Handling multicast / broadcast service authorization for inbound and outbound rovers

By introducing a service announcement mechanism in the mobile radio telecommunications system, the access permissions of roaming user equipment to broadcast sessions or service categories are determined, which solves the problem of roaming user equipment's access control in the existing system and improves system efficiency.

CN119485171APending Publication Date: 2025-02-18NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411076700.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-09
Filing Date
2024-08-07
Publication Date
2025-02-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, roaming user equipment lacks effective authority control when accessing broadcast sessions or service categories, resulting in unnecessary increase in signaling and inefficiency.

Method used

Through a mechanism to implement service announcements between the user equipment and the network entity, it is determined whether the inbound rovers are allowed to access the broadcast session or service category in the PLMN and send relevant multicast/broadcast service interest indications upon permission.

Benefits of technology

It effectively controls the access permissions of roaming user equipment to broadcast services, reduces unnecessary signaling operations, and improves the efficiency and reliability of the system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for roaming of multicast (MBS) services. A method may include receiving, by a user equipment attached to a public land mobile network as an inbound rover, a service announcement for a broadcast session or service category, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound rover is allowed to access the broadcast service or service category; determining, based on the service advertisement, whether the user equipment is allowed to access a broadcast session or service category in the public land mobile network; and in response to determining that the user equipment is allowed to access a broadcast session or service category in the public land mobile network, sending, by the user equipment, a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service category after the radio resource request is completed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5th Generation (5G) Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR) access technology, 6th Generation (6G), and / or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to systems and / or methods for roaming of multicast MBS services. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include radio frequency (RF) 5G RAT, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), LTE evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, NR access technology and / or MulteFire Alliance. 5G wireless system refers to the next generation (NG) radio system and network architecture. 5G systems are typically built on 5G NR, but 5G (or NG) networks may also be built on E-UTRA radio. NR is expected to support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver ultra-wideband, ultra-robust, low latency connectivity, and large-scale networks to support the Internet of Things (IoT). Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) represents a radio access network (RAN) for 5G, which can provide radio access for NR, LTE, and LTE-A. It should be noted that the node that provides radio access functions for user equipment in 5G (for example, similar to Node B in UTRAN, or evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE) can be called next-generation Node B (gNB) when built on NR radio, and can be called next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on E-UTRA radio. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to some example embodiments, a method may include: receiving, by a user equipment attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class. The method may also include: determining, based on the service announcement, whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN. The method may also include: in response to determining that the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN, sending, by the user equipment, a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class after a radio resource request is completed.

[0004] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: means for receiving a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class when the apparatus is attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class. The apparatus may also include: means for determining whether the apparatus is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN based on the service announcement. The apparatus may also include: means for sending a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class after a radio resource request is completed in response to determining that a user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN.

[0005] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: when the apparatus is attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, receiving a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class. The method may also include: based on the service announcement, determining whether the apparatus is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN. The method may also include: in response to determining that the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN, after the radio resource request is completed, sending a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class.

[0006] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: when a device is attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, receiving a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class. The method may also include: based on the service announcement, determining whether the device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN. The method may also include: in response to determining that the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN, after the radio resource request is completed, sending a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class.

[0007] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: when the apparatus is attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, receive a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether the apparatus is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN based on the service announcement. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: in response to determining that a user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN, after a radio resource request is completed, send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class.

[0008] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: when the apparatus is attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, receiving a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class. The apparatus may also include a determining circuit system configured to perform: based on the service announcement, determining whether the apparatus is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN. The apparatus may also include a determining sending system configured to perform: in response to determining that a user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN, after a radio resource request is completed, sending a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class.

[0009] According to some of the example embodiments, a method may include determining, by a user equipment roaming in a visited PLMN based on configuration, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a specific broadcast service class after completing a radio resource request.

[0010] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for determining, based on a configuration, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a particular broadcast service class upon completion of a radio resource request when the apparatus is roaming in a visited PLMN.

[0011] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include determining, based on a configuration, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a particular broadcast service class after completing a radio resource request when the apparatus is roaming in a visited PLMN.

[0012] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include determining, based on a configuration, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a particular broadcast service class after completing a radio resource request when an apparatus is roaming in a visited PLMN.

[0013] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine, based on a configuration, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a specific broadcast service class after completing a radio resource request when the apparatus is roaming in a visited PLMN.

[0014] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include determining circuitry configured to perform: determining, based on a configuration, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a particular broadcast service class upon completing a radio resource request when the apparatus is roaming in a visited PLMN.

[0015] According to some of the example embodiments, a method may include sending, by a user equipment, a home PLMN, or an inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0016] According to some of the example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for sending a home PLMN, or an inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0017] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include sending a home PLMN or inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0018] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include sending a home PLMN, or an inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0019] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send a home PLMN, or an inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0020] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include transmitting circuitry configured to perform: transmitting a home PLMN, or an inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0021] According to some example embodiments, a method may include: determining, by a first network entity, whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible by an inbound roamer. The method may also include: in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible by the inbound roamer, sending, by the first network entity, a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0022] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for determining whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible by an inbound roamer. The apparatus may also include means for sending a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible by the inbound roamer, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0023] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include determining whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible by an inbound roamer. The method may also include, in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible by the inbound roamer, sending a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0024] According to certain example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include determining whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible by an inbound roamer. The method may also include, in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible by the inbound roamer, sending a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0025] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible to an inbound roamer. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible to the inbound roamer, send a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0026] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a determining circuit system configured to perform: determining whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible by an inbound roamer. The apparatus may also include a sending circuit system configured to perform: in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible by the inbound roamer, sending a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating: whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0027] According to certain example embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a first network entity from a second network entity, a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service. The method may also include determining whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The method may also include sending a response to the request, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0028] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service from a network entity. The apparatus may also include means for determining whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include means for sending a response to the request, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0029] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include receiving a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service from a network entity. The method may also include determining whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The method may also include sending a response to the request, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0030] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: receiving a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service from a network entity. The method may also include: determining whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: sending a response to the request, the response indicating: whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0031] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service from a network entity. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: send a response to the request, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0032] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include receiving circuitry configured to perform: receiving a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service from a network entity. The apparatus may also include determining circuitry configured to perform: determining whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include sending circuitry configured to perform: sending a response to the request, the response indicating: whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0033] According to some example embodiments, a method may include: receiving, by a first network entity, a request for establishing a broadcast session or service from a second network entity. The method may also include: receiving, by the first network entity, a request for user service registration for a broadcast service from a user device. The method may also include: determining, by the first network entity, whether the user device is an inbound roaming user device. The method may also include: in response to determining that the user device is an inbound roaming user device, determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: based on determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service: accepting the request from the user device and providing a multicast broadcast service key to the user device, or rejecting the request from the user device.

[0034] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: a component for receiving a request for establishing a broadcast session or service from a network entity. The apparatus may also include: a component for receiving a request for user service registration for a broadcast service from a user equipment. The apparatus may also include: a component for determining whether the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment. The apparatus may also include: a component for determining whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service in response to determining that the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment. The apparatus may also include: a component for performing the following items based on determining whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service: accepting the request from the user equipment and providing a multicast broadcast service key to the user equipment, or rejecting the request from the user equipment.

[0035] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: receiving a request from a network entity to establish a broadcast session or service. The method may include: receiving a request from a user device for user service registration for a broadcast service. The method may also include: determining whether the user device is an inbound roaming user device. The method may also include: in response to determining that the user device is an inbound roaming user device, determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: based on determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service: accepting the request from the user device and providing a multicast broadcast service key to the user device, or rejecting the request from the user device.

[0036] According to certain example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: receiving a request from a network entity to establish a broadcast session or service. The method may include: receiving a request for user service registration for a broadcast service from a user device. The method may also include: determining whether the user device is an inbound roaming user device. The method may also include: in response to determining that the user device is an inbound roaming user device, determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: based on determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service: accepting the request from the user device and providing a multicast broadcast service key to the user device, or rejecting the request from the user device.

[0037] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request from a network entity to establish a broadcast session or service. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request for user service registration for a broadcast service from a user equipment. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service in response to determining that the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: based on determining whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service: accept the request from the user equipment and provide a multicast broadcast service key to the user equipment, or reject the request from the user equipment.

[0038] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving a request for establishing a broadcast session or service from a network entity. The apparatus may also include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving a request for user service registration for a broadcast service from a user device. The apparatus may also include a determining circuit system configured to perform: determining whether the user device is an inbound roaming user device. The apparatus may also include a determining circuit system configured to perform: in response to determining that the user device is an inbound roaming user device, determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include a processing circuit system configured to perform: based on determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service: accepting the request from the user device and providing a multicast broadcast service key to the user device, or rejecting the request from the user device.

