Techniques for optimizing PCC rule updates for multiple PDU sessions

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to techniques for optimizing PCC rule updates for multiple PDU sessions. An apparatus configured to determine at least one policy and charging control rule, where the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied to a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules, and more particularly, to updating of PCC rules applicable to multiple Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions and / or multiple UEs. Background Art

[0002] For PCC rule updates, each session management (SM) policy association is known to provide updates to the session management function (SMF). Summary of the invention

[0003] The following summary is intended to be illustrative only. It is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and provide the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0005] According to one aspect, a method includes: determining, using a policy and charging function, at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0006] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0007] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0008] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receive at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied; and apply one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0009] According to one aspect, a method includes: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions using a session management function, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions of the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0010] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: establishing multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0011] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: enabling establishment of multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to user equipment and / or receive data streams from user equipment; enabling reception of at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0012] According to one aspect, a device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0013] According to one aspect, a method includes: determining at least one policy and charging control rule using a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0014] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0015] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0016] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to be used to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and receive from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0017] According to one aspect, a method includes: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions using a session management function, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; and receiving at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions from a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0018] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: establishing multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and receiving at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions from a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0019] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: enabling establishment of multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to user equipment and / or receive data streams from user equipment; and enabling reception from a policy and charging function of at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0020] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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 request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; send a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determine one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determine a session management policy association in the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determine one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0021] According to one aspect, a method includes: receiving, with a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to update or create at least one session management policy association; sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least correlation identifiers assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determining one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determining a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy associations associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0022] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: receiving a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least correlation identifiers assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determining one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determining a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy associations associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0023] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: causing a request to update or create at least one session management policy association to be received from a session management function; causing a response to be sent to the session management function to the received request, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determining one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determining a session management policy association in one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and causing an indication to be sent to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0024] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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: send a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receive a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receive an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and apply the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0025] According to one aspect, a method includes: sending, using a session management function, a request to update or create at least one session management policy association to a policy and charging function; receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0026] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: sending a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0027] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: causing a request to be sent to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; causing a response to the sent request to be received from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; causing an indication to be received from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0028] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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 at least one request to create a session management policy association from a session management function, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; send a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receive from the session management function a request to create a session management sharing policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as a data network serviced by the apparatus and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as a network serviced by the apparatus and the session management function; The management function receives a uniform resource locator in which a session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; sends an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determines one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sends an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0029] According to one aspect, a method includes: receiving, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receiving from the session management function a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; receiving from the session management function a uniform resource locator , in a uniform resource locator, a session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; send an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determine one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0030] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: receiving at least one request to create a session management policy association from a session management function, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receiving a request to create a session management shared policy association from the session management function for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the session management function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the session management function service; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0031] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: causing a policy charging function from a session management function to receive at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; causing a response to the at least one request to be sent to the session management function; causing a request to create a session management shared policy association from the session management function for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function; causing Receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function in which the session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; causing an indication to be sent to the session management function for at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and that are associated with the session management function; and causing an indication to be sent to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0032] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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: send at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receive a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; send a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service; send a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receive an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receive an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0033] According to one aspect, a method includes: using a session management function to send at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; sending a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection auxiliary information that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0034] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: sending at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; sending a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0035] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: causing at least one request to be sent to a policy and charging function using a session management function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; causing a response to the at least one request to be received from the policy and charging function; causing a request to be sent to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; causing a uniform resource locator to be sent to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; causing an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to be received from the policy and charging function; and causing an indication to be received from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0036] According to one aspect, an apparatus comprises: 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: determine a reference corresponding to data; provide the reference and the data to a data repository; and provide at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0037] According to one aspect, a method includes determining, using an application function, a reference corresponding to data; providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0038] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes means for determining a reference corresponding to data; providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0039] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for at least: determining a reference corresponding to data; causing the reference and the data to be provided to a data repository; and causing at least one update to be provided to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0040] According to one aspect, a device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determine an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0041] According to one aspect, a method includes: utilizing a session management function to send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0042] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes means for sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0043] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0044] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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 data and a reference corresponding to the data; store the data in association with the reference; receive a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, send at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0045] According to one aspect, a method includes: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data using a unified data repository; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function in response to determining that the data is authorized.

[0046] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function in response to determining that the data is authorized.

[0047] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function in response to determining that the data is authorized.

[0048] According to one aspect, a device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: provide an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and send at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0049] According to one aspect, a method includes providing, using a policy charging function, an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0050] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes means for providing an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0051] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for at least: causing providing an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and causing sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0052] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes: 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 request from a session management function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as a service provided by the apparatus and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as a service provided by the apparatus and the session management function; receive a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; send a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policies and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policies and charging control rules respectively include updates to the shared structure. reference; receiving at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in a shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one protocol data unit session of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0053] According to one aspect, a method includes: receiving, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules respectively include a reference to a shared structure; receiving a request from the session management function for At least one request to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in a shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0054] According to one aspect, a device includes components for: receiving a request from a session management function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the session management function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the session management function service; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policies and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policies and charging control rules respectively include a reference to a shared structure; receiving a request from the session management function for protocol data The unit creates at least one request for a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sends to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in a shared structure; determines one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; updates the shared structure based on at least one protocol data unit session of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sends to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0055] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: enabling a policy and charging function from a session management function to receive a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the policy and charging function and the session management function service, or network slice selection auxiliary information that is the same as the policy and charging function and the session management function service; enabling a uniform resource locator to be received from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; enabling a response to the request to be sent to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules respectively include updates to the shared policy association. causing at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to the at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure to be sent to the session management function; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and causing sending, at a uniform resource locator, to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated.

[0056] According to one aspect, a device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: send a request to a policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or the same network slice selection auxiliary information that is served by the device and the policy and charging function; send a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receive a response to the request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules respectively include a reference to a shared structure; send at least one request to the policy and charging function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receive from the policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; and receive an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator that the shared structure has been updated.

[0057] According to one aspect, a method includes: using a session management function to send a request to a policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: the same data network name as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or the same network slice selection auxiliary information as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receiving a response to the request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules respectively include a reference to a shared structure; sending at least one request to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit to the policy and charging function, wherein at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving from the policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator that the shared structure has been updated.

[0058] According to one aspect, an apparatus includes components for: sending a request to a policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or the same network slice selection assistance information that is served by the device and the policy and charging function; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receiving a response to the request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules respectively include a reference to a shared structure; sending at least one request to the policy and charging function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein at least one request includes at least one of: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving from the policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator that the shared structure has been updated.

[0059] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: causing a session management function to send a request to a policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the session management function and the policy and charging function, or the same network slice selection auxiliary information that is served by the session management function and the policy and charging function; causing a uniform resource locator to be sent to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; causing a response to the request to be received from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least one or more Policy and charging control rules, wherein one or more of the policy and charging control rules respectively include a reference to a shared structure; sending at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving from the policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; and receiving from the policy and charging function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0060] According to some aspects, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. Some further aspects are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example system in which example embodiments may be practiced;

[0063] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0064] Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating features as described herein;

[0066] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0067] Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0068] Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0069] Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0070] Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0071] Fig.10 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0072] Fig.11 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0073] Fig.12 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0074] Fig.13 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0075] Fig.14 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0076] Fig.15 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0077] Fig.16 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0078] Fig.17 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0079] Fig.18 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein;

[0080] Fig.19 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein; and

[0081] Fig. 20 is a flow chart showing the steps as described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or drawings are defined as follows: 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project 5G Fifth Generation 5GC 5G Core Network 5QI 5G QoS Identifier AF Application Function AMF Access and Mobility Management Function ARP Allocation and Retention Priority cRAN Cloud Radio Access Network CU Central Unit DNAI Data Network Access Identifier DNN data network name DU Distributed Unit eNB (or eNodeB) Evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station) EN-DC E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity The en-gNB or En-gNB provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is in EN-DC A node that acts as a secondary node in EPS Evolved Packet System E-UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, also known as LTE radio access technology gNB (or gNodeB) is a base station for 5G / NR, i.e., it provides NR user plane and control plane to UE. The protocol is terminated and connected to the node of 5GC via NG interface I / F Interface L1 Layer 1 LTE Long Term Evolution MAC Media Access Control MME Mobility Management Entity 5G interface between N6 UPF and data network NBI Northbound Interface NEF Network Exposure Function ng or NG new generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB Next Generation eNB NR New Radio NRF Network Repository Features NSSAI Network Slice Selection Assistance Information N / W or NW network NWDAF network data analysis function O-RAN Open Radio Access Network PCC Policy and Charging Control PCEF Policy Control Enforcement Function PCF Policy Charging Function PCRF Policy and Charging Rules Function PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDN Packet Data Network PDU Protocol Data Unit PFD Packet Flow Description / Descriptor PFDF Packet Flow Description Function PGW PDN Gateway PHY Physical Layer QoS Quality of Service RAN Radio Access Network RAR Random Access Response RF RLC Radio Link Control RRC Radio Resource Control RRH Remote Radio Head RS reference signal RU Radio Unit Rx Receiver SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol SGW Service Gateway SM Session Management SMF session management functions S-NSSAI Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information TCP Transmission Control Protocol Tx Transmitter UDP User Datagram Protocol UDR Unified Data Repository UE User Equipment (e.g., wireless, usually mobile) UPF User Plane Function URL Uniform Resource Locator VNR Virtualized Network Function

[0083] Steering Figure 1 , which shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the example may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, a radio access network (RAN) node 170 and (multiple) network elements 190 are shown. Figure 1 In the example of , user equipment (UE) 110 wirelessly communicates with wireless network 100. UE is a wireless device that can access wireless network 100. UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected by one or more buses 127. Each transceiver in one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. One or more buses 127 can be address, data, or control buses, and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of wires on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication devices, etc. "Circuitry" can include dedicated hardware or hardware associated with software executable thereon. One or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. One or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. UE 110 includes module 140, which includes one or both of parts 140-1 and / or 140-2 that can be implemented in a variety of ways. Module 140 can be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 120. Module 140-1 may also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 140 may be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 may be configured to perform one or more operations as described herein with one or more processors 120 using user equipment 110. UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via wireless link 111.

