Method and apparatus for EBI and ARP mapping update

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a method and device for updating EBI and ARP mapping. A method performed by a first network function (NF) service consumer includes receiving a first request from a second NF service consumer, the first request including a modified EBI list IE indicating one or more updated EBIs and an allocation and retention priority ARP mapping. The method further includes sending the first response to the second NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI and ARP mapping, the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer can update the EBI and ARP mapping. The first response includes first information indicating at least one of failure information, error information, the NF service producer being unable to update a mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the modified EBI list information element being not communicated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element being not updated to the NF service producer, and the modified EBI list information element being communicated to the NF service producer. The modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communication technology, and particularly to a method and apparatus for updating an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping. Background Art

[0002] This section introduces various aspects that may help to better understand the present disclosure. Therefore, the statements in this section should be read in this light and should not be understood as admissions about what is or is not in the prior art.

[0003] In a communication network, various sessions may exist, such as protocol data unit (PDU) sessions. For example, a user equipment (UE) may initiate a PDU session establishment procedure. The UE may initiate a PDU session handover between a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) network and a non-3GPP network. The UE may initiate a PDU session handover from an Evolved Packet System (EPS) to a 5GS (Fifth Generation System). The network may trigger a PDU session establishment procedure. The PDU session modification procedure may be used when one or more of the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters exchanged between the UE and the network are modified.

[0004] 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) has specified the EAEA feature, which allows, during a PDU session modification requested by the network, if the ARP for a QoS flow to which an EBI has been assigned is changed, the network function (NF) service consumer (e.g., session management function (SMF)) requests the NF service producer (i.e., access and mobility management function (AMF)) that supports the EAEA feature to request the AMF to update the mapping between EBI (EPS bearer identity) and allocation and retention priority (ARP). When both the AMF and the SMF support the EAEA feature, the SMF can provide a modifiedEbiList.

[0005] If the request contains "modifiedEbiList", the AMF may store the association of the allocated EBI and ARP pairs with the corresponding PDU Session ID (identifier). The AMF may respond with status code 200 OK and may include one or more EBIs with the updated ARP in the "modifiedEbiList" IE in the POST response body.

[0006] Table 1 shows the EAEA features used by the Namf_Communication service. Table 1 is a copy of Table 6.1.8-1 in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0. Table 1

[0007] Table 2 shows the definition of the AssignEbiData type, which is a copy of Table 6.1.6.2.5-1 in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0. Table 2

[0008] 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0 Section 5.2.2.8.3.2 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) describes a PDU Session Modification requested by the network (e.g., H-SMF (Home SMF), SMF). If the PDU Session Modification procedure results in a change in the ARP for a QoS flow that has been assigned an EBI, the NF service consumer may include a modifiedEbiList IE (Information Element). Summary of the Invention

[0009] This Summary is provided in a simplified form to introduce selected concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0 has defined how SMF and AMF support EAEA features, but it does not clearly define how to use I-SMF (Intermediate SMF) / V-SMF (Visited SMF) to support EAEA features.

[0011] In 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0, during a network requested PDU session modification (e.g., for updating the ARP of a QoS flow), the SMF / H-SMF may include the EbiArpMapping in the VsmfUpdateData IE to the I-SMF / V-SMF. The I-SMF / V-SMF may send the EbiArpMapping to the AMF. However, if the AMF does not support EAEA, the SMF / H-SMF cannot provide the modified EBI ARP mapping list to the AMF via the EBIAssignment operation as required. If the AMF does not support the EAEA feature, one solution is to provide the modified ARP of the QoS flow in the SM (Session Management) Context Update Response.

[0012] During I-SMF / V-SMF insertion, SMF / H-SMF cannot obtain explicit information on whether AMF supports EAEA. Furthermore, if SMF / H-SMF triggers sending modifiedEbiList to AMF, SMF / H-SMF cannot obtain information on whether the modifiedEbiList is processed by AMF.

[0013] Therefore, 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0 provides an incomplete solution for I-SMF / SMF to handle the modified EBI / ARP mapping. This incomplete solution may cause inconsistencies between SMF (H-SMF) and AMF, and may lead to incorrect EBI assignment failure or revocation when EBI is exhausted for the UE.

[0014] One option could be that the I-SMF / V-SMF caches the pending modified EBI / ARP mapping list and provides it to the AMF in a future SM Context Update Response. However, this option requires that the I-SMF / V-SMF will need to store the modified EBI / ARP list locally until the next UE (User Equipment) / RAN (Radio Access Network) triggered PDU Session Modification in an unpredictable future, and if the I-SMF / V-SMF is changed during UE mobility, the stored information will need to be exchanged between the I-SMF / V-SMF. The I-SMF / V-SMF is also required to merge multiple modified EBI / ARP mapping lists if subsequent modified EBI / ARP mapping lists are received from the SMF / H-SMF before the I-SMF / V-SMF can pass the modified EBI / ARP list to the AMF. Another disadvantage is the inconsistency between the SMF / H-SMF and the AMF, since the SMF / H-SMF will always think that the AMF is updated, while the I-SMF / V-SMF acting as a relay for EBI activities retains intermediate increments that are not intended.

[0015] In addition, EAEA is only defined in the Namf_Communication service. This has a problem. For example, when a PDU session moves from a fourth generation (4G) network to a fifth generation (5G) network, the Namf_Communication service is not used and the AMF cannot negotiate the EAEA feature with the SMF.

[0016] To overcome or alleviate at least one of the above problems or other problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved solution for updating the EBI and ARP mapping.

[0017] In an embodiment, the I-SMF / V-SMF indicates in the Vsmf Update Response to the SMF that the modified EBI / ARP mapping list is not passed to the AMF, which means that the SMF / H-SMF may perform any appropriate action, e.g. based on a policy, e.g. the SMF / H-SMF may retry later.

[0018] In an embodiment, the I-SMF / V-SMF indicates the failed delivery of the modified EBI list to the SMF via N16a.

[0019] In an embodiment, the I-SMF / V-SMF may send a new indication in VsmfUpdatedData indicating the failed delivery of the modified EBI / ARP mapping list to the SMF / H-SMF.

[0020] In an embodiment, when AMF supports EAEA, V-SMF / I-SMF may update the EBI / ARP mapping to AMF. Otherwise, the failed delivery is indicated in VsmfUpdatedData to SMF / H-SMF.

[0021] In an embodiment, the I-SMF / V-SMF may send an indication to the SMF / H-SMF that the modifiedEbiList was not successfully processed by the AMF.

[0022] In an embodiment, EAEA may be negotiated with AMF and SMF / H-SMF in the SMContext service through I-SMF / V-SMF.

[0023] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by a first network function (NF) service consumer is provided. The method includes receiving a first request from a second NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The method also includes sending a first response to the second NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0024] In an embodiment, the first request is a protocol data unit (PDU) session update request and the first response is a PDU session update response.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first information is included in visited session management function (SMF) update data.

[0026] In an embodiment, a data type of the first information is a Boolean type, and the first information is set to true.

[0027] In an embodiment, the method further includes: when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support updating the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provisioning, sending a second request including a modified EBI list information element to the NF service producer, the second request requesting the NF service producer to update the EBI to ARP mapping.

[0028] In an embodiment, when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision and / or the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the first response includes second information indicating at least one of the following: success information, the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the modified EBI list information element is delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision.

[0029] In an embodiment, the second information is included in the visited SMF update data.

[0030] In an embodiment, a data type of the second information is a Boolean type, and the second information is set to false.

[0031] In an embodiment, the second request is an EBI assignment request.

[0032] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0033] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an SMF, a packet data network gateway control plane (PGW-C) combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0034] In an embodiment, the NF service producer includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0035] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, sending a message to the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message comprising information indicating whether the first NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0036] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure, receiving a message from the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0037] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by a second NF service consumer is provided. The method includes sending a first request to a first NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The method also includes receiving a first response from the first NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0038] In an embodiment, the first request is a PDU Session Update Request and the first response is a PDU Session Update Response.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first information is included in the visited SMF update data.

[0040] In an embodiment, a data type of the first information is a Boolean type, and the first information is set to true.

[0041] In an embodiment, when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision and / or the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the first response includes second information indicating at least one of the following: success information, the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the modified EBI list information element is delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision.

[0042] In an embodiment, the second information is included in the visited SMF update data.

[0043] In an embodiment, a data type of the second information is a Boolean type, and the second information is set to false.

[0044] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0045] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an SMF, a packet data network gateway control plane (PGW-C) combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0046] In an embodiment, the NF service producer includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0047] In an embodiment, when an ARP for a Quality of Service (QoS) flow to which an EBI has been assigned is changed, a first request is sent to a first NF service consumer.

[0048] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer is not aware of whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0049] In an embodiment, the method further comprises sending a message to the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the message comprising information indicating whether the second NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0050] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a message from the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0051] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by a third NF service consumer is provided. The method includes receiving a first message from a NF service producer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping in EBI assignment. The method also includes sending a second message to a fourth NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating an EBI to ARP mapping in EBI assignment.

[0052] In an embodiment, the first message is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Create Session Management Context Request and the second message is a PDU Session Create Request.

[0053] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, a first message is received from a NF service producer and a second message is sent to a fourth NF service consumer.

[0054] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a third message from the fourth NF service consumer. The third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0055] In an embodiment, the method further includes sending a fourth message to the NF service producer. The fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0056] In an embodiment, the third message is a PDU Session Create Response, and the fourth message is a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0057] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, the third message is received from the fourth NF service consumer and the fourth message is sent to the NF service producer.

[0058] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0059] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an SMF, a packet data network gateway control plane (PGW-C) combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0060] In an embodiment, the NF service producer includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0061] In an embodiment, the method further comprises sending a message to the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the message comprising information indicating whether the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0062] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a message from a fourth NF service consumer and / or a NF service producer during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0063] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by a fourth NF service consumer is provided. The method includes receiving a second message from a third NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping in EBI assignment.

[0064] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: determining, based on the information, whether to send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer, wherein the request requests the NF service producer to update the mapping between the EBI and the ARP.

[0065] In an embodiment, the second message is a PDU session creation request.

[0066] In an embodiment, the second message is received from the third NF service consumer during the PDU session establishment procedure.

[0067] In an embodiment, the method further includes sending a third message to the third NF service consumer. The third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0068] In an embodiment, the third message is a PDU Session Create Response.

[0069] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, a third message is sent to the third NF service consumer.

[0070] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0071] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an SMF, a packet data network gateway control plane (PGW-C) combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0072] In an embodiment, the NF service producer includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0073] In an embodiment, the method further comprises sending a message to the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the message comprising information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0074] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a message from a third NF service consumer and / or NF service producer during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0075] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by a NF service producer is provided. The method includes sending a first message to a third NF service consumer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping in EBI assignment. This information is sent by the third NF service consumer to a fourth NF service consumer.

[0076] In an embodiment, the first message is a protocol data unit (PDU) session create session management context request.

[0077] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, the first message is sent to the third NF service consumer.

[0078] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a fourth message from the third NF service consumer. The fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0079] In an embodiment, the fourth message is a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0080] In an embodiment, the fourth message is received from the third NF service consumer during the PDU session establishment process.

[0081] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0082] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an SMF, a packet data network gateway control plane (PGW-C) combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0083] In an embodiment, the NF service producer includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0084] In an embodiment, the method further comprises sending, to the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer, a message including information indicating whether the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0085] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving, from the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer, a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0086] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a first NF service consumer is provided. The first NF service consumer includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The first NF service consumer is operable to receive a first request from a second NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identifier (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The first NF service consumer is also operable to send a first response to the second NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0087] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a second NF service consumer is provided. The second NF service consumer includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The second NF service consumer is operable to send a first request to a first NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identifier (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The second NF service consumer is also operable to receive a first response from the first NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0088] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a third NF service consumer is provided. The third NF service consumer includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The third NF service consumer is operable to receive a first message from a NF service producer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping update in an EBI assignment. The third NF service consumer is operable to send a second message to a fourth NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports an EBI and ARP mapping update in an EBI assignment.

[0089] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth NF service consumer is provided. The fourth NF service consumer includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The fourth NF service consumer is operable to receive a second message from a third NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping in EBI assignment.

[0090] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a NF service producer is provided. The NF service producer includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The NF service producer is operable to send a first message to a third NF service consumer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating a mapping between an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and an Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) in EBI assignment. This information is to be sent by the third NF service consumer to a fourth NF service consumer.