[0039] According to some example embodiments, a method may include: receiving, by a first network entity, a broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: storing, by the first network entity, the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: sending, by the first network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol broadcast session setup request message to a second network entity. The method may also include: receiving, by the first network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol user equipment authorization request from the second network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The method may also include: determining, by the first network entity, whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: sending, by the first network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol user equipment authorization reply message to the second network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol user equipment authorization reply message indicating: whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0040] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: a component for receiving a broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information. The apparatus may also include: a component for storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include: a component for sending a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity. The apparatus may also include: a component for receiving a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The apparatus may also include: a component for determining whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include: a component for sending a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message to the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message indicating: whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0041] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: receiving a broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: sending a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity. The method may also include: receiving a next generation application protocol user device authorization request from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user device. The method may also include: determining whether the user device is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: sending a next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message to the network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message indicating: whether the user device is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0042] According to certain example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: receiving a broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: sending a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity. The method may also include: receiving a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The method may also include: determining whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: sending a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message to the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message indicating: whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0043] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: store roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: send a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: receive a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: send a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message indicating whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0044] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving a broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information. The apparatus may also include a storing circuit system configured to perform: storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include a sending circuit system configured to perform: sending a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity. The apparatus may also include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The apparatus may also include a determining circuit system configured to perform: determining whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include a sending circuit system configured to perform: sending a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message to the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message indicating: whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0045] According to certain example embodiments, a method may include: receiving, by a first network entity, an indication of interest in a broadcast session or service for a user equipment. The method may also include: sending, by the first network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request to a second network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The method may also include: receiving, by the first network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message from the second network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message including: an indication of whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: determining, based on the authorization indication, whether to consider the user equipment's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service.

[0046] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: a component for receiving an indication of interest in a broadcast session or service for a user equipment. The apparatus may also include: a component for sending a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request to a network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The apparatus may also include: a component for receiving a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message from the network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message including: an indication of whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include: a component for determining whether to consider the user equipment's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service based on the authorization indication.

[0047] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: receiving an indication of interest in a broadcast session or service for a user device. The method may also include: sending a next generation application protocol user device authorization request to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user device. The method may also include: receiving a next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message including: an indication of whether the user device is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: determining whether to consider the user device's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service based on the authorization indication.

[0048] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: receiving an indication of interest in a broadcast session or service for a user device. The method may also include: sending a next generation application protocol user device authorization request to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user device. The method may also include: receiving a next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message including: an indication of whether the user device is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service. The method may also include: determining whether to consider the user device's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service based on the authorization indication.

[0049] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of interest in a broadcast session or service for a user equipment. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: send a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: receive a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message including: an indication of whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether to consider the user equipment's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service based on the authorization indication.

[0050] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving an indication of interest in a broadcast session or service for a user device. The apparatus may also include a sending circuit system configured to perform: sending a next generation application protocol user device authorization request to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user device. The apparatus may also include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving a next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message including: an indication of whether the user device is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service. The apparatus may also include a determining circuit system configured to perform: determining whether to consider the user device's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service based on the authorization indication.

[0051] According to some example embodiments, a method may include sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including at least one of a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0052] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including at least one of a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0053] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: sending a message required for handover of a user equipment, the message required for handover including: at least one of a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0054] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including at least one of a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0055] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send a message required for handover of a user equipment, the message required for handover comprising: at least one of a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0056] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a sending circuit system configured to perform: sending a message required for handover of a user equipment, the message required for handover including: at least one of a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0057] According to some example embodiments, a method may include: receiving, by a first network entity, a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: sending, by the first network entity, at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a second network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including the roaming restriction information.

[0058] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include: means for receiving a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information. The apparatus may also include: means for sending at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including the roaming restriction information.

[0059] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: receiving a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: sending at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including the roaming restriction information.

[0060] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: receiving a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: sending at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including the roaming restriction information.

[0061] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: send at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including the roaming restriction information.

[0062] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information. The apparatus may also include a sending circuit system configured to perform: sending at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including the roaming restriction information.

[0063] According to some example embodiments, a method may include: receiving, by a network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: storing the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session. The method may also include: receiving, by the network entity, at least one of a Next Generation Application Protocol initiated context setup request for a user equipment and a handover request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol initiated context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, the handover request message including the home PLMN identifier. The method may also include: receiving, by the network entity, an indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session. The method may also include: determining, by the network entity, whether to consider the indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0064] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: a component for receiving a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information. The apparatus may also include: a component for storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session. The apparatus may also include: a component for receiving at least one of a next generation application protocol initiated context setup request for a user equipment and a handover request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the next generation application protocol initiated context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, and the handover request message including the home PLMN identifier. The apparatus may also include: a component for receiving an indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session. The apparatus may also include: a component for determining whether to consider the indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0065] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: receiving a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session. The method may also include: receiving at least one of a next generation application protocol initiated context setup request for a user equipment and a handover request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the next generation application protocol initiated context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, the handover request message including a home PLMN identifier. The method may also include: receiving an indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session. The method may also include: determining whether to consider the indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0066] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include: receiving a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information. The method may also include: storing the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session. The method may also include: receiving at least one of a next generation application protocol initiation context setup request for a user equipment and a handover request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the next generation application protocol initiation context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, and the handover request message including the home PLMN identifier. The method may also include: receiving an indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session. The method may also include: determining whether to consider the indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0067] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: store the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: receive at least one of a next generation application protocol initiated context setup request for a user equipment and a handover request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the next generation application protocol initiated context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, and the handover request message including the home PLMN identifier. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of interest of the user equipment for the broadcast session. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may also cause the apparatus to at least: determine whether to consider the indication of interest of the user equipment for the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0068] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information. The apparatus may also include a storage circuit system configured to perform: storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session. The apparatus may also include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving at least one of a next generation application protocol initiated context setup request for a user equipment and a handover request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the next generation application protocol initiated context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, and the handover request message including a home PLMN identifier. The apparatus may also include a receiving circuit system configured to perform: receiving an indication of interest of a user equipment for the broadcast session. The apparatus may also include a determining circuit system configured to determine whether to consider the indication of interest of the user equipment for the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0069] According to some of the example embodiments, a method may include sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including a home PLMN identifier.

[0070] According to some example embodiments, an apparatus may include means for sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including a home PLMN identifier.

[0071] According to various example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including a home PLMN identifier.

[0072] According to some example embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including a home PLMN identifier.

[0073] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: send a message required for handover of a user equipment, the message required for handover including a home PLMN identifier.

[0074] According to various example embodiments, an apparatus may include transmitting circuitry configured to perform: transmitting a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including a home PLMN identifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0076] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram when a service announcement indicates whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access a broadcast MBS service or service class in accordance with certain example embodiments;

[0077] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram in which inbound restriction information is sent by the MB-SMF and stored in the AMF according to some example embodiments;

[0078] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram relating to a VPLMN inbound restriction check failure at an AMF according to various example embodiments;

[0079] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram relating to a VPLMN inbound restriction check success at an AMF in accordance with certain example embodiments;

[0080] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram relating to inbound restriction information sent by the MB-SMF and stored in a NG-RAN node according to certain example embodiments;

[0081] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram relating to VPLMN inbound restriction check (failure / success) in a NG-RAN node in accordance with certain example embodiments;

[0082] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram relating to an inbound broadcast service restriction check after an inter-PLMN handover according to some example embodiments;

[0083] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram related to a HPLMN outbound broadcast service restriction check failure according to various example embodiments;

[0084] Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram related to a HPLMN outbound broadcast service restriction check success according to certain example embodiments;

[0085] Fig.10 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments;

[0086] Fig.11 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments;

[0087] Fig.12 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to various example embodiments;

[0088] Fig.13 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments;

[0089] Fig.14 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments;

[0090] Fig.15 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to various example embodiments;

[0091] Fig.16 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments;

[0092] Fig.17 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments;

[0093] Fig.18 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to various example embodiments;

[0094] Fig.19 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments;

[0095] Fig. 20 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments;

[0096] Fig.21 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method according to various example embodiments;

[0097] Fig. 22 illustrates examples of various network devices according to some example embodiments; and

[0098] Fig.23 An example of a 5G network and system architecture is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for roaming of multicast MBS services is not intended to limit the scope of certain example embodiments, but rather represents selected example embodiments.

[0100] Typically, MBS services can enable communication with multiple user devices. However, roaming is currently not supported for multicast MBS services. The VPLMN and / or V-AF are required to allow or disallow multicast MBS services to inbound roamers, such as services provided locally in the VPLMN (e.g., local travel information) and / or service classes in the VPLMN from the same service subscribed to by users in the HPLMN (e.g., weather forecast). In addition, the HPLMN is required to allow or disallow multicast MBS services to outbound roamers, such as services provided in the VPLMN (e.g., from the same service class subscribed to by users in the HPLMN, such as weather forecast).