[0084] In this example, the RAN node 170 is a base station that provides access to the wireless network 100 through wireless devices such as UE 110. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also known as New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC (such as, for example, (multiple) network elements 190) via an NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via an NG interface. The NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and (multiple) distributed units (DU) (gNB-DU), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node that is responsible for the RRC, SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or the RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB, and controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is shown as reference 198, although reference numeral 198 also shows a link between a remote element of the RAN node 170 and a centralized element of the RAN node 170, such as a link between a gNB-CU 196 and a gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node that is responsible for the RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface 198 connected to the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, e.g., as part of the RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under the control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station, a base station for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station, access point, access node, or node.

[0085] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces ((multiple) N / WI / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected by one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include (multiple) processors 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own one or more memories and (multiple) processors and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0086] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, which includes one or both of the parts 150-1 and / or 150-2 that can be implemented in a variety of ways. The module 150 can be implemented in hardware as the module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 150 can be implemented as a module 150-2, which is implemented as a computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, together with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. Note that the functionality of the module 150 can be distributed, such as distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or implemented only in the DU 195.

[0087] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network, such as via links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, for example, link 176. Link 176 may be wired or wireless or both, and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0088] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of wires on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication device, wireless channel, etc. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for a gNB implementation for 5G, where other elements of the RAN node 170 may be physically located at a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 may be implemented in part, for example, as a fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., central unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

[0089] Note that the description herein indicates that a "cell" performs a function, but it should be clear that the equipment that forms the cell will perform the function. A cell constitutes part of a base station. That is, each base station can have multiple cells. For example, there may be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each covering one-third of a 360-degree area, so that the coverage area of ​​a single base station covers an approximate ellipse or circle. In addition, each cell may correspond to a single carrier, and a base station may use multiple carriers. Therefore, if there are three 120-degree cells and two carriers per carrier, the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0090] The wireless network 100 may include a network element or element 190, which may include core network functions and provide a connection to another network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet), via a link or link 181. Such core network functions for 5G may include access and mobility management functions (AMF) and / or user plane functions (UPF) and / or session management functions (SMF). Such core network functions for LTE may include MME (mobility management entity) / SGW (serving gateway) functions. These are merely illustrative functions that may be supported by (multiple) network elements 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled to the network element 190 via a link 131. Link 131 may be implemented, for example, as an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces ((multiple) N / WI / F) 180 interconnected by one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, together with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0091] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is classified as external or external, where many networks or parts of networks are combined into virtual units, and internal, where network-like functions are provided to software containers on a single system. For example, a network may be deployed in a remote cloud, where virtualized network functions (VNFs) run on, for example, data center servers. For example, network core functions and / or (multiple) radio access networks (e.g., CloudRAN, O-RAN, edge cloud) may be virtualized. Note that the virtualized entities resulting from network virtualization are still implemented to some extent using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and such virtualized entities also create technical effects.

[0092] It may also be noted that the operations of the example embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed by multiple cooperating devices (eg, cRAN).

[0093] Computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be components for performing storage functions. As non-limiting examples, processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Processors 120, 152, and 175 may be components for performing functions such as controlling UE 110, RAN node 170, and other functions as described herein.

[0094] In general, various example embodiments of user device 110 may include, but are not limited to, a cellular telephone, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capabilities, a portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, an image capture device such as a digital camera with wireless communication capabilities, a gaming device with wireless communication capabilities, a music storage and playback device with wireless communication capabilities, an Internet device allowing wireless Internet access and browsing, a tablet computer with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals incorporating a combination of such functionality.

[0095] Having introduced a suitable but non-limiting technical context for practicing example embodiments of the present disclosure, the example embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0096] Features described herein may generally relate to Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules.

[0097] For 5GC, when the Policy Charging Function (PCF) determines that a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session requires new PCC rules, for example due to an Application Function (AF) request, it will provide them to the Session Management Function (SMF) using the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify service operation. When the same new PCC rules will be applied to multiple UEs (or multiple PDU sessions for the same UE), the PCF needs to call Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify once per Session Management (SM) policy association, for example once per UE / PDU session. When the required Quality of Service (QoS) or QoS monitoring for multiple UE IP addresses changes, the AF and / or Network Exposure Function (NEF) needs to call the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request once per UE IP address.

[0098] 3GPP documents PCC for 5GC in TS23.503 (Phase 2) and (among other specifications) TS29.512, TS 29.513, TS29.514 and TS29.551 (Phase 3). PCC rules are a set of information that can detect service data flows and provide parameters for policy control and / or charging control and / or other control or support information. Possible information is described in clause 6.3.1 of TS23.503.

[0099] For the Evolved Packet System (EPS), when the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) determines that a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection requires new PCC rules, e.g. due to an AF request, it will provide them to the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) and / or Policy Control Enforcement Function (PCEF) using a Diameter Random Access Response (RAR) message. When the same new PCC rules will be applied to multiple UEs (or multiple PDN connections for the same UE), the PCRF needs to invoke the Diameter RAR message once per SM policy association, e.g. once per UE / PDN connection.

[0100] 3GPP documents the PCC for EPS in TS23.203 (Stage 2) and TS29.212, TS29.213, TS29.214, TS29.250, and TS29.251 (Stage 3).

[0101] The PCC rule contains a description of the service flow it relates to (e.g., IP source and destination addresses and UDP / TCP source destination port numbers), which may also take the form of an application identifier. The associated service flow description of the application identifier is then provided from the AF to the NEF (e.g., the Packet Flow Description Function (PFDF)), which is then provided as a Packet Flow Description (PFD) towards the SMF without involving the PCF. See clause 4.18 of TS23.502.

[0102] Calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify once per SM policy association, e.g. once per UE / PDU session, may result in excessive signaling if many UE / PDU sessions require the same (multiple) PCC rule updates (e.g. the updates indicated within the same AF request may apply to multiple UE / UE groups). For example, if the AF request triggering this update of PCC rules targets a group identifier corresponding to a group of 1000 UEs, 1000 separate HTTP messages between PCF and SMF will have to be sent. The same excessive signaling issue may apply to NEF to PCF in the case where a Nnef_AFessionWithQoS service with multiple UEs results in multiple calls to Npcf_PolicyAuthorization per UE / PDU session.

[0103] In an example embodiment, the signaling of PCC rules applying to multiple UE / PDU sessions may be handled by the same SMF in one single message towards the SMF. The applicability of PCC rules to multiple policy control sessions or PDU sessions / UEs may be indicated as part of the PCC rule (i.e. within the PCC rule itself). The applicability of PCC rules to multiple policy control sessions may be indicated via a correlation ID assigned by the PCF to each relevant policy control session or by a directional indication of the applicable PDU session / UE or policy control session ID. Optionally, one of the existing policy control sessions may be used to provide such PCC rules. Alternatively, a (dedicated) non-PDU session related policy control session may be used to provide such PCC rules.

[0104] Reference now Figure 2 , showing an example of an implicit indication of additional affected SM policy associations. At 210, the SMF may create or update an SM policy association with the PCF, as described in 3GPP TS29.513 clause 5.2. For example, the SMF may send an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create / Update request to the PCF. The SMF may create or update an SM policy association multiple times, for example, at least once per PDU session. At 220, the PCF may respond to the SM policy association create / update request. The PCF may also provide one or more relevant identifiers in the response. For example, the PCF may send an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create / Update response to the SMF.

[0105] In an example, the PCF may provide a mapping of correlation IDs to PDU sessions. For example, the PCF may indicate to the SMF that correlation ID 1 is assigned to PDU sessions A, B, C; and correlation ID 2 is assigned to PDU sessions D, E, F. This example is not limiting; a single correlation ID may be mapped to any number of PDU sessions.

[0106] "(Multiple) Related Ids" may be assigned to be the same for all PDU sessions, e.g., having the same Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) and / or other characteristics (e.g., access type, attributes of the SM policy context provided by the SMF, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, "(Multiple) Related Ids" may be assigned to be the same for all PDU sessions of a UE, e.g., identified by a Group ID. Additionally or alternatively, e.g., based on implementation, "(Multiple) Related Ids" may be assigned to be the same for any combination of PDU sessions that the PCF expects to require "batch" updates.

[0107] There are various possibilities for implementation specific "grouping" of PDU sessions. The PCF may, for example, be configured with information indicating which AF is responsible for the PDU session. This may, for example, be based on DNN / S-NSSAI, target UE groups, or a combination thereof. For example, the PCF may know that UE groups A, B, and C in slices S1 and S2 are all managed by the same AF, so the AF may send requests for them, so the PCF may assign the same correlation ID to all these UE groups.

[0108] Another example is IP address ranges. The PCF may be configured to know that IPs belonging to a specific address range are given by an SMF (e.g. a V2X application) which may be expected to have similar requirements / requests later, so the PCF may assign the same correlation ID to all PDU sessions with IPs in that range.

[0109] At 230, the PCF may need to install new / updated PCC rules (with the same content) for multiple PDU sessions (i.e., multiple SM policy associations), or delete / uninstall such PCC rules, due to internal PCF logic or due to external AF requests targeting a group of UEs (e.g., Nnef_TrafficInfluence or Nnef_AffSessionWithQoS, see 3GPP TS29.522). In other words, the PCF may detect a trigger or may determine to send the same PCC / session rules to many PDU sessions. An example of such a trigger may be an AF request applied to UEs connected to the same DNN / S-NSSAI or the same external group.