[0091] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a first NF service consumer is provided. The first NF service consumer includes a first receiving module configured to receive a first request from a second NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The first NF service consumer also includes a first sending module configured to send a first response to the second NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0092] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer further includes a second sending module configured to send a second request including a modified EBI list information element to the NF service producer when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support updating the EBI to ARP mapping in EBI provisioning. The second request requests the NF service producer to update the EBI to ARP mapping.

[0093] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer further includes a third sending module configured to send, to the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure.

[0094] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer further includes a second receiving module configured to receive, from the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure.

[0095] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a second NF service consumer is provided. The second NF service consumer includes a first sending module configured to send a first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element to a first NF service consumer, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The second NF service consumer also includes a first receiving module configured to receive a first response from the first NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0096] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer further includes a second sending module configured to send, to the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0097] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer further includes a second receiving module configured to receive, from the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0098] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a third NF service consumer is provided. The third NF service consumer includes a first receiving module configured to receive a first message from a NF service producer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and an Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping in EBI assignment. The third NF service consumer also includes a first sending module configured to send a second message to a fourth NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating an EBI and an ARP mapping in the EBI assignment.

[0099] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer further includes a second receiving module configured to receive a third message from the fourth NF service consumer, wherein the third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0100] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer further includes a second sending module configured to send a fourth message to the NF service producer, wherein the fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0101] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer further includes a third sending module configured to send, to the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0102] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer further includes a third receiving module configured to receive, from the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0103] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth NF service consumer is provided. The fourth NF service consumer includes a first receiving module configured to receive a second message from a third NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping in EBI assignment.

[0104] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer further includes a determining module configured to determine, based on the information, whether to send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer, wherein the request requests the NF service producer to update the mapping between the EBI and the ARP.

[0105] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer further includes a first sending module configured to send a third message to the third NF service consumer, wherein the third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0106] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer further includes a second sending module configured to send, to the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0107] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer further includes a second receiving module configured to receive, from the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure.

[0108] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a NF service producer is provided. The NF service producer includes a first sending module configured to send a first message to a third NF service consumer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating a mapping between an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and an Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) in EBI assignment. This information is sent by the third NF service consumer to a fourth NF service consumer.

[0109] In an embodiment, the NF service producer further includes a first receiving module configured to receive a fourth message from a third NF service consumer, wherein the fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0110] In an embodiment, the NF service producer further includes a second sending module configured to send a message including information indicating whether the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment to the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0111] In an embodiment, the NF service producer further includes a second receiving module configured to receive, from the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer, a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0112] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects.

[0113] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions is provided, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform a method according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects.

[0114] The embodiments herein may provide many advantages, the following being a non-exhaustive list of examples of the advantages. In some embodiments herein, the I-SMF / V-SMF may notify the A-SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF whether the modifiedEbiList has been successfully processed by the AMF. In some embodiments herein, the I-SMF / V-SMF may notify the A-SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF whether the EAEA feature is supported. In some embodiments herein, since the SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF is able to know whether the AMF has been updated, consistency or alignment between the SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF and the AMF may be ensured. In some embodiments herein, when the EBI is used up for the UE, incorrect EBI assignment failure or revocation may be avoided. The embodiments herein are not limited to the above-described features and advantages. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages after reading the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] The above and other aspects, features and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by way of example, in which like reference numerals or letters are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The accompanying drawings are illustrated to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0116] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a 5G system roaming architecture in a home routing scenario using reference point representation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0117] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates a non-roaming architecture with I-SMF insertion into a PDU session in reference point representation without UL-CL / BP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0118] Figure 3a A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0119] Figure 3b A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0120] Figure 3c A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0121] Figure 4a A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0122] Figure 4b A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0123] Figure 5a A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0124] Figure 5b A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0125] Figure 5c A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0126] Figure 6a A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0127] Figure 6b A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0128] Figure 6c A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0129] Figure 6d A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0130] Figure 7a A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0131] Figure 7b A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0132] Figure 7c A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0133] Figure 7d A flowchart illustrating a PDU session update toward a V-SMF or I-SMF according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0134] Figure 7e A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0135] Figure 7f A flowchart showing a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0136] Figure 8a is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus suitable for practicing some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0137] Figure 8b is a block diagram of a first NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0138] Figure 8c is a block diagram of a second NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0139] Figure 8d is a block diagram of a third NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0140] Figure 8e is a block diagram of a fourth NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0141] Figure 8f is a block diagram of an NF service producer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0142] Figure 9 An example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0143] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a host according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0144] Figure 11 A communication diagram illustrating a host communicating with a UE via a network node over a partial wireless connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0145] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and therefore implement the present disclosure, and that no limitation on the scope of the present disclosure is suggested. References to features, advantages or similar language throughout the specification do not mean that all features and advantages that can be implemented with the present disclosure should be in or in any single embodiment of the present disclosure. On the contrary, language referring to features and advantages should be understood to mean that specific features, advantages or features described in conjunction with the embodiments are included in at least an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the features, advantages and characteristics described in the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments, while the additional features and advantages may not be present in all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0146] As used herein, the term "network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other wireless networks. A CDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). UTRA includes WCDMA and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDMA, Ad-hoc networks, wireless sensor networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "network" and "system" can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, communication between two devices in a network may be performed according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to communication protocols defined by standards organizations such as 3GPP. For example, the communication protocol may include first generation (1G), 2G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G, 5G, 6G communication protocols and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future.

[0147] The term "network device" or "network node" refers to any suitable network function (NF) that can be implemented in a (physical or virtual) network entity of a communication network. For example, a network function can be implemented as a network element on dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform (e.g., on a cloud infrastructure). For example, a 5G system (5GS) may include multiple NFs, such as access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), authentication service function (AUSF), unified data management (UDM), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), network exposure function (NEF), user plane function (UPF) and network repository function (NRF), radio access network (RAN), service communication agent (SCP), network data analysis function (NWDAF), network slice selection function (NSSF), network slice specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF), etc. For example, a 4G system (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution)) may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function), a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), a PGW Control Plane (PGW-C), a Serving Gateway (SGW), an SGW Control Plane (SGW-C), an E-UTRAN Node B (eNB), etc. In other embodiments, for example, depending on a specific network, the network functions may include different types of NFs.

[0148] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device that can access a communication network and receive services therefrom. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device refers to a mobile terminal, user equipment (UE), or other suitable device. A UE may be, for example, a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, portable computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, wearable terminal devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" may be used interchangeably. As an example, a terminal device may represent a UE configured for communicating in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), such as 3GPP's LTE standard or NR standard. As used herein, a "user equipment" or "UE" may not necessarily have a "user" in terms of a human user who owns and / or operates the associated device. In some embodiments, a terminal device may be configured to send and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from a communication network, a terminal device may be designed to send information to the network according to a predetermined schedule. Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is intended to be sold to or operated by a human user but may not initially be associated with a specific human user.

[0149] As yet another example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a terminal device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement, and sends the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another terminal device and / or network device. In this case, the terminal device may be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may be referred to as a machine type communication (MTC) device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, the terminal device may be a UE that implements the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices (e.g., electricity meters), industrial machinery, or household or personal appliances, such as refrigerators, televisions, personal wearable devices (e.g., watches), etc. In other scenarios, the terminal device may represent a vehicle or other device that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operating status or other functions related to its operation.

[0150] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is intended that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect that feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0151] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0152] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" should be understood to mean "only A, only B, or both A and B." The phrase "A and / or B" should be understood to mean "only A, only B, or both A and B."

[0153] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used herein, the terms "including," "comprising," "having," “Having,” “containing,” and / or “covering” specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0154] Note that these terms are used herein only for convenience of description and to distinguish between nodes, devices, or networks, etc. As technology develops, other terms with similar / identical meanings may also be used.

[0155] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0156] Although the subject matter described herein can be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems that conform to Figure 1-2For simplicity, the communication system is described based on the exemplary system architecture shown. Figure 1-2 The system architecture depicts only some exemplary elements. In practice, the communication system may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between terminal devices or between a wireless device and another communication device (e.g., a landline phone, a service provider, or any other network node or terminal device). The communication system may provide communication and various types of services to one or more terminal devices, so that the terminal devices can access and / or use services provided by or via the communication system.

[0157] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a 5G system roaming architecture in a home routing scenario using reference point representation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The architecture of is the same as Figures 4.2.4-6 as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Figure 1 The system architecture may include some exemplary elements, such as AUSF, AMF, data network, visited NSSF (V-NSSF), home NSSF (H-NSSF), visited PCF (V-PCF), visited SMF (V-SMF), home SMF (H-SMF), UDM, UPF, AF, UE, (R)AN, NSSAAF (network slice specific authentication and authorization function), etc.

[0158] According to an exemplary embodiment, the UE may establish a signaling connection with the AMF via reference point N1, such as Figure 1 As shown in . This signaling connection enables NAS (Non-Access Stratum) signaling exchange between the UE and the core network, including the signaling connection between the UE and the (R)AN, and the N2 connection for the UE between the (R)AN and the AMF. The (R)AN can communicate with the UPF via reference point N3. The UE can establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session with the data network (e.g., the operator's network or the Internet) through the UPF via reference point N6.

[0159] The N38 reference point may be located between V-SMFs in the same VPLMN, or may be located between V-SMFs in different VPLMNs (to enable inter-PLMN mobility).

[0160] For the above roaming scenarios, each PLMN implements proxy functionality to ensure interconnection security and hide the topology on the inter-PLMN interface.

[0161] like Figure 1As further shown in FIG, it also shows some reference points, such as N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N9, N11, N38, N16, N7, N5, N22, N15, N8, N24, N10, N58, N12, N31, N59, N13, etc. These reference points can support the interaction between NF services in NF. For example, these reference points can be implemented through corresponding NF service-based interfaces and by specifying some NF service consumers and providers and their interactions to execute specific system processes.

[0162] Figure 1 The various NFs shown in FIG may be responsible for functions such as session management, mobility management, authentication, security, etc. Figure 1 The various NFs shown in FIG. 1 may include, for example, functions as defined in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0 clause 6.2.

[0163] Figure 2 A non-roaming architecture with I-SMF insertion into a PDU session in a reference point representation without uplink classifier (UL-CL) / branching point (BP) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 2 The architecture of is the same as Figure 5.34.2.2-1 as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Figure 2 The system architecture may include some exemplary elements, such as AUSF, AMF, DN, NSSF, PCF, I-SMF, SMF, UDM, UPF, AF, UE, (R)AN, CHF (charging function), etc.

[0164] According to an exemplary embodiment, the UE may establish a signaling connection with the AMF via reference point N1, such as Figure 2 This signaling connection enables NAS signaling exchanges between the UE and the core network, including a signaling connection between the UE and the (R)AN and an N2 connection for the UE between the (R)AN and the AMF. The (R)AN can communicate with the UPF via reference point N3. The UE can establish a PDU session with the data network (e.g., the operator's network or the Internet) through the UPF via reference point N6.

[0165] N16a is the interface between SMF and I-SMF.

[0166] N38 is the interface between I-SMF.

[0167] like Figure 2As further shown in FIG, it also shows some reference points, such as N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N9, N11, N14, N16a, N7, N5, N15, N38, N22, N12, N13, N8, N10, N40, N13, etc. These reference points can support the interaction between NF services in NF. For example, these reference points can be implemented through corresponding NF service-based interfaces and by specifying some NF service consumers and providers and their interactions to execute specific system processes.

[0168] Figure 2 The various NFs shown in FIG may be responsible for functions such as session management, mobility management, authentication, security, etc. Figure 2 The various NFs shown in FIG may include, for example, functions as defined in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0 clause 6.2.

[0169] Figure 3a A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a first network function (NF) service consumer, or an apparatus implemented at the first NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented as the first NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to the first NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 300, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in combination with other components.

[0170] At block 302, a first NF service consumer may receive a first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element from a second NF service consumer.

[0171] In an embodiment, a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element may indicate one or more updated EBI to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings.

[0172] In an embodiment, the first request may request the NF service producer to update a mapping of EBI to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP).

[0173] The first NF service consumer may be any suitable network device, node, entity or function. In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer may be an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0.

[0174] For example, because one or more UPFs belong to different SMF service areas, when the UE is located in an area that the original SMF cannot control, the I-SMF may be the SMF inserted to support the PDU session. For example, because one or more UPFs belong to a visited network, when the UE is located in a visited network that the home SMF cannot control, the V-SMF may be the SMF inserted to support the PDU session.

[0175] The second NF service consumer can be any suitable network device, node, entity or function. In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer can be an SMF or a packet data network gateway control plane (PGW-C) combined with an SMF (PGW-C+SMF), or a home SMF or anchor SMF (A-SMF), as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0. For example, the H-SMF can be an SMF located in the home network.