[0101] Certain example embodiments described herein may have various benefits and / or advantages to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages. For example, certain example embodiments may enable the HPLMN operator to allow or disallow all or specific multicast MBS services when the UE is roaming (outbound) in the VPLMN, and may enable the VPLMN operator to allow or disallow all or specific multicast MBS services to the UE roaming (inbound) in the VPLMN. In addition, some example embodiments may enable the V-AF to allow or disallow specific multicast MBS services to the UE roaming (inbound) in the VPLMN. In addition, multicast MBS services may be identified by MBS service categories, thereby allowing different TMGIs or source-specific multicast addresses to be used in the HPLMN and each VPLMN. Various example embodiments may also save signaling by preventing the UE from unnecessarily attempting to join a multicast MBS session and then being rejected due to unauthorized roaming. Therefore, certain example embodiments discussed below are directed to improvements in computer-related technologies.

[0102] A VPLMN or an AF attached to a VPLMN may be configured with authorization information indicating whether broadcast MBS services provided by the VPLMN operator are allowed to be accessed by inbound roamers of all or some HPLMNs with which the VPLMN operator has a roaming / SLA agreement. The MBS service authorization configured in the VPLMN may be associated with an MBS session ID (TMGI or source-specific IP multicast address), may be associated with an MBS service category (e.g., weather forecast), and / or may be applied to all MBS services provided by the VPLMN that are not restricted to specific users. The VPLMN MBS service authorization information may be configured in the MB-SMF of the VPLMN, or in a database of the VPLMN.

[0103] In certain example embodiments, a service announcement for a broadcast service may be provided only by an AF attached to a VPLMN to UEs that are entitled to receive MBS services in the VPLMN according to authorization information. Alternatively, the AF may indicate in the service announcement whether inbound roamers are allowed to access the broadcast service. In addition, the service announcement may include a list of PLMNs corresponding to the HPLMNs of those inbound roamers that are allowed / not allowed to access the broadcast service and / or MBS service categories. The UE may be configured with information about the MBS service categories that it can access while roaming, possibly related to a specific VPLMN.

[0104] The AF attached to the VPLMN may be configured with an MBS service class and / or authorization information, and / or it may obtain authorization from the VPLMN when requesting establishment of an MBS broadcast session. For example, during establishment of a broadcast MBS session, the V-AF may indicate to the NEF / MB-SMF whether the broadcast MBS session is open to (i.e., allowed to be accessed by) inbound roamers from all or specific HPLMNs, and / or it may provide an MBS service class for the broadcast MBS service. Alternatively, the NEF may be configured with a mapping of an AF ID or MBS session ID to a service class, and may add a service class when forwarding an MBS session establishment request to the MB-SMF. In certain example embodiments, the mapping of MBS session IDs to service classes is configured in the VPLMN's database and is looked up by the NEF, MB-SMF in the VPLMN.

[0105] The NEF or MB-SMF may provide the service category to the NEF / AF in the response to the MBS session establishment request. The NEF or MB-SMF may also indicate in the response to the MBS session establishment whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast MBS service, possibly using the PLMN of the allowed (or not allowed) inbound roamer. If the AF encrypts the broadcast data it provides, it may provide the keys for enabling the description only to roamers who are authorized to use the service.

[0106] Some example embodiments may involve broadcast inbound restriction checking in the AMF.The broadcast MBS service authorization configured in the VPLMN may be associated with an MBS session ID (TMGI or source-specific IP multicast address) or an MBS service category (e.g., weather forecast).

[0107] For example, various example embodiments may include broadcast inbound restriction information that is sent at the start of a broadcast session and stored in the AMF. The VPLMN may allow broadcasting of MBS services to inbound roamers. Specifically, when a broadcast session of a certain MBS service category is started in the VPLMN, the MB-SMF may send a broadcast session start message to the AMF and indicate whether the inbound roamer is allowed to conduct a broadcast session, whether the inbound roamer in the indicated PLMN list (e.g., whitelist) is allowed to conduct a broadcast session, and / or whether the inbound roamer other than the indicated PLMN list (e.g., blacklist) is allowed to conduct a broadcast session. The AMF may then store the above information for further inspection.

[0108] As an example, VPLMN broadcast inbound restrictions may be checked at the AMF. Specifically, whenever the UE obtains an RRC connection, the AMF may send the HPLMN ID corresponding to the UE's home PLMN, or an indication that the UE is an inbound roamer, to the NG-RAN node. The NG-RAN node may store the HPLMN ID, or the inbound roamer indicator. Alternatively, the NG-RAN node may receive the HPLMN ID or the inbound roamer indication in an RRC setup complete message, or in any RRC message after the RRC setup complete message.

[0109] When a UE in RRC connected mode sends a Mobility Interest Indication (MII) for a broadcast session, the inbound restriction authorization may be checked for the UE as an inbound roamer. Specifically, the gNB may send a NGAP UE-specific authorization request message to the AMF. The AMF may then check whether the broadcast service is not restricted for inbound roamers: if the service is restricted to all inbound roamers, the AMF sends a NG Authorization Failure message. Otherwise, the AMF may check whether the broadcast service is restricted to certain PLMNs and whether the UE's HPLMN corresponds to one of these PLMNs. If yes, the AMF may send a NG Authorization Failure message. Otherwise, the AMF may send a NG Authorization Response back to the gNB. If the gNB receives the NG Authorization Response message, it may steer the UE to a suitable frequency to receive the broadcast service of interest. Conversely, if the gNB receives the NG Authorization Failure message, it may ignore the MII previously received from the UE. The gNB may then optionally send a notification to the UE via RRC that the corresponding broadcast service is allowed / not allowed.

[0110] Various example embodiments may involve broadcast inbound restriction checking at a NG-RAN node. For example, broadcast inbound restriction information may be sent at the start of a broadcast session and stored in the NG-RAN.

[0111] The VPLMN may allow broadcasting of MBS services to inbound roamers. When a broadcast session for a certain MBS service class is started in the VPLM, the MB-SMF sends a broadcast session start message to the AMF and indicates to the AMF whether the inbound roamer is allowed to conduct the broadcast session, whether the inbound roamer of the indicated PLMN list is allowed to conduct the broadcast session, and / or whether the inbound roamer other than the indicated PLMN list is allowed to conduct the broadcast session. The AMF then sends an NGAP broadcast session setup request message to the NG-RAN node involved (e.g., gNB), indicating to the NG-RAN node whether the inbound roamer is allowed to conduct the broadcast session, whether the inbound roamer of the indicated PLMN list is allowed to conduct the broadcast session, and / or whether the inbound roamer other than the indicated PLMN list is allowed to conduct the broadcast session. The NG-RAN node may store the above information for further inspection.

[0112] Some example embodiments may include a broadcast inbound restriction check in the gNB. Whenever the UE gets an RRC connection, the AMF may send the HPLMN ID corresponding to the UE's home PLMN to the NG-RAN node. The NG-RAN node stores the HPLMN ID. Alternatively, the NG-RAN node may receive the HPLMN ID in an RRC setup complete message, or in any RRC message after the RRC setup complete message. When a UE in RRC connected mode sends an MBS interest indication (MII) to the NG-RAN node for a broadcast session, the inbound restriction authorization is checked in the NG-RAN node, wherein the NG-RAN node checks whether the broadcast service is not restricted to inbound roamers: if the service is restricted to all inbound roamers, the NG-RAN considers the check unsuccessful. Otherwise, the NG-RAN node checks whether the broadcast service is restricted to certain PLMNs, and whether the UE's HPLMN (previously received from the AMF when the UE gets an RRC connection) corresponds to one of these restricted PLMNs. If yes, the NG-RAN node considers the check unsuccessful. Otherwise, the NG-RAN node considers the check successful. In case the check is successful, the NG-RAN node can steer the UE to a suitable frequency to receive the broadcast service of interest. Conversely, if the check is deemed unsuccessful, the NG-RAN node will ignore the MII received from the UE. The gNB may then choose to send a corresponding broadcast service allowed / not allowed notification to the UE via RRC.

[0113] In certain example embodiments, in case of inter-PLMN handover, broadcast inbound restriction may be checked. In case of inter-PLMN handover, the UE's HPLMN ID may be transferred from source to target, or from source AMF to target AMF: the HPLMN ID may be included in the NGAP Handover Request message from target AMF to target gNB after being received by the target AMF from the source AMF. Alternatively, this may be sent from the source gNB to the target gNB: the HPLMN ID may be included in the NGAP Source to Target Transparent Container, or in the Inter-Node RRC Container from source to target. In case of inter-system handover, the target gNB may have received the MII from the source gNB. After the inter-PLMN handover is completed, the target gNB may check if the UE is an inbound roamer, and if so, it triggers a permission check for the broadcast services indicated by the received MII, using the received UE's HPLMN ID. Specifically, in case of an AMF check, it may trigger a broadcast authorization request; alternatively, in case of a gNB check, it may check the permission.