[0110] An example of internal PCF logic may be based on periodic examination of statistics of network usage and performance (either locally or by contacting the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF)) and a determination that the PCF should stop authorizing PDU sessions of a particular type or that QoS requirements for a particular external network are too high.

[0111] At 240, the PCF may identify the SM policy associations that need to be updated for the reasons described above, and may derive their (multiple) correlation identifiers, and may group them based on the SMF that handles them. At 250, the PCF may call Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify only once per handling SMF (e.g., each SMF for which at least one correlation ID has been created and for which the update has been triggered), by, for example, including (multiple) correlation IDs indicating that the update is applicable to all PDU sessions with (multiple) given correlation IDs. For example, the PCF may send an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request to the SMF, which may include the correlation ID and the updated PCC / session rules. Optionally, the PCF may include an "exception list" that includes PDU session IDs that are assigned the same "correlation ID" but may not be applied (i.e., excluded) from the UpdateNotify request in some rare cases (e.g., based on an AF request). In other words, the PCF may indicate the PDU sessions associated with the correlation ID, but new or updated PCC rules are not applied.

[0112] At 260, the SMF may respond to the UpdateNotify request, but may also indicate whether there were some failures at one or more PDU sessions when applying the requested update. For example, the SMF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response to the PCF, which may include the additional PDU session IDs that failed, for example because they are no longer handled by the SMF. The failure may mean that the update of the PDU session was unsuccessful and / or was not performed. At 270, the PCF may attempt to individually update those SM policy associations that failed to update by sending an UpdateNotify to each of those SM policy associations that failed to update (e.g., using existing mechanisms).

[0113] In an example embodiment, an explicit indication of additional affected SM policy associations may be provided. For example, instead of using correlation IDs in steps 2 (220), 4 (240) and 5 (250), the PCF may explicitly indicate the entire list of affected PDU sessions in step 5 (250) (e.g., by including an array of affected PDU session IDs in the UpdateNotify). A technical effect of using correlation identifiers may be to avoid having to send an array of, for example, 1000 PDU session IDs. However, using a list of affected PDU sessions may have a more direct technical effect and does not require the pre-creation of correlation IDs or the extension of the SMPolicyControl_Create / Update response.

[0114] Reference now Figure 3 , showing an example of explicit indication of affected PDU sessions by a non-PDU session related policy control session. At 305, 310, 315, 320, for each PDU session, the SMF may create an SM policy association with the PCF, as described in 3GPP TS29.513 clause 5.2. The SMF may create or update the SM policy association multiple times, for example at least once for each PDU session. The SMF may provide the PDU session ID and UE ID and its own SMF ID in the request. For each PDU session, the PCF may accept the creation of the SM policy association. For example, at 305, 315, the SMF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request to the PCF, which may include an indication of the PDU session, an indication of the UE, and the SMF ID. At 310, 320, the PCF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response to the SMF.

[0115] At 325, the SMF may detect (multiple) PCFs serving DNN / NSSAI at the network repository function (NRF), which the SMF also serves. For each such PCF, the SMF may create an SM shared policy association (i.e., in the PCF) and provide its own SMF ID and the URL to receive updates in the request. For example, the SMF may send an Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_Create request to the PCF. Both the SMF and the PCF may know the SM shared policy association and where it is stored. At 330, the PCF may accept the creation of the SM shared policy association (e.g., regarding 305, 315, or both). It may provide (multiple) shared PCC rules and then indicate the (multiple) PDU sessions and (multiple) UE IDs to which it applies for each shared PCC rule. The PCF may only indicate the (multiple) PDU sessions and (multiple) UE IDs to which it has established a policy association with the SMF. For example, the PCF may send an Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_Create response to the SMF. At 335, due to internal PCF logic or due to external AF requests targeting a group of UEs (e.g., Nnef_TrafficInfluence or Nnef_AffSessionWithQoS, see 3GPP TS29.522), the PCF may need to install new / updated PCC rules (with the same content) for multiple PDU sessions (i.e., multiple SM policy associations), or delete / uninstall such PCC rules. In other words, the PCF may detect a trigger that sends the same PCC / session rules to many PDU sessions. An example of such a trigger may be an AF request applied to UEs connected to the same DNN / S-NSSAI or the same external group. At 340, the PCF may derive and associate shared PCC rules, and may identify the SM policy associations and / or PDU sessions and UE IDs to which the shared PCC rules apply (i.e., SM shared policy associations). The PCF may identify the affected SMFs and the related shared SM policy associations based on the SMF IDs associated with the SM policy associations. The PCF may call Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_UpdateNotify only once per processing SMF (e.g., for each SMF for which at least one correlation ID has been created and for which an update has been triggered), and may provide instructions to install, update, or delete / uninstall (multiple) shared PCC rules, and for each installed shared PCC rule indicate the (multiple) PDU sessions and (multiple) UE IDs to which it applies. The PCF may update the shared PCC rules with updated information about the applicable PDU sessions and UEIDs, such as the PDU sessions and UE IDs to be added and / or removed.

[0116] At 345, the PCF may send an Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request to the SMF. At 350, the SMF may respond to the UpdateNotify request and optionally indicate the PDU session ID and / or UE ID for which the PCC rule operation was successful and / or the PCC rule operation failed. For example, the SMF may send an Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response to the PCF. At 355, the PCF may attempt to individually update those SM policy associations that failed to update by sending an UpdateNotify message to each of those SM policy associations that failed to update (e.g., using an existing mechanism).

[0117] In another example embodiment, a PCC rule may contain a reference to a data structure of a PCC rule that may be applicable at the SMF and may be applicable in many SM policy associations. The reference to the data structure may include, for example, a policy fragment identifier. For example, the SMF may have a list of reference / structure pairs (e.g., reference 1 (ref1): QoS1, TrafficSteringX, reference 2 (ref2): QoS1, TrafficSteeringX, etc.). A PCC rule may contain only references. In order to change the QoS of a PCC rule, the PCF may not change the PCC rule at all, but only change / update the data structure corresponding to, for example, reference 1. For example, a fragment of policy or billing information mapped to a policy fragment identifier may be updated within a data structure.

[0118] Updates to the structure may be independent of the SM policy association and may indirectly update all PCC rules that reference it (e.g. automatically). Optionally, implicit PCC rule updates may be reference-based, where the data structure (with the flow control reference) may be stored in a unified data repository (UDR) and the SMF may extract the structure from there and / or subscribe to updates (e.g. regarding a part of the structure). Storage in other (network) entities is also possible. Additionally or alternatively, the PFD (e.g. within the UDR) may be extended with additional content, e.g. to control the QoS of packet flows. Additionally or alternatively, non-PDU session related policy control sessions may be used to provide such data structures from the PCF to the SMF.

[0119] In an example embodiment, for parts of the PCC rules that are frequently affected by the AF (e.g., QoSData and TrafficControlData), references may be included in the PCC rules instead of detailed values ​​(this option is not currently present in the PCC rules, see 3GPP TS 29.512). Table 1 shows a small extract of an example PCC rule definition of 29.512, which may be extended to include gosRef and tcRef. Table 1 may include an example of an implicit PCC rule update based on a reference. Table 1

[0120] Both tcRef and TrafficControlData can be used as a pair at SMF.

[0121] In an example embodiment, new application data may be defined in the corresponding northbound interfaces (NBIs) in the UDR and NEF, for example, to allow the AF to change the value corresponding to such a reference, and to allow the SMF to retrieve and subscribe to such data. Figure 4 , shows an example of UDR application data, including QoS service control data (keyword: tcRef) and data (keyword: qosRef) at 410.

[0122] The AF (or PCF itself) can then update multiple UEs / sessions without any N7 interaction (i.e., without any PCF-SMF signaling). Figure 5 , showing an example of a reference-based implicit PCC rule update. In an example embodiment, a tcRef corresponding to specific service control data (e.g., as part of one or more PCC rules) stored in a UDR may be defined and notified to the SMF based on a subscription. The data (i.e., the tcRef to service control data association) may be provided by the AF (step 2 (510)) or directly by the PCF itself (step 4 (520)). When it is provided by the AF, the PCF may check and authorize the data (see step 4 (520)), for example by having subscribed to the UDR to be notified when the new entry comes from the AF / NEF, and then setting the "authorized" flag to "true" after the check. Only when the "authorized" flag is set to true can the data be notified to the SMF (see step 5 (525)). The check may include comparing the requested changes and / or data with local policies; if the data does not comply with (e.g., violates) local policies, the data may not be authorized.

[0123] At 505, the SMF may send Nudr_DM_Subscribe to the UDR. At 510, the AF may send Nnef_TcDataManagement_Create to the NEF. The AF may not be aware of any PCC rules; it may be configured to provide updates to the data using references. At 515, the NEF may send Nudr_DM_Create to the UDR. At 520, the PCF may check and / or update the data in the UDR. At 525, the UDR may send Nudr_DM_Notify to the SMF. The PCF may install one or more PCC rules on the SMF. The SMF may receive notifications about data stored at the UDR referenced in the PCC rules.

[0124] In an example embodiment, tcRef may be used as an input to a TrafficInfluence_Create request, e.g., to provide an initial PCC rule containing a reference. In an example embodiment, only tcRef may be added to the possible inputs to TrafficInflue_Create in step 6 (530), and to the PCC rule in step 7 (535), but the rest of these steps may be performed / implemented using existing mechanisms.

[0125] At 530, the AF may send Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create to the NEF. At 535, the PCC control may include a PCC rule including "tcRef1" instead of a detailed input for traffic steering control.

