPP access and supports one or more MUSIM functions: support for connection release, support for Paging Cause Indication for voice service, support for rejecting a paging request, Paging Timing Collision control, and support for Paging Restriction.

[0004] A UE and a 5GS / EPS network can support paging restriction of downlink user data. If the network indicates that the network supports the paging restriction function, the UE can indicate paging restriction information in a Service Request message or a Registration Request message in 5G, or in a Service Request message, an Extended Service Request message, or a Tracking Area Update Request message in 4G. Different paging restriction information can indicate a), all pages are restricted, b), all pages except for pages for voice service (IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service) are restricted, c), all pages except for pages for certain specific Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions / PDN connections are restricted, or d), all pages except for pages for voice service and pages for certain specific PDU sessions / PDN connections are restricted.

[0005] If the network has downlink signaling to be transmitted for a MUSIM UE and the network has stored the paging restriction configuration / information of the MUSIM UE, it is unclear to the UE and the NW what the different configurations mean. It is needed to clarify which NW procedures or downlink signaling messages are pageable and which are not pageable to make the network side implementation consistent among different vendors. For the UE side, if a certain paging restriction type is used after which the NW will not page the UE, the UE needs to take into account that its registration status and PDU status at the NW can not be synchronized with the registration status and PDU status the UE is aware of before the NW removes the paging restriction type. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a method for limiting paging, comprising: receiving, by a network entity in a 5G system (5GS) wireless communication network, a request message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the request message comprises paging restriction information of the UE; sending, to the UE, an accept message indicating that the network accepts and stores the paging restriction information; determining, according to the paging restriction information, whether a downlink signaling message is subject to paging restriction; and sending, to the UE, the downlink signaling message when a paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message.

[0007] The present application provides a network entity, comprising: a receiver configured to receive, in a 5G system (5GS) wireless communication network, a request message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the request message comprises paging restriction information of the UE; a transmitter configured to send, to the UE, an accept message indicating that the paging restriction information is accepted and stored by the network; and a paging processing circuit configured to determine, according to the paging restriction information, whether a downlink signaling message is subject to paging restriction, wherein the network entity sends the downlink signaling message to the UE when a paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message.

[0008] The present application provides a method for limiting paging, comprising: sending, by a user equipment (UE) supporting multiple universal subscriber identity modules (MUSIM), a request message to a network entity in a 5G system (5GS) wireless communication network, wherein the request message comprises paging restriction information of the UE; receiving, by the UE, an accept message indicating that the network accepts and stores the paging restriction information; and receiving a downlink signaling message when a paging restriction exception is determined to apply to the downlink signaling message according to the paging restriction information.

[0009] A method of 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 for the first USIM is restricted based on the UE preferred paging restriction information. In this way, when the DL (DownLink) signaling of the first USIM of the UE is to be transmitted, the network 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 DL signaling of the USIM1 is selectively restricted, the UE can perform more important work on the USIM2 without interference, with better performance and user experience.

[0010] 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application, wherein the same numbers refer to the same components throughout.

[0012] Figure 1 A user equipment (UE) handling paging restriction in EPS / 5GS network supporting multiple USIM (MUSIM) is shown according to one novel aspect.

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

[0014] Figure 3 A series of procedures of handling paging restriction for MUSIM UE in 5GS network is shown according to one novel aspect.

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

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

[0017] Figure 6 A series of procedures of handling paging restriction for MUSIM UE in EPS network is shown according to one novel aspect.

[0018] Figure 7An embodiment of a Paging Restriction IE in an EPS network according to a novel aspect is shown, having a Paging Restriction Type for MUSIM UEs.

[0019] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method of handling paging restrictions for MUSIM UEs in an EPS according to a novel aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0021] Figure 1 An embodiment of a Paging Restriction IE in an EPS network according to a novel aspect is shown, having a Paging Restriction Type for MUSIM UEs.

