Providing UE policies in communication network

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a method of providing a user equipment (UE) policy to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option (ePCO). The method involves providing a UE policy to a user terminal via an ePCO, where the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container. The UE policy is then sent from the first network node to the user terminal, where the UE policy is received and included in the UE policy container and the ePCO. The method also involves sending the UE policy from the first network node to the second network node, where it is included in the UE policy container and the ePCO before being sent to the user terminal. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending a response from the user terminal to the second network node, where the response is included in the UE policy container and the ePCO. The UE policy container is then included in an SMF initiated SM policy association modification message and sent to the first network node. Further, the method involves sending a UE policy container from the user terminal to the second network node, containing a UPDP UE status indication message with a list of policy part identifiers (PSIs) stored in the UE, where the UE policy container is contained in the PDN connection request and the ePCO. The UE policy container is then included in an SM policy association setup message and sent to the first network node. In general, the method enables efficient provision and transmission of UE policies to the UE in the ePCO.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to providing UE policy in a mobile or communication network, and more particularly, the present invention relates to providing UE policy when the UE is attached to an EPC. Background Art

[0002] As described in 3GPP TS23.503, UE policy control enables the PCF to provide UE access selection related policy information, PDU session related policy information and V2X policy information, i.e., UE policy, to the UE using Npcf and Namf service operations, which includes Access Network Discovery and Selection Policy (ANDSP) or UE Routing Selection Policy (URSP) or V2X Policy (V2XP) or ProSe Policy (ProSeP) or a combination thereof.

[0003] The PCF can be triggered to provide UE policy information during the UE policy association establishment and UE policy association modification procedures. This procedure is initiated when the PCF wants to update the UE policy information (i.e., UE policy) in the UE configuration. The AMF transparently forwards the UE policy information to the UE.

[0004] A problematic aspect of current solutions is providing UE policies (e.g. URSP) to the UE consistently across 5GS and EPS.

[0005] The UE can use the routing component (e.g., DNN) in the URSP rules in EPS, but when the URSP rules are updated on the network side, according to the current design, there is no way to provide the URSP rules to the UE in EPS. It is not yet defined how to support the provision of consistent URSP to the UE across 5GC and EPC. It is not yet defined how to provide UE policies (e.g., URSP) to the UE when the UE is served by the EPC and ANDSF is not deployed in the network.

[0006] If ANDSF is not deployed in the network, the issue applies to other UE policies such as V2XP, ProSeP, and ANDSP. When the UE is in EPS, this limitation is considered an issue in at least the following scenarios: related to edge computing, when the AF invokes a request for AF guidance on URSP applicable to the UE; in scenarios other than edge computing, when the AF invokes a request for AF guidance on URSP to dynamically influence in S-NSSAI / DNN that must be used for traffic transmission of applications in the UE; when the UE is in EPS and there is an operator policy configured in the PCF for selecting different URSP or ANDSP based on time, location or other input conditions in the PCF; and for V2X and ProSe scenarios, where the AF sends a request to change these policies by invoking the Service Specific Parameter Provisioning procedure. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to enable provision of UE policies to user equipment in the EPC.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method performed by a user terminal, the method being used to provide a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option. The method includes providing a UE policy to a user terminal via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal being attached to an EPC, and the UE policy being contained in a UE policy container. In some embodiments, providing the UE policy includes: receiving a UE policy from a first network node at the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container; and receiving a UE policy at the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container and wherein the UE policy container is contained in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, providing the UE policy comprises: receiving the UE policy at the user terminal from the second network node, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container and wherein the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option; in some embodiments, the method further comprises sending a response to providing the UE policy from the user terminal to the second network node, wherein the response is contained in the UE policy container, and wherein the response is contained in the extended protocol configuration option; in some embodiments, the method further comprises sending a UE policy container from the user terminal to the second network node, the UE policy container comprising a UPDP UE status indication message with a PSI list stored in the UE, wherein the UE policy container is contained in a PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is contained in the extended protocol configuration option; in some embodiments, the UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message; in some embodiments, the PCF subscribes to receive the response from the UE, and subscribes to receive the PSI list. In some embodiments, the UE policy is sent to the user terminal by using a procedure of bearer modification without QoS update initiated by the PDN GW. In some embodiments, the UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, a V2XP, a ProseP, and an ANDSP policy. In some embodiments, the first network node triggers the delivery of the UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification. In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE), the first network node is a policy control function (PCF), and the second network node is a session management function (SMF) or a session management function + PDN gateway (SMF + PGW).

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method performed by a first network node, the method being used to provide a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option. The method comprises providing a UE policy from the first network node, the UE policy being included in a UE policy container. In some embodiments, providing the UE policy comprises: sending the UE policy from the first network node to the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container; in some embodiments, providing the UE policy comprises: sending the UE policy from the first network node to the second network node, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option; in some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, at the first network node, a UE policy container including the response from the second network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association modification message initiated by an SMF, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option; in some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, at the first network node, a UE policy container including a UPDPUE status indication message from the second network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association establishment message, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, the UE policy is included or encoded in a UPDP message. In some embodiments, the PCF subscribes to receive a response from the UE, and subscribes to receive a PSI list. In some embodiments, the UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in an SM policy association modification message. In some embodiments, the UE policy is sent to the user terminal by using a bearer modification process without QoS update initiated by the PDN GW. In some embodiments, the UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, V2XP, ProseP, and ANDSP policy. In some embodiments, the first network node triggers the delivery of the UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification. In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE), the first network node is a policy control function (PCF), and the second network node is a session management function (SMF) or a session management function + PDN gateway (SMF + PGW).