[0114] Various example embodiments may include a broadcast outbound restriction check between the gNB and the AMF. When a UE in RRC connected mode sends an MII for a broadcast session, the outbound restriction authorization from the H-PLMN is checked. Specifically, the gNB may send a NGAP UE-specific authorization request message to the AMF, and the AMF may check from the subscription of the UE received from the UDM whether it prohibits certain service categories when the UE is roaming, and whether the broadcast service of interest belongs to this service category. If yes, it may send an NG authorization failure message. Alternatively, the AMF may check from the subscription of the UE received from the UDM whether it prohibits certain service categories when the UE is roaming in a specific PLMN, and whether the broadcast service of interest (received from the MII) belongs to this service category, and whether the VPLMN belongs to a specific PLMN list. If yes, it may send an NG authorization failure message. The AMF may check from the subscription of the UE received from the UDM whether it prohibits certain TMGI lists when the UE is roaming, and whether the broadcast service of interest belongs to this TMGI list. If yes, it may send an NG authorization failure message. The AMF may check from the UE's subscription received from the UDM whether it prohibits any of the above combinations. If yes, it sends a NG Authorization Failure message. Otherwise, the AMF may send back a NG Authorization Response to the gNB.

[0115] It is worth noting that any of the embodiments discussed herein may relate to a SNPN, rather than a PLMN.

[0116] Figure 1FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a signaling diagram 100 depicting when a service announcement indicates whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access a broadcast MBS service or service class. According to certain example embodiments, the SMF 120 / MB-SMF 130 / V-AF / NEF 140 / UDM 150 and the UE 110 may be similar to the example of FIG. Fig. 22 NE 2210 and UE 2220 as illustrated in . Certain example embodiments may relate to broadcast session roaming restriction via service announcement, wherein the service announcement of the broadcast service may indicate whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service. In addition, the service announcement may include a PLMN list corresponding to the HPLMN of the inbound roamer that is allowed to access the broadcast service.

[0117] At operation 101, a service announcement may indicate whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast MBS service, possibly utilizing the PLMN and / or MBS service category of the allowed (or not allowed) inbound roamer.

[0118] The V-AF / NEF 140 (attached to the VPLMN) may be configured with the MBS service class and / or authorization information, and / or it may obtain authorization from the VPLMN when requesting establishment of an MBS broadcast session. For example, during establishment of a broadcast MBS session, the V-AF / NEF 140 may indicate to the NEF 140 / MB-SMF 130 whether the broadcast MBS session is open to (i.e., allowed to be accessed by) inbound roamers from all or specific HPLMNs, and / or the MBS service class for which it may provide the broadcast MBS service. Alternatively, the NEF 140 may be configured with a mapping of AF ID and / or MBS session ID to service class, and / or may add the service class when forwarding the MBS session establishment request to the MB-SMF 130. In various example embodiments, the mapping of MBS session ID to service class is configured in a database of the VPLMN and is looked up by the NEF 140 and / or the MB-SMF 130 in the VPLMN.

[0119] In some example embodiments, NEF 140 and / or MB-SMF 130 may provide the service category to V-AF / NEF 140 in a response to the MBS session establishment request. V-AF / NEF 140 and / or MB-SMF 130 may also indicate in the response to the MBS session establishment whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast MBS service, possibly using the PLMN of the allowed (or not allowed) inbound roamer. If V-AF / NEF 140 encrypts the broadcast data provided by V-AF / NEF 140, V-AF / NEF 140 may provide the key to enable the description only to roamers who are authorized to use the service.

[0120] At operation 102, if the service announcement at operation 101 indicates that UE 110 is not authorized to roam, UE 110 may not receive the broadcast and may not need to send an MBS interest indication. For example, a UE in a VPLMN that is interested in a broadcast session (not authorized for inbound roamers by the service announcement) may forgo receiving the broadcast session and / or may not send an MBS interest indication containing the broadcast session. In various example embodiments, a UE in a VPLMN that is interested in a broadcast session (but for whose HPLMN is not authorized for inbound roamers by the service announcement) may forgo receiving the broadcast service and / or may not send an MBS interest indication containing the broadcast session. In addition, UE 110 may be configured with information about the MBS service categories that UE 110 may access while roaming, possibly related to a particular VPLMN.

[0121] At operation 103, UE 110 may receive the broadcast while in the RRC CONNECTED state and send an MBS interest indication for the service. For example, a UE in a VPLMN that is interested in a broadcast session (authorized by a service announcement for inbound roamers) may receive the broadcast service and / or send an MBS interest indication for the broadcast service. In various example embodiments, a UE in a VPLMN that is interested in a broadcast session (authorized by a service announcement for inbound roamers for its HPLMN) may receive the broadcast service and / or may send an MBS interest indication for the broadcast service.

[0122] Figure 2 An example of a signaling diagram 200 depicting inbound restriction information sent by the MB-SMF and stored at the AMF is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 220 / AMF 230 / MB-SMF 240 and the UE 210 may be similar to the NE 2210 and the UE 2220, such as Fig. 22 Some example embodiments may involve VPLMN broadcast inbound restriction checking by AMF, wherein broadcast inbound restriction information may be sent at the start or update of a broadcast session and / or stored in the AMF.

[0123] At operation 201, when a broadcast session is started or updated, the MB-SMF 240 may send a new broadcast session start or update, including roaming restriction information, to the AMF 230. For example, the roaming restriction information may indicate any one of the following: no inbound roamers are accepted; inbound roamers only for PLMNs 1, 2, 3 (e.g., whitelist) are accepted; inbound roamers for PLMNs other than PLMNs 4, 5, 6 (e.g., blacklist) are accepted; and / or inbound roamers only for UEs subscribed to service category X in the HPLMN are accepted.

[0124] At operation 202, the AMF 230 may store the new roaming restriction information for future use.

[0125] At operation 203, the AMF 230 may send a NGAP broadcast session setup request message to the gNBs involved.

[0126] At operation 204, the gNB involved (e.g., gNB 220) may generate an MCCH and an MTCH corresponding to the broadcast session for delivery.

[0127] At operations 205 and 206, the gNB involved (e.g., gNB 220) may deliver MCCH and MTCH, respectively.

[0128] exist Figure 2 In the variation of Figure 3 An example of a signaling diagram 200 depicting a VPLMN broadcast inbound barring check failure performed at the AMF is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 330 / AMF 340 / MB-SMF 350 and UE 320 may be similar to Fig. 22 NE 2210 and UE 2220 are illustrated in FIG. Initially, UE 320 may be in RRC CONNECTED state.

[0129] At operation 301, UE 320 may initiate an RRC connection. At operation 302, UE 320 may send an RRC setup complete message to gNB 330, the RRC setup complete message including: a new information element indicating the UE 320 HPLMN ID (e.g., Home PLMN Identity), and / or an indication that it is an inbound roamer. This may be stored by gNB 330.

[0130] At operation 303, the gNB 330 may notify the AMF that the UE is entering the RRC connected state.

[0131] At operation 304, upon receiving 303, AMF 340 may send a NGAP Initiate Context Setup Request message to gNB 330, which may include: a new information element indicating the HPLMN ID (i.e., Home PLMN Identity) of UE 320, and / or an indication that it is an inbound roamer (alternative to operation 302). This may be stored by gNB 330.

[0132] At operation 305, UE 320 operates in an RRC connected state with gNB 330 after operations 301 to 304.

[0133] At operation 306, UE 320 may send an MBS interest indication for the broadcast session identified by TMGI-1 to gNB 330.

[0134] At operation 307, the gNB 330 may send an NGAP UE authorization request (e.g., TMGI 1) to the AMF 340, which may be configured to trigger a new NGAP authorization check procedure for 5GC.

[0135] At operation 308, AMF 340 may run at least one authorization check including: TMGI1 is not allowed for inbound roamers, the HPLMN of UE 320 is in the non-allowed PLMN list for TMGI 1, and the HPLMN of UE 320 is not in the allowed PLMN list for TMGI1.

[0136] At operation 309, the AMF 340 may determine that one of the checks performed at operation 308 has meant that authorization has failed.

[0137] At operation 310, AMF 340 may send an NGAP authorization failure message to gNB 330.

[0138] At operation 311, upon receiving the NGAP authorization failure message at operation 310, the gNB 330 may ignore the MBS interest indication (MII) for the failed TMGI(s), but may still propagate the complete received MII in case of handover.

[0139] At operation 312, the gNB 330 may optionally send a notification to the UE 320 via RRC that the corresponding broadcast service is not allowed.

[0140] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In another variation of Figure 4 An example of a signaling diagram 400 depicting a VPLMN broadcast inbound barring check success performed at the AMF is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 430 / AMF 440 / MB-SMF 450 and UE 420 may be similar to Fig. 22 NE 2210 and UE 2220 are illustrated in FIG. Initially, UE 420 may be in RRC CONNECTED state.