[0022] In the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer, the access and mobility function (AMF) and session management function (SMF) (or 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 the wireless access devices in the EPS / 5GS network 100. In Figure 1 In an example, the UE 101 supports multiple universal subscriber identity modules (MUSIM) for registering and operating with the EPC / 5GC 110 through different USIMs simultaneously. Two or more different USIMs can be registered to the same evolved packet system (EPS), the same 5GS, different EPSs, different 5GSs, or one or more EPSs and one or more 5GSs. When the UE 101 receives a page and / or establishes a NAS signaling connection on a first USIM1 (step 121), the UE 101 can need to switch to a second USIM2 due to an important activity or important work in progress (step 122) on the second USIM2 that will start, in order to have better performance and user experience.

[0023] A UE with multiple USIMs can maintain separate registration status in a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) for each USIM at least on 3GPP access and support one or more MUSIM features: support for connection release, support for paging cause indication for voice service, support for rejecting a paging request, paging timing conflict control and support for paging restriction. If the UE 101 requests the network to support paging restriction for the first USIM, the UE 101 can send a request message (as shown in step 131) to the network carrying the UE’s preferred paging restriction configuration / information. The UE 101 can include its paging restriction preference in the paging restriction IE in the EXTENDED SERVICE REQUEST message, CONTROL PLANE SERVICE REQUEST message or SERVICE REQUEST message. Subsequently, the UE 101 receives an accept message (as shown in step 132) from the network that the paging for the first USIM is restricted based on the UE’s preferred paging restriction configuration / information. Thus, when the DL signaling for the first USIM of the UE 101 is to be transmitted (step 141), the network can determine whether it should page the first USIM of the 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 the USIM1 of the UE 101 being paged is reduced, then more important work can be performed on the USIM2 without being disturbed to have better performance and user experience.

[0024] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a wireless device 201 and 211 according to embodiments of the application. For the wireless device 201 (e.g., a base station), antennas 207 and 208 transmit and receive radio signals. An RF transceiver module 206 is coupled to the antennas to receive RF signals from the antennas, convert them to baseband signals and send them to the processor 203. The RF transceiver 206 also converts received baseband signals from the processor to RF signals and sends them to the antennas 207 and 208. The processor 203 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules and circuits to perform features in the wireless device 201. The memory 202 stores program instructions and data 210 to control the operation of the device 201.

[0025] Similarly, for the wireless device 211 (e.g., a user equipment), the antennas 217 and 218 transmit and receive RF signals. The RF transceiver module 216 is coupled with the antennas to receive RF signals from the antennas, convert them to baseband signals and send them to the processor 213. The RF transceiver 216 also converts received baseband signals from the processor to RF signals and sends them to the antennas 217 and 218. The processor 213 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules and circuits to perform functions in the wireless device 211. The memory 212 stores program instructions and data 220 and multiple USIM cards 225 to control the operation of the wireless device 211.

[0026] The wireless devices 201 and 211 also include several functional modules and circuits that can be implemented and configured to perform embodiments of the present application. In Figure 2 In an example, the wireless device 201 is a base station, and the wireless device 201 includes an RRC connection handling module 205, a scheduler 204, a paging and mobility management module 209, and a control and configuration circuit 221. The wireless device 211 is a UE, and the wireless device 211 includes a connection handling module 215, a registration module 214, a timer 219, and a control and configuration circuit 231. Note that a wireless device can be both a transmitting device and a receiving device. The different functional modules and circuits can be implemented and configured by software, firmware, hardware, and any combination thereof. When executed by the processors 203 and 213 (e.g., by executing program codes 210 and 220), the functional modules and circuits allow the base station 201 and the UE 211 to perform embodiments of the present application.

[0027] In one example, the base station 201 establishes a signaling connection with the UE 211 via the connection handling circuit 205, schedules downlink and uplink transmissions for the UE through the scheduler 204, performs paging, mobility, and handover management through the mobility management module 209, and provides control and configuration information to the UE through the configuration circuit 221. The UE 211 registers with the network through the registration module 214, establishes a signaling connection through the connection handling circuit 215, maintains the timer 219, and obtains configuration information through the control and configuration circuit 231. In one novel aspect, the MUSIM-capable UE 211 handles the release of a NAS signaling connection, the rejection of a page, or the paging restriction for one USIM to improve the service of another USIM.