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method performed by a second network node, the method being used to provide a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option. The method comprises providing a UE policy to a user terminal via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal being attached to an EPC, the UE policy being contained in a UE policy container; in some embodiments, providing the UE policy comprises: receiving a UE policy from a first network node at the second network node, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option; and sending the UE policy from the second network node to the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is contained in the UE policy container, and wherein the UE policy container is contained in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a response to providing the UE policy from the user terminal at the second network node, wherein the response is contained in a UE policy container, and wherein the response is contained in an extended protocol configuration option; and sending the UE policy container containing the response from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is contained in an SM policy association modification message initiated by an SMF, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, at the second network node, a UE policy container including a UPDP UE status indication message having a PSI list stored in the UE from the user terminal, wherein the UE policy container is included in the PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option; and sending the UE policy container including the UPDP UE status indication message from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in the SM policy association establishment message, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, the UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message. In some embodiments, the PCF subscribes to receive a response from the UE, and subscribes to receive the PSI list. In some embodiments, the UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in the SM policy association modification message. In some embodiments, the UE policy is sent to the user terminal by using a bearer modification procedure without QoS update initiated by the PDN GW. In some embodiments, the UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, a V2XP, a ProseP, and an ANDSP policy. In some embodiments, the first network node triggers the delivery of the UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering the PDU session modification. In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE), the first network node is a policy control function (PCF), and the second network node is a session management function (SMF) or a session management function + PDN gateway (SMF + PGW).

[0011] Other aspects of the invention relate to mobile network nodes, in particular user terminals (101, 700), second network nodes (107, 900), first network nodes (111, 800) configured to perform the corresponding methods described herein. Other aspects of the invention relate to computer programs and computer program products.

[0012] In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, the second network node is a session management function (SMF). In some embodiments, the first network node is a policy control function (PCF).

[0013] Advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network to provide or update UE policies to the UE when the UE attaches to the EPC, thereby further enabling support for edge computing functions in the EPC, etc.

[0014] Other objects, features, and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein will be apparent from the following description, claims, and accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the techniques and concepts described herein.

[0015] In general, unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to "an / an / the element, device, component, member, module, step, etc." should be publicly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, member, module, step, etc. Unless expressly stated, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to best describe the manner in which the disclosed concepts may be implemented, as well as to define other objects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description is provided below and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, the examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 An example networked system according to certain embodiments of the solutions described herein is illustrated;

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates an example signaling diagram showing a procedure according to a particular embodiment of the solution described herein;

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates an example signaling diagram showing a procedure according to a particular embodiment of the solution described herein;

[0020] Figure 4illustrates an example flow chart showing a method performed by a UE according to a specific embodiment of the solution described herein;

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates an example flow chart showing a method performed by a mobile network node according to a particular embodiment of the solution described herein;

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates an example flow chart showing a method performed by a mobile network node according to a particular embodiment of the solution described herein;

[0023] Figure 7 An example block diagram of a UE configured according to certain embodiments of the solutions described herein is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 8 An example block diagram of a mobile network node configured according to certain embodiments of the solutions described herein is illustrated.

[0025] Fig. 9 An example block diagram of a mobile network node configured according to certain embodiments of the solutions described herein is illustrated.

[0026] Fig.10 An example signaling diagram illustrating a procedure according to a specific embodiment of the solution described herein is illustrated.

[0027] Fig.11 An example signaling diagram illustrating a procedure according to a specific embodiment of the solution described herein is illustrated.

[0028] Fig.12 An example signaling diagram illustrating a procedure according to a specific embodiment of the solution described herein is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present invention or examples of implementation are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied or implemented in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and complete and the scope of the present invention will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be defaulted to being present in / used in another embodiment. These embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are presented as teaching examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, some details of the embodiments may be modified, omitted or expanded without departing from the scope of the subject matter.

[0030] The example embodiments described herein occur in the context of telecommunication networks, including but not limited to telecommunication networks conforming to and / or otherwise incorporating aspects of fifth generation (5G) architecture. Figure 1 is an example networking system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Specifically shown is a user equipment (UE) 101, which can communicate with a (radio) access network (RAN) 102, as well as an access and mobility management function (AMF) 106 and a user plane function (UPF) 103. The AMF 106 can in turn communicate with core network services, including a session management function (SMF) 107 and a policy control function (PCF) 111. The core network services can also communicate with an application server / application function (AS / AF) 113. Other networking services also include a network slice selection function (NSSF) 108, an authentication server function (AUSF) 105, a user data management (UDM) 112, a network exposure function (NEF) 109, a network repository function (NRF) 110, and a data network (DN) 104. In some example implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure, AMF 106, SMF 107, UPF 103, PCF 111, AUSF 105, NRF 110, UDM 112, NEF 109, AF 113, and NSSF 108 are each considered as NFs. One or more additional instances of a network function (NF) may be incorporated into the networking system.

[0031] The solution described herein aims to enable provisioning of UE policies to user equipment in the EPC.

[0032] The solution in this invention proposes a mechanism that allows the network to update UE policies for UEs in the EPC by encapsulating UPDP messages related to UE policy updates into new ePCO parameters (UE policy container ePCO from now on) and transmitting them to the UE via a PDN connection.

[0033] The mechanism reuses the existing capabilities of the EPC network for sending ePCO from UE to SMF+PGW-C (and vice versa). In addition, it also proposes a method for transferring UE policy containers from SMF+PGW-C to PCF (and vice versa) based on reusing the existing PDU session process.

[0034] When the PCF needs to send a UE policy update to the UE in the EPC, it invokes the SM policy association modification and includes the corresponding UPDP message in a new IE in the N7 interface. When the SMF+PGW-C receives this new IE, the SMF+PGW-C encapsulates it into the UE policy container ePCO and transmits them to the UE using the existing procedures for bearer modification without bearer QoS update initiated by the PDN GW.

[0035] When the UE in the EPC needs to send a UPDP message related to UE policy processing to the PCF, the UE first encapsulates the UPDP message into the UE policy container ePCO, and then transmits it to the SMF+PGW-C by reusing the existing mechanism. When the SMF+PGW-C receives such a UE policy container ePCO from the UE, it only needs to transparently forward the UE policy container to the PCF by reusing the SM policy association process initiated by the SMF.

[0036] The solution also proposes that the UE must be able to handle the reception of such UPDP messages received via EPC NAS signaling in a similar manner as when received in 5GC via 5GC NAS signaling.

[0037] Finally, the PCF must also be able to handle the reception of UPDP messages from the UE via PDN connection related procedures in a similar manner as when received from the AMF in the 5GC.