[0126] In an example embodiment, to (implicitly) update a PCC rule, the AF (or PCF) may simply update (and the PCF may also authorize during creation) the service control data in the UDR corresponding to a given reference. The SMF may be notified of the update, which may mean that an explicit update of the SM policy association may not be required (thereby avoiding the need to send, for example, 1000 HTTP requests from the PCF to the SMF).

[0127] At 540, the AF may send Nnef_TcDataManagement_Update to the NEF. At 545, the NEF may send Nudr_DM_Update to the UDR. At 550, the PCF may check and / or update the data in the UDR. At 555, the UDR may send Nudr_DM_Notify to the SMF.

[0128] In an example embodiment, the provision of PFDs may be as defined in TS23.502, and they may be referenced in PCC rules via application IDs. The PFDs defined in TS23.503 may include the following information: PFD id; and one or more of the following: (multiple) 3-tuples including protocol, server-side IP address, and port number; important parts of the URL to be matched, such as hostname; and / or domain name matching criteria and information about (multiple) applicable protocols. It should be noted that based on the agreement between the AF and the mobile operator, the PFD may be designed to convey (multiple) proprietary extensions for (multiple) proprietary application service detection mechanisms. It should be noted that how (multiple) PFDs are used in service flow detection may be specified in clause 6.2.2.2. The PFDs defined in TS23.503 may optionally be extended to include one or more of the following (with the same meaning as defined in PCC rules): 5QI; ARP; gate status; data network access identifier; and / or per DNAI: N6 service routing information.

[0129] In an example embodiment, if the same information is provided in both the PCC rule containing the application ID and in the PFD, the information in the PCC rule may prevail. In an alternative example embodiment, if the same information is provided in both the PCC rule containing the application ID and in the PFD, the information in the PFD may prevail.

[0130] Reference now Figure 6 , an example of a reference-based implicit PCC rule update is shown. At 605, the SMF may detect (multiple) PCFs serving the DNN / NSSAI at the NRF, which the SMF also serves. For each such PCF, the SMF may create an SM shared policy association and provide a URL in the request where updates can be received. For example, the SMF may send a Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_Create request to the PCF. At 610, the PCF may accept the creation of an SM shared policy association. It may provide a shared structure to describe portions of the content of a PCC rule, each PCC rule having an ID assigned by the PCF. For example, the PCF may send a Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_Create response to the SMF.

[0131] In an example embodiment, the shared structure may, for example, contain the information indicated in Table 2: Table 2

[0132] At 615, 625, for each PDU session, the SMF may create an SM policy association with the PCF, such as described in 3GPP TS 29.513 clause 5.2. The SMF may provide the PDU session ID and UE ID and its own SMF ID in the request. For example, the SMF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request to the PCF. At 620, 630, for each PDU session, the PCF may accept the creation of the SM policy association. Figure 6 In the example of , the content of the PCC rules installed for the two PDU sessions may be the same. The PCF may provide PCC rules and may include references to shared structures in such PCC rules. For example, the PCF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response to the SMF, which may include PCC rule(s). A structure may be associated with a policy association by virtue of the fact that it is referenced by one of the PCC rules provided for this policy association.

[0133] At 635, the PCF may be required to update PCC rules (with the same content) for multiple PDU sessions (i.e., multiple SM policy associations) due to internal PCF logic or due to an external AF request targeting a group of UEs (e.g., Nnef_TrafficInfluence or Nnef_AffsesDessionWithQoS, see 3GPP TS29.522). For example, the PCF may detect a trigger to send the same PCC / session rules to many PDU sessions, e.g., an AF request is applied to UEs connected to the same DNN / S-NSSAI or the same external group. At 640, the PCF may derive the relevant (multiple) shared structures and the updated content for those shared structures, and may identify the SM shared policy associations in which those shared structures are installed. It may also decide to create new shared structures and install them in all SM shared policy associations. At 645, the PCF may call Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_UpdateNotify only once per processed SMF, and may provide instructions to install, update, or delete / uninstall shared structures. If the PCF installs a new shared structure, it may also update the SM policy associations with the PCC rules that reference the new shared structure. If the PCF deletes / uninstalls the shared structure, it may pre-update the SM policy associations with the PCC rules that reference the shared structure to remove those references. At 650, the SMF may respond to the UpdateNotify request and process the traffic that matches all PCC rules that reference the shared structure according to the updated shared structure instructions. For example, the SMF may send a Npcf_SMSharedPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response to the PCF.

[0134] Example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to Npcf_PolicyAuthorization between an AF / NEF and a PCF.

[0135] Example embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to QoS data (eg, instead of traffic control data), such as replacing tcRef with qosRef, replacing TrafficInfluence_Create with AsSessionWithQoS_Create, and the like.

[0136] Although 5GC terminology is used in the present disclosure, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to EPC scenarios. Therefore, PCF can be replaced by PCRF, and SMF can be replaced by PGW / PCEF. Diameter messages can be applied instead of the service operations indicated in the call flow.

[0137] In TS23.502 Figure 4.15.6.13.3-1, the AF session with the required QoS call flow can be updated based on one or more of the example embodiments of the present disclosure, where multiple UE / PDU sessions with similar QoS updates from the AF / NEF can be updated.

[0138] Figure 7 Potential steps of an example method 700 are shown. The example method 700 may include: receiving a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function 710; sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions 720; determining one or more session management policy associations for which new or updated policy and charging control rules are required 730; determining a session management policy association for one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function 740; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy associations associated with the session management function 750; and sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules 760. The example method 700 may be performed, for example, using a PCF.

[0139] Figure 8 Potential steps of an example method 800 are shown. The example method 800 may include sending a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association 810; receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response includes at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions 820; receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules 830; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions 840. The example method 800 may be performed, for example, using an SMF.

[0140] Fig. 9Potential steps of an example method 900 are shown. The example method 900 may include: receiving at least one request to create a session management policy association from a session management function, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier 910; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function 920; receiving from the session management function a request to create a session management sharing policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as a device and a session management function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as a device and a session management function service 930; receiving from the session management function a uniform resource locator, in which the uniform resource locator is The session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association 940; send an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association 950; determine one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function 960; and send an indication to the session management function at a uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules 970. The example method 900 may be performed, for example, using a PCF.

[0141] Fig.10 Potential steps of an example method 1000 are shown. The example method 1000 may include: sending at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier 1010; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function 1020; sending a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service 1030; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association can be received 1040; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function 1050; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules 1060. Example method 1000 may be performed, for example, using SMF.

[0142] Fig.11 Potential steps of an example method 1100 are shown. The example method 1100 may include determining a reference corresponding to data 1110, providing the reference and the data to a data repository 1120, and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference 1130. The example method 1100 may be performed, for example, using AF.

[0143] Fig.12 12 shows potential steps of an example method 1200. The example method 1200 may include sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository 1210; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository 1220; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification 1230. The example method 1200 may be performed, for example, using SMF.

[0144] Fig.13 Potential steps of an example method 1300 are shown. The example method 1300 may include receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data 1310; storing the data associated with the reference 1320; receiving a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function 1330; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function 1340. The example method 1300 may be performed, for example, using a UDR.

[0145] Fig.14 Potential steps of an example method 1400 are shown. Example method 1400 may include providing an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized 1410; and sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data 1420. Example method 1400 may be performed, for example, using PCF.

[0146] Fig.15Potential steps of an example method 1500 are shown. The example method 1500 may include: receiving a request from a session management function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of: a data network name that is the same as a device and a session management function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as a device and a session management function service 1510; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association 1520; sending a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules each include a reference to a shared structure 1530; receiving from the session management function to create a session management policy for a protocol data unit The example method 1500 includes at least one request for a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier 1540; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in a shared structure 1550; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules 1560; updating the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions 1570; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator 1580. The example method 1500 may be performed, for example, using a PCF.

[0147] Fig.16Potential steps of an example method 1600 are shown. The example method 1600 may include: sending a request to a policy charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of: a data network name that is the same as a device and a policy charging function service, or a network slice that is the same as a device and a policy charging function service, selecting auxiliary information 1610; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association may be received 1620; receiving a response to the request from the policy charging function, wherein the response includes at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules respectively include The example method 1600 includes sending at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier 1640; receiving from the policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to the at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure 1650; and receiving from the policy and charging function at a uniform resource locator an indication that the shared structure has been updated 1660. The example method 1600 can be performed, for example, using an SMF.

[0148] Fig.17 Potential steps of an example method 1700 are shown. The example method 1700 may include determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies 1710, and providing the at least one policy and charging control rule 1720. The example method 1700 may be performed, for example, with a PCF.

[0149] Fig.18Potential steps of an example method 1800 are shown. The example method 1800 may include establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein respective ones of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data flows to a user device and / or receive data flows from a user device 1810; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to two or more protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies 1820; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data flows transmitted within respective ones of the two or more protocol data unit sessions 1830. The example method 1800 may be performed, for example, using an SMF.

[0150] Fig.19 Potential steps of an example method 1900 are shown. The example method 1900 may include determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions 1910; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule 1920. The example method 1900 may be performed, for example, using a PCF.

[0151] Fig. 20 Potential steps of an example method 2000 are shown. The example method 2000 may include: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein respective protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from a user device 2010; and receiving from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions 2020. The example method 2000 may be performed, for example, using an SMF.

[0152] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0153] At least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among a plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which at least one policy and charging control rule applies may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user device using the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session is associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, a related identifier assigned to the at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in the at least one policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a data network name for the at least one protocol data unit session, and an identifier of a slice for the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0154] The example apparatus may also be configured to: receive a request to establish a policy control session associated with at least one protocol data unit session; assign a correlation identifier to the at least one policy control session; and provide a response to the request to establish the policy control session, wherein the response may include at least the correlation identifier.