[0176] For example, the first NF service consumer may be an I-SMF, and the second NF service consumer may be an SMF, an anchor SMF, or a PGW-C+SMF. The first NF service consumer may be a V-SMF, and the second NF service consumer may be an H-SMF.

[0177] The NF service producer may be any suitable network device, node, entity or function. In an embodiment, the NF service producer may be an AMF, as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0.

[0178] The first request may be any suitable message. For example, the first request may be a protocol data unit (PDU) session update request, such as an Nsmf_PDUSession_Update request as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0. The Nsmf_PDUSession_Update request may include VsmfUpdateData, as described in 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0. The modified EBI list information element may be included in the VsmfUpdateData.

[0179] In an embodiment, the modified EBI list information element may be the same as the modifiedEbiList IE described in 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0.

[0180] Table 3 shows modifiedEbiList, which is a copy of the definition of Table 6.1.6.2.15-1VsmfUpdateData type in 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0. Table 3

[0181] Table 4 shows the definition of the EbiArpMapping type, which is a copy of Table 6.1.6.2.34-1 of 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0. Table 4 Attribute Name Data Type P Cardinality describe epsBearerId EpsBearerId M 1 This IE shall contain the EPS bearer identification. arp Arp M 1 This IE should contain the ARP corresponding to the EBI.

[0182] Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) can be a QoS parameter that can contain information about priority level, preemption capability, and preemptibility. This allows decisions to be made in resource-constrained situations about whether the establishment / modification / switching of a QoS flow can be accepted or rejected (typically used for admission control of GBR (guaranteed bit rate) services). It can also be used to decide which existing QoS flows to preempt during resource constraints, i.e., which QoS flows to release to free up resources.

[0183] In an embodiment, the ARP may be the same as the ARP as described in various 3GPP specifications (eg, 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0, 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0, 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0, etc.).

[0184] In an embodiment, when the ARP for a Quality of Service (QoS) flow to which an EBI has been assigned is changed, the first request may be received from the second NF service consumer. For example, the PCF may trigger an ARP change for the current existing QoS flow and send an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request (with a different 5QI (5G QoS identifier) ​​PCC (Policy and Charging Control) rule) to the second NF service consumer (e.g., SMF). The second NF service consumer may then send a first request including the modified EBI list information element to the first NF service consumer.

[0185] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer is not aware of whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0186] At block 304 , the first NF service consumer may send a first response to the second NF service consumer.

[0187] In an embodiment, when the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update (i.e., EAEA) in the EBI provision and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response may include first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not passed to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0188] The failure information and / or error information may enable the second NF service consumer to know that the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provisioning.

[0189] EBI assignment is described in clause 5.2.2.6 of 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0. If the ARP for a QoS flow that has been assigned an EBI is changed during a network-requested PDU Session Modification, the EBI Assignment service operation can be invoked by the NF service consumer (e.g. SMF) to the NF service producer (i.e. AMF) that supports the EAEA feature to request the AMF to update the EBI to ARP mapping.

[0190] The first NF service consumer can know whether the NF service producer supports the EBI to ARP mapping update (i.e., EAEA) in the EBI assignment in a variety of ways. For example, the feature negotiation mechanism specified in Section 6.6 of 3GPP TS 29.500 V18.0.0 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) can be used to negotiate optional features applicable to services such as Namf_Communication services between the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer. The NF service consumer can indicate the optional features it supports for a service such as Namf_Communication service by including a supported feature attribute in the payload of a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request message. The NF service producer can determine the supported features for a service operation and indicate the supported features by including a supported feature attribute in the payload of an HTTP response for the service operation.

[0191] The first response may be any suitable message. For example, the first response may be a PDU session update response, such as an Nsmf_PDUSession_Update response as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0. The Nsmf_PDUSession_Update response may include VsmfUpdatedData as described in 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0.

[0192] In an embodiment, the first information may be included in visited SMF update data (eg, VsmfUpdatedData).

[0193] The first information may be any suitable information, such as a bit, a flag, an indication, an indicator, etc. In an embodiment, the first information may be a modified EBI list not delivered indication.

[0194] In an embodiment, the data type of the first information may be a Boolean type. In an embodiment, the first information may be set to true.

[0195] In an embodiment, if a modified EBI list information element is present in the request in the first request, if both the NF service producer (e.g., AMF) and the first NF service consumer (e.g., V-SMF or I-SMF) support the EAEA feature, the first NF service consumer (e.g., V-SMF or I-SMF) may request the NF service producer (e.g., AMF) to update the mapping of EBI to ARP; otherwise, the first NF service consumer (e.g., V-SMF or I-SMF) may indicate in the first response that the modified EBI list information element has not been passed to the NF service producer (e.g., AMF).

[0196] Figure 3b A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a first NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented at the first NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented as the first NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to the first NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 310, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0197] At block 312, when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support updating the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provisioning, the first NF service consumer may send a second request including a modified EBI list information element to the NF service producer. The second request requests the NF service producer to update the EBI to ARP mapping.

[0198] The second request may be any suitable message. For example, the second request may be an EBI assignment request, such as a Namf_Communication_EBIAssignment request as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, or an EBI assignment request as described in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0.

[0199] If the second request includes a modified EBI List information element, the NF service provider (e.g. AMF) may store the association of the allocated EBI and ARP pairs with the corresponding PDU session ID. The NF service provider (e.g. AMF) shall respond with status code 200 OK and may include one or more EBIs with the updated ARP in the "modifiedEbiList" IE in the POST response body.

[0200] In an embodiment, when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision and / or the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the first response may include second information indicating at least one of the following: success information, the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the modified EBI list information element is passed to the NF service producer; the modified EBI list information element is updated to the NF service producer; the modified EBI list information element is successfully processed by the NF service producer; or the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision.

[0201] The success information may indicate that the NF service producer has updated the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is passed to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provisioning.

[0202] In an embodiment, the first response may include one or more EBIs with the updated ARP in a "modifiedEbiList" IE in the body of the POST response.

[0203] The second information may be any suitable information, such as a bit, a flag, an indication, an indicator, etc. In an embodiment, the second information may be a modified EBI list not delivered indication.

[0204] In an embodiment, the second information is included in the visited SMF update data.

[0205] In an embodiment, the data type of the second information may be a Boolean type. In an embodiment, the second information may be set to false.

[0206] In an embodiment, the first information and the second information may be indicated by a modified EBI list not delivered indication IE. For example, during a PDU session modification procedure triggered by the (H-)SMF, and the NF service provider (e.g., AMF) does not support the EAEA feature, when the modified EBI list IE is received in the first request but cannot be updated to the NF service provider (e.g., AMF), this IE may exist with a value of "true".

[0207] In an embodiment, when a modified EBI list not delivered indication IE is present, the IE may be set as follows:

[0208] - True: The received modified EBI list is updated to the NF service provider, e.g. AMF.

[0209] - False: The received modified EBI list is not updated to the NF service provider, e.g. AMF.

[0210] Figure 3c A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a first NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented at the first NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented as the first NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to the first NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 320, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0211] At block 322, optionally, during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the first NF service consumer may send a message to the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0212] At block 324, optionally, during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the first NF service consumer may receive a message from the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0213] The information may be any suitable information, such as a bit, a flag, an indication, an indicator, etc. In an embodiment, the first information may be a modified EBI list not delivered indication.

[0214] In an embodiment, the data type of this information is Boolean. In an embodiment, when the NF does not support EBI and ARP mapping updates in EBI assignment, this information may be set to false. When the NF supports EBI and ARP mapping updates in EBI assignment, this information may be set to true.

[0215] The fourth generation system may be a 4G system (eg, EPS) as defined by 3GPP. The fifth generation system may be a 5G system (eg, 5GS) as defined by 3GPP.

[0216] The fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure may be any suitable fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure, as defined by various 3GPP specifications (e.g., 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0, etc.). For example, the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure may be an EPS to 5GS mobility registration procedure (idle and connected states) using the N26 interface, as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, Section 4.11.1.3.3.

[0217] The message may be any suitable message that can be sent from the first NF service consumer to the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, or can be sent from the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer to the first NF service consumer. For example, when the first NF service consumer is an I-SMF or a V-SMF, the second NF service consumer is an SMF, an H-SMF, or a PGW-C of a combined SMF, and the NF service producer is an AMF, the message may be any suitable message that can be exchanged between these network functions, for example, as defined by various 3GPP specifications (e.g., 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0, 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0, etc.).

[0218] For example, the capability negotiation mechanism specified in 3GPP TS 29.500 V18.0.0 clause 6.6 may be used to negotiate the optional features (if any) applicable to the Namf_Communication service between the AMF and the NF service consumer.

[0219] For example, an NF service consumer may indicate the optional features (if any) it supports for the Namf_Communication service by including a SupportedFeatures attribute in the payload of an HTTP request message for the following service operation:

[0220] - N1N2MessageTransfer, as specified in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0, clause 5.2.2.3.1;

[0221] - N1N2MessageSubscribe, as specified in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0, clause 5.2.2.3.3;

[0222] - NonUeN2InfoSubscribe, as specified in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0 clause 5.2.2.4.2;

[0223] -UeContextTransfer, as specified in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0 clause 5.2.2.2.1;

[0224] -CreateUEContext as specified in 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0 clause 5.2.2.2.3.

[0225] Using this embodiment, when a session moves from 4G to 5G, an NF service consumer (e.g., SMF) can negotiate the EAEA feature with an NF service producer (e.g., AMF) and / or another NF service consumer (e.g., SMF).

[0226] Figure 4a A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a second NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented at a second NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented as a second NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a second NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 400, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0227] At block 402, a second NF service consumer may send a first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element to a first NF service consumer.

[0228] In an embodiment, a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element may indicate one or more updated EBI to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings.

[0229] In an embodiment, the first request may request the NF service producer to update a mapping of EBI to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP).

[0230] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer may include at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0231] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer may include at least one of the following: an SMF, a PGW-C combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0232] In an embodiment, the NF service producer may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0233] In an embodiment, the first request may be a PDU session update request.

[0234] In an embodiment, when an ARP for a Quality of Service (QoS) flow to which an EBI has been assigned is changed, a first request is sent to a first NF service consumer.

[0235] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer is not aware of whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0236] At block 404 , the second NF service consumer may receive a first response from the first NF service consumer.

[0237] In an embodiment, when the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response may include first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0238] In an embodiment, when the second NF service consumer knows that the NF service producer cannot update the mapping between EBI and ARP, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, etc., it can, for example, perform any appropriate operations based on policies, such as maintaining this state, notifying the PCF of the failure of the ARP change, triggering the release of EBI, and allocating EBI, etc.

[0239] In an embodiment, the first response may be a PDU Session Update Response.

[0240] In an embodiment, the first information may be included in the visited SMF update data.

[0241] In an embodiment, the data type of the first information may be a Boolean type. The first information may be set to true.

[0242] In an embodiment, when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision and / or the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the first response may include second information indicating at least one of the following: success information, the NF service producer has updated the mapping of the EBI to the ARP, the modified EBI list information element is passed to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the update of the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI provision.

[0243] In an embodiment, the second information may be included in the visited SMF update data.

[0244] In an embodiment, the data type of the second information may be a Boolean type. The second information may be set to false.

[0245] Using these embodiments, the second NF service consumer can determine whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI assignment. The fourth NF service consumer can then perform any suitable operation. For example, the fourth NF service consumer can determine whether to send a request including a modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer. For example, when both the NF service producer and the third NF service consumer support updating the EBI to ARP mapping in the EBI assignment, and the ARP for the QoS flow to which the EBI has been assigned is changed, the fourth NF service consumer can send a request including a modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer. Otherwise, the fourth NF service consumer may not send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer. The fourth NF service consumer can perform any other suitable operation to request the NF service producer to update the EBI to ARP mapping.

[0246] Figure 4b A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a second NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented at a second NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented as a second NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a second NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 410, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0247] At block 412, optionally, during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the second NF service consumer may send a message to the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0248] At block 414, optionally, during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the second NF service consumer may receive a message from the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0249] Using this embodiment, when a session moves from 4G to 5G, an NF service consumer (e.g., SMF) can negotiate the EAEA feature with an NF service producer (e.g., AMF) and / or another NF service consumer (e.g., SMF).

[0250] Figure 5aA flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a third NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented at a third NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented as a third NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a third NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 500, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0251] At block 502, a third NF service consumer may receive a first message from a NF service producer. The first message may include information indicating whether the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0252] The third NF service consumer may be any suitable network device, node, entity or function. In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer may be an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0.