[0038] This solution is applicable to the delivery of any UE policy.

[0039] The PCF refers to the deployment of the same PCF serving the UE and the PCF serving each PDU session of the UE.

[0040] In summary, the solution includes:

[0041] · The UE sends / receives the UE policy container in the ePCO via the EPC.

[0042] SMF+PGW-C decapsulates the UE policy container in the ePCO received from the UE and sends it to the PCF, and encapsulates the UE policy container received from the PCF into the ePCO.

[0043] The PCF receives the UE policy container from the SMF+PGW-C (when the UE is in the EPC), and the PCF sends the UE policy container to the SMF+PGW-C (when the UE is in the EPC).

[0044] The PCF triggers the delivery of a UE policy update for the UE in the EPC by selecting one of the ongoing PDU sessions for the UE and triggering a PCF initiated PDU session modification for that session.

[0045] The solution of the invention proposes a mechanism that allows the network to update the UE policy for a UE in the EPC by encapsulating a UPDP message into a new ePCO parameter (UE Policy Container ePCO from now on) and transmitting it to the UE via a PDN connection.

[0046] The mechanism reuses the existing functionality of the EPC network for sending ePCO from UE to SMF+PGW-C (and vice versa), and furthermore, it proposes a way to transfer UE policy containers from SMF+PGW-C to PCF (and vice versa).

[0047] For delivering UE policy to UE in EPC, this solution assumes a standard solution for the interworking architecture between EPC and 5GC as described in 3GPP TS 23.501.

[0048] From the PCF side, it is recommended that the PCF needs to simulate the processing and handling of the UPDP message performed in the 5GC when the UPDP message is received through N15 to the processing and handling of the UPDP message performed in the EPC when the UPDP message is received through the PDU session process. Then, the PCF will support the reception and processing of the UE policy container containing the UPDP message UE status indication as part of the PDU session establishment process, and will be able to generate a MANAGE UE POLICY COMMAND UPDP message, as well as trigger the PCF-initiated PDU session modification process to send the MANAGE UE POLICY COMMAND UPDP message to the UE. In addition, the PCF will support the reception and processing of the UE policy container as part of the SMF-initiated PDU session modification, which contains the UPDP message MANAGE UE POLICY COMPLETE or MANAGE UE POLICY COMMAND REJECT.

[0049] For SMF+PGW-C, it is recommended that when SMF+PGW-C receives a UE policy container in a new IE within a PCF initiated SM policy modification, it is encapsulated into a UE policy container ePCO and sent to the UE by triggering the bearer modification procedure for bearerless QoS update (as defined in section 5.4.3 of 23.401). Then, when SMF+PGW-C receives a reply from the UE, if it contains the UE policy container ePCO, the SMF+PGW-C provides the UE policy container ePCO to the PCF by triggering the SMF initiated SM policy modification. In addition, if SMF+PGW-C receives a UE policy container ePCO as part of the procedure for requesting a PDN connection, the SMF+PGW-C provides the contents of the UE policy container to the PCF.

[0050] The solution also recommends that the UE simulate the processing and handling of UPDP messages performed in the 5GC to the processing and handling of UPDP messages performed in the EPC when receiving UPDP messages in the UE policy container ePCO through the session management process. It is then recommended that the UE generate and send UPDP UE status indications via the UE policy container ePCO when attached to the EPC. In addition, the UE needs to support the reception and processing of UPDP UE policy commands as part of the session management request process, as well as support the sending of management UE policy completion or management UE policy command rejection in the corresponding session management response.

[0051] For cases where the UE attaches to the EPC but does not request the establishment of a default bearer, there will not be any PDU sessions created for the UE as part of the attach procedure and the UE does not need to include a UE status indication as part of the attach procedure. However, for these cases, the UE needs to include a UE status indication within the UE policy container ePCO during the first UE request for a PDN connection. The PCF will then be able to update the UE policy to the UE only after the establishment of the first PDU session establishment for the UE.

[0052] In addition, for events occurring in the PCF that may trigger the sending of UE policy updates for the UE (e.g., events triggered by a request for AF guidance regarding a URSP), the PCF will check whether the UE is currently in the EPC, and if so, will trigger the delivery of the UE policy update using one of the PDU sessions by invoking the PCF-initiated SM policy modification procedure including the appropriate UE policy container.

[0053] Assume a deployment where all PDU sessions for a UE are handled by the same PCF.

[0054] The present disclosure provides a method for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option. The method includes providing a UE policy to a user terminal via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal is attached to an EPC, and the UE policy is included in a UE policy container. In some embodiments, providing a UE policy includes: sending a UE policy from a first network node to a user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container; and receiving a UE policy at the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container, and the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, providing a UE policy includes: sending a UE policy from a first network node to a second network node, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option; and sending a UE policy from a second network node to a user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending a response to providing UE policy from the user terminal to the second network node, wherein the response is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the response is included in an extended protocol configuration option; and sending the UE policy container including the response from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association modification message initiated by the SMF, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending a UE policy container including a UPDP UE status indication message from the user terminal to the second network node, the UPDP UE status indication message having a PSI list stored in the UE, wherein the UE policy container is included in a PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option; and sending the UE policy container including the UPDP UE status indication message from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association establishment message, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option. In some embodiments, the UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message. In some embodiments, the PCF subscribes to receive a response from the UE and subscribes to receive a PSI list. In some embodiments, the UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in a SM policy association modification message. In some embodiments, the UE policy is sent to the user terminal by using a bearer modification procedure without QoS update initiated by the PDN GW. In some embodiments, the UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, a V2XP, a ProseP, and an ANDSP policy. In some embodiments, the first network node triggers the delivery of the UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE), the first network node is a policy control function (PCF), and the second network node is a session management function (SMF) or a session management function + PDN gateway (SMF + PGW).

[0055] The present disclosure also provides a mobile network node, in particular a user terminal (101, 700), a second network node (107, 900), and a first network node (111, 800), which are configured to perform the corresponding methods as described herein. In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE) 101. In some embodiments, the second network node is a session management function (SMF) 107. In some embodiments, the first network node is a policy control function (PCF) 111.