[0141] At operation 401, UE 420 may send an RRC connection setup request to gNB 430.

[0142] At operation 402, UE 420 may send an RRC Connection Setup Complete message to gNB 430, which may include a new information element indicating the UE 420 HPLMN ID (Home PLMN Identity), and / or an indication that it is an inbound roamer. This may be stored by gNB 430.

[0143] At operation 403, upon receiving the NGAP Initiate UE message from the gNB 430, the AMF 440 may alternatively send a NGAP Initiate Context Setup Request message to the gNB 430, which may include a new information element indicating the HPLMN ID (Home PLMN Identity) of the UE 420, and / or an indication that it is an inbound roamer. This may be stored by the gNB 430.

[0144] At operation 404, UE 420 may operate in an RRC connected state with gNB 430 after operations 401 to 403.

[0145] At operation 405, UE 420 may send an MII for the broadcast session identified by TMGI-1 to gNB 430.

[0146] At operation 406, the gNB 430 may send a new NGAP authorization check request for 5GC to the AMF 440.

[0147] At operation 407, AMF 440 may perform any of the following authorization checks: TMGI1 is not allowed for inbound roamers, the HPLMN of UE 420 is in the non-allowed PLMN list for TMGI-1, and / or the HPLMN of UE 420 is not in the allowed PLMN list for TMGI-1.

[0148] At operation 408, the AMF 440 may not match one of the checks performed at operation 407, and thus the authorization is successful.

[0149] At operation 409, AMF 440 may send an NGAP authorization response message to gNB 430.

[0150] At operation 410, after receiving the NGAP authorization response message, the gNB 430 may store the MII for the broadcast session TMGI-1, and / or direct the UE 420 to a cell / band (optionally a PLMN) supporting TMGI-1 using the MII for the broadcast session TMGI-1.

[0151] At operation 411, the gNB 430 may optionally send a notification to the UE 420 via RRC that the corresponding broadcast service is allowed.

[0152] Figure 5 An example of a signaling diagram 500 depicting a broadcast inbound restriction check in an NG-RAN node is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 520 / AMF 530 / MB-SMF 540 and the UE 510 may be similar to Fig. 22NE 2210 and UE 2220 shown in . Some example embodiments may involve broadcast inbound restriction information being sent at the start of a broadcast session and stored in the NG-RAN.

[0153] At operation 501, when a broadcast session starts or updates, the MB-SMF 540 may send a new broadcast session start or update, including roaming restriction information, to the AMF 530. For example, the roaming restriction information may indicate any one of the following: no inbound roamers are accepted, inbound roamers only for PLMNs 1, 2, 3 are accepted, inbound roamers for PLMNs other than PLMNs 4, 5, 6 are accepted, and / or inbound roamers only for UEs subscribed to service category X in the HPLMN are accepted.

[0154] At operation 502, the AMF 530 may send a new NGAP broadcast session setup or modification request to the gNB 520 for the NG-RAN node (e.g., gNB), including the roaming restriction information received at operation 501.

[0155] At operation 503, gNB 520 may store the new roaming restriction information for future use.

[0156] At operation 504, the gNB 520 may generate an MCCH and an MTCH corresponding to the broadcast session.

[0157] At operations 505 and 506, the gNB 520 may send the MCCH and MTCH generated at operation 504 to the UE 510.

[0158] Figure 6 An example of a signaling diagram 600 depicting a VPLMN broadcast inbound restriction check in an NG-RAN node is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 520 / AMF 530 / MB-SMF 540 and the UE 510 may be similar to Fig. 22 NE 2210 and UE 2220 shown in . Some example embodiments may involve broadcast inbound restriction information being sent at the start of a broadcast session and stored in the NG-RAN.

[0159] At operation 601, UE 620 may request an RRC connection with gNB 630.

[0160] At operation 602, UE 620 may send an RRC Connection Complete (HPLMN ID) message to gNB 630, which may include a new information element indicating the HPLMN ID (Home PLMN Identity) of the UE. gNB 630 may store the information.

[0161] At operation 603, upon receiving the NGAP Initiate UE message from gNB 630 at operation 602, AMF 640 may send a new NGAP Initiate Context Setup Request to gNB 630, including an identity (HPLMN ID) of the HPLMN of UE 620. This may be stored by gNB 630.

[0162] At operation 604, UE 620 may operate in an RRC connected state with gNB 630 after operations 601 to 603.

[0163] At operation 605, when UE 620 is in RRC connected mode, UE 620 may indicate an MBS interest indication for a broadcast session identified by TMGI-1 to gNB 630.

[0164] At operation 606, the gNB 630 may perform an authorization check, including any of the following: TMGI1 is not allowed for an inbound roamer, the HPLMN of UE 620 is in a non-allowed PLMN list for TMGI 1, and / or the HPLMN of UE 620 is not in an allowed PLMN list for TMGI1.

[0165] At operation 607, the gNB 630 may determine that one of the checks at operation 607 indicates an authorization failure: for the failed TMGI(s) (e.g., TMGI-1), the MBS interest indication from the UE 620 may be omitted (but in the case of handover, the full MII is still propagated).

[0166] At operation 608, the gNB 630 may selectively send a notification to the UE 620 via RRC that the corresponding broadcast service is not allowed.

[0167] At operation 609, the gNB 630 may not match one of the checks at operation 606, which means that the authorization is successful: the MBS interest indication from the UE 620 for the broadcast session identified by TMGI-1 is used by the gNB 630 to subsequently direct the UE 620 to a cell / band (optionally a PLMN) supporting TMGI-1.

[0168] At operation 610, the gNB 630 may optionally send a notification to the UE 620 via RRC that the corresponding broadcast service is allowed.

[0169] Figure 7 An example of a signaling diagram 700 depicting an inbound broadcast service restriction check in an inter-PLMN handover scenario is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 730 / AMF 740 / source (S)-gNB 750 and UE 720 may be similar to Fig. 22NE 2210 and UE 2220 shown in .

[0170] At operation 701, the s-gNB 750 may indicate to the AMF 740 that a handover is required, including source to target container, MII, and / or HPLMN ID.

[0171] At operation 702, the AMF 740 may send the HPLMN ID of the UE 720 in the NGAP Handover Request message and / or may include an indication that the UE 720 is an inbound roamer. The target gNB 730 may receive the HPLMN ID in the source-to-target container from the s-gNB 720, in the Handover Request message from the AMF 740, and / or may receive an indication that the UE 720 is an inbound roamer in the NGAP Handover Request from the AMF 740. The target gNB 730 may also receive the MII for the broadcast session identified by TMGI-1 in the source-to-target container from the S-gNB 750, which is included in the NGAP Handover Request sent by the AMF at operation 702.

[0172] At operations 703 and 704, the handover preparation phase is completed.

[0173] At operation 705, UE 720 and gNB 730 are in an RRC connected state.

[0174] At operation 706, the target gNB 730 may use the received HPLMN ID and / or the received inbound roamer indication to determine whether the UE 720 is an inbound roamer. If the UE 720 is an inbound roamer, the target gNB 730 may use any of the triggered authorization detection procedures to check for permission for the broadcast service indicated by the (multiple) TMGIs in the received MII (e.g., Figure 3 to Figure 4 AMF authorization check in Figure 5 to Figure 6 gNB authorization check in ); check the permission (such as Figure 6 ).

[0175] At operation 707, if the authorization check for some TMGIs of the MII fails, the target gNB 730 may ignore the interest indication for those TMGIs that failed (but may still propagate the complete MII during handover). At operation 708, the target gNB 730 may optionally send a notification of MII not allowed for the relevant TMGI(s) to the UE 720 to inform the UE 720 of the failure.

[0176] At operation 709, if the authorization check for some TMGIs of MII is successful, the target gNB 730 may consider the interest indication for the relevant TMGI to preferably direct the UE 720 to a cell / band (optionally PLMN) supporting TMGI 1. At operation 710, the gNB 730 may optionally send a MII allow notification (for the allowed (multiple) TMGIs, such as TMGI 1) to the UE 720 to inform the UE 720 of the success.

[0177] Figure 8 An example of a signaling diagram 800 depicting a broadcast outbound restriction check between a gNB and an AMF is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 720 / AMF 830 / UDM 840 and the UE 810 may be similar to Fig. 22 NE 2210 and UE 2220 shown in FIG. For example, various exemplary embodiments may check for H-PLMN outbound broadcast service class failure.

[0178] At operation 801, UE 810 and gNB 820 may establish an RRC connection.

[0179] At operation 802, the AMF 830 may request subscription information for the UE 810 from the UDM 840. At operation 803, the UDM 840 may send the requested subscription information to the AMF 830, which may include an “allowed outbound service class” or an “allowed TMGI outbound list”.

[0180] At operation 804, UE 810 may send an MII for a broadcast session identified by TMGI-1 to gNB 820.

[0181] At operation 805, the gNB 820 may send a new NGAP authorization check procedure for 5GC to the AMF 830.