[0253] The NF service producer may be any suitable network device, node, entity or function. In an embodiment, the NF service producer may be an AMF as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0.

[0254] The first message may be any suitable message. For example, the first message may be a PDU session create session management context request, such as an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0.

[0255] In an embodiment, the ARP may be the same as the ARP described in various 3GPP specifications, such as 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0, 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0, 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0, etc.

[0256] EBI assignment is described in clause 5.2.2.6 of 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0. If the ARP for a QoS flow that has been assigned an EBI is changed during a network-requested PDU Session Modification, the EBI Assignment service operation can be invoked by the NF service consumer (e.g. SMF) to the NF service producer (i.e. AMF) that supports the EAEA feature to request the AMF to update the EBI to ARP mapping.

[0257] The information indicating whether the NF service producer supports the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI provisioning may be any suitable information, such as a bit, a flag, an indication, an indicator, etc.

[0258] In an embodiment, the data type of this information may be a Boolean type. For example, if the NF service producer supports updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI provisioning, this information may be set to true. If the NF service producer does not support updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI provisioning, this information may be set to false.

[0259] Using these embodiments, the third NF service consumer can know whether the NF service producer supports the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment. The third NF service consumer can then perform any appropriate operation. For example, the third NF service consumer can know whether to send a request including a modified EBI list information element to the NF service producer. For example, when the NF service producer supports the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment, and the ARP for the QoS flow that has been assigned the EBI is changed, the third NF service consumer can send a request including a modified EBI list information element to the NF service producer. Otherwise, the third NF service consumer may not send a request including a modified EBI list information element to the NF service producer. When the modified EBI list information element is received from the fourth NF service consumer, the third NF service consumer may send information to the fourth NF service consumer indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the mapping between EBI and ARP, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI provisioning.

[0260] At block 504, the third NF service consumer may send a second message to the fourth NF service consumer. The second message may include information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0261] The fourth NF service consumer can be any suitable network device, node, entity, or function. In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer can be an SMF, or a PGW-C combined with an SMF, or a home SMF or anchor SMF, as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.0.0. For example, the H-SMF can be an SMF located in the home network.

[0262] For example, the third NF service consumer may be an I-SMF, and the fourth NF service consumer may be an SMF or an anchor SMF. The third NF service consumer may be a V-SMF, and the fourth NF service consumer may be an H-SMF.

[0263] The second message may be any suitable message. For example, the second message may be a PDU session creation request, such as the Nsmf_PDUSession_Create request described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0.

[0264] The information indicating whether the third NF service consumer supports the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI provisioning may be any suitable information, such as a bit, a flag, an indication, etc.

[0265] In an embodiment, the data type of this information may be a Boolean type. For example, when the third NF service consumer supports updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI assignment, this information for the third NF service consumer may be set to true. When the third NF service consumer does not support updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI assignment, this information for the third NF service consumer may be set to false. For example, when the NF service producer supports updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI assignment, this information for the NF service producer may be set to true. When the NF service producer does not support updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI assignment, this information for the NF service producer may be set to false. For example, when both the NF service producer and the third NF service consumer support updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI assignment, this information may be set to true. When the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer do not support updating the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI assignment, this information may be set to false.

[0266] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, the first message may be received from the NF service producer and the second message may be sent to the fourth NF service consumer.

[0267] In an embodiment, the PDU session establishment process may involve I-SMF or V-SMF.

[0268] In an embodiment, the PDU session establishment process may include at least one of the following: a UE-initiated PDU session establishment process, a UE-initiated PDU session handover between 3GPP and non-3GPP, a UE-initiated PDU session handover from EPS to 5GS, or a network-triggered PDU session establishment process, as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0.

[0269] Using these embodiments, a fourth NF service consumer can determine whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI-to-ARP mapping updates in EBI assignments. The fourth NF service consumer can then perform any appropriate actions. For example, the fourth NF service consumer can determine whether to send a request including a modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer. For example, when both the NF service producer and the third NF service consumer support EBI-to-ARP mapping updates in EBI assignments, and the ARP for a QoS flow to which an EBI has been assigned is changed, the fourth NF service consumer can send a request including a modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer. Otherwise, the fourth NF service consumer may not send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer. The fourth NF service consumer can, for example, perform any other appropriate actions based on policy, such as maintaining this state, notifying the PCF of the ARP change failure, triggering the release of an EBI, and allocating an EBI.

[0270] Figure 5b A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a third NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented at a third NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented as a third NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a third NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 510, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0271] At block 512, the third NF service consumer may receive a third message from the fourth NF service consumer. The third message may include information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0272] The third message may be any suitable message. For example, the third message may be a PDU session creation response, such as an Nsmf_PDUSession_Create response as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0.

[0273] The information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning may be any suitable information, such as a bit, a flag, an indication, an indicator, etc.

[0274] In an embodiment, the data type of this information may be a Boolean type. For example, when the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping updates in EBI provisioning, this information may be set to true. When the fourth NF service consumer does not support EBI and ARP mapping updates in EBI provisioning, this information may be set to false.

[0275] At block 514, the third NF service consumer may send a fourth message to the NF service producer. The fourth message may include information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0276] The information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning may be any suitable information, such as a bit, a flag, an indication, an indicator, etc.

[0277] In an embodiment, the data type of this information may be a Boolean type. For example, when the fourth NF service consumer supports the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment, the information for the fourth NF service consumer may be set to true. When the fourth NF service consumer does not support the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment, the information for the fourth NF service consumer may be set to false. For example, when the third NF service consumer supports the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment, the information for the third NF service consumer may be set to true. When the third NF service consumer does not support the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment, the information for the third NF service consumer may be set to false.

[0278] The fourth message may be any suitable message. In an embodiment, the fourth message may be a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message described in 3GPP TS23.502 V18.0.0.

[0279] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, the third message may be received from the fourth NF service consumer, and the fourth message may be sent to the NF service producer.

[0280] Figure 5cA flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a third NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented at a third NF service consumer, an apparatus implemented as a third NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a third NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 520, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0281] At block 522, optionally, during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the third NF service consumer may send a message to the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0282] At block 524, optionally, during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure, the third NF service consumer may receive a message from the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0283] Boxes 522 and 524 are Figure 3c Boxes 322 and 324 in are similar.

[0284] Using this embodiment, when a session moves from 4G to 5G, an NF service consumer (e.g., SMF) can negotiate the EAEA feature with an NF service producer (e.g., AMF) and / or another NF service consumer (e.g., SMF).

[0285] Figure 6a A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented at a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented as a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a fourth NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 600, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0286] At block 602, a fourth NF service consumer may receive a second message from a third NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping update in EBI assignment.

[0287] In an embodiment, the second message may be a PDU session creation request.

[0288] In an embodiment, the second message may be received from the third NF service consumer during the PDU session establishment process.

[0289] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer may include at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0290] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer may include at least one of the following: an SMF, a PGW-C combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0291] In an embodiment, the NF service producer includes an AMF.

[0292] Figure 6b A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented at a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented as a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a fourth NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 610, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0293] At block 612, the fourth NF service consumer may determine, based on the information, whether to send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer, wherein the request requests the NF service producer to update the mapping between EBI and ARP.

[0294] For example, when the information indicates that the NF service producer and the third NF service consumer support EBI-ARP mapping updates in EBI assignment, and the ARP for the QoS flow to which the EBI has been assigned is changed, the fourth NF service consumer may send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer. Otherwise, the fourth NF service consumer may not send the request and may perform any other appropriate operation, for example, based on a policy.

[0295] Figure 6cA flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented at a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented as a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a fourth NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 620, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0296] At block 622, the fourth NF service consumer may send a third message to the third NF service consumer. The third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0297] In an embodiment, the third message may be a PDU session creation response.

[0298] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, a third message is sent to the third NF service consumer.

[0299] Figure 6d A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented at a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus implemented as a fourth NF service consumer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a fourth NF service consumer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 630, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0300] At block 632, optionally, during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the fourth NF service consumer may send a message to the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0301] At block 634, optionally, during the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the fourth NF service consumer may receive a message from the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, the message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0302] Boxes 632 and 634 are similar to Figure 4b 4. Blocks 412 and 414 in FIG.

[0303] Using this embodiment, when a session moves from 4G to 5G, an NF service consumer (e.g., SMF) can negotiate the EAEA feature with an NF service producer (e.g., AMF) and / or another NF service consumer (e.g., SMF).

[0304] Figure 7a A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a NF service producer, an apparatus implemented at a NF service producer, an apparatus implemented as a NF service producer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a NF service producer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 700, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0305] At block 702 , the NF service producer may send a first message to a third NF service consumer.

[0306] In an embodiment, the first message may include information indicating whether the NF service producer supports Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping update in EBI assignment.

[0307] In an embodiment, this information will be sent by the third NF service consumer to the fourth NF service consumer.

[0308] In an embodiment, the first message may be a PDU session create session management context request.

[0309] In an embodiment, during the PDU session establishment process, the first message may be sent to the third NF service consumer.

[0310] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer may include at least one of the following: an intermediate SMF or a visited SMF.

[0311] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: an SMF, a packet data network gateway control plane (PGW-C) combined with an SMF, or a home SMF.

[0312] In an embodiment, the NF service producer includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0313] Figure 7bA flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a NF service producer, an apparatus implemented at a NF service producer, an apparatus implemented as a NF service producer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a NF service producer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 710, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0314] At block 712, the NF service producer may receive a fourth message from the third NF service consumer. The fourth message may include information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0315] In an embodiment, the fourth message is a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0316] In an embodiment, the fourth message is received from the third NF service consumer during the PDU session establishment process.

[0317] Figure 7c A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This method can be performed by an apparatus implemented in a NF service producer, an apparatus implemented at a NF service producer, an apparatus implemented as a NF service producer, or an apparatus communicatively coupled to a NF service producer. Therefore, the apparatus can provide components or modules for implementing various parts of method 720, as well as components or modules for implementing other processes in conjunction with other components. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of portions already described in the above embodiments are omitted here.

[0318] In step 722, optionally, during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the NF service producer may send a message to the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer, the message including information indicating whether the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment.

[0319] In step 724, optionally, during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, the NF service producer may receive a message from the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer, the message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment.

[0320] Using this embodiment, when a session moves from 4G to 5G, an NF service consumer (e.g., SMF) can negotiate the EAEA feature with an NF service producer (e.g., AMF) and / or another NF service consumer (e.g., SMF).

[0321] Figure 7d A flowchart of a PDU session update to a V-SMF or an I-SMF according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and the flowchart is the same as Figure 5.2.2.8.3.1-1 of 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0.

[0322] The following is a copy of clause 5.2.2.8.3.1 of 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0.

[0323] NF service consumer (i.e. H-SMF for HR PDU session, or SMF together with I-SMF for PDU session) shall “modify” the custom operation (e.g. Figure 7d ) updates the PDU session in the V-SMF or I-SMF, and / or provides the information required by the V-SMF or I-SMF to send N1 SM signaling to the UE, or requests the allocation or cancellation of one or more EPS bearer IDs for the PDU session.

[0324] 1. The NF service consumer shall send a POST request to the resource representing the individual PDU session resource in the V-SMF or I-SMF. The payload body of the POST request shall contain:

[0325] - requestIndication IE indicating the request type, which is set to NW_REQ_PDU_SES_MOD;

[0326] -Modify instructions and / or information required for the V-SMF or I-SMF to send N1 SM signaling to the UE;

[0327] - If an Update Request was sent to the V-SMF or I-SMF before the Create Response and the H-SMF or SMF PDU Session Resource URI was not provided to the V-SMF or I-SMF before, the hsmfPduSessionUri IE is included; in this case, if at least one optional feature defined in clause 6.1.8 is supported, the Supported Features IE shall also be included.

[0328] If the PDU Session can be moved to EPS using N26, and the EPS PDN connection context information of the PDU Session is changed (e.g. due to reselection of a new anchor SMF), the payload shall contain the "epsPdnCnxInfo" IE, which contains the updated EPS PDN connection context information. If new EPS PDN connection context information is received, the NF service consumer shall use it to overwrite the locally stored EPS PDN connection context information.

[0329] If this service operation is invoked after reselection of the anchor SMF and the change of anchor SMF has not been signaled to the V-SMF or I-SMF before, the request may carry the SMF instance ID of the new anchor SMF and the updated PDU session resource URI in the HTTP payload body, and / or carry an updated binding indication in the HTTP header to indicate the change of anchor SMF (as per step 6 of clause 6.5.3.3 of 3GPP TS 29.500 [4]).