[0056] The present disclosure also provides corresponding computer programs and computer program products, the computer program products comprising code, for example in the form of a computer program, which, when run on a processing circuit of a mobile network node, causes the mobile network node to perform the disclosed method.

[0057] Advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network to provide or update UE policies to the UE when the UE is attached in the EPC, further enabling support for edge computing functions in the EPC, etc.

[0058] In the following, the drawings showing examples of embodiments of the solution are described in detail.

[0059] Figure 2 is a signaling diagram illustrating a procedure for providing UE policy as an extended protocol configuration option in a communication network. This sequence diagram is an example of a procedure for updating UE policy in a UE during an initial attach in the EPC. The example is based on URSP.

[0060] For the initial attach of a UE in the EPC, the procedure follows that defined in TS 23.401, section 5.3.2.1, with the following additions summarized in the figure below:

[0061] Step 1: The UE generates a UE status indication UPDP message (including a PSI list stored in the UE) in the same manner as performed for registration in 5GC. The UE then includes this UE status indication UPDP message in the UE policy container ePCO in the PDN connection request encapsulated in the attach request.

[0062] Steps 2-4: These steps follow the existing procedure as defined in 23.401, so the UE Policy Container ePCO is sent to the SMF+PGW-C.

[0063] Note: In this process, consider the case where the UE initial attach process also includes establishing a default PDN connection.

[0064] Step 5: SMF+PGW-C transparently forwards the content of the UE policy container ePCO to PCF as a new IE in the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request.

[0065] NOTE: After receiving this UE policy container ePCO, SMF+PGW-C shall establish the corresponding SM policy association, even if the network configuration for the APN connected to the PDN does not require PCF participation.

[0066] Step 6: PCF replies to SMF with Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response

[0067] Step 7: The process for initial attachment continues as defined in 23.401 Section 5.3.2.1.

[0068] Step 8: The PCF obtains the content of the UE status indication contained in the new IE and processes it in a similar manner to when the PCF receives it in the 5GC during UE policy association establishment, i.e., uses the UPSI list contained in the UE status indication to determine whether the UE policy needs to be updated for the UE. If it is determined that no update is required, the process ends here. If an update is required, the PCF generates a corresponding UPDP message management UE policy command in a similar manner as in the 5GC, and then includes the message in the new IE for sending it to the SMF via N7.

[0069] NOTE: The figure does not show the interactions towards the UDR related to retrieving the UPSI and storing the UPSI in the UDR.

[0070] This flow follows steps 2-14 defined in Section 6.X.2.2 for URSP updates initiated by the PCF.

[0071] Figure 3 is a signaling diagram illustrating a procedure for providing UE policy configuration as an extended protocol configuration option in a communication network. This sequence diagram is an example of a procedure for updating UE policy in a UE during an initial attach in an EPC. The example is based on URSP. For the procedure of URSP update initiated by the PCF when the UE is in the EPC, the procedure follows the steps described in the figure below:

[0072] Step 1: Events as described in Section 6.X.1.1 occur in the PCF. The PCF triggers a (re)evaluation of the URSP applicable to the UE and determines that an update of the URSP is required for the UE. The PCF selects one of the PDN connections / PDU sessions associated with the EPC to deliver the URSP update. The PCF then generates a corresponding UPDP message MANAGE UE POLICY COMMAND in a similar manner to what it does in the 5GC, which is then included in a new IE for sending to the SMF via N7.

[0073] Step 2: The UPDP message is then provided to SMF+PGW-C by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request.

[0074] Step 3: The PCF starts timer T3501 to monitor the receipt of a reply to the UPDP Manage UE Policy Command.

[0075] Step 4: SMF+PGW-C, after receiving the new IE with UPDP message, replies to PCF with Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response and initiates the Bearer Modification Procedure without Bearer QoS Update (as defined in 23.401 section 5.4.3) to provide the UE policy container ePCO to the UE.

[0076] Steps 5-7: These steps follow the existing bearer modification procedure without bearer QoS.

[0077] Step 8: When the UE in the EPC obtains the UE policy container ePCO containing the Management UE Policy Command UPDP message, the UE processes the message in a similar manner as when it is received in the 5GC, i.e., stores the URSP update, optionally re-evaluates the mapping applied to the PDN connection based on the mapping of the URSP value to the EPC, and generates a UPDP message Management UE Policy Command Complete with the result to the PCF.

[0078] Step 9: The UE then generates a UE policy container containing the Manage UE Policy Command Complete and includes it in the EPS Bearer Context Response sent to the MME.

[0079] Steps 10-11: These steps follow the existing procedures defined for Update Bearer Response.

[0080] Step 12: After receiving the UE policy container ePCO in the update bearer response, the SMF+PGW-C then calls the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request containing the UE policy container content.

[0081] Step 13: The PCF processes the management UE policy command completion in a similar manner as in the 5GC defined in TS29.525, and stops timer T3501.

[0082] Step 14: PCF sends Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response.

[0083] A flow chart showing an example of an embodiment of the solution is described in detail below.The embodiment corresponds to a method performed by and involving a user terminal (101, 700), a second network node (107, 900), a first network node (111, 800).

[0084] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a user terminal for providing a UE policy from a communication network to the UE in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0085] In step S-401, the user terminal sends a UE policy container to a second network node, the UE policy container including a UPDP UE status indication message having a PSI list stored in the UE, wherein the UE policy container is included in a PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0086] In some embodiments, providing the UE policy includes:

[0087] In step S-403, the user terminal provides UE policy via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal attaches to the EPC, and the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container.

[0088] In step S-404, the user terminal receives a UE policy from the first network node, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container.

[0089] In some embodiments, providing the UE policy includes:

[0090] In step S-405, the user terminal receives a UE policy, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container, and the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0091] In step S-407, the user terminal receives a UE policy from the second network node, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container, and wherein the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0092] In step S-408, the user terminal sends a response to providing the UE policy to the second network node, wherein the response is contained in a UE policy container and the response is contained in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0093] In some embodiments, the UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message.