[0182] At operation 806, the AMF 830 may perform an authorization check including: whether TMGI1 belongs to an allowed outbound service category for the UE according to its HPLMN; or whether TMGI1 belongs to an allowed TMGI list for outbound roaming.

[0183] At operation 807, the AMF 830 may not match the check, which means authorization failed.

[0184] At operation 808, AMF 830 may send an NGAP authorization failure message to gNB 820.

[0185] At operation 809, after receiving the NGAP authorization failure message at operation 808, gNB 820 may ignore the MII for TMGI-1 and may propagate the complete MII in case of handover.

[0186] Fig. 9 An example of a signaling diagram 900 depicting a check for a successful H-PLMN outbound broadcast service class is illustrated. According to certain example embodiments, the gNB 920 / AMF 930 / UDM 940 and UE 910 may be similar to Fig. 22 NE 2210 and UE 2220 are shown in FIG. For example, various example embodiments may relate to a H-PLMN outbound broadcast service restriction check being successful.

[0187] At operation 901, UE 910 and gNB 920 may establish an RRC connection.

[0188] At operation 902, the AMF 930 may request subscription information from the UDM 940. At operation 903, the UDM 940 may send the requested subscription information to the AMF 930, including the “allowed outbound service class” or the “allowed TMGI outbound list”.

[0189] At operation 904, UE 910 may indicate to gNB 920 the MII for the broadcast session identified by TMGI 1.

[0190] At operation 905, the gNB 920 may send an NGAP authorization check request for 5GC to the AMF 930.

[0191] At operation 906, the AMF 930 may perform authorization checks including: whether TMGI1 belongs to an allowed outbound service category for this UE according to its HPLMN; and / or whether TMGI1 belongs to an allowed TMGI list for outbound roaming.

[0192] At operation 907, the AMF 930 may match the check, which means the authorization is successful.

[0193] At operation 908, the AMF sends an NGAP authorization response message to gNB 920.

[0194] At operation 910, upon receiving the NGAP authorization response message at operation 909, the gNB 920 may store the MII for the associated TMGI(s) and use it to further guide the UE 910 to a cell / band (optionally a PLMN) supporting TMGI 1.

[0195] Fig.10 The present invention illustrates a method that can be performed by a UE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1000 performed by UE 2220) shown in FIG.

[0196] At step 1001, the method may include receiving, by a user equipment attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0197] At step 1002, the method may also include determining, based on the service announcement, whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN. In certain example embodiments, the determination may be based at least on the service announcement, the service announcement indicating at least one home PLMN of an allowed or not allowed inbound roamer and at least one home PLMN of the UE.

[0198] At step 1003, the method may further include: in response to determining that the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service category in the PLMN, the user equipment sends a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service category after the radio resource request is completed.

[0199] At step 1004, the method may further include: in response to determining that the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN, displaying, by the user equipment, an indication of whether the broadcast session or service class is accessible.

[0200] At step 1005 , the method may further include receiving a notification that a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a broadcast session or a service class is allowed, or a notification that a multicast / broadcast service interest indication is not allowed.

[0201] Fig.11 The present invention illustrates a method that can be performed by a UE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1100 performed by UE 2220) shown in FIG.

[0202] At step 1101, the method may include determining, by a user equipment roaming in a visited PLMN, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a specific broadcast service class after completing a radio resource request based on a configuration. The configuration may include a list of PLMNs in which the UE is allowed to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a specific broadcast service class after completing a radio resource request.

[0203] Fig.12 The present invention illustrates a method that can be performed by a UE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1200 performed by UE 2220) shown in FIG.

[0204] At step 1201, the method may include sending, by the user equipment, a home PLMN identifier or an inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0205] Fig.13 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1300 performed by NE 2210) shown in FIG.

[0206] At step 1301, the method may include determining, by a first network entity, whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible to an inbound roamer.

[0207] At step 1302, the method may include: in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible to the inbound roamer, sending, by the first network entity, a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class. The service announcement may indicate at least one home PLMN of the inbound roamer that is allowed or not allowed.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the determination may be based at least on the configured information.

[0209] At step 1303, the method may include sending a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service to the second network entity. The request may include an indication of whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0210] At step 1304, the method may also include receiving a response to the request, the response including a second indication of whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The determination may be based at least on the second indication, and the request may indicate at least one service class.

[0211] Fig.14 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1400 performed by NE 2210) shown in .

[0212] At step 1401, the method may include: receiving, by a first network entity from a second network entity, a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service. The request may indicate at least one service category.

[0213] At step 1402, the method may also include determining whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service. The determination may be based on at least one of an identification of the second network entity, at least one service category, configured information, or information obtained from a database.

[0214] At step 1403, the method may further include sending a response to the request, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0215] At step 1404, the method may also include sending a request to establish or start a broadcast session or service, the request including an indication of whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0216] Fig.15 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1500 performed by NE 2210) shown in FIG.

[0217] At step 1501 , the method may include receiving, by a first network entity from a second network entity, a request to establish a broadcast session or service.

[0218] At step 1502, the method may further include: receiving, by the first network entity from a user equipment, a request for user service registration for a broadcast service.

[0219] At step 1503, the method may further include: determining, by the first network entity, whether the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment. The determination may be based on at least one of the following: an identification of the second network entity; a home PLMN of the user equipment; roaming restriction information for a broadcast session or service received in a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service; a service class received in a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service; roaming restriction information for the at least one service class, the at least one broadcast session or service, or at least one home public land mobile network obtained from a database; or configured roaming restriction information for the at least one service class, the at least one broadcast session or service, or at least one home public land mobile network.

[0220] At step 1504, the method may also include, in response to determining that the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment, determining whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0221] At step 1505, the method may also include: based on determining whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service, accepting the request from the user equipment and providing the user equipment with a multicast broadcast service key, or rejecting the request from the user equipment. For example, the rejection of the request from the user equipment may include at least one cause value that configures the user equipment to stop retrying user service registration for the broadcast service.

[0222] Fig.16 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1600 performed by NE 2210) shown in FIG.

[0223] At step 1601, the method may include receiving, by a first network entity, a broadcast session or service start or update including roaming restriction information.

[0224] At step 1602, the method may further include: storing, by the first network entity, roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service.

[0225] At step 1603, the method may further include: sending, by the first network entity, a next generation application protocol broadcast session setting or modification request message to the second network entity.

[0226] At step 1604, the method may further include: receiving, by the first network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request from the second network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment.

[0227] At step 1605 , the method may further include: determining, by the first network entity, whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service.

[0228] At step 1606, the method may further include: sending, by the first network entity, a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message to the second network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message indicating whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0229] Fig.17 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1700 performed by NE 2210) shown in FIG.

[0230] At step 1701, the method may include receiving, by a first network entity, an indication of interest of a user equipment for a broadcast session or service. The indication of interest may be received from at least one of a radio resource control message from the user equipment, a next generation application protocol handover request message from a core network entity, or a source-to-target container from a peer RAN network entity.

[0231] At step 1702, the method may further include: sending, by the first network entity, a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request to the second network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment.

[0232] At step 1703, the method may also include: receiving, by the first network entity, a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message from the second network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message including: an indication of whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0233] At step 1704, the method may also include determining, based on the authorization indication, whether to consider an indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session or service.

[0234] At step 1705, the method may also include: receiving a home PLMN identifier or an inbound roamer indication associated with the user equipment from at least one of the following items: a next generation application protocol initiated context setup request from a core network entity, a next generation application protocol handover request message from a core network entity, a source to target container from a peer RAN network entity, or a radio resource control message from the user equipment.

[0235] At step 1706, the method may further include determining whether to send a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request based on an inbound roamer indication or a home PLMN identifier that is different from a PLMN identifier of a PLMN where the network entity is located.

[0236] At step 1707, the method may also include: after determining that the user equipment's interest indication for the broadcast session or service is not to be considered, performing at least one of the following items: ignoring the multicast / broadcast interest indication from the user equipment, or sending a notification to the user equipment that the multicast / broadcast service interest indication for the broadcast session is not allowed.

[0237] At step 1708, the method may also include: after determining that the user equipment interest indication for the broadcast session or service is to be considered, performing at least one of the following items: guiding the user equipment to a frequency suitable for receiving the broadcast service corresponding to the temporary mobile group identifier or service category indicated in the multicast / broadcast interest indication, or sending a notification to the user equipment that the multicast / broadcast service interest indication for the broadcast session is allowed.

[0238] Fig.18 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1800 performed by NE 2210) shown in FIG.

[0239] At step 1801, the method may include: sending a message required for handover of a user equipment, the message required for handover including at least one of the following items: a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0240] Fig.19 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1800 performed by NE 2210) shown in FIG.

[0241] At step 1901, the method may include: receiving, by a first network entity, a broadcast session start or update request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start or update request including roaming restriction information.