[0330] 2a. On success, either "204 No Content" or "200 OK" shall be returned; in the latter case, the payload body of the POST response shall contain a representation describing the status of the request and / or information received by the V-SMF or I-SMF in the N1 signalling from the UE.

[0331] 2b. In case of failure or redirection, one of the HTTP status codes listed in Table 6.1.3.7.4.2.2-1 should be returned. For 4xx / 5xx responses, the message body should contain a VsmfUpdateError structure, including:

[0332] - a ProblemDetails structure with a "reason" attribute set to one of the application errors listed in Table 6.1.3.7.4.2.2-1;

[0333] - n1SmCause IE with the 5GSM cause returned by the UE (if available);

[0334] - If NAS SM information that needs to be passed to the H-SMF or SMF has been received from the UE, or the V-SMF or I-SMF cannot understand the NAS SM information, n1SmInfoFromUe and / or unknownN1SmInfo binary data is returned;

[0335] - Procedure transaction ID received from the UE (if available).

[0336] In an embodiment, clause 5.2.2.8.3.2 of 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0 may be modified as follows.

[0337] 5.2.2.8.3.2 PDU Session Modification Requested by the Network (e.g. H-SMF, SMF)

[0338] The requirements specified in Clause 5.2.2.8.3.1 shall apply, with the following modifications.

[0339] 1. With Figure 7d Same as step 1, with the following modifications.

[0340] requestIndication shall be set to NW_REQ_PDU_SES_MOD.

[0341] As part of the modification instruction, the NF service consumer may request to modify QoS parameters applicable at the PDU session level (e.g., modifying the authorized session AMBR value) or QoS flow level (e.g., modifying the MFBR of a specific QoS flow). The NF service consumer can request to establish, modify and / or release QoS flows by including the qosFlowsAddModRequestList IE and / or qosFlowsRelRequestList IE in the payload body.

[0342] The H-SMF or SMF may provide alternative QoS profiles for each GBR QoS flow for which notification control is enabled, to allow the NG-RAN to accept the setup of the QoS flow if the requested QoS parameters, or at least one of the alternative QoS parameter sets, can be met at the setup time. If the H-SMF or SMF provides a new list of one or more alternative QoS profiles for a given GBR QoS flow, the V-SMF or I-SMF shall replace any previously stored list for that QoS flow with that list.

[0343] If a PDU Session may be moved to EPS during its lifetime and one or more EPS bearer information has changed (e.g., a new EBI has been allocated or the mapped EPS bearer QoS for an existing EBI has changed), the NF Service Consumer may include one or more epsBearerInfo IEs.

[0344] If the PDU Session Modification procedure results in a change in the ARP for a QoS flow that has been assigned an EBI, the NF Service Consumer may include the modifiedEbiList IE.

[0345] The NF service consumer may include the revokeEbiList IE to request the V-SMF or I-SMF to release one or more EBIs and delete any corresponding EPS bearer contexts stored in the V-SMF or I-SMF. The V-SMF or I-SMF shall disassociate one or more EBIs from the one or more QFIs to which they are associated.

[0346] 2. With Figure 7d Same as step 2, with the following modifications.

[0347] The V-SMF or I-SMF may accept all or part of the QoS flows requested to be created or modified in the request. The list of QoS flows that have been successfully set up or modified and the list of QoS flows that have failed to be successfully set up or modified (if any) shall be contained in the qosFlowsAddModList IE and / or qosFlowsFailedtoAddModList IE respectively.

[0348] The V-SMF or I-SMF may report the alternative QoS profile currently met by the NG-RAN in the currentQosProfileIndex IE of the corresponding QoS flow in the qosFlowsAddModList IE, or report that the NG-RAN cannot meet even the lowest alternative QoS profile by setting the nullQoSProfileIndex IE for the corresponding QoS flow in the qosFlowsAddModList IE to "true".

[0349] If the NG-RAN refuses to establish a voice QoS flow due to EPS fallback for IMS voice (see 3GPP TS 23.502 [3] clause 4.13), the V-SMF or I-SMF shall return a cause indicating "Mobility in progress due to EPS fallback for IMS voice" in the qosFlowsFailedtoAddModList IE for the corresponding flow.

[0350] The list of QoS flows that have been successfully released and the list of QoS flows that failed to be released (if any) shall be contained in the qosFlowsRelList and / or qosFlowsFailedtoRelList IEs respectively.

[0351] For QoS flows that cannot be modified, the V-SMF or I-SMF shall fall back to the configuration of the QoS flow as it was configured before receiving the PDU Session Update Request from the NF Service Consumer.

[0352] The V-SMF or I-SMF shall store any EPS bearer information received from the H-SMF or SMF. If the revokeEbiList IE is present in this request, the V-SMF or I-SMF shall request the deletion of the corresponding EPS bearer context and request the AMF to release the EBIs listed in this IE. If the modifiedEbiList IE is present in this request, If AMF and V-SMF (or I- SMF) both support EAEA features , then V-SMF or I-SMF shall request AMF to update the mapping between EBI and ARP, Otherwise, V-SMF or I- The SMF shall indicate in the response that the modifiedEbiList was not passed to the AMF .

[0353] If the request received from the H-SMF or SMF contains the alwaysOnGranted attribute set to true, the V-SMF or I-SMF shall check and determine based on local policy whether the PDU Session can be established as an always-on PDU Session.

[0354] In an embodiment, when the AMF and / or V-SMF (or I-SMF) does not support the EAEA feature and / or the AMF cannot update the mapping of EBI to ARP, the response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service provider cannot update the mapping of EBI to ARP, the modifiedEbiList is not delivered to the NF service provider, the modifiedEbiList is not updated to the NF service provider, the modifiedEbiList is not successfully processed by the NF service provider, or the AMF and / or V-SMF (or I-SMF) does not support the EAEA feature.

[0355] In an embodiment, Table 6.1.6.2.16-1 of 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0 may be added with the following content. Table 6.1.6.2.16-1: Definition of VsmfUpdatedData type

[0356] Figure 7e A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0357] The I-SMF / V-SMF may send an indication to the SMF / H-SMF that the modifiedEbiList was not successfully processed by the AMF. This means that the SMF may retry later, or the I-SMF may cache the pending modified EBI / ARP mapping list and provide it to the AMF in a future SM Context Update Response.

[0358] 1. PCF may trigger an ARP change for the current existing QoS flows. PCF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request (with PCC rules of different 5QI) to PGW_C_SMF (ie, PGW-C combined with SMF).

[0359] 2. PGW_C_SMF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response to PCF.

[0360] 3. The PGW_C_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_Update request (VsmfUpdateData) to the I_SMF (i.e., I-SMF). The PGW_C_SMF sends a modifiedEbiList to the I-SMF. If the SMF finds itself acting as an A-SMF / H-SMF and the SMF always supports modifiedEbiList, then when the PCF changes the ARP for an existing QoS flow, the PGW_C_SMF may always send a modifiedEbiList to the I-SMF / V-SMF.

[0361] 4. The Namf_Communication_EBIAssignment operation can be performed between I_SMF and AMF.

[0362] 5. The I_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_Update response (VsmfUpdatedData) to the PGW_C_SMF. If the I-SMF / V-SMF knows that the AMF has not successfully processed the modifiedEbiList, the I-SMF / V-SMF may send a failure indication to the SMF / H-SMF in the Nsmf_PDUSession_Update response.

[0363] 6. The N4 session modification operation process (setting service / QoS flow UL) can be performed between PGW_C_SMF and UPF.

[0364] 7. PGW_C_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_Update request (VsmfUpdateData) to I_SMF.

[0365] 8. Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer request / response (N1: PDU session modification command, N2: PDU session resource modification request) can be exchanged between I_SMF and AMF.

[0366] 9.AMF may send an N2 PDU Session Resource Modification Request to the NG_RAN.

[0367] 10.NG_RAN may send an N2 PDU Session Resource Modification Response to the AMF.

[0368] 11. Resource modification operations specified by the AN can be performed between the NG_RAN and the UE.

[0369] 12.AMF may send a Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request to the I_SMF (e.g., N2: PDU Session Resource Modification Response).

[0370] 13. The I_SMF may send a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session modification request to the I_UPF (ie, intermediate UPF).

[0371] 14. The I_UPF may send a PFCP session modification response to the I_SMF.

[0372] 15.I_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to AMF.

[0373] 16. The Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation can be performed between AMF and I_SMF (N1: PDU session modification completed).

[0374] 17.I_SMF may send Nsmf_PDUSession_Update_Response to PGW_C_SMF.

[0375] Figure 7e Some messages and operations of may be the same as corresponding messages and operations as described in various 3GPP specifications (eg, 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0, 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0, etc.). Figure 7e Certain messages (eg, steps 3 and 5) are enhanced according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0376] Figure 7f A flowchart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0377] Both I-SMF and A-SMF register Serving Area and DTSSA (deployment topology with specific SMF Serving Area) support features.

[0378] 1a.UE can send a PDU session establishment request to AMF.

[0379] 1b.AMF may decide to insert I-SMF.

[0380] 1c.AMF may send a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request to I_SMF.AMF may add EAEA in the supported features of the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request, because if the PCF changes the ARP for an existing QoS flow, the SMF should know whether the AMF can accept the modifiedEbiList.

[0381] 2.I_SMF may send a Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext response to AMF.

[0382] 3. I_SMF can select I-UPF.

[0383] 4. I_SMF may send a PFCP session establishment request to I_UPF.

[0384] 5. The I_UPF may send a PFCP session establishment response to the I_SMF.

[0385] 6.A-SMF can perform NRF access token acquisition operations with NRF.

[0386] 7. I_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_Create request to A_SMF. EAEA may be added to the supported features of the Nsmf_PDUSession_Create request. EAEA may be added to the supported features between I-SMF / V-SMF and SMF / H-SMF.

[0387] 8a.A_SMF can perform NRF discovery with NRF for UDM SDM services.

[0388] 8b.A_SMF can perform Nudm_SDM_Get operations with UDM.

[0389] 8c.A_SMF can perform the Nudm_SDM_Subscribe operation with UDM.

[0390] 9a.A_SMF can perform NRF discovery for PCF with NRF.

[0391] 9b.A_SMF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request to PCF.

[0392] 9c. PCF may send a Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response to A_SMF.

[0393] 10.A_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_Update request (VsmfUpdateData) to I_SMF.

[0394] 11a.I_SMF can perform NRF discovery with NRF for AMF communication services.

[0395] 11b.I_SMF can perform NRF access token acquisition operation for AMF with NRF.

[0396] 11c.I_SMF may send a Namf_comm_EBIAssignment request to AMF.

[0397] 11d. In case the A_SMF does not have the EBI, the AMF may perform an EBI revocation.

[0398] 11e.AMF may send a Namf_comm_EBIAssignment response to the I_SMF.

[0399] 11f.I_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_Update response (VsmfUpdatedData) to A_SMF.

[0400] 12a. A_SMF may send a charging data request to CHF.

[0401] 12b. CHF may send a charging data response to A_SMF.

[0402] 13. A_SMF may send a PFCP session establishment request to A_UPF.

[0403] 14. A_UPF may send a PFCP session establishment response to A_SMF.

[0404] 15. NRF discovery for UDM UECM services can be performed between NRF and A_SMF.

[0405] 16. Nudm_UECM_Registration operations can be performed between A_SMF and UDM.

[0406] 17. A_SMF may send Nsmf_PDUSession_Create response to I_SMF. SMF / H-SMF may negotiate EAEA in the supported features in PDUSessionCreateResponse to I-SMF / V-SMF.

[0407] 18. N4 session modification can be performed between I_SMF and I_UPF.

[0408] 20a. Namf_Communication_n1n2messageTransfer (N1 PDU session establishment acceptance, N2 PDU session resource setup request transfer) can be executed between I_SMF and AMF. I-SMF / V-SMF sends whether SMF / H-SMF supports EAEA or not in Namf_Communication_n1n2messageTransfer.

[0409] 20b.NGAP (Next Generation Application Protocol) resources can be set up between RAN and AMF.

[0410] 21.AMF can send Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request to I_SMF (N2 PDU session resource setup response delivery);

[0411] 22. PFCP session modification can be performed between I_SMF and I_UPF.

[0412] 23.I_SMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to AMF.