[0094] In some embodiments, the PCF subscribes to receive responses from the UE and subscribes to receive the PSI list.

[0095] In some embodiments, the UE policy is sent to the user terminal using a PDN GW initiated bearer modification without QoS update procedure.

[0096] In some embodiments, the UE policy is any one of URSP rules, V2XP, ProseP and ANDSP policy.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first network node triggers the delivery of the UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.

[0098] In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE), the first network node is a policy control function (PCF), and the second network node is a session management function (SMF) or a session management function + PDN gateway (SMF + PGW).

[0099] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a first network node for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0100] In step S-502, the first network node receives a UE policy container including a UPDP UE status indication message from the second network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in a SM policy association establishment message, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0101] In some embodiments, providing the UE policy includes:

[0102] In step S-503, the first network node provides a UE policy, where the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container.

[0103] In some embodiments, providing the UE policy includes:

[0104] In step S-504, the first network node sends a UE policy to the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container.

[0105] In step S-506, the first network node sends a UE policy to the second network node, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0106] In step S-509, the first network node receives a UE policy container including the response from the second network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association modification message initiated by the SMF, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0107] In some embodiments, the UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message.

[0108] In some embodiments, the PCF subscribes to receive responses from the UE and subscribes to receive the PSI list.

[0109] In some embodiments, the UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in a SM policy association modification message.

[0110] In some embodiments, the UE policy is sent to the user terminal using a PDN GW initiated bearer modification without QoS update procedure.

[0111] In some embodiments, the UE policy is any one of URSP rules, V2XP, ProseP and ANDSP policy.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first network node triggers the delivery of the UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.

[0113] In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE), the first network node is a policy control function (PCF), and the second network node is a session management function (SMF) or a session management function + PDN gateway (SMF + PGW).

[0114] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a second network node for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0115] In step S-601, the second network node receives a UE policy container from a user terminal, the UE policy container including a UPDP UE status indication message having a PSI list stored in the UE, wherein the UE policy container is included in a PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0116] In some embodiments, providing the UE policy includes:

[0117] In step S-602, the second network node sends a UE policy container including a UPDP UE status indication message to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in a SM policy association establishment message, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0118] In step S-603, the user terminal provides UE policy via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal attaches to the EPC, and the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container.

[0119] In step S-606, the second network node receives a UE policy from the first network node, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0120] In step S-607, the second network node sends a UE policy to the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is contained in a UE policy container, and wherein the UE policy container is contained in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0121] In step S-608, the second network node receives a response to providing UE policy from the user terminal, wherein the response is contained in a UE policy container, and wherein the response is contained in an extended protocol configuration option.

[0122] In step S-609, the second network node sends a UE policy container including the response to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in the SM policy association modification message initiated by the SMF, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option.

[0123] In some embodiments, the UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message.

[0124] In some embodiments, the PCF subscribes to receive responses from the UE and subscribes to receive the PSI list.

[0125] In some embodiments, the UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in a SM policy association modification message.

[0126] In some embodiments, the UE policy is sent to the user terminal using a PDN GW initiated bearer modification without QoS update procedure.

[0127] In some embodiments, the UE policy is any one of URSP rules, V2XP, ProseP and ANDSP policy.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first network node triggers the delivery of the UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.

[0129] In some embodiments, the user terminal is a user equipment (UE), the first network node is a policy control function (PCF), and the second network node is a session management function (SMF) or a session management function + PDN gateway (SMF + PGW).

[0130] Overall, and with Fig.10 Relatedly, in some cases, a policy control function (PCF) may need to update a user repository subscription profile (URSP) in a user equipment (UE) in both 5G core (5GC) and evolved packet core (EPC) networks. One such scenario occurs during an initial attach procedure in an EPC network, i.e., when a UE first registers with the network. For example, if an application function (AF) sends a request for new guidance on the URSP applicable to the UE at UE deregistration and before the EPC attach procedure, the corresponding URSP rules may not have been delivered to the UE. Similarly, if an operator policy for determining the URSP was updated at UE deregistration and before the EPC attach procedure, the corresponding URSP rules may not have been delivered to the UE.

[0131] When the UE registers in the EPC network, a URSP update may also be required, which may be due to the AF sending a request for new AF guidance regarding the URSP or due to changes in network conditions. For example, if the configured operator policy for the URSP is determined to be applicable to the new network conditions, the PCF may determine that new or updated URSP rules need to be applied to the UE.

[0132] In any of these scenarios, the PCF sends a Manage UE Policy Command to the UE, which contains the updated policy. The UE responds with a Manage UE Policy Complete or Manage UE Policy Command Reject message to indicate whether the update was successful. By updating the URSP in the UE, the PCF can ensure that the UE has the latest policy and can continue to operate effectively within the network.

[0133] In 5GC, the distribution of updated policies for user equipment (UE) is critical to ensure that the network operates effectively and efficiently. To facilitate this process, TS23.503 Section 6.1.2.2.2 has defined a procedure for distributing policies to UEs. This process involves delivering updates from the Policy Control Function (PCF) to the UE.

[0134] In order to distribute UE policies, a protocol has been defined between the UE and the PCF, called the UE Policy Delivery Protocol (UPDP). This protocol is summarized in Fig.10The UPDP message is encapsulated in the N1 policy container and then transparently transmitted between the access and mobility management function (AMF) and the UE.

[0135] When a UE receives an update to its policy, it needs to inform the PCF of the policy parts stored in the UE. This is achieved using a UE Status Indication operation, which provides the PCF with a list of stored Policy Part Identifiers (PSIs). The PCF can then use this information to manage the distribution of policy to the UE.

[0136] To update the UE policy, the PCF uses the Network Requested UE Policy Management procedure. This procedure involves sending a Manage UE Policy Command containing the updated policy to the UE. The UE responds with a Manage UE Policy Complete or Manage UE Policy Command Reject message to indicate whether the update was successful. By following this procedure, the PCF can ensure that all UEs have the latest policy and the network operates efficiently.