[0242] At step 1902, the method may also include: sending, by the first network entity, at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request or modification message to a broadcast session configured for the second network entity, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request or modification message including roaming restriction information.

[0243] Fig. 20 The diagram illustrates a method that can be performed by a NE (such as Fig. 22 An example of a flowchart of method 1900 performed by NE 2210) shown in FIG.

[0244] At step 2001, the method may include: receiving, by a network entity, a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup or modification request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup or modification request message including roaming restriction information.

[0245] At step 2002, the method may further include: storing roaming restriction information for the broadcast session.

[0246] At step 2003, the method may also include: receiving, by the network entity from the core network entity, at least one of a next generation application protocol context setup request for the user equipment and a switching request message for the user equipment, wherein the next generation application protocol context setup request includes a home PLMN identifier, and the switching request message includes the home PLMN identifier.

[0247] At step 2004, the method may also include: receiving, by the network entity, an indication of interest of the user equipment for the broadcast session. The indication of interest of the UE for the broadcast session may be received via at least one of: a radio resource control message from the user equipment, a handover request from a core network entity, or a source-to-target container from a peer radio access network entity.

[0248] At step 2005, the method may further include: determining, by the network entity, whether to consider the user equipment's interest indication for the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0249] At step 2006, the method may also include: in response to determining that the user equipment's interest indication in the broadcast session or service is not to be considered, the network entity performs at least one of the following items: ignoring the interest indication in the broadcast session or service, or sending a notification to the user equipment that the multicast / broadcast service interest indication in the broadcast session is not allowed.

[0250] At step 2007, the method may also include: in response to determining that the user equipment's interest indication for the broadcast session is considered, the network entity performs at least one of the following items: guiding the user equipment to a frequency suitable for receiving a broadcast service corresponding to a temporary mobile group identifier or service category indicated in the interest indication, or sending a notification of permission for a multicast / broadcast service interest indication for the broadcast session.

[0251] Fig.21 An example of a flow chart of a method 2000 according to various example embodiments is illustrated, which method may be performed by a NE such as, Fig. 22 NE 2210) shown in .

[0252] At step 2101, the method may include: sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message including a home PLMN identifier.

[0253] In any of the example embodiments described herein, the roaming restriction information may indicate at least one of: no inbound roamers are accepted, all inbound roamers are accepted, a list of home PLMNs from which inbound roamers are accepted, a list of home PLMNs from which inbound roamers are rejected, or a service class.

[0254] Fig. 22 An example of a system according to some example embodiments is illustrated.In an example embodiment, the system may include a plurality of devices, such as NE 2210 and / or UE 2220, as examples.

[0255] NE 2210 may be one or more of a base station (e.g., a 3G UMTS NodeB, a 4G LTE evolved NodeB, or a 5G NR next generation NodeB), a serving gateway, a server, and / or any other access node, or a combination thereof.

[0256] NE 2210 may also include at least one gNB centralized unit (CU), which may be associated with at least one gNB distributed unit (DU). The at least one gNB-CU and the at least one gNB-DU may communicate with each other via at least one F1 interface, at least one X n -C interface, and / or communicate via at least one NG interface of the fifth generation core (5GC).

[0257] UE 2220 may include one or more mobile devices, such as mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers or portable media players, digital cameras, pocket cameras, video game consoles, navigation units (such as global positioning system (GPS) devices), desktop or laptop computers, single-location devices (such as sensors or smart meters), or any combination thereof. In addition, NE 2210 and / or UE 2220 may be one or more Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs).

[0258] NE 2210 and / or UE 2220 may include at least one processor, respectively denoted as 2211 and 2221. Processors 2211 and 2221 may be embodied by any computing or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. The processor may be implemented as a single controller, or multiple controllers or processors.

[0259] As shown in 2212 and 2222, at least one memory may be provided in one or more devices. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer codes contained therein. The memories 2212 and 2222 may be any suitable storage device independently, such as non-transient computer readable media. The term "non-transient" used herein may correspond to the limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than signal), rather than the limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM)). A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memory may be combined on a single integrated circuit as a processor, or may be separated from one or more processors. In addition, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and processable by the processor may be computer program codes in any suitable form, for example, a computer program compiled or interpreted in any suitable programming language.

[0260] Processors 2211 and 2221, memories 2212 and 2222, and any subset thereof may be configured to provide Figures 1 to 21 Components corresponding to the various boxes. Although not shown, the device may also include positioning hardware, such as GPS or micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) hardware, which can be used to determine the location of the device. Other sensors are also allowed and can be configured to determine location, altitude, speed, direction, etc., such as a barometer, compass, etc.

[0261] like Fig. 22As shown in , transceivers 2213 and 2223 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, respectively illustrated as 2214 and 2224. The device may have many antennas, such as an antenna array configured for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. For example, other configurations of these devices may be provided. Transceivers 2213 and 2223 may be transmitters, receivers, both transmitters and receivers, or may be configured as units or devices for both sending and receiving.

[0262] The memory and the computer program instructions may be configured to, together with the processor of a specific device, cause a hardware device (such as a UE) to perform any of the above processes (ie, Figures 1 to 21 ). Thus, in certain example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process such as one of the processes described herein. Alternatively, certain example embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0263] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus may include a Figures 1 to 21 As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories with software, which together enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions; (c) hardware circuitry and / or processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when the operation does not require the software. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claims). As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuitry" also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0264] Fig.23An example of a 5G network and system architecture according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. Shown are multiple network functions that can be implemented as software operating as part of a network device or dedicated hardware, as a network device itself or dedicated hardware, or as virtual functions operating as a network device or dedicated hardware. Fig.23 The NE and UE shown in the figure may be similar to NE 2210 and UE 2220, respectively. The user plane function (UPF) may provide services such as intra-RAT and inter-RAT mobility, routing and forwarding of data packets, inspection of packets, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, buffering of downlink packets, and / or triggering of downlink data notifications. The application function (AF) may be primarily connected to the core network to facilitate application use of service routing and interact with the policy framework.

[0265] According to some example embodiments, processors 2211 and 2221, and memories 2212 and 2222 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may form a part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 2213 and 2223 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may form a part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0266] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., NE 2210 and / or UE 2220) may include components for performing the methods, processes, or any variants discussed herein. Examples of components may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing the execution of operations.

[0267] In various example embodiments, the device 2220 may be controlled by the memory 2222 and the processor 2221 to: when the device is attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, receive a service announcement for a broadcast session or service category, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service category; based on the service announcement, determine whether the device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service category in the PLMN; and in response to determining that the device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service category in the PLMN, send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service category after the radio resource request is completed.

[0268] Certain example embodiments may be directed to a device comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, components for receiving a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class when the device is attached to a PLMN as an inbound roamer, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class; components for determining whether the device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN based on the service announcement; and components for sending a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class after a radio resource request is completed in response to determining that the device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the PLMN.

[0269] In various example embodiments, the device 2220 may be controlled by the memory 2222 and the processor 2221 to determine whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a specific broadcast service class after a radio resource request is completed based on a configuration when the device is roaming in a visited PLMN.

[0270] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, components for determining, based on a configuration, whether to send a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with a particular broadcast service class upon completion of a radio resource request when the apparatus is roaming in a visited PLMN.

[0271] In various example embodiments, the apparatus 2220 may be controlled by the memory 2222 and the processor 2221 to: send a home PLMN, or an inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0272] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for sending a home PLMN, or inbound roamer indication in a radio resource control message.

[0273] In various example embodiments, the device 2210 can be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: determine whether an inbound roamer can access a broadcast session or service category; and in response to determining that the broadcast session or service category can be accessed by the inbound roamer, send a service announcement for the broadcast session or service category, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service category.

[0274] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising components for determining whether an inbound roamer is able to access a broadcast session or service class; and in response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible by the inbound roamer, sending a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

[0275] In various example embodiments, the device 2210 can be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: receive a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service from a network entity; determine whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service; and send a response to the request, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0276] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, components for receiving a request for establishment of a broadcast session or service from a network entity; components for determining whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service; and components for sending a response to the request, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0277] In various example embodiments, the device 2210 can be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: receive a request for establishing a broadcast session or service from a network entity; receive a request for user service registration for a broadcast service from a user device; determine whether the user device is an inbound roaming user device; in response to determining that the user device is an inbound roaming user device, determine whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service; and based on determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service: accept the request from the user device and provide a multicast broadcast service key to the user device, or reject the request from the user device.