[0413] Figure 7f Some messages and operations of may be the same as corresponding messages and operations as described in various 3GPP specifications (eg, 3GPP TS 29.502 V18.1.0, 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, 3GPP TS 29.518 V18.0.0, etc.). Figure 7f Certain messages (eg, steps 1c, 7, 17, and 20a) are enhanced according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0414] In an embodiment, during the UE requested PDU session establishment procedure (e.g. as described in 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0 clause 4.3.2.2), the AMF and SMF may negotiate EAEA in the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service operation. For example, in step 11 of Figure 4.3.2.2.1-1 of 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, the AMF and SMF may negotiate EAEA in the supported features.

[0415] In an embodiment, during the procedure for EPS bearer ID allocation described in, for example, clause 4.11.1.4 of 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0, the PCF may trigger an ARP change for the current existing QoS flow, and if the AMF supports EAEA, the SMF may send a modifiedEbiList to the AMF, for example, in a Namf_Communication_EBIAssignment request (e.g., step 2 of Figure 4.11.1.4.1-1 of 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0), and when the reassociation is completed, the AMF may respond to the SMF with the modifiedEbiList in a Namf_Communication_EBIAssignment response (e.g., step 7 of Figure 4.11.1.4.1-1 of 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.0.0).

[0416] The embodiments herein may provide many advantages, the following being a non-exhaustive list of examples of the advantages. In some embodiments herein, the I-SMF / V-SMF may notify the A-SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF whether the modifiedEbiList has been successfully processed by the AMF. In some embodiments herein, the I-SMF / V-SMF may notify the A-SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF whether the EAEA feature is supported. In some embodiments herein, since the SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF is able to know whether the AMF has been updated, consistency or alignment between the SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF and the AMF may be ensured. In some embodiments herein, when the EBI is used up for the UE, incorrect EBI assignment failure or revocation may be avoided. The embodiments herein are not limited to the above-described features and advantages. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages after reading the following detailed description.

[0417] Figure 8a800 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus suitable for practicing some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the first NF service consumer, the second NF service consumer, the third NF service consumer, the fourth NF service consumer, or the NF service producer described above may be implemented as or through the apparatus 800.

[0418] The apparatus 800 includes at least one processor 821 (e.g., a digital processor (DP)) and at least one memory (MEM) 822 coupled to the processor 821. The apparatus 800 may also include a transmitter TX and a receiver RX 823 coupled to the processor 821. The MEM 822 stores a program (PROG) 824. The PROG 824 may include instructions that, when executed on the associated processor 821, enable the apparatus 800 to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The combination of the at least one processor 821 and the at least one MEM 822 may form a processing device 825 suitable for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0419] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a computer program executable by one or more of the processor 821 , software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0420] The MEM 822 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples.

[0421] Processor 821 may be of any type suitable to 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, as non-limiting examples.

[0422] In an embodiment where the apparatus is implemented as or at a first NF service consumer, the memory 822 stores instructions executable by the processor 821, whereby the first NF service consumer operates according to any method related to the first NF service consumer as described above.

[0423] In an embodiment where the apparatus is implemented as or at a second NF service consumer, the memory 822 stores instructions executable by the processor 821, whereby the second NF service consumer operates according to any method related to the second NF service consumer as described above.

[0424] In an embodiment where the apparatus is implemented as a third NF service consumer or at a second NF service consumer, the memory 822 stores instructions executable by the processor 821, whereby the third NF service consumer operates according to any method related to the third NF service consumer as described above.

[0425] In an embodiment where the apparatus is implemented as a fourth NF service consumer or located at the fourth NF service consumer, the memory 822 stores instructions executable by the processor 821, whereby the fourth NF service consumer operates according to any method related to the fourth NF service consumer as described above.

[0426] In an embodiment where the apparatus is implemented as or located at an NF service producer, the memory 822 stores instructions executable by the processor 821 , whereby the NF service producer operates according to any method related to the NF service producer as described above.

[0427] Figure 8b 8 is a block diagram illustrating a first NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the first NF service consumer 830 includes a first receiving module 831 configured to receive a first request from a second NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The first NF service consumer 830 also includes a first sending module 832 configured to send a first response to the second NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0428] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer 830 further includes a second sending module 833 configured to send a second request including a modified EBI list information element to the NF service producer when both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support updating the EBI-ARP mapping in EBI provisioning. The second request requests the NF service producer to update the EBI-ARP mapping.

[0429] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer 830 further includes a third sending module 834 configured to send a message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment to the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0430] In an embodiment, the first NF service consumer 830 further includes a second receiving module 835 configured to receive a message from the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility process, the message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment.

[0431] Figure 8c This is a block diagram of a second NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the second NF service consumer 840 includes a first sending module 841, which is configured to send a first request to the first NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings. The second NF service consumer 840 also includes a first receiving module 842, which is configured to receive a first response from the first NF service consumer. When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: failure information, error information, the NF service producer cannot update the EBI to ARP mapping, the modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, the modified EBI list information element is not successfully processed by the NF service producer, or the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI provision.

[0432] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer 840 further includes a second sending module 843 configured to send a message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment to the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility process.

[0433] In an embodiment, the second NF service consumer 840 further includes a second receiving module 844 configured to receive, from the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure.

[0434] Figure 8d 8 is a block diagram illustrating a third NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the third NF service consumer 850 includes a first receiving module 851, which is configured to receive a first message from the NF service producer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports the Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping update in the EBI assignment. The third NF service consumer 850 also includes a first sending module 852, which is configured to send a second message to the fourth NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports the EBI and ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment.

[0435] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer 850 further includes a second receiving module 853 configured to receive a third message from the fourth NF service consumer. The third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0436] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer 850 further includes a second sending module 854 configured to send a fourth message to the NF service producer. The fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0437] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer 850 further includes a third sending module 855 configured to send a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment to the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0438] In an embodiment, the third NF service consumer 850 further includes a third receiving module 856 configured to receive, from the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during a mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0439] Figure 8e This is a block diagram illustrating a fourth NF service consumer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the fourth NF service consumer 860 includes a first receiving module 861 configured to receive a second message from a third NF service consumer. The second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating the mapping between EBI and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) in Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) assignment.

[0440] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer 860 further includes a determination module 862 configured to determine, based on the information, whether to send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer, wherein the request requests the NF service producer to update the mapping between the EBI and the ARP.

[0441] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer 860 further includes a first sending module 863 configured to send a third message to the third NF service consumer, wherein the third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0442] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer 860 further includes a second sending module 864 configured to send a message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment to the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0443] In an embodiment, the fourth NF service consumer 860 further includes a second receiving module 865 configured to receive, from the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0444] Figure 8f This is a block diagram illustrating a NF service producer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the NF service producer 870 includes a first sending module 871 configured to send a first message to a third NF service consumer. The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating the mapping between Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) in EBI assignment. This information is sent by the third NF service consumer to a fourth NF service consumer.

[0445] In an embodiment, the NF service producer 870 further includes a first receiving module 872 configured to receive a fourth message from the third NF service consumer. The fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

[0446] In an embodiment, the NF service producer 870 further includes a second sending module 873 configured to send a message including information indicating whether the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI assignment to the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0447] In an embodiment, the NF service producer 870 further includes a second receiving module 874 configured to receive, from the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer, a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning during the mobility process from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system.

[0448] In addition, an exemplary overall communication system including a terminal device and a network node (e.g., a first NF service consumer, a second NF service consumer, a third NF service consumer, a fourth NF service consumer, or an NF service producer) will be introduced below.

[0449] Figure 9 An example of a communication system QQ 100 is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0450] In this example, communication system QQ100 includes a telecommunications network QQ102, which includes an access network QQ104 (e.g., a radio access network (RAN)) and a core network QQ106, which includes one or more core network nodes QQ108. Access network QQ104 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes QQ110a and QQ110b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network node QQ110), or any other similar third generation partnership project (3GPP) access node or non-3GPP access point. Network node QQ110 facilitates direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as connecting UE QQ112a, QQ112b, QQ112c, and QQ112d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UE QQ112) to core network QQ106 via one or more wireless connections.

[0451] Example wireless communications over wireless connections include sending and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Additionally, in various embodiments, the communication system QQ100 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that can facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals, whether via a wired or wireless connection. The communication system QQ100 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar types of systems.

[0452] UE QQ 112 may be any of a variety of communication devices, including wireless devices that are arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network node QQ 110 and other communication devices. Similarly, network node QQ 110 is arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with UE QQ 112 and / or with other network nodes or devices in telecommunication network QQ 102 to enable and / or provide network access (e.g., wireless network access) and / or perform other functions (e.g., management in telecommunication network QQ 102).

[0453] In the depicted example, core network QQ 106 connects network node QQ 110 to one or more hosts (e.g., host QQ 116). These connections can be direct or indirect via one or more intermediate networks or devices. In other examples, the network node can be directly coupled to the host. Core network QQ 106 includes one or more core network nodes (e.g., core network node QQ 108), which are composed of hardware and software components. The features of these components can be substantially similar to those described for the UE, network nodes, and / or hosts, so that the description generally applies to the corresponding components of core network node QQ 108. Example core network nodes include one or more of the following: a mobile switching center (MSC), a mobility management entity (MME), a home subscriber server (HSS), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a subscription identifier dehiding function (SIDF), a unified data management (UDM), a security edge protection proxy (SEPP), a network exposure function (NEF), and / or a user plane function (UPF).

[0454] The host QQ 116 may be owned or controlled by a service provider other than the operator or provider of the access network QQ 104 and / or the telecommunications network QQ 102, and may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The host QQ 116 may host various applications to provide one or more services. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services (e.g., retrieving and compiling data on various environmental conditions detected by multiple UEs), analytics functions, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and monitoring center, or any other such functions performed by a server.

[0455] Overall, Figure 9 The communication system QQ100 enables connectivity between UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In this sense, the communication system QQ100 can be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards, including but not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standards (e.g., 6G); Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard (WiFi); and / or any other suitable wireless communication standards, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) standards, such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0456] In some examples, telecommunication network QQ 102 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Therefore, telecommunication network QQ 102 can support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices connected to telecommunication network QQ 102. For example, telecommunication network QQ 102 can provide ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services to some UEs while providing enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or provide massive machine type communication (mMTC) / massive IoT services to more UEs.

[0457] In some examples, the UE QQ 112 is configured to send and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the UE can be designed to transmit information to the access network QQ 104 according to a predetermined timeline, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the access network QQ 104. In addition, the UE can be configured to operate in a single or multi-RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, the UE can operate using any one or a combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio), and LTE, i.e., be configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0458] In this example, hub QQ 114 communicates with access network QQ 104 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE QQ 112c and / or QQ 112d) and a network node (e.g., network node QQ 110b). In some examples, hub QQ 114 can be a controller, a router, a content source and analyzer, or any other communication device described herein with respect to a UE. For example, hub QQ 114 can be a broadband router that enables a UE to access core network QQ 106. As another example, hub QQ 114 can be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in a UE. The commands or instructions can be received from a UE, network node QQ 110, or by executable code, scripts, processes, or other instructions in hub QQ 114. As another example, hub QQ 114 can be a data collector that acts as a temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, can perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, hub QQ 114 can be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, speaker, or other media delivery device, the hub QQ 114 can retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, and then the hub QQ 114 provides it to the UE directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In another example, the hub QQ 114 acts as a proxy server or coordinator for the UE, especially when one or more of the UEs are low-energy IoT devices.

[0459] Hub QQ 114 can have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection with network node QQ 110b. Hub QQ 114 can also allow for different communication schemes and / or schedules between hub QQ 114 and UEs (e.g., UE QQ 112c and / or QQ 112d) and between hub QQ 114 and core network QQ 106. In other examples, hub QQ 114 is connected to core network QQ 106 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Furthermore, hub QQ 114 can be configured to connect to an M2M service provider via access network QQ 104 and / or to another UE via a direct connection. In certain scenarios, a UE can establish a wireless connection with network node QQ 110 while still being connected via hub QQ 114 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, hub QQ 114 can be a dedicated hub, i.e., a hub whose primary function is to route communications from a UE to network node QQ 110b and / or from network node QQ 110b to a UE. In other embodiments, hub QQ 114 may be a non-dedicated hub, ie, a device operable to route communications between UEs and network node QQ 110b, but which is additionally operable as a communications origin and / or endpoint for certain data channels.

[0460] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a host QQ 400 according to various aspects described herein, which may be Figure 9 As used herein, host QQ 400 may be or include a combination of various hardware and / or software, including processing resources in a standalone server, blade server, cloud-enabled server, distributed server, virtual machine, container, or server farm. Host QQ 400 may provide one or more services to one or more UEs.