[0137] The present disclosure proposes a mechanism for updating a User Repository Subscription Profile (URSP) in a User Equipment (UE) in an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network. The proposed mechanism involves encapsulating UE Policy Delivery Protocol (UPDP) messages into a new parameter called UE Policy Container ePCO and delivering them to the UE via a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection. The mechanism assumes that the protocol (UPDP protocol) used for URSP delivery between a Policy Control Function (PCF) and the UE is the same as that in the 5G Core (5GC).

[0138] The proposed solution reuses the existing capabilities of the EPC network for sending ePCO between UE and Serving Gateway (SMF+PGW-C) and proposes a method to transfer UE policy container from SMF+PGW-C to PCF (and vice versa) based on reusing the existing PDU session process. To deliver URSP to UE in EPC, this solution assumes a standard solution for the interworking architecture between EPC and 5GC as described in 3GPPTS23.501.

[0139] When the PCF needs to send a UE policy update to the UE in the EPC, it calls the SM policy association modification and includes the corresponding UPDP message in a new IE (UE policy container) in the N7 interface. The SMF+PGW-C then encapsulates it into the UE policy container ePCO and passes it to the UE using the existing process of bearer modification for bearerless QoS update initiated by the PDN GW. Similarly, when the UE in the EPC needs to send a UPDP message related to UE policy processing to the PCF, it encapsulates the UPDP message into the UE policy container ePCO and passes it to the SMF+PGW-C by reusing the existing mechanism.

[0140] The solution proposes that the UE should be able to handle the reception of such UPDP messages received via EPC NAS signaling in a similar manner as when receiving UPDP messages via 5GC NAS signaling. For events occurring in the PCF that may trigger the sending of a URSP update for the UE, the PCF will check whether the UE is currently in the EPC, and if so, will use one of these PDU Sessions to trigger the delivery of the URSP update by invoking a PCF-initiated SM Policy Association Modification procedure (containing the appropriate UE Policy Container). Finally, a PCF deployment in this solution refers to a deployment in which the PCF serving the UE and the PCF serving each PDU Session of the UE are the same PCF.

[0141] Fig.11 Describing the procedure for the initial attachment of a UE in the EPC, which follows the procedure defined in TS 23.401 section 5.3.2.1, the steps described below are used to support the delivery of the URSP to the UE:

[0142] Step 1: The UE generates a UE status indication UPDP message (containing the PSI list stored in the UE) in the same manner as the operation performed in the 5GC for registration. The UE then includes this UE status indication UPDP message in the UE policy container ePCO in the PDN connection request encapsulated in the attach request.

[0143] For those cases where the UE attaches to the EPC but does not request the establishment of a default bearer, the procedure simply follows the steps defined in TS23.401 section 5.3.2.1 and there is no PCF interaction. However, for these cases, the UE will include the UE status indication within the UE policy container ePCO during the first request for a PDN connection. The PCF will then be able to update the URSP to the UE after the establishment of the first PDU session establishment for the UE.

[0144] Steps 2-4: These steps follow the existing procedures defined in TS23.401, so the UE policy container ePCO is sent towards the SMF+PGW-C.

[0145] Step 5: SMF+PGW-C transparently forwards the UE policy container ePCO to PCF as a new IE in the PDU session establishment (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request).

[0146] After receiving this UE policy container ePCO, SMF+PGW-C shall establish the corresponding SM policy association, even if the network configuration for the APN connected to the PDN does not require PCF participation.

[0147] Step 6: PCF replies to SMF with Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response.

[0148] Step 7: The initial attachment process continues as defined in Section 23.401, 5.3.2.1.

[0149] Step 8: The PCF obtains the content of the UE status indication contained in the new IE and processes it in a manner similar to the operation performed by the PCF when it is received in the 5GC during UE policy association establishment, i.e., using the UPSI list contained in the UE status indication to determine whether the UE policy for this UE needs to be updated. If it is determined that no update is required, the process ends here. If an update is required, the PCF generates a corresponding UPDP message management UE policy command in a manner similar to that in the 5GC, and then includes the message in the UPDP container ePCO.

[0150] The UDR interactions associated with retrieving and storing the UPSI in the UDR are not shown in this figure.

[0151] The process then follows Fig.12 Steps 2-14 defined in for URSP update initiated by PCF.

[0152] Fig.12 The procedure for URSP update initiated by the PCF when the UE is in the EPC is described, which follows the following steps:

[0153] Step 1: An event occurs in the PCF. The PCF triggers a re-evaluation of the applicable URSP for the UE and determines that the URSP needs to be updated for the UE. The PCF selects one of the PDN connections / PDU sessions associated with the EPC to deliver the URSP update. The PCF then generates the corresponding UPDP message management UE policy command in a similar manner as in the 5GC, and then includes the message in a new IE for sending it to the SMF via N7.

[0154] Step 2: The UPDP message is then provided to SMF+PGW-C by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request.

[0155] Step 3: The PCF starts timer T3501 to monitor the receipt of a reply to the UPDP Manage UE Policy Command.

[0156] Step 4: SMF+PGW-C, after receiving the new IE with the UPDP message, replies to the PCF with a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response and initiates the Bearer Modification procedure without Bearer QoS Update (as defined in 23.401 section 5.4.3) to provide the UE policy container ePCO to the UE.

[0157] Steps 5-7: These steps follow the existing bearer modification procedure without bearer QoS.

[0158] Step 8: When the UE obtains the UE policy container ePCO containing the MANAGE UE POLICY COMMAND UPDP message, the UE processes the message in a similar manner as when it is received in the 5GC, i.e., stores the URSP update, optionally re-evaluates the mapping applied to the PDN connection based on the mapping of URSP values ​​to EPC, and generates a UPDP message MANAGE UE POLICY COMMAND COMPLETED to the PCF with the result.

[0159] Step 9: The UE then generates a UE policy container UPDP containing the Manage UE Policy Command Complete and includes it in the EPS Bearer Context Response sent to the MME.

[0160] Steps 10-11: These steps follow the existing procedures defined for Update Bearer Response.