[0028] Paging limitations in 5GS

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

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

[0031] Figure 4One embodiment of a Paging Restriction IE in a 5GS network according to one novel aspect is shown, which has a Paging Restriction Type for a MUSIM UE. A multi-USIM UE and a 5GS network can support paging restriction. If the AMF indicates that the network supports the paging restriction function, the multi-USIM UE can indicate the paging restriction information (Paging Restriction Information) in the Service Request or Registration Request message (including the case that the Registration Request is sent due to moving outside the currently stored registration area, i.e., the Registration Request is sent before detecting whether the network supports the paging restriction function in the new tracking area).

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

[0033] The Paging Restriction IE is described by 401 and 402 in Figure 4 It includes a Paging Restriction Type, which is depicted by 403 in Figure 4 The Paging Restriction Type can indicate any one of the following: a) all pages are restricted; or b) all pages except for pages for voice service (IMS voice); or c) all pages except for pages for certain PDU sessions; or d) all pages except for pages for voice service (IMS voice) and pages 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 PDU session identities (PSIs) identifying certain PDU sessions to which the paging restriction corresponds.

[0034] In one embodiment, the Paging Restriction Type is set to a) all pages are 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 allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE only if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical for voice service availability. A DL signaling message is critical for voice service availability if the message is a DL 5GMM (5GS mobility management) signaling message (e.g., DEREGISTRATION REQUEST) or a DL 5GSM (5GS session management) signaling message for any PDU session of the voice service (e.g., PDU SESSION MODIFICATION COMMAND or PDU SESSION RELEASE COMMAND for IMS PDUs). In one example, the network pages the UE only if the network has downlink user data to be transmitted for the UE related to a MultiMedia Telephony (MMTEL) voice call or only if the network has downlink user data to be transmitted for the UE related to a MMTEL video call.

[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 allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE only if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical for the specified PDU session availability. A DL signaling message is critical for the specified PDU session if the message is a DL 5GMM signaling message (e.g., DEREGISTRATION REQUEST) or the network has downlink 5GSM signaling to be transmitted for a PDU session that is not restricted for paging based on stored paging restrictions. In one example, the network shall page the UE: 1) for any PDU session that is not restricted for paging based on stored paging restrictions preference, 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 yet another embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to d) all paging except for paging for voice services (IMS voice) and paging for specified PDU sessions are restricted. 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 for voice service availability or is critical for specified PDU session availability. The DL signaling message is critical for voice service or is critical for specified PDU session means that the message is a DL 5GMM signaling message or is a DL 5GSM signaling message for any PDU session of voice service or for which the PDU session is not restricted for paging based on stored paging restriction, the network has downlink 5GSM signaling to be transmitted. The 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) both apply to paging restriction type d).

[0038] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method of handling paging restrictions for a MUSIM UE in a 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 a 5GS wireless communication network. The request message includes paging restriction information for the UE. In step 502, the network entity sends an accept message to the UE. The accept message indicates that the network accepts and stores the paging restriction information. In step 503, the network entity determines whether a downlink signaling message is subject to a paging restriction according to the paging restriction information. In step 504, the network entity sends the downlink signaling message to the UE when a paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message. In one embodiment, the paging restriction information is provided by the UE to restrict paging for a first USIM when there is more important work on a second USIM of the UE.

[0039] Paging limitations in EPS

[0040] Figure 6A series of procedures for handling paging restriction for MUSIM UE in EPS network is shown according to one novel aspect. UE 601 supports multiple USIM cards, including USIM1 and USIM2. MUSIM UE 601 and EPS network 602 support paging restriction to improve the performance of one of the multiple USIM cards. At step 611, UE 601 has important work to start on USIM2 or has important work ongoing on USIM2. Therefore, UE 601 wants to apply paging restriction on USIM1 so that the network only pages UE 601 for specific downlink signaling. At 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 paging restriction type, indicating different paging information that UE 601 expects. In step 622, EPS NW 602 sends an accept message to UE 601, indicating that the network has accepted the paging restriction information of UE 601. The accept message can be a tracking area update (TAU) accept message, or a SERVICE ACCEPT message.