[0155] The example apparatus may be further configured to provide at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session associated with the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0156] The example apparatus may be further configured to provide at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session not associated with the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0157] The example apparatus may also be configured to provide an update to at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the update may include at least one of: an identifier of a protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a user device using at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in at least one policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a data network name for at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, or an identifier of a slice for at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied.

[0158] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier of a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0159] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: determining, using a policy and charging function, at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0160] At least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among a plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which at least one policy and charging control rule applies may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user device using the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, a related identifier assigned to the at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session among the at least one policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a data network name for the at least one protocol data unit session, and an identifier of a slice for the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0161] The example method may also include receiving a request to establish a policy control session associated with at least one protocol data unit session; assigning a correlation identifier to the at least one policy control session; and providing a response to the request to establish the policy control session, wherein the response may include at least the correlation identifier.

[0162] The example method may also include providing at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session associated with the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0163] The example method may also include providing at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session not associated with the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0164] The example method may also include providing an update to at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the update may include at least one of: an identifier of a protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a user device using at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in the at least one policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a data network name for the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, or an identifier of a slice for the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied.

[0165] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier of a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0166] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and a circuit configured to: provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0167] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0168] As used in this application, the term "circuit" or "component" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) a combination of hardware circuits 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 a (multiple) hardware processor with software (including (multiple) digital signal processors) that work together with (multiple) memories to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of 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, the term circuitry would also cover, if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit used in a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0169] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0170] At least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among a plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which at least one policy and charging control rule applies may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user device using the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, a related identifier assigned to the at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session among the at least one policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a data network name for the at least one protocol data unit session, and an identifier of a slice for the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0171] The component may also be configured to: receive a request to establish a policy control session associated with at least one protocol data unit session; assign a correlation identifier to the at least one policy control session; and provide a response to the request to establish the policy control session, wherein the response may include at least the correlation identifier.

[0172] The component may also be configured to provide at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session associated with the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0173] The component may also be configured to provide at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session not associated with the at least one protocol data unit session.

[0174] The component may also be configured to: provide an update to at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the update may include at least one of: an identifier of a protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a user device using at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in at least one policy control session may be associated with the at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, an identifier of a data network name for at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied, or an identifier of a slice for at least one protocol data unit session to which the update is applied.

[0175] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier of a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0176] Processors, memory, and / or example algorithms (which may be encoded as instructions, programs, or code) may be provided as example components for providing or causing operational performance.

[0177] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and provide the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0178] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0179] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applicable to a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0180] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following operations: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0181] A computer-implemented system comprising: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to at least perform: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and providing the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0182] A computer-implemented system comprising components for determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applied to a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and components for providing the at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0183] According to an example embodiment, 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: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions may be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receive at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and apply one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0184] At least one indication of two or more protocol data unit sessions to which at least one policy and charging control rule applies may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user device using the two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session can be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in the at least one policy control session can be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a data network name for the two or more protocol data unit sessions, or an identifier of a slice for the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0185] The example apparatus may be further configured to: send a request to establish a policy control session associated with the at least one protocol data unit session; and receive a response to the request to establish the policy control session, wherein the response may include the correlation identifier.

[0186] The example apparatus may be further configured to receive at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session associated with a protocol data unit session of the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0187] The example apparatus may be further configured to receive at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session that is not associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0188] The example apparatus may also be configured to provide an update to at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the update may include at least one of: a protocol data unit session identifier associated with the update, an identifier of a user device using two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein a policy control session may be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in at least one policy control session may be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, an identifier of a data network name for the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, or an identifier for a slice of the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update.

[0189] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier of a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0190] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions using a session management function, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0191] At least one indication of two or more protocol data unit sessions to which at least one policy and charging control rule applies may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user device using the two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session can be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in the at least one policy control session can be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a data network name for the two or more protocol data unit sessions, or an identifier of a slice for the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0192] The example method may also include sending a request to establish a policy control session associated with the at least one protocol data unit session; and receiving a response to the request to establish the policy control session, wherein the response may include the correlation identifier.

[0193] The example method may also include receiving at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session associated with a protocol data unit session of the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0194] The example method may also include receiving at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session that is not associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0195] The example method may also include: providing an update to at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the update may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier associated with the update, an identifier of a user device using two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein a policy control session may be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in at least one policy control session may be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, an identifier of a data network name for the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, or an identifier for a slice of the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update.

[0196] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier of a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0197] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to perform the following operations: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule is applied; and a circuit configured to perform the following operations: apply one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0198] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to enable, together with the processing circuit, the apparatus to: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions may be configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; receive at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and apply one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0199] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: establishing multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0200] At least one indication of two or more protocol data unit sessions to which at least one policy and charging control rule applies may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user device using the two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session can be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in the at least one policy control session can be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a data network name for the two or more protocol data unit sessions, or an identifier of a slice for the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0201] The component may be further configured to: send a request to establish a policy control session associated with the at least one protocol data unit session; and receive a response to the request to establish the policy control session, wherein the response may include the correlation identifier.

[0202] The component may also be configured to receive at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session associated with a protocol data unit session of the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0203] The component may also be configured to receive at least one policy and charging control rule within a policy control session not associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0204] The component may also be configured to: provide an update to at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the update may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier associated with the update, an identifier of a user device using two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein a policy control session may be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, a related identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a corresponding policy control session in at least one policy control session may be associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, an identifier of a data network name for the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update, or an identifier for a slice of the two or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the update.

[0205] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier of a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0206] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receive at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and apply one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0207] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receive at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and apply one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0208] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, the non-transitory program storage device tangibly containing instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions may be configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions of the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0209] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform at least the following operations: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receive at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and apply one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0210] A computer-implemented system comprises: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to at least perform: establishing multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0211] A computer-implemented system comprising: components for establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein respective ones of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; components for receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be applied to two or more of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule can be associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; and components for applying one or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule to data streams transmitted within respective ones of the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0212] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0213] The example apparatus may also be configured to: receive a request to establish a policy control session that is not associated with multiple protocol data unit sessions; and within the policy control session that is not associated with multiple protocol data unit sessions, provide at least one policy fragment identifier, and a fragment of policy or billing information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0214] The example apparatus may be further configured to provide at least one policy fragment identifier to the database, and the fragment of the policy or charging information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0215] The example apparatus may be further configured to provide at least one update using the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0216] The example apparatus may be further configured to authorize at least one update associated with a segment of policy or charging information.

[0217] A fragment of policy or charging information identified by at least one policy fragment identifier may be included within a packet flow description extended by at least one additional content.

[0218] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: determining at least one policy and charging control rule using a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0219] The example method may also include: receiving a request to establish a policy control session that is not associated with multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy fragment identifier within the policy control session that is not associated with multiple protocol data unit sessions, and the fragment of policy or billing information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0220] The example method may also include providing at least one policy fragment identifier to a database, and the fragment of policy or charging information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0221] The example method may also include providing at least one update using the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0222] The example method may also include authorizing at least one update associated with the segment of policy or charging information.

[0223] A fragment of policy or charging information identified by at least one policy fragment identifier may be included within a packet flow description extended by at least one additional content.

[0224] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to perform the following operations: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and a circuit configured to perform the following operations: provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0225] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0226] According to an example embodiment, a device may include components for: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0227] The component can also be configured to: receive a request to establish a policy control session that is not associated with multiple protocol data unit sessions; and provide at least one policy fragment identifier within the policy control session that is not associated with multiple protocol data unit sessions, and the fragment of policy or billing information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0228] The component may also be configured to provide at least one policy fragment identifier to the database, and the fragment of policy or charging information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0229] The component may also be configured to provide at least one update using the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0230] The component may also be configured to authorize at least one update associated with the segment of policy or charging information.

[0231] A fragment of policy or charging information identified by at least one policy fragment identifier may be included within a packet flow description extended by at least one additional content.

[0232] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0233] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0234] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly containing instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0235] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following operations: determine at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and provide at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0236] A computer-implemented system comprises: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to at least perform: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0237] A computer-implemented system comprising: a component for determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to multiple protocol data unit sessions; and a component for providing at least one policy and charging control rule.

[0238] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to be used to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and receive from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0239] The example apparatus may be further configured to receive at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0240] The example device may also be configured to: send a request to a database to subscribe to notifications about one or more fragments of policy or billing information; receive a notification from the database, the notification comprising at least: at least one of the one or more fragments of policy or billing information, and one or more policy fragment identifiers that respectively identify at least one of the one or more fragments of policy or billing information; and apply the policy represented by the one or more fragments of policy or billing information in combination with at least one policy and billing control rule to a data stream transmitted within a first protocol data unit session.

[0241] The example device may also be configured to: send a request to a policy and billing function to establish a second policy control session that is not associated with the first protocol data unit session; and receive in the second policy control session one or more fragments of policy or billing information and one or more policy fragment identifiers that respectively identify the one or more fragments of the policy or billing information.

[0242] The example apparatus may be further configured to receive a packet flow description, wherein the packet flow description may include at least one policy fragment identifier and one or more fragments of policy or charging information respectively identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0243] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions using a session management function, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; and receiving from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session among the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions among the plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0244] The example method may also include receiving at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0245] The example method may also include: sending a request to a database to subscribe to notifications about one or more fragments of policy or billing information; receiving a notification from the database, the notification including at least: at least one fragment of the one or more fragments of policy or billing information, and one or more policy fragment identifiers that respectively identify at least one fragment of the one or more fragments of policy or billing information; and applying the policy represented by the one or more fragments of policy or billing information in combination with at least one policy and billing control rule to a data stream transmitted within the first protocol data unit session.