[0161] Step 12: After receiving the UE policy container ePCO in the update bearer response, the SMF+PGW-C then calls the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request containing the content of the UE policy container ePCO.

[0162] Step 13: The PCF processes the management UE policy command completion in a similar manner as in the 5GC defined in TS29.525, and stops timer T3501.

[0163] Step 14: PCF sends Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response.

[0164] Figure 7700 (also referred to as a communication device, mobile terminal, mobile communication terminal, wireless device, wireless communication device, wireless terminal, mobile device, wireless communication terminal, user equipment node / terminal / device, etc.) configured to provide wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a block diagram. As shown in the figure, the communication device UE may include an antenna 707 and a transceiver circuit 701 (also referred to as a transceiver), the transceiver circuit 701 including a transmitter and a receiver, which is configured to provide uplink and downlink radio communications with a base station of a radio access network (also referred to as a RAN node). The UE may also include a processing circuit 703 (also referred to as a processor) coupled to the transceiver circuit and a memory circuit 705 (also referred to as a memory, e.g., corresponding to a device-readable medium) coupled to the processing circuit. The memory circuit 705 may include a computer-readable program code, such as an application client 709, which, when executed by the processing circuit 703, causes the processing circuit to perform operations according to the embodiments disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, the processing circuit 703 may be defined as including a memory so that a separate memory circuit is not required. The UE 700 may also include an interface (e.g., a user interface) coupled to the processing circuit 703, and / or the UE may be incorporated into a vehicle. As described herein, the operations of the UE may be performed by the processing circuit 703 and / or the transceiver circuit 701. For example, the processing circuit 703 may control the transceiver circuit 701 to send communications to a radio access network node (also referred to as a base station) via the transceiver circuit 701 via a radio interface and / or to receive communications from a RAN node via the transceiver circuit 701 via a radio interface. In addition, modules may be stored in the memory circuit 705, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the processing circuit 703 executes the instructions of the module, the processing circuit 703 performs corresponding operations (e.g., the operations disclosed herein with respect to the example embodiments related to the UE).

[0165] Figure 8800 is a block diagram illustrating elements of a mobile network node 800 of a mobile communication network. In some embodiments, the mobile network node 800 is a PCF 111. As shown, the mobile network node may include a network interface circuit 801 (also referred to as a network interface) configured to provide communication with a core network and / or other nodes of the network. The mobile network node may also include a processing circuit 802 (also referred to as a processor) coupled to the network interface circuit and a memory circuit 803 (also referred to as a memory) coupled to the processing circuit. The memory circuit 803 may include a computer-readable program code, and when the processing circuit 802 executes the program code, the program code causes the processing circuit to perform operations according to the embodiments disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, the processing circuit 802 may be defined as including a memory, so that a separate memory circuit is not required. As described herein, the operation of the mobile network node may be performed by the processing circuit 802 and / or the network interface circuit 801. For example, the processing circuit 802 may control the network interface circuit 801 to send a communication to one or more other network nodes through the network interface circuit 801 and / or receive a communication from one or more other network nodes through the network interface circuit. In addition, modules may be stored in the memory 803, and these modules may provide instructions so that when the processing circuit 802 executes the instructions of the modules, the processing circuit 802 performs corresponding operations (e.g., the operations discussed below with respect to example embodiments related to core network nodes).

[0166] Fig. 9is a block diagram showing elements of a mobile network node 900 of a mobile communication network. In some embodiments, the mobile network node 900 is an SMF 107. As shown, the mobile network node may include a network interface circuit 901 (also referred to as a network interface) configured to provide communication with a core network and / or other nodes of the network. The mobile network node may also include a processing circuit 902 (also referred to as a processor) coupled to the network interface circuit, and a memory circuit 903 (also referred to as a memory) coupled to the processing circuit. The memory circuit 903 may include a computer-readable program code, which, when executed by the processing circuit 902, causes the processing circuit to perform operations according to the embodiments disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, the processing circuit 902 may be defined as including a memory, thereby not requiring a separate memory circuit. As described herein, the operation of the mobile network node may be performed by the processing circuit 902 and / or the network interface circuit 901. For example, the processing circuit 902 may control the network interface circuit 901 to send communications to one or more other network nodes through the network interface circuit 901 and / or receive communications from one or more other network nodes through the network interface circuit. Furthermore, modules may be stored in the memory 903 and these modules may provide instructions such that when the processing circuit 902 executes the instructions of the modules, the processing circuit 902 performs corresponding operations (eg, the operations discussed below with respect to example embodiments related to a core network node).

[0167] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention may also include a computer-readable medium for carrying or having a computer-executable instruction or data structure stored thereon. Such a computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer. For example, but not limited to, such a tangible computer-readable medium may include a RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or a medium that can be used to carry or store a desired program code component in the form of a computer-executable instruction or data structure. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer via a network or another communication connection (wired, wireless or a combination of the two), the computer will regard the connection as a computer-readable medium. Therefore, any such connection can be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. The above combination should also be included in the scope of a tangible computer-readable medium.

[0168] Computer executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a specific function or group of functions. Computer executable instructions also include program modules that are executed by computers in a stand-alone or network environment. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code components for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps.

[0169] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in a network computing environment with various types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, etc. Embodiments can also be implemented in a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices connected (by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in local and remote memory storage devices.

[0170] Communications at various stages of the system may be performed via local area networks, token ring networks, the Internet, corporate intranets, 802.11 family wireless signals, fiber optic networks, radio or microwave transmissions, etc. While the underlying communications technology may change, the basic principles described herein still apply.