[0041] In step 631, EPS NW 602 stores the paging restriction information of UE 601, which includes the paging restriction type of 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 the DL signaling, for example, the DL signaling belongs to one of the multiple paging restriction exceptions, then NW 602 sends a page to UE 601 for USIM1. Otherwise, in step 652, if NW 602 determines that the paging restriction does apply to the DL signaling, for example, the DL signaling does not belong to one of the multiple paging restriction exceptions, then NW 602 does not send a page to UE 601 for USIM1.

[0042] Figure 7An embodiment of a paging restriction IE in an EPS network with paging restriction type for MUSIM UEs is shown according to one novel aspect. Multiple USIM UEs and networks can support paging restriction. If the MME indicates that the network supports the paging restriction function, the multiple USIM UE can indicate the paging restriction information in the extended service request or tracking area update request (i.e. the tracking area update case performed due to moving to a tracking area outside the current tracking area list, i.e. the tracking area update request can be sent before detecting whether the network supports the paging restriction function in the new tracking area) including the assumption that the network has indicated that paging restriction is supported in the areas of the current tracking area list.

[0043] The MME can accept or reject the paging restriction information requested by the UE. If the MME accepts the paging restriction information from the UE, the MME stores the paging restriction information from the UE in the UE context. If the MME rejects the paging restriction information, the MME deletes all stored paging restriction information for the UE from the UE context and discards the paging restriction information requested by the UE. The MME informs the UE about the acceptance / rejection of the requested paging restriction information in the tracking area update accept (Tracking Area Update Accept) message or the service accept (Service Accept) message. If the UE does not provide the paging restriction information in the extended service request (Extended Service Request) message or the tracking area update request (Tracking Area Update Request) message, or if the UE initiates the service request procedure, the MME deletes all stored paging restriction information for the UE from the UE context.

[0044] The paging restriction IE is described by 701 and 702 in Figure 7 It includes the paging restriction type, which is depicted by 703 in Figure 7 The paging restriction type can indicate any of the following: a) all pages are restricted; b) all pages except for pages for voice services (MMTel voice or CS (Circuit Switched) domain voice) are restricted; or c) all pages except for pages for certain PDN connections are restricted; or d) all pages except for pages for certain PDN connections and pages for voice services (MMTel voice or CS domain voice) are restricted. For a) and b), the paging restriction IE is described by 701. For c) and d), the paging restriction IE is described by 702, which includes the paging restriction type and the EPS bearer identifiers (EBIs) identifying the 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 initiate a paging procedure for EPS services for the UE using S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI) and CN domain indicator set to "PS (Packet Switch)".

[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 allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE only if the downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical for voice service availability. The DL signaling message is critical for voice service means that the message is a DL EMM (EPS Mobility Management) signaling message (e.g., DETACH REQUEST) or a DL ESM signaling message for a PDN connection of a voice service. In one example, the network initiates a paging procedure for the UE for EPS services using S-TMSI and CN domain indicator set to "PS" only when the network has: 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 initiates a paging procedure for the UE for EPS services using S-TMSI and CN domain indicator set to "PS" includes that the network sends a paging message to the UE, the paging message including S-TMSI and CN domain indicator set to "PS".