[0246] The example method may also include: sending a request to a policy and billing function to establish a second policy control session that is not associated with the first protocol data unit session; and receiving one or more fragments of policy or billing information and one or more policy fragment identifiers that respectively identify the one or more fragments of the policy or billing information in the second policy control session.

[0247] The example method may also include receiving a packet flow description, wherein the packet flow description may include at least one policy fragment identifier and one or more fragments of policy or charging information respectively identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0248] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to perform the following operations: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to be used to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0249] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; and receive from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0250] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: establishing multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and receiving from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session among the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions among the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0251] The component may also be configured to receive at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0252] The component can also be configured to: send a request to a database to subscribe to notifications about one or more fragments of policy or billing information; receive a notification from the database, the notification comprising at least: at least one fragment of the one or more fragments of policy or billing information, and one or more policy fragment identifiers that respectively identify at least one fragment of the one or more fragments of policy or billing information; and apply the policy represented by the one or more fragments of policy or billing information in combination with at least one policy and billing control rule to a data stream transmitted within the first protocol data unit session.

[0253] The component can also be configured to: send a request to the policy and charging function to establish a second policy control session that is not associated with the first protocol data unit session; and receive one or more fragments of policy or charging information and one or more policy fragment identifiers that respectively identify the one or more fragments of the policy or charging information in the second policy control session.

[0254] The component may also be configured to receive a packet flow description, wherein the packet flow description may include at least one policy fragment identifier and one or more fragments of policy or charging information respectively identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

[0255] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and receive from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0256] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: establishing multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and receiving at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the multiple protocol data unit sessions from a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier can be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0257] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly containing instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions among the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; and receiving from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session among the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions among the plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0258] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform at least the following operations: establish multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions can be configured to send data streams to a user device and / or receive data streams from the user device; and receive from a policy and charging function at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0259] A computer-implemented system comprises: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the system to at least perform: establishing multiple protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions are configured to be used to send data streams to user equipment and / or receive data streams from user equipment; and receiving at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the multiple protocol data unit sessions from a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that can be applied to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the multiple protocol data unit sessions.

[0260] A computer-implemented system, comprising: a component for establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein corresponding protocol data unit sessions in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions are configured for sending data streams to a user device and / or receiving data streams from the user device; and a component for receiving, from a policy and charging function, at least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule may include at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier may be used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0261] According to an example embodiment, 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 request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; send a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determine one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determine a session management policy association in one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determine one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0262] The one or more protocol data unit sessions may include a plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0263] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier for a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0264] The one or more session management policy associations requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules may be determined based at least in part on one of: a policy charging function logic or an external application function request.

[0265] The example apparatus may be further configured to send to the session management function an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with one or more determined correlation identifiers to which the new or updated policy and charging control rules do not apply.

[0266] The example apparatus may be further configured to receive, from the session management function, an indication that the new or updated policy and charging control rule failed to be applied to a protocol data unit session of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0267] The example apparatus may be further configured to send an indication to the protocol data unit session to update one or more session management policies based at least in part on the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0268] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least the one or more determined relevant identifiers and new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0269] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least a list of the one or more protocol data unit sessions and new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0270] The list of one or more protocol data unit sessions may include an array of identifiers of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0271] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, including: receiving, with a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to update or create at least one session management policy association; sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determining one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determining a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0272] The one or more protocol data unit sessions may include a plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0273] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier for a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0274] The one or more session management policy associations requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules may be determined based at least in part on one of: a policy charging function logic or an external application function request.

[0275] The example method may also include sending an indication to a session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the one or more determined relevant identifiers to which the new or updated policy and charging control rule does not apply.

[0276] The example method may also include receiving, from the session management function, an indication that the new or updated policy and charging control rule failed to be applied to a protocol data unit session of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0277] The example method may also include sending an indication to the protocol data unit session to update one or more session management policies based at least in part on the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0278] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least the one or more determined relevant identifiers and new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0279] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least a list of the one or more protocol data unit sessions and new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0280] The list of one or more protocol data unit sessions may include an array of identifiers of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0281] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to: receive a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; a circuit configured to: send a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; a circuit configured to: determine one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; a circuit configured to: determine a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; a circuit configured to: determine one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and a circuit configured to: send an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0282] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: receive a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; send a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determine one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determine a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determine one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0283] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: receiving a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determining one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determining a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0284] The one or more protocol data unit sessions may include a plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0285] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of the following: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier for a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0286] The one or more session management policy associations requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules may be determined based at least in part on one of: a policy charging function logic or an external application function request.

[0287] The component may be further configured to send an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with one or more determined relevant identifiers to which the new or updated policy and charging control rules do not apply.

[0288] The component may be further configured to receive an indication from the session management function that the new or updated policy and charging control rule failed to be applied to a protocol data unit session of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0289] The component may also be configured to send an indication to the protocol data unit session to update one or more session management policies based at least in part on the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0290] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least the one or more determined relevant identifiers and new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0291] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least a list of the one or more protocol data unit sessions and new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0292] The list of one or more protocol data unit sessions may include an array of identifiers of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0293] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: receive a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; send a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determine one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determine a session management policy association in the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determine one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0294] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: receive a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; send a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determine one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determine a session management policy association in one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determine one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0295] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determining one or more session management policy associations requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules; determining a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0296] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following operations: receive a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; send a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determine one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determine a session management policy association among the one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determine one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0297] A computer-implemented system comprising: at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor cause the system to at least perform: receiving a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; determining one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; determining a session management policy association in one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0298] A computer-implemented system comprising: means for receiving a request to update or create at least one session management policy association from a session management function; means for sending a response to the received request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; means for determining one or more session management policy associations that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; means for determining a session management policy association in one or more session management policy associations associated with the session management function; means for determining one or more correlation identifiers associated with the session management policy association associated with the session management function; and means for sending an indication to the session management function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more determined correlation identifiers with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0299] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: send a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receive a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a relevant identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receive an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more relevant identifiers using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and apply the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0300] The one or more protocol data unit sessions may include a plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0301] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier for a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0302] The example apparatus may be further configured to receive, from the policy and charging function, an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with one or more correlation identifiers to which the new or updated policy and charging control rule does not apply.

[0303] The example apparatus may be further configured to send an indication to a policy and charging function that the new or updated policy and charging control rule failed to be applied to a protocol data unit session of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0304] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least one or more correlation identifiers, wherein the example apparatus may be further configured to determine the one or more protocol data unit sessions based at least in part on the one or more correlation identifiers.

[0305] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least a list of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0306] The list of one or more protocol data unit sessions may include an array of identifiers of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0307] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: sending, using a session management function, a request to update or create at least one session management policy association to a policy and charging function; receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a relevant identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more relevant identifiers using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0308] The one or more protocol data unit sessions may include a plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0309] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier for a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0310] The example method may also include receiving an indication from the policy and charging function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with one or more correlation identifiers to which the new or updated policy and charging control rule does not apply.

[0311] The example method may also include sending an indication to a policy and charging function that the new or updated policy and charging control rule failed to be applied to a protocol data unit session of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0312] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least one or more correlation identifiers, wherein the example method may further include determining the one or more protocol data unit sessions based at least in part on the one or more correlation identifiers.

[0313] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least a list of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0314] The list of one or more protocol data unit sessions may include an array of identifiers of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0315] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to perform the following operations: send a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a relevant identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more relevant identifiers using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and a circuit configured to perform the following operations: apply the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0316] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: send a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; a circuit configured to: receive a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; a circuit configured to: receive an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and a circuit configured to: apply the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0317] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: sending a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; circuitry configured to: receive a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a relevant identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; circuitry configured to: receive an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more relevant identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and circuitry configured to: apply the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0318] The one or more protocol data unit sessions may include a plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

[0319] Multiple protocol data unit sessions can be associated with at least one of: the same data network name, the same single network slice selection assistance information, a group identifier for a group of user devices, or a common characteristic.

[0320] The component may be further configured to receive, from the policy and charging function, an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with one or more correlation identifiers to which the new or updated policy and charging control rule does not apply.

[0321] The component may be further configured to send an indication to the policy and charging function that the new or updated policy and charging control rule failed to be applied to a protocol data unit session of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0322] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least one or more correlation identifiers, wherein the component may be further configured to determine the one or more protocol data unit sessions based at least in part on the one or more correlation identifiers.

[0323] The indication to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions may include at least a list of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0324] The list of one or more protocol data unit sessions may include an array of identifiers of the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0325] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: send a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receive a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receive an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and apply the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0326] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: sending a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0327] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly containing instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: sending a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a relevant identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more relevant identifiers using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0328] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions, which when executed by a device causes the device to perform at least the following operations: send a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receive a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a relevant identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receive an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more relevant identifiers using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and apply the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0329] A computer-implemented system comprises: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the system to at least perform: sending a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0330] A computer-implemented system, comprising: means for sending a request to a policy and charging function to update or create at least one session management policy association; means for receiving a response to the sent request from the policy and charging function, wherein the response may include at least a correlation identifier assigned to one or more protocol data unit sessions; means for receiving an indication from the policy and charging function to update one or more protocol data unit sessions associated with the one or more correlation identifiers with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least the new or updated policy and charging control rules; and means for applying the new or updated policy and charging control rules to the one or more protocol data unit sessions.