[0171] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For example, the principles herein can be applied to any remote control device. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication between the remote device and the remote control device need not be limited to communication on a local area network, but may include communication on an infrared channel, Bluetooth or any other suitable communication interface. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without following the example embodiments and applications shown and described herein, and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0172] abbreviation

[0173] ePCO Extended Protocol Configuration Options

[0174] UPDP UE Policy Delivery Protocol

[0175] URSP UE routing and selection strategy

Claims

1. A method for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option, the method comprising: The UE policy is provided to a user terminal via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal being attached to the EPC, the UE policy being included in a UE policy container.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Providing the UE strategy includes: sending the UE policy from a first network node to the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container; and The UE policy is received at the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container, and the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: Providing the UE strategy includes: sending the UE policy from the first network node to a second network node, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option; and The UE policy is sent from the second network node to the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: sending, from the user terminal to the second network node, a response to providing the UE policy, wherein the response is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the response is included in an extended protocol configuration option; and The UE policy container including the response is sent from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association modification message initiated by the SMF, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: sending, from the user terminal to the second network node, a UE policy container, the UE policy container comprising a UPDP UE status indication message having a PSI list stored in the UE, wherein the UE policy container is included in a PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option; and The UE policy container including the UPDP UE status indication message is sent from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in a SM policy association establishment message, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The PCF subscribes to receive a response from the UE and subscribes to receive the PSI list.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in a SM policy association modification message.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The UE policy is sent to the user terminal using the PDN GW initiated bearer modification without QoS update procedure.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, a V2XP policy, a ProseP and an ANDSP policy.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The first network node triggers delivery of UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The user terminal is a user equipment UE, the first network node is a policy control function PCF, and the second network node is a session management function SMF or a session management function+PDN gateway SMF+PGW.

13. A method performed by a user terminal for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option, the method comprising: The UE policy is provided to a user terminal via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal being attached to the EPC, the UE policy being included in a UE policy container.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Providing the UE strategy includes: receiving, at the user terminal, the UE policy from a first network node, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container; and The UE policy is received at the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container, and the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option.

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein: Providing the UE strategy includes: The UE policy is received at the user terminal from a second network node, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: A response to providing the UE policy is sent from the user terminal to the second network node, wherein the response is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the response is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising: A UE policy container is sent from the user terminal to the second network node, the UE policy container comprising a UPDP UE status indication message having a PSI list stored in the UE, wherein the UE policy container is included in a PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein: The UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: The PCF subscribes to receive a response from the UE and subscribes to receive the PSI list.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein: The UE policy is sent to the user terminal using the PDN GW initiated bearer modification without QoS update procedure.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein: The UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, a V2XP policy, a ProseP and an ANDSP policy.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein: The first network node triggers delivery of UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.

23. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein: The user terminal is a user equipment UE, the first network node is a policy control function PCF, and the second network node is a session management function SMF or a session management function+PDN gateway SMF+PGW.

24. A method performed by a first network node for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option, the method comprising: A UE policy is provided from the first network node, the UE policy being included in a UE policy container.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: Providing the UE strategy includes: The UE policy is sent from the first network node to a user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in the UE policy container.

26. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein: Providing the UE strategy includes: sending the UE policy from the first network node to the second network node, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option; and 27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprising: The UE policy container including the response is received from the second network node at the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association modification message initiated by the SMF, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising: The UE policy container including the UPDP UE status indication message is received at the first network node from the second network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in a SM policy association establishment message, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

29. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein: The UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message.

30. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein: The PCF subscribes to receive a response from the UE and subscribes to receive the PSI list.

31. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein: The UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in a SM policy association modification message.

32. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein: The UE policy is sent to the user terminal using the PDN GW initiated bearer modification without QoS update procedure.

33. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein: The UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, a V2XP policy, a ProseP and an ANDSP policy.

34. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein: The first network node triggers delivery of UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.

35. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 34, wherein: The user terminal is a user equipment UE, the first network node is a policy control function PCF, and the second network node is a session management function SMF or a session management function+PDN gateway SMF+PGW.

36. A method performed by a second network node for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option, the method comprising: The UE policy is provided to a user terminal via an extended protocol configuration option, the user terminal being attached to the EPC, the UE policy being included in a UE policy container.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: Providing the UE strategy includes: receiving, at the second network node, the UE policy from the first network node, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option; and The UE policy is sent from the second network node to the user terminal, wherein the UE policy is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the UE policy container is included in the extended protocol configuration option.

38. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 37, further comprising: receiving, at the second network node, from the user terminal a response to providing the UE policy, wherein the response is included in a UE policy container, and wherein the response is included in an extended protocol configuration option; and The UE policy container including the response is sent from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in an SM policy association modification message initiated by the SMF, in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, further comprising: receiving, at the second network node, from the user terminal a UE policy container, the UE policy container comprising a UPDP UE status indication message having a PSI list stored in the UE, wherein the UE policy container is included in a PDN connection request, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option; and The UE policy container including the UPDP UE status indication message is sent from the second network node to the first network node, wherein the UE policy container is included in a SM policy association establishment message, and in particular, wherein the UE policy container is included in an extended protocol configuration option.

40. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein: The UE policy is included or encoded in the UPDP message.

41. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein: The PCF subscribes to receive a response from the UE and subscribes to receive the PSI list.

42. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein: The UE policy container is sent from the first network node to the second network node in a SM policy association modification message.

43. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein: The UE policy is sent to the user terminal using the PDN GW initiated bearer modification without QoS update procedure.

44. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein: The UE policy is any one of a URSP rule, a V2XP policy, a ProseP and an ANDSP policy.

45. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein: The first network node triggers delivery of UE policy by selecting a PDU session for the user terminal and triggering a PDU session modification.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 36 to 45, wherein: The user terminal is a user equipment UE, the first network node is a policy control function PCF, and the second network node is a session management function SMF or a session management function+PDN gateway SMF+PGW.

47. An apparatus for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the apparatus is operable to perform the method of any one of claims 13 to 23.

48. An apparatus for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the apparatus is operable to perform the method of any one of claims 24 to 35.

49. An apparatus for providing a UE policy from a communication network to a UE in an extended protocol configuration option, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the apparatus is operable to perform the method of any one of claims 36 to 46.

50. A system comprising the apparatus of claim 47, the apparatus of claim 48, and the apparatus of claim 49.

51. A computer implemented system comprising one or more processors and one or more computer storage media storing computer usable instructions which, when used by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method according to any one of claims 13 to 46.

52. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 13 to 46.

53. A computer program product comprising instructions executable by a processor, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, causing the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 13 to 46.

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