[0047] In another embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to c) all paging is restricted except for paging for specified PDN connections. This means that the network is allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE only when a downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical for the specified PDN connection availability. A DL signaling message is critical for the specified PDN connection meaning that the message is a DL EMM signaling message, e.g. DETACH REQUEST, or for a PDN connection for which paging is not restricted based on stored paging restrictions, the network has a downlink ESM signaling to be transmitted. In one example, the network shall initiate a paging procedure for the UE for EPS services using the S-TMSI and CN domain indicator set to "PS" in the following cases, where: for any PDN connection for which paging is not restricted based on stored 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 yet another embodiment, the paging restriction type is set to d) all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services and for specified PDN connections. This means that the network is allowed to initiate a paging procedure for the UE only when a downlink signaling message to be transmitted is critical for voice service availability or for specified PDN connection availability. A DL signaling message is critical for voice service or for specified PDN connection meaning 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 for a PDN connection for which paging is not restricted based on stored paging restrictions, the network has a downlink ESM signaling to be transmitted. The paging restriction type d) is in fact a combination of paging restriction type b) and type c), e.g. the paging restriction exceptions listed in restriction type b) and restriction type c) apply to paging restriction type d) as well.

[0049] Figure 8is a flowchart of a method of handling paging restrictions for MUSIM UEs in an EPS according to a novel aspect of the present application. In step 801, a network entity receives a request message from a UE in an evolved packet system (EPS) wireless communication network. The 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 indicates that the network accepts and stores the paging restriction information. In step 803, the network entity determines whether a downlink signaling message is subject to paging restrictions according to the paging restriction information. In step 804, the network entity sends the downlink signaling message to the UE when a paging restriction exception applies to the downlink signaling message. In one embodiment, the paging restriction information is provided by the UE to limit paging for a first USIM when there is important work on a second USIM of the UE.

[0050] While the application has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the application following, in general, the principles of the application and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the application pertains.

[0051] While this application has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications as will occur to those skilled in the art, and these are intended to be within the purview of this application as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for restricting paging, characterized in that, include: In a 5G system wireless communication network, a network entity receives a request message from a user equipment (UE), wherein the request message includes paging restriction information of the UE; Determine whether the downlink 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 as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The request message is a registration request message, a service request message, or a control plane service request message.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Send an acceptance message to the UE, the acceptance message instructing the network to accept and store the paging restriction information; The acceptance message is a registration 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 voice services is restricted.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the downlink signaling message is a downlink DL 5G system mobility management 5GMM signaling message or a DL 5G system session management 5GSM signaling message for a voice service protocol data unit (PDU) session, the network initiates a paging process for the UE.

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 PDU session.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the downlink signaling message is a DL 5GMM signaling message or a DL 5GSM signaling message for an unrestricted designated PDU session, the network initiates a paging process for the UE.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging is restricted except for paging for voice services and paging for a specified PDU session.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When the downlink signaling message is a DL 5GMM signaling message, a DL 5GSM signaling message for a PDU session of a voice service, or a DL 5GSM signaling message for a designated PDU session that is not restricted, the network initiates a paging process for the UE.

10. A network entity, characterized in that, include: A receiver is configured to receive a request message from a user equipment (UE) in a 5G system wireless communication network, wherein the request message includes paging restriction information of the UE; and A paging processing circuit is used to determine whether a downlink signaling message is subject to paging restrictions 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.

11. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, The request message is a registration request message, a service request message, or a control plane service request message.

12. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: A transmitter is used to send an acceptance message to the UE, wherein the acceptance message indicates that the paging restriction information is accepted and stored by the network; The acceptance message is a registration 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 downlink signaling message is a DL5GMM signaling message or a DL 5GSM signaling message for a PDU session of a voice service, the network initiates a paging process for the UE.

15. The network entity according to claim 10, characterized in that, The paging restriction information indicates that all paging except for paging for the specified PDU session is restricted.

16. The network entity according to claim 15, characterized in that, When the downlink signaling message is a DL5GMM signaling message or a DL 5GSM signaling message for an unrestricted designated PDU session, the network initiates a paging process for the UE.

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 a specified PDU session.

18. The network entity according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the downlink signaling message is a DL5GMM signaling message, a DL5GSM signaling message for a PDU session of a voice service, or a DL5GSM signaling message for a designated PDU session that is not restricted, the network initiates a paging process for the UE.

19. A method for restricting paging, characterized in that, include: In a 5G system 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 of 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 of claim 19, further comprising: 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 to the first USIM.

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