[0331] According to an example embodiment, 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 at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; send a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receive from the session management function a request to create a session management sharing policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the apparatus and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the apparatus and the session management function; Receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function in which the session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; sending an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and that are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0332] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, including: receiving, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receiving from the session management function a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; receiving a unified A uniform resource locator in which a session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; send an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determine one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and send an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0333] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to: receive, using a policy charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; a circuit configured to: send a response to the at least one request to the session management function; a circuit configured to: receive, from the session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function; a circuit configured to: receive, from the session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function; a circuit configured to: A uniform resource locator can be received in which a session management function can receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; circuitry configured to: send an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; circuitry configured to: determine one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and circuitry configured to: send an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication can include at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0334] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: receive at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; send a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receive from the session management function a request to create a session management sharing policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the apparatus and the session management function, or a network slice selection assistance that is the same as that served by the apparatus and the session management function information; receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function in which the session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; sending an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0335] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: receiving at least one request to create a session management policy association from a session management function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receiving a request to create a session management shared policy association from the session management function for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the session management function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the session management function service; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0336] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which when executed by at least one processor causes the at least one processor to: receive, using a policy charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; send a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receive, from the session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function, or a network slice that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function selecting auxiliary information; receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function in which the session management function can receive updates associated with a session management shared policy association; sending an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0337] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: receiving, using a policy charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receiving, from the session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function, or a network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function; receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function in which the session management function may receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; sending an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0338] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receiving, from the session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or a network switch that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; slice selection assistance information; receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function in which the session management function can receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; sending an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0339] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to at least perform the following operations: receiving, using a policy charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receiving, from the session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function, or a network slice selection assistance that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function information; receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function in which the session management function can receive an update associated with a session management shared policy association; sending an indication to the session management function of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0340] A computer-implemented system, comprising: at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the system to at least: receive, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; send a response to the at least one request to the session management function; receive, from the session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or a network that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function. Slice selection assistance information; receiving a uniform resource locator from a session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with a session management shared policy association; sending an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules and are associated with the session management function; and sending an indication to the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the one or more protocol data unit sessions with the new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication includes at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0341] A computer-implemented system comprising: a component for receiving at least one request to create a session management policy association using a policy charging function from a session management function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; a component for sending a response to the at least one request to the session management function; a component for receiving from the session management function a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy charging function and the session management function; a component for receiving from the session management function a uniform resource location A method of transmitting a protocol data unit session to a session management function comprising: transmitting a protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; transmitting a protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association to the session management function; transmitting a protocol data unit session associated with the session management function; transmitting a protocol data unit session associated with the session management function; and transmitting a protocol data unit session associated with the session management function at the uniform resource locator to update the protocol data unit session with the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0342] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor cause the device to at least: send at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receive a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; send a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service; send a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association may be received; receive an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receive an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0343] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: sending, using a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; sending a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association may be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0344] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to perform the following operations: using a session management function to send at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; a circuit configured to perform at least one of the following: sending a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the session management function and the policy and charging function, or a network slice selection that is the same as that served by the session management function and the policy and charging function Auxiliary information; a circuit configured to perform the following operations: send a uniform resource locator to a policy and charging function, in which an update associated with a session management shared policy association can be received; a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication can include at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0345] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to enable the apparatus, together with the processing circuit, to: send at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receive a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; send a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service; send a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association may be received; receive an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receive an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0346] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: sending at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; sending a request to create a session management shared policy association to the policy and charging function for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which updates associated with the session management shared policy association may be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0347] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: utilize a session management function to send at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receive a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; send a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; send a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association may be received; receive an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receive an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0348] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: using a session management function to send at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; sending a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0349] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: sending, using a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; sending a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of: a data network name that is the same as that served by the session management function and the policy and charging function, or or network slice selection assistance information that serves the same network slice as the session management function and the policy and charging function; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0350] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform at least the following operations: using a session management function to send at least one request to a policy and charging function to create a session management policy association, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; sending a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association may be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions using new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0351] A computer-implemented system, comprising: at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the system to at least: send, using a session management function, at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; receive a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; send a request to the policy and charging function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the session management function and the policy and charging function, Or the same network slice selection auxiliary information as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association can be received; receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0352] A computer-implemented system comprising: a component for sending at least one request to create a session management policy association to a policy and charging function using a session management function, wherein the at least one request may include at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; a component for receiving a response to the at least one request from the policy and charging function; a component for sending a request to create a session management shared policy association to the policy and charging function for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the session management function and the policy and charging function service; a component for sending a uniform resource locator to the policy and charging function, in which an update associated with the session management shared policy association may be received; a component for receiving an indication of at least one protocol data unit session associated with the session management shared policy association from the policy and charging function; and a component for receiving an indication from the policy and charging function at the uniform resource locator to update one or more protocol data unit sessions with new or updated policy and charging control rules, wherein the indication may include at least an identifier for the one or more protocol data unit sessions and the new or updated policy and charging control rules.

[0353] According to an example embodiment, 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: determine a reference corresponding to data; provide the reference and the data to a data repository; and provide at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0354] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0355] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0356] The data repository may include a unified data repository.

[0357] According to one aspect, an example method can be provided that includes: determining, using an application function, a reference corresponding to data; providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0358] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0359] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0360] The data repository may include a unified data repository.

[0361] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to: determine a reference corresponding to data using an application function; a circuit configured to: provide the reference and the data to a data repository; and a circuit configured to: provide at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0362] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: determine a reference corresponding to data; provide the reference and the data to a data repository; and provide at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0363] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include means for determining a reference corresponding to data; providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0364] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0365] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0366] The data repository may include a unified data repository.

[0367] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: determine a reference corresponding to data; provide the reference and the data to a data repository; and provide at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0368] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following operations: determining a reference corresponding to data; providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0369] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by a machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: determining a reference corresponding to data; providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0370] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following operations: determine a reference corresponding to data; provide the reference and the data to a data repository; and provide at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0371] A computer-implemented system comprises: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to at least perform: determining a reference corresponding to data; providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0372] A computer-implemented system includes: means for determining a reference corresponding to data; means for providing the reference and the data to a data repository; and means for providing at least one update to the data in the data repository using the reference.

[0373] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determine an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0374] The data may include service control data.

[0375] The data may include quality of service data.

[0376] The device can be configured with at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein at least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference data and packet flow descriptors via at least an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G service quality indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and retention priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with the corresponding data network access identifier.

[0377] The data repository may include a unified data repository.

[0378] According to one aspect, an example method can be provided, including: utilizing a session management function to send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0379] The data may include service control data.

[0380] The data may include quality of service data.

[0381] The session management function may be configured with at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein at least one policy and charging control rule may be configured to reference data and packet flow descriptors via at least an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor may include at least one of: a 5G quality of service indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and retention priority, a gate state, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with the corresponding data network access identifier.

[0382] The data repository may include a unified data repository.

[0383] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to: send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository using a session management function; a circuit configured to: receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and a circuit configured to: determine an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0384] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determine an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0385] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0386] The data may include service control data.

[0387] The data may include quality of service data.

[0388] The device can be configured with at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein at least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference data and packet flow descriptors via at least an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G service quality indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and retention priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with the corresponding data network access identifier.

[0389] The data repository may include a unified data repository.

[0390] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determine an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0391] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0392] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0393] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following operations: send a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determine an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0394] A computer-implemented system comprises: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the system to at least perform: sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0395] A computer-implemented system includes: a component for sending a request to a data repository to subscribe to data stored in the data repository; a component for receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and a component for determining an update to the data based at least in part on the at least one notification.

[0396] According to an example embodiment, 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 data and a reference corresponding to the data; store the data in association with the reference; receive a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, send at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0397] The data may include service control data, wherein the reference may include a service control reference.

[0398] The data may include quality of service data, wherein the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0399] The example apparatus may be further configured to receive at least one policy and charging control rule for the data using the reference corresponding to the data.

[0400] At least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference a packet flow descriptor via an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G quality of service indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and reservation priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with a corresponding data network access identifier.

[0401] The example apparatus may be further configured to: receive at least one update to the data, wherein the at least one update may include at least a reference corresponding to the data; and in response to determining that the at least one update is authorized, send a notification of the at least one update to the data to the session management function.

[0402] The at least one update may be received from at least one of: an application function or a policy charging function.

[0403] The data may be received from at least one of: an application function or a policy charging function.

[0404] The example apparatus may be further configured to determine that the data is authorized based at least in part on a flag configured to be set by the policy charging function.

[0405] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data using a unified data repository; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function in response to determining that the data is authorized.

[0406] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0407] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0408] The example method may also include receiving at least one policy and charging control rule for the data using the reference corresponding to the data.

[0409] At least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference a packet flow descriptor via an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G quality of service indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and reservation priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with a corresponding data network access identifier.

[0410] The example method may also include receiving at least one update to the data, wherein the at least one update may include at least a reference corresponding to the data; and in response to determining that the at least one update is authorized, sending a notification of the at least one update to the data to a session management function.

[0411] The at least one update may be received from at least one of: an application function or a policy charging function.

[0412] The data may be received from at least one of: an application function or a policy charging function.

[0413] The example apparatus may be further configured to determine that the data is authorized based at least in part on a flag configured to be set by the policy charging function.

[0414] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to: receive data and a reference corresponding to the data; a circuit configured to: store the data in association with the reference; a circuit configured to: receive a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and a circuit configured to: send at least one notification of the data to the session management function in response to determining that the data is authorized.

[0415] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: receive data and a reference corresponding to the data; store the data in association with the reference; receive a request from a session management function to subscribe to the stored data; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, send at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0416] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request to subscribe to the stored data from a session management function; and sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function in response to determining that the data is authorized.

[0417] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0418] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0419] The component may also be configured to receive at least one policy and charging control rule for the data using a reference corresponding to the data.

[0420] At least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference a packet flow descriptor via an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G quality of service indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and reservation priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with a corresponding data network access identifier.

[0421] The component may also be configured to: receive at least one update to the data, wherein the at least one update may include at least a reference corresponding to the data; and in response to determining that the at least one update is authorized, send a notification of the at least one update to the data to the session management function.