[0461] Host QQ400 includes processing circuitry QQ402, which is operatively coupled to input / output interface QQ406, network interface QQ408, power supply QQ410, and memory QQ412 via bus QQ404. Other components may be included in other embodiments. The features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the terminal device, so that the descriptions thereof generally apply to the corresponding components of host QQ400.

[0462] Memory QQ412 can store one or more computer programs (including one or more host applications QQ414) and data QQ416, which can include user data, such as data generated by a UE for host QQ400 or data generated by host QQ400 for a UE. Embodiments of host QQ400 may utilize only a subset of the components shown or all of them. Host application QQ414 can be implemented in a container-based architecture and can provide support for video codecs (e.g., Versatile Video Coding (VVC), High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), Advanced Video Coding (AVC), MPEG, VP9) and audio codecs (e.g., FLAC, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), MPEG, G.711), including transcoding for a variety of different classes, types, or implementations of UE (e.g., mobile phones, desktop computers, wearable display systems, heads-up display systems). Host application QQ414 can also provide user authentication and permission checks and can periodically report health, routing, and content availability to a central node (e.g., a device in the core network or on the edge). Thus, the host QQ 400 can select and / or indicate different hosts for over-the-top services for the UE. The host application QQ 414 can support various protocols, such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH), etc.

[0463] Figure 11 A communication diagram is shown in which a host QQ 602 communicates with a UE QQ 606 via a network node QQ 604 over a partially wireless connection according to some embodiments. Figure 11 To describe the UE discussed in the previous paragraphs (e.g. Figure 9 UE QQ112a), network node (e.g. Figure 9 network nodes QQ110a) and hosts (e.g. Figure 9 Host QQ116 and / or Figure 10 An example implementation of the host QQ400).

[0464] As with host QQ 400, embodiments of host QQ 602 include hardware, such as a communication interface, processing circuitry, and memory. Host QQ 602 also includes software, which is stored in or accessible by host QQ 602 and executed by the processing circuitry. The software includes a host application that is operable to provide services to a remote user, such as a UE QQ 606 connected via an over-the-top (OTT) connection QQ 650 extending between the UE QQ 606 and the host QQ 602. In providing services to the remote user, the host application can provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection QQ 650.

[0465] The network node QQ 604 includes hardware that enables the network node QQ 604 to communicate with the host QQ 602 and the UE QQ 606. The connection QQ 660 can be direct or through a core network (such as Figure 9 The core network QQ106) and / or one or more other intermediate networks (e.g., one or more public, private, or managed networks). For example, the intermediate network can be a backbone network or the Internet.

[0466] UE QQ606 includes hardware and software, the software is stored in UE QQ606 or can be accessed by UE QQ606, and can be executed by the processing circuit of the UE. The software includes a client application, such as a web browser or an operator-specific "application", which is operable to provide services to human users or non-human users via UE QQ606 with the support of host QQ602. In host QQ602, the executing host application can communicate with the executing client application via an OTT connection QQ650 that terminates between UE QQ606 and host QQ602. When providing services to the user, the UE's client application can receive request data from the host application of the host and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection QQ650 can transmit both the request data and the user data. The UE's client application can interact with the user to generate user data, which is provided to the host application via the OTT connection QQ650.

[0467] The OTT connection QQ650 may extend via a connection QQ660 between the host QQ602 and the network node QQ604 and via a wireless connection QQ670 between the network node QQ604 and the UE QQ606 to provide connectivity between the host QQ602 and the UE QQ606. The connection QQ660 and the wireless connection QQ670 (via which the OTT connection QQ650 may be provided) have been drawn abstractly to illustrate communication between the host QQ602 and the UE QQ606 via the network node QQ604, without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the precise routing of messages via these devices.

[0468] As an example of transmitting data via OTT connection QQ650, in step QQ608, host QQ602 provides user data, which can be performed by running a host application. In some embodiments, the user data is associated with a specific human user interacting with UE QQ606. In other embodiments, the user data is associated with UE QQ606, which shares data with host QQ602 without explicit human interaction. In step QQ610, host QQ602 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to UE QQ606. Host QQ602 may initiate the transmission in response to a request sent by UE QQ606. The request may be initiated by human interaction with UE QQ606 or by operation of a client application running on UE QQ606. In accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described in this disclosure, the transmission may be delivered via network node QQ604. Therefore, in step QQ612, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, network node QQ604 transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by host QQ602 to UE QQ606. In step QQ614 , UE QQ606 receives the user data carried in the transmission. This reception may be performed by a client application running on UE QQ606 , which is associated with a host application running on host QQ602 .

[0469] In some examples, UE QQ 606 runs a client application that provides user data to host QQ 602. The user data can be provided as a reaction or response to data received from host QQ 602. Therefore, in step QQ 616, UE QQ 606 can provide the user data, which can be performed by running the client application. When providing the user data, the client application can also consider user input received from the user via the input / output interface of UE QQ 606. Regardless of the specific method of providing the user data, UE QQ 606 initiates the transmission of the user data to host QQ 602 via network node QQ 604 in step QQ 618. In step QQ 620, according to the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, network node QQ 604 receives the user data from UE QQ 606 and initiates the transmission of the received user data to host QQ 602. In step QQ 622, host QQ 602 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by UE QQ 606.

[0470] One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE QQ 606 using OTT connection QQ 650, with wireless connection QQ 670 forming the final leg. More specifically, embodiments herein may provide numerous advantages, the following being a non-exhaustive list of examples of such advantages. In some embodiments herein, the I-SMF / V-SMF may notify the A-SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF whether the modifiedEbiList was successfully processed by the AMF. In some embodiments herein, the I-SMF / V-SMF may notify the A-SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF whether the EAEA feature is supported. In some embodiments herein, since the SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF is aware of whether the AMF has been updated, consistency or alignment between the SMF / H-SMF / PGW-C+SMF and the AMF may be ensured. In some embodiments herein, incorrect EBI assignment failures or revocations may be avoided when the EBI is exhausted for the UE.

[0471] In an example scenario, host QQ602 can collect and analyze plant status information. As another example, host QQ602 can process audio and video data that may have been retrieved from the UE for use in creating a map. As another example, host QQ602 can collect and analyze real-time data to assist in controlling vehicle congestion (e.g., controlling traffic lights). As another example, host QQ602 can store surveillance videos uploaded by the UE. As another example, host QQ602 can store or control access to media content such as video, audio, VR, or AR that can be broadcast, multicast, or unicast to the UE. As other examples, host QQ602 can be used for energy pricing, remote control of non-time-critical power loads to balance power generation demand, location services, presentation services (compiling charts of data collected from remote devices, etc., for example), or any other function that collects, retrieves, stores, analyzes, and / or transmits data.

[0472] In some examples, a measurement process may be provided for monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors that may be improved by one or more embodiments. An optional network function may also be provided for reconfiguring the OTT connection QQ650 between the host QQ602 and the UE QQ606 in response to changes in measurement results. The measurement process and / or the network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection may be implemented in the software and hardware of the host QQ602 and / or the UE QQ606. In some embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with other devices through which the OTT connection QQ650 passes. The sensors may participate in the measurement process by providing values ​​of the aforementioned monitored quantities or other physical quantities, from which the software may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection QQ650 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, and the like; reconfiguration does not require direct changes to the operation of the network node QQ604. Such processes and functions are known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates the host QQ602 in measuring throughput, propagation time, latency, and the like. The measurement can be achieved by software causing a message (particularly an empty or "dummy" message) to be transmitted using the OTT connection QQ650 while monitoring propagation time, errors, etc.

[0473] Embodiment 1. A host configured to operate in a communication system to provide an over-the-top (OTT) service, the host comprising:

[0474] processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0475] A network interface configured to initiate transmission of user data to a network node in a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), the network node having a communication interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry of the network node being configured to perform operations as described above in relation to the network node to send user data from a host to the UE.

[0476] Embodiment 2. The host of the aforementioned embodiment, wherein:

[0477] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to run a host application that provides user data; and

[0478] The UE includes processing circuitry configured to run a client application associated with a host application to receive a transmission of user data from the host.

[0479] Embodiment 3. A method implemented in a host, the host being configured to operate in a communication system further comprising a network node and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0480] Providing user data to the UE; and

[0481] A transmission carrying user data is initiated to a UE via a cellular network including a network node, wherein the network node performs operations related to the network node as described above to send user data from a host to the UE.

[0482] Embodiment 4. The method of the aforementioned embodiment further comprises sending, at the network node, user data provided by the host for the UE.

[0483] Embodiment 5. The method of any of the previous two embodiments, wherein the user data is provided at the host by running a host application that interacts with a client application running on the UE, the client application being associated with the host application.

[0484] Embodiment 6. A communication system configured to provide an over-the-top service, the communication system comprising:

[0485] Host, including:

[0486] processing circuitry configured to provide user data for a user equipment (UE), the user data being associated with an over-the-top service; and

[0487] A network interface configured to initiate transmission of user data to a cellular network node for transmission to a UE, the network node having a communication interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry of the network node being configured to perform operations as described above in relation to the network node to transmit user data from a host to the UE.

[0488] Embodiment 7. The communication system of the above embodiment further comprises:

[0489] Network nodes; and / or

[0490] User device.

[0491] Embodiment 8. The communication system of the first two embodiments, wherein:

[0492] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to run a host application to provide user data; and

[0493] The host application is configured to interact with a client application running on the UE, the client application being associated with the host application.

[0494] Embodiment 9. A host configured to operate in a communication system to provide an over-the-top (OTT) service, the host comprising:

[0495] processing circuitry configured to initiate receipt of user data; and

[0496] A network interface is configured to receive user data from a network node in a cellular network, the network node having a communication interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry of the network node being configured to perform operations related to the network node as described above to receive user data from a UE for a host.

[0497] Embodiment 10. The host in the first two embodiments, wherein:

[0498] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to run a host application to provide user data; and

[0499] The host application is configured to interact with a client application running on the UE, the client application being associated with the host application.

[0500] Embodiment 11. The host of any of the preceding two embodiments, wherein initiating reception of user data comprises requesting the user data.

[0501] Embodiment 12. A method implemented by a host, the host being configured to operate in a communication system further comprising a network node and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0502] At the host, reception of user data from the UE is initiated, the user data originating from a transmission that the network node has received from the UE, wherein the network node performs operations as described above with respect to the network node to receive user data from the UE for the host.

[0503] Embodiment 13. The method of the aforementioned embodiment further comprises, at the network node, sending the received user data to the host.

[0504] Embodiment 14. A host configured to operate in a communication system to provide an over-the-top (OTT) service, the host comprising:

[0505] processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0506] A network interface configured to initiate transmission of user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE includes a communication interface and processing circuitry, the communication interface and processing circuitry of the UE being configured to perform the UE-related operations described above to receive user data from a host.

[0507] Embodiment 15. The host of the preceding embodiment, wherein the cellular network further comprises a network node configured to communicate with the UE to send user data from the host to the UE.

[0508] Embodiment 16. The host of the first two embodiments, wherein:

[0509] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to run a host application to provide user data; and

[0510] The host application is configured to interact with a client application running on the UE, the client application being associated with the host application.

[0511] Embodiment 17. A method implemented by a host operating in a communication system further comprising a network node and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0512] Providing user data to the UE; and

[0513] A transmission carrying user data is initiated to the UE via a cellular network including a network node, wherein the UE performs UE-related operations as described above to receive user data from the host.

[0514] Embodiment 18. The method of the above embodiment further comprises:

[0515] At the host, a host application is run in association with the client application running on the UE to receive user data from the UE.

[0516] Example 19. The method of the above embodiment further comprises:

[0517] At the host, input data is sent to the client application running on the UE, the input data being provided by the running host application,

[0518] The user data is provided by the client application in response to input data from the host application.

[0519] Embodiment 20. A host configured to operate in a communication system to provide an over-the-top (OTT) service, the host comprising:

[0520] processing circuitry configured to utilize user data; and

[0521] a network interface configured to receive a transmission of user data transmitted by a user equipment (UE) to a cellular network,

[0522] The UE includes a communication interface and a processing circuit, and the communication interface and the processing circuit of the UE are configured to perform the UE-related operations as described above to send user data to the host.

[0523] Embodiment 21. The host of the preceding embodiment, wherein the cellular network further comprises a network node configured to communicate with the UE to send user data from the UE to the host.

[0524] Embodiment 22. The host of the first two embodiments, wherein:

[0525] The processing circuitry of the host is configured to run a host application to provide user data; and

[0526] The host application is configured to interact with a client application running on the UE, the client application being associated with the host application.