[0278] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example: a component for receiving a request for establishing a broadcast session or service from a network entity; a component for receiving a request for user service registration for a broadcast service from a user device; a component for determining whether the user device is an inbound roaming user device; a component for determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service in response to determining that the user device is an inbound roaming user device; and a component for accepting the request from the user device and providing a multicast broadcast service key to the user device, or rejecting the request from the user device, based on determining whether the user device is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

[0279] In various example embodiments, the device 2210 may be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: receive a broadcast session or service start, which includes roaming restriction information; store the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service; send a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity; receive a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment; determine whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service; and send a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message to the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message indicating: whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0280] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising: a component for receiving a broadcast session or service start, the broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information; a component for storing the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service; a component for sending a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity; a component for receiving a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment; a component for determining whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service based on the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service; and a component for sending a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message to the network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization reply message indicating: whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

[0281] In various example embodiments, the apparatus 2210 may be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: receive an indication of interest of a user device in a broadcast session or service; send a next generation application protocol user device authorization request to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and a user device identifier; receive a next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message including: an indication of whether the user device is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service; and determine, based on the authorization indication, whether to consider the user device's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service.

[0282] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising: a component for receiving an indication of interest of a user device in a broadcast session or service; a component for sending a next generation application protocol user device authorization request to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization request comprising: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user device; a component for receiving a next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message from the network entity, the next generation application protocol user device authorization reply message comprising: an indication of whether the user device is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service; and a component for determining whether to consider the user device's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service based on the authorization indication.

[0283] In various example embodiments, the device 2210 can be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: send a message required for switching of the user equipment, the message required for switching including: a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or at least one of a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0284] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising: components for sending a message required for handover of a user equipment, the message required for handover comprising: at least one of a home PLMN identifier configured for the user equipment, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication.

[0285] In various example embodiments, the device 2210 can be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: receive a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information; and send at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information.

[0286] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising: a component for receiving a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information; and a component for sending at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information.

[0287] In various example embodiments, the device 2210 may be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: receive a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information; store the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session; receive at least one of a next generation application protocol initiation context setup request for a user equipment and a switching request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the next generation application protocol initiation context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, and the switching request message including a home PLMN identifier; receive an indication of interest from the user equipment for the broadcast session; and determine whether to consider the indication of interest from the user equipment for the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0288] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising: a component for receiving a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information; a component for storing the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session; a component for receiving at least one of a next generation application protocol initiation context setup request for a user equipment and a switching request message for the user equipment from the core network entity, the next generation application protocol initiation context setup request including a home PLMN identifier, the switching request message including the home PLMN identifier; a component for receiving an indication of interest of the user equipment for the broadcast session; and a component for determining whether to consider the indication of interest of the user equipment for the broadcast session or service based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home PLMN identifier of the user equipment.

[0289] In various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 2210 may be controlled by the memory 2212 and the processor 2211 to: send a message required for handover of the user equipment, the message required for handover including a home PLMN identifier.

[0290] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising means for sending a handover required message for a user equipment, the handover required message comprising a home PLMN identifier.

[0291] The features, structures or characteristics of the example embodiments described in this specification may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. For example, the use of the phrases "various embodiments", "certain embodiments", "some embodiments", or other similar language in this specification refers to the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the example embodiments may be included in at least one example embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in various embodiments", "in certain embodiments", "in some embodiments", or other similar language in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of example embodiments, and the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner.

[0292] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ,” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) mean at least any one of the elements, or at least two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0293] In addition, if necessary, the above different functions or processes can be performed in different orders and / or performed concurrently with each other. In addition, if necessary, one or more of the functions or processes can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the above description should be regarded as an explanation of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0294] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the above exemplary embodiments may be practiced in a different order of processes and / or with hardware elements that are different from the disclosed configurations. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations will be apparent while still falling within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0295] Partial Glossary

[0296] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0297] 5G Fifth Generation

[0298] 5GC Fifth Generation Core

[0299] 6G Sixth Generation

[0300] AF Application Function

[0301] AMF Access and Mobility Management Function

[0302] ASIC Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

[0303] CBSD Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device

[0304] CPU Central Processing Unit

[0305] CU Centralized Unit

[0306] DU Distributed Unit

[0307] eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0308] eNB Evolved Node B

[0309] gNB Next Generation Node B

[0310] GPS Global Positioning System

[0311] HDD Hard Drive

[0312] HPLMN Home Public Land Mobile Network

[0313] IoT

[0314] IP Internet Protocol

[0315] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0316] LTE-A Long Term Evolution Advanced

[0317] MBS Multicast and Broadcast System

[0318] MBSF Multicast / Broadcast Service Function

[0319] MB-SMF Multicast Broadcast Session Management Function

[0320] MBSTF Multicast / Broadcast Service Transport Function

[0321] MCCH Multicast Control Channel

[0322] MEMS Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems

[0323] MII Multicast and Broadcast System Interest Indicator

[0324] MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0325] mMTC massive machine type communication

[0326] MTCH Multicast and Broadcast System Traffic Channel

[0327] NE Network Entity

[0328] NEF Network Exposure Function

[0329] NG Next Generation

[0330] NGAP Next Generation Application Function

[0331] NG-eNB Next Generation Evolved Node B

[0332] NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network

[0333] NR New Radio

[0334] PDA Personal Digital Assistant

[0335] QoS Quality of Service

[0336] RAM Random Access Memory

[0337] RAN Radio Access Network

[0338] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0339] RF

[0340] ROM Read Only Memory

[0341] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0342] SMF session management functions

[0343] SNPN Standalone Non Public Network

[0344] TMGI Temporary Mobility Group Identifier

[0345] UDM Unified Data Manager

[0346] UE User Equipment

[0347] UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0348] UPF User Plane Function

[0349] URLLC Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications

[0350] UTRAN Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0351] V-AF Virtual Application Function

[0352] VPLMN Visited Public Land Mobile Network

[0353] WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: When the apparatus is attached to a public land mobile network as an inbound roamer, receiving a service announcement for a broadcast session or service class, the service announcement indicating: whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class; determining, based on the service announcement, whether the device is allowed to access a broadcast session or service class in the public land mobile network; as well as In response to determining that the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service class in the public land mobile network, a multicast / broadcast service interest indication associated with the broadcast session or service class is sent after the radio resource request is completed.

2. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: determining whether a broadcast session or service class is accessible by an inbound roamer; and In response to determining that the broadcast session or service class is accessible to the inbound roamer, a service announcement for the broadcast session or service class is sent, the service announcement indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast service or service class.

3. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: receiving a request from a network entity for establishment of a broadcast session or service; determining whether an inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service; as well as A response to the request is sent, the response indicating whether the inbound roamer is allowed to access the broadcast session or service.

4. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: receiving a request from a network entity to establish a broadcast session or service; receiving a request for user service registration for the broadcast service from a user equipment; determining whether the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment; In response to determining that the user equipment is an inbound roaming user equipment, determining whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or service; as well as Based on determining whether the user equipment is allowed to access the broadcast session or: accepting a request from the user equipment and providing the multicast broadcast service key to the user equipment, or The request from the user device is denied.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the determination is based on at least one of: an identification of the network entity; a home public land mobile network of the user equipment; roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service received in the request for the establishment of the broadcast session or service; a service class received in said request for said establishment of said broadcast session or service; roaming restriction information for the at least one service class, the at least one broadcast session or service, or the at least one home public land mobile network obtained from a database; or Configured roaming restriction information for the at least one service class, at least one broadcast session or service, or at least one home public land mobile network.

6. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: receiving a broadcast session or service start including roaming restriction information; storing the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service; Sending a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message to a network entity; receiving a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request from the network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Request comprising: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment; determining, based on roaming restriction information for the broadcast session or service, whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service; and A Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message is sent to the network entity, wherein the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message indicates whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service.

7. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: receiving an indication of interest in a broadcast session or service for a user equipment; Sending a next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request to a network entity, the next generation application protocol user equipment authorization request including: an identifier of the broadcast session or service, and an identifier of the user equipment; receiving a Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message from the network entity, the Next Generation Application Protocol User Equipment Authorization Reply message including: an indication of whether the user equipment is authorized to receive the broadcast session or service; and Based on the authorization indication, it is determined whether to consider the interest indication of the user equipment in the broadcast session or service.

8. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: Sending a message required for handover of a user equipment, wherein the message required for handover includes: At least one of a home public land mobile network identifier, an inbound roamer indication, or a multicast / broadcast interest indication configured for the user equipment.

9. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: receiving a broadcast session start request for a broadcast session, the broadcast session start request including roaming restriction information; and At least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message is sent to a network entity configured for the broadcast session, the at least one next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including the roaming restriction information.

10. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for performing the following: receiving a next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message for a broadcast session from a core network entity, the next generation application protocol broadcast session setup request message including roaming restriction information; storing the roaming restriction information for the broadcast session; receiving from the core network entity at least one of a Next Generation Application Protocol initiated context setup request for a user equipment and a handover request message for the user equipment, the Next Generation Application Protocol initiated context setup request including a home public land mobile network identifier, the handover request message including the home public land mobile network identifier; receiving an indication of interest of the user equipment in the broadcast session; and Based on the stored roaming restriction information and the home public land mobile network identifier of the user equipment, it is determined whether to consider the user equipment's indication of interest in the broadcast session or service.