[0422] The at least one update may be received from at least one of: an application function or a policy charging function.

[0423] The data may be received from at least one of: an application function or a policy charging function.

[0424] The component may be further configured to determine that the data is authorized based at least in part on a flag configured to be set by the policy charging function.

[0425] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: receive data and a reference corresponding to the data; store the data in association with the reference; receive a request from a session management function to subscribe to the stored data; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, send at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0426] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request from a session management function to subscribe to the stored data; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0427] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly embodying instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request from a session management function to subscribe to the stored data; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0428] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the following operations: receive data and a reference corresponding to the data; store the data in association with the reference; receive a request from a session management function to subscribe to the stored data; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, send at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0429] A computer-implemented system comprises: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to at least perform: receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data; storing the data in association with the reference; receiving a request from a session management function to subscribe to the stored data; and in response to determining that the data is authorized, sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function.

[0430] A computer-implemented system comprising: components for receiving data and a reference corresponding to the data; components for storing the data in association with the reference; components for receiving a request from a session management function to subscribe to the stored data; and components for sending at least one notification of the data to the session management function in response to determining that the data is authorized.

[0431] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: provide an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and send at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0432] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0433] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0434] The example apparatus may be further configured to provide at least one policy and charging control rule for the data using a reference corresponding to the data.

[0435] At least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference a packet flow descriptor via an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G quality of service indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and reservation priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with a corresponding data network access identifier.

[0436] The indication that the data stored at the data repository is authorized may include a flag.

[0437] The example apparatus may also be configured to provide references and data to a data repository.

[0438] The example apparatus may also be configured to: send a request to the data repository to subscribe to the data; receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determine whether to authorize the data in response to the at least one notification.

[0439] According to one aspect, an example method can be provided that includes: providing, using a policy charging function, an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0440] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0441] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0442] The example method may also include providing at least one policy and charging control rule for the data using the reference corresponding to the data.

[0443] At least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference a packet flow descriptor via an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G quality of service indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and reservation priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with a corresponding data network access identifier.

[0444] The indication that the data stored at the data repository is authorized may include a flag.

[0445] The example method may also include providing the reference and the data to a data repository.

[0446] The example method may also include sending a request to the data repository to subscribe to the data; receiving at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determining whether to authorize the data in response to the at least one notification.

[0447] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include circuitry configured to provide an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized and circuitry configured to send at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0448] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: provide an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and send at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0449] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include means for providing an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0450] The data may include service control data, and the reference may include a service control reference.

[0451] The data may include quality of service data, and the reference may include a quality of service reference.

[0452] The component may also be configured to provide at least one policy and charging control rule for the data using the reference corresponding to the data.

[0453] At least one policy and charging control rule can be configured to reference a packet flow descriptor via an application identifier, wherein the packet flow descriptor can include at least one of the following: a 5G quality of service indicator, a guaranteed bandwidth, a maximum bandwidth, an allocation and reservation priority, a gate status, a data network access identifier, or N6 service routing information associated with a corresponding data network access identifier.

[0454] The indication that the data stored at the data repository is authorized may include a flag.

[0455] The component may also be configured to provide references and data to a data repository.

[0456] The component may also be configured to: send a request to the data repository to subscribe to the data; receive at least one notification of the data from the data repository; and determine whether to authorize the data in response to the at least one notification.

[0457] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: provide an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and send at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0458] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: provide an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and send at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0459] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-volatile program storage device may be provided that tangibly contains instructions executable by a machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: providing an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0460] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least perform the following operations: provide an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and send at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0461] A computer-implemented system comprising: at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory storing instructions, which instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to at least perform: providing an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0462] A computer-implemented system includes means for providing an indication that data stored at a data repository is authorized; and means for sending at least one update to the data to the data repository using a reference stored in association with the data.

[0463] According to an example embodiment, a device may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receive a request from a session management function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the session management function service, or network slice selection auxiliary information that is the same as the device and the session management function service; receive a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; send a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least one or more policies and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policies and charging control rules respectively include updates to the shared a reference to a structure; receiving at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that require new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one protocol data unit session of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0464] According to one aspect, an example method may be provided, comprising: receiving, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function may receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules may each include a reference to a shared structure; receiving from the session management function a uniform resource locator in which the session management function may receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending to the session management function a response to the request, wherein the response may include at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules may each include a reference to a shared structure; The function receives at least one request to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sends to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in a shared structure; determines one or more protocol data unit sessions that may require new or updated policy and charging control rules; updates the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sends to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0465] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the policy and charging function and the session management function service, or network slice selection auxiliary information that is the same as the policy and charging function and the session management function service; a circuit configured to perform the following operations: receive a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; a circuit configured to perform the following operations: send a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response can include at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules can each include a reference to a shared structure; a circuit configured to perform the following operations : receiving at least one request to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit from a session management function, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; circuitry configured to: send to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in a shared structure; circuitry configured to: determine one or more protocol data unit sessions that may require new or updated policy and charging control rules; circuitry configured to: update the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and send to the session management function an indication at a uniform resource locator that the shared structure has been updated.

[0466] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include: a processing circuit; a memory circuit including a computer program code, the memory circuit and the computer program code being configured to, together with the processing circuit, enable the apparatus to: receive a request from a session management function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as a service provided by the apparatus and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as a service provided by the apparatus and the session management function; receive a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function may receive an update associated with the session management shared policy association; send a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least one or more policies and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policies and charging control rules respectively include receiving at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0467] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include components for: receiving a request from a session management function to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as the device and the session management function service, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as the device and the session management function service; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least one or more policies and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policies and charging control rules respectively include a reference to a shared structure; receiving a request from the ... The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one request comprises at least one of: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in a shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions requiring new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0468] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: receive, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; receive a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; send a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response can include at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules respectively The method may include: receiving at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that may require new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0469] According to an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to perform at least the following operations: receiving, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function can receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response can include at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules can respectively include The method comprises: receiving at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that may require new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one protocol data unit session of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0470] According to another example embodiment, a machine-readable, non-transitory program storage device may be provided, tangibly containing instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: receiving, using a policy and charging function from a session management function, a request to create a session management shared policy association for at least one of the following: a data network name that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function, or network slice selection assistance information that is the same as that served by the policy and charging function and the session management function; receiving a uniform resource locator from the session management function, in which the session management function may receive updates associated with the session management shared policy association; sending a response to the request to the session management function, wherein the response may include at least one or more policy and charging control rules, wherein the one or more policy and charging control rules are divided into The method may include: receiving at least one request from a session management function to create a session management policy association for a protocol data unit, wherein the at least one request includes at least one of the following: a protocol data unit session identifier, a user equipment identifier, or a session management function identifier; sending to the session management function at least one policy and charging control rule associated with the session management policy association and at least one reference to at least one policy and charging control rule in the shared structure; determining one or more protocol data unit sessions that may require new or updated policy and charging control rules; updating the shared structure based on at least one protocol data unit session of the one or more determined protocol data unit sessions; and sending to the session management function an indication that the shared structure has been updated at a uniform resource locator.

[0471] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the ap...

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; as well as The at least one policy and charging control rule is provided.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one indication of at least one protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies comprises at least one of: Protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user equipment using the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session is associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, a correlation identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a respective policy control session of the at least one policy control session is associated with the at least one protocol data unit session, an identifier of a data network name for the at least one protocol data unit session, and An identifier of a slice for the at least one protocol data unit session.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the device is further configured to: receiving a request to establish the policy control session associated with the at least one protocol data unit session; assigning the correlation identifier to the at least one policy control session; and A response to the request to establish the policy control session is provided, wherein the response includes at least the correlation identifier.

4. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein a corresponding protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions is configured to send a data stream to a user equipment and / or receive a data stream from the user equipment; receiving at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule applies to two or more protocol data unit sessions of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule is associated with at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies; as well as One or more of the at least one policy and charging control rule are applied to data flows transmitted within corresponding protocol data unit sessions of the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one indication of the two or more protocol data unit sessions to which the at least one policy and charging control rule applies comprises at least one of: Protocol data unit session identifier, an identifier of a user equipment using said two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a policy control session, wherein the policy control session is associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, a correlation identifier assigned to at least one policy control session, wherein a respective policy control session of the at least one policy control session is associated with the two or more protocol data unit sessions, an identifier of a data network name for the two or more protocol data unit sessions, and An identifier of a slice used for the two or more protocol data unit sessions.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the device is further configured to: sending a request to establish a policy control session associated with at least one protocol data unit session; and A response to the request to establish the policy control session is received, wherein the response includes the correlation identifier.

7. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determining at least one policy and charging control rule, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule comprises at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information applicable to a plurality of protocol data unit sessions; The at least one policy and charging control rule is provided.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the device is further configured to: receiving a request to establish a policy control session not associated with the plurality of protocol data unit sessions; and The at least one policy fragment identifier is provided within the policy control session not associated with the plurality of protocol data unit sessions, and the fragment of policy or charging information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the device is also: The at least one policy fragment identifier is provided to a database, and the fragment of policy or charging information is identified by the at least one policy fragment identifier.

10. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: establishing a plurality of protocol data unit sessions, wherein a corresponding protocol data unit session of the plurality of protocol data unit sessions is configured for sending a data stream to a user equipment and / or receiving a data stream from the user equipment; as well as At least one policy and charging control rule in a first policy control session associated with a first protocol data unit session in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions is received from a policy and charging function, wherein the at least one policy and charging control rule includes at least one policy fragment identifier, wherein the at least one policy fragment identifier is used to identify a fragment of policy or charging information that is applicable to two or more protocol data unit sessions in the plurality of protocol data unit sessions.

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