[0527] Embodiment 23. A method implemented by a host, the host configured to operate in a communication system further including a network node and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0528] At the host, user data sent by the UE to the host via the network node is received, wherein the UE performs the UE-related operations described above to send the user data to the host:

[0529] Embodiment 24. The method of the above embodiment further comprises:

[0530] At the host, a host application is run in association with the client application running on the UE to receive user data from the UE.

[0531] Embodiment 25. The method of the above embodiment further comprises:

[0532] At the host, input data is sent to the client application running on the UE, the input data being provided by the running host application,

[0533] The user data is provided by the client application in response to input data from the host application.

[0534] The term unit or module may have a conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and / or electronic equipment, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, output and / or display functions, and the like, such as those described herein.

[0535] By using functional units, the first NF service consumer, the second NF service consumer, the third NF service consumer, the fourth NF service consumer, or the NF service producer no longer requires a fixed processor or memory. Any computing resources and storage resources can be deployed from the first NF service consumer, the second NF service consumer, the third NF service consumer, the fourth NF service consumer, or the NF service producer in the communication system. The introduction of virtualization and network computing technologies can improve the efficiency of network resource utilization and network flexibility.

[0536] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which is tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and includes instructions. When the instructions are executed on at least one processor, the instructions cause the at least one processor to perform any of the above methods.

[0537] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on at least one processor, the instructions enable the at least one processor to perform any of the above methods.

[0538] In addition, the present disclosure may also provide a carrier containing the above-mentioned computer program, wherein the carrier is an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, an optical disc or an electronic storage device such as RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), flash memory, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.

[0539] The techniques described herein can be implemented in various ways such that a device that implements one or more functions of the corresponding device described using the embodiments includes not only prior art components, but also components for implementing one or more functions of the corresponding device described using the embodiments, and it can include separate components for each separate function, or can be configured to perform two or more functions. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, implementation can be accomplished by modules (e.g., processes, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described herein.

[0540] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flow charts of methods and apparatus. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flow charts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow charts, respectively, can be implemented by various components comprising computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing device create components for implementing the functions specified in the flow chart block or blocks.

[0541] In addition, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence, or that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although the above discussion contains several specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the subject matter described herein, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0542] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of any implementation or the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment of a particular implementation. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while the features described above may be described as working in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be directed to subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

[0543] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the present invention can be implemented in various ways. The above embodiments are provided to illustrate, not to limit, the present disclosure, and it should be understood that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as readily understood by those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method (300) performed by a first network function NF service consumer, comprising: receiving (302) a first request from a second NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identification (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings; as well as Sending (304) a first response to the second NF service consumer, When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support updating of the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and the ARP, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: Failure information, error message, The NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and ARP. The modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, The modified EBI List information element is not successfully processed by the NF Service Producer, or The first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first request is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Update Request, and the first response is a PDU Session Update Response.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first information is included in visited session management function SMF update data.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The data type of the first information is a Boolean type, and the first information is set to true.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: When both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support the EBI to ARP mapping update in the EBI assignment, a second request including the modified EBI list information element is sent (312) to the NF service producer, wherein the second request requests the NF service producer to update the EBI to ARP mapping.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein When both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support updating of the EBI to ARP mapping in EBI provisioning and / or the NF service producer has updated the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes second information indicating at least one of the following: Success message, The NF service producer has updated the mapping between the EBI and ARP. The modified EBI list information element is passed to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is updated to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is successfully processed by the NF service producer; or The first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The second information is included in the visited SMF update data.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein A data type of the second information is a Boolean type, and the second information is set to false.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein The second request is an EBI assignment request.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The first NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: Intermediate SMF, or Visit SMF.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The second NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: SMF, Packet Data Network Gateway Control Plane PGW-C combined with SMF, or Belongs to SMF.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The NF service producer includes the access and mobility management function AMF.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: During the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure, sending (322) to the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer a message including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning; and / or During the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure, a message is received (324) from the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

14. A method (400) performed by a second network function NF service consumer, comprising: Sending (402) a first request to a first NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identification (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs and allocation and retention priority (ARP) mappings; as well as receiving (404) a first response from the first NF service consumer, When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support updating of the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and the ARP, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: Failure information, error message, The NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and ARP. The modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, The modified EBI List information element is not successfully processed by the NF Service Producer, or The first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The first request is a PDU Session Update Request, and the first response is a PDU Session Update Response.

16. The method according to any one of claims 14-15, wherein The first information is included in the visited SMF update data.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The data type of the first information is a Boolean type, and the first information is set to true.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein: When both the first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support updating of the EBI to ARP mapping in EBI provisioning and / or the NF service producer has updated the EBI to ARP mapping, the first response includes second information indicating at least one of the following: Success message, The NF service producer has updated the mapping between the EBI and ARP. The modified EBI list information element is passed to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is updated to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is successfully processed by the NF service producer; or The first NF service consumer and the NF service producer support EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The second information is included in the visited SMF update data.

20. The method according to any one of claims 18-19, wherein A data type of the second information is a Boolean type, and the second information is set to false.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein The first NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: Intermediate SMF, or Visit SMF.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein The second NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: SMF, Packet Data Network Gateway Control Plane PGW-C combined with SMF, or Belongs to SMF.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein: The NF service producer includes the access and mobility management function AMF.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein: The first request is sent to the first NF service consumer when an ARP for a Quality of Service (QoS) flow to which an EBI has been assigned is changed.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein: The second NF service consumer does not know whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

26. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, further comprising: During a mobility procedure from a fourth generation system to a fifth generation system, sending (412) to the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer a message including information indicating whether the second NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning; and / or During a mobility procedure from a fourth generation system to a fifth generation system, a message is received (414) from the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, including information indicating whether the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

27. A method (500) performed by a third network function NF service consumer, comprising: Receive (502) a first message from a NF service producer, wherein the first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports EBI to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping update in Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) assignment; and A second message is sent (504) to the fourth NF service consumer, wherein the second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein The first message is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Create Session Management Context Request, and the second message is a PDU Session Create Request.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein During a PDU session establishment procedure, the first message is received from the NF service producer, and the second message is sent to the fourth NF service consumer.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, further comprising: receiving (512) a third message from the fourth NF service consumer, wherein the third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning; and A fourth message is sent (514) to the NF service producer, wherein the fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein The third message is a PDU session creation response, and the fourth message is a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein During the PDU session establishment process, the third message is received from a fourth NF service consumer, and the fourth message is sent to the NF service producer.

33. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein: The third NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: Intermediate SMF, or Visit SMF.

34. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein: The fourth NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: SMF, Packet Data Network Gateway Control Plane PGW-C combined with SMF, or Belongs to SMF.

35. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein The NF service producer includes the access and mobility management function AMF.

36. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 35, further comprising: During the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, sending (522) to the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer a message including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning; and / or During a mobility procedure from a fourth generation system to a fifth generation system, a message is received (524) from the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

37. A method (600) performed by a fourth network function NF service consumer, comprising: A second message is received (602) from a third NF service consumer, wherein the second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping update in Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) assignment.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising: Based on the information, determining (612) whether to send a request including the modified EBI list information element to the third NF service consumer, The request requests the NF service producer to update the mapping between EBI and ARP.

39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein The second message is a PDU session creation request.

40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein The second message is received from the third NF service consumer during a PDU session establishment procedure.

41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, further comprising: A third message is sent (622) to the third NF service consumer, wherein the third message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein The third message is a PDU session creation response.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, wherein During the PDU session establishment process, the third message is sent to the third NF service consumer.

44. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein The third NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: Intermediate SMF, or Visit SMF.

45. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 44, wherein The fourth NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: SMF, Packet Data Network Gateway Control Plane PGW-C combined with SMF, or Belongs to SMF.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein The NF service producer includes the access and mobility management function AMF.

47. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 46, further comprising: During the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, sending (632) to the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer a message including information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning; and / or During the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, a message is received (634) from the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer, including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

48. A method (700) performed by a network function NF service producer, comprising: Sending (702) a first message to a third NF service consumer, The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating of mapping between EBI and allocation and retention priority (ARP) in Evolved Packet System Bearer Identifier (EBI) assignment. The information will be sent by the third NF service consumer to the fourth NF service consumer.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein The first message is a protocol data unit (PDU) session creation session management context request.

50. The method according to claim 48 or 49, wherein During the PDU session establishment process, the first message is sent to the third NF service consumer.

51. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 50, further comprising: A fourth message is received (712) from the third NF service consumer, wherein the fourth message includes information indicating whether the fourth NF service consumer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein The fourth message is the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

53. The method according to claim 51 or 52, wherein The fourth message is received from the third NF service consumer during the PDU session establishment process.

54. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 53, wherein The third NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: Intermediate SMF, or Visit SMF.

55. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 54, wherein The fourth NF service consumer includes at least one of the following: SMF, Packet Data Network Gateway Control Plane PGW-C combined with SMF, or Belongs to SMF.

56. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 55, wherein The NF service producer includes the access and mobility management function AMF.

57. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 56, further comprising: During the mobility procedure from the fourth generation system to the fifth generation system, sending (722) to the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer a message including information indicating whether the NF service producer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning; and / or During the fourth generation system to fifth generation system mobility procedure, a message is received (724) from the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer, including information indicating whether the third NF service consumer and / or the fourth NF service consumer supports EBI to ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

58. A first network function NF service consumer (800), comprising: Processor (821); as well as A memory (822) coupled to the processor (821), the memory (822) storing instructions executable by the processor (821), whereby the first NF service consumer (800) is operable to: receiving a first request from a second NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) list information element, the modified EBI list information element indicating one or more updated EBIs to Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mappings; as well as Send a first response to the second NF service consumer, When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support updating of the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and the ARP, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: Failure information, error message, The NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and ARP. The modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, The modified EBI List information element is not successfully processed by the NF Service Producer, or The first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

59. The first NF service consumer according to claim 58, wherein: The first NF service consumer is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 2 to 13.

60. A second network function NF service consumer (800), comprising: Processor (821); as well as A memory (822) coupled to the processor (821), the memory (822) storing instructions executable by the processor (821), whereby the second NF service consumer (800) is operable to: Sending a first request to a first NF service consumer, the first request including a modified Evolved Packet System Bearer Identification (EBI) list information element, wherein the modified EBI list information element indicates one or more updated EBIs and allocation and retention priority (ARP) mappings; as well as receiving a first response from the first NF service consumer, When the first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support updating of the EBI and ARP mapping in the EBI provision, and / or the NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and the ARP, the first response includes first information indicating at least one of the following: Failure information, error message, The NF service producer cannot update the mapping between the EBI and ARP. The modified EBI list information element is not delivered to the NF service producer, The modified EBI list information element is not updated to the NF service producer, The modified EBI List information element is not successfully processed by the NF Service Producer, or The first NF service consumer and / or the NF service producer does not support EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

61. The second NF service consumer according to claim 60, wherein: The second NF service consumer is further operable to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 26.

62. A third network function NF service consumer (800), comprising: Processor (821); as well as A memory (822) coupled to the processor (821), the memory (822) storing instructions executable by the processor (821), whereby the third NF service consumer (800) is operable to: receiving a first message from a NF service producer, wherein the first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating of an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) and an Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) mapping in Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) assignment; and A second message is sent to the fourth NF service consumer, wherein the second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports EBI and ARP mapping update in EBI provisioning.

63. The third NF service consumer according to claim 62, wherein: The third NF service consumer is further operable to perform the method according to any one of claims 28 to 36.

64. A fourth network function NF service consumer (800), comprising: Processor (821); as well as A memory (822) coupled to the processor (821), the memory (822) storing instructions executable by the processor (821), whereby the fourth NF service consumer (800) is operable to: A second message is received from a third NF service consumer, wherein the second message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer and / or the third NF service consumer supports updating of an EBI to an allocation and retention priority (ARP) mapping in Evolved Packet System Bearer Identity (EBI) assignment.

65. The fourth NF service consumer according to claim 64, wherein: The fourth NF service consumer is further operable to perform the method according to any one of claims 38 to 47.

66. A network function NF service producer (800), comprising: Processor (821); as well as A memory (822) coupled to the processor (821), the memory (822) storing instructions executable by the processor (821), whereby the NF service producer (800) is operable to: Sending a first message to the third NF service consumer, The first message includes information indicating whether the NF service producer supports updating of mapping between EBI and allocation and retention priority (ARP) in Evolved Packet System Bearer Identifier (EBI) assignment. The information will be sent by the third NF service consumer to the fourth NF service consumer.

67. The NF service producer according to claim 66, wherein: The NF service producer is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 49 to 57.

68. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 57.

69. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 